Serra Türker, founder of accessories label Misela, quizzes us on her latest collaboration with London-based members club Annabel‘s and explains why Alaçatı, on Turkey’s Çeşme Peninsula, is this season’s scene-stealer.
05 July, 2019
Misela founder Serra Türker, a former fine-art painter and a designer for Tocca, has a proclivity for travel. Part of the international jet set, when in London (and in need of a place to crash) Istanbul-born Türker heads for members-only club, Annabel's in London's Mayfair.
For the accessories label Misela's latest collaboration (and a first for Annabel's), Türker presents a series of gold-chevron, travel-centric pieces (think beach totes, pochettes, clutches and cosmetic cases) perfect for carrying our kit from Istanbul (where the brand is based) to the shores of Alaçatı on Turkey's Çeşme Peninsula; that is before drifting onwards to Spetses or Antiparos (two of the designer's favourite Greek Islands).
While collecting our bespoke leather-trimmed tote from Misela's boutique on Mount Street (flashing our Annabel's membership card at the till), Türker gave us the rundown on why the tiny village of Alaçatı is summer's hottest spot.
Weekends are very busy during high season, so if you want some quiet time I'd arrive midweek to truly enjoy the place.
In Alaçatı town, Alavya and Manastır are both great. Outside of town, a new hotel called The Stay is worth checking out.
Boho chic.
Lisa Corti, Ojarna, Taka, Haremlique and also the antique shops in Hacı Memiş.
Alaçatı market on Saturdays in the town are known for its vegetables, fruits, textiles etc.
The Beach clubs: Fun Beach, Spiaggia Grande, Beach of Momo and Shayna Beach. For something local, try pide (Turkish pizza) at Dost Pide or Kumrucu Sevki, near Ilıca, which is known for its signature sandwiches.
Dokuz Buçuk, Traktör or Plaka.
At the beach club, enjoying the sea and sun.
Ephesus and St Virgin Mary's House near Selçuk (about an hour and a half from Alaçatı).
There are so many. Fun Beach, Alaçatı 11, La Boheme, Before Sunset, Beach of Momo and Plage Isolee.
Ovacık and Alaçatı Market Place are both great for breakfast.
Chios Island and Archaeological Site-Erythrai Ildır are must visits.
It depends on the season but I always pack statement jewellery and my cosmetic case is a must for me.
Mastic lokum (Turkish delights), mastic jam, Turkish cotton scarves, natural soaps and natural olive oil.
