Collection Story - SEFERÎ
Known for her distinctive eye for entertaining and atmospheric storytelling, Bettina Hakko has collaborated with Haremlique Istanbul on the Seferî Collection. In this conversation, Haremlique Istanbul founder Caroline Koç and Bettina Hakko share the story behind the collaboration, the inspirations that shaped Seferî, and the layered world it brings into the home.
What was the starting point of the Seferî collaboration and how did it come to life?
Caroline Koç: “The starting point was my desire to work with Bettina. I have always admired her long-standing experience in entertaining, her understanding of atmosphere, and the way she brings beauty and storytelling into the everyday rituals of the home. It felt instinctive that her sensibility could bring a fresh layer to our world at Haremlique Istanbul, complementing our design language in a natural and inspiring way. We initially began our conversations around tabletop, exploring how Bettina’s eye for atmosphere and hosting could translate into our world. But as we continued speaking, it became clear that the collaboration could naturally extend into a more complete capsule, one that would reflect the full breadth of Haremlique’s product range. We didn’t begin with a fixed concept; the ideas evolved organically, leading us toward a shared vision. During these early explorations, Bettina introduced the name Seferî, and it resonated immediately. The word captured the emotional and cultural movement we were both drawn to; the idea of journeys, memories, and the meeting of influences. From there, the collaboration took shape fluidly, with our design team grounding the ideas in Haremlique’s signature craftsmanship.”
Bettina Hakko: “When Caroline approached me, the brief was wonderfully open. It was about bringing our worlds together; our mutual appreciation for hosting, textiles, objects, and the rituals that give meaning to a home. The name Seferî came to mind early on. It expressed the sense of movement, imagination, and layered influences that I wanted the collection to explore. With Haremlique’s team, these ideas transformed into a beautifully crafted, tactile universe.”
“This collaboration was meaningful because it allowed
Haremlique Istanbul to grow into new creative
territories while remaining faithful to our identity.”
— Caroline Koç
What makes this collaboration meaningful for you personally?
C.K.: “This collaboration was meaningful because it allowed Haremlique Istanbul to grow into new creative territories while remaining faithful to our identity. Bettina brought a fresh, imaginative layer to our world; a sense of poetry, playfulness, and visual storytelling. Seeing how her artistic language merged with Haremlique’s commitment to craftsmanship was deeply rewarding. Another important aspect was the philanthropic dimension. Contributing a portion of the proceeds to the Turkish Education Foundation adds purpose to the collection. For me, Seferî is not only about beauty in the home, but also about supporting future generations.”
B.H.: “For me, Seferî offered a way to tell stories through objects; blending fantasy, heritage, and emotion. I loved bringing symbolic motifs and layered references into the designs, and working with a team who could translate these ideas with such finesse. It felt personal, creative, and expressive.”
What makes the Seferî Collection unique?
C.K.: “Seferî stands out through its versatility and its invitation to play. Many of the pieces are reversible or multifunctional, allowing the user to create different moods and interpretations. This flexibility reflects the spirit of the collection: layered, expressive, and open to personal storytelling. Behind this lies Haremlique’s expertise in textiles and finishing techniques. Our design team ensured that each idea was executed with refined craftsmanship, from the hand-finished details to the carefully considered fabric constructions. This combination of creativity and precision makes the collection truly unique.”
B.H.: “Artistically, what sets it apart is its narrative quality. Each object carries layers of culture, symbolism, and imagination. The collection isn’t static; it evolves depending on how it’s used. Every combination tells a new story.”
“The collection unfolds as a journey through the home.”
— Bettina Hakko
What can we expect to find in the Seferî Collection?
B.H.: “The collection unfolds as a journey through the home. It begins with rich textiles—duvet covers, cushions, table linens that combine embroidery and print, often reversible. It expands into refined tableware, sculptural serving pieces, and decorative objects that enhance atmosphere and warmth. One of the signature elements is the Storyteller tableware, a customizable concept with interchangeable charms that embodies the playful and expressive spirit of Seferî.”
How did the Storyteller idea come about?
B.H.: “Storyteller grew from the idea of bringing poetry and interaction to the table. The interchangeable charms—pomegranates, lemons, tulips, rabbits—allow each plate to become a narrative. It encourages playfulness, memory, and shared creativity around the table.”
What are the Anatolian or Ottoman inspirations behind the collection?
B.H.: “The textiles draw inspiration from motifs seen in Turkish tiles: tulips, carnations, and pomegranates symbolizing beauty, renewal, and abundance. Beyond motifs, the spirit of the collection reflects the generosity of Turkish hospitality: abundant tables, welcoming atmospheres, and intimate, poetic spaces.”
How does Seferî reflect Haremlique Istanbul’s design ethos?
C.K.: “Seferî reflects our ethos in how it bridges heritage with contemporary refinement. Working with Bettina allowed us to explore a more expressive, layered world while our team ensured every piece balanced imagination with precision—a dialogue at the heart of our design philosophy.”
What was the creative process like between Bettina and the design team?
C.K.: “Our team approached the collaboration with curiosity and rigor. They studied references, developed color stories, explored embroidery and printing techniques, and translated Bettina’s narratives into tactile, expertly crafted designs.”
B.H.: “The process was incredibly fluid. I brought sketches, stories, and visual cues, and the team responded with technical drawings, samples, and material explorations. What I appreciated most was their ability to understand the emotion behind each idea and to find the right technique—embroidery, layering, illustration—to express it.”
The name Seferî suggests a journey. What does this journey represent?
B.H.: “For me, it is both literal and symbolic—the movement of people, motifs, and memories across time. Each piece carries a sense of discovery and invites closer attention.”
C.K.: “For us, this journey reflects how Haremlique evolves while honoring its roots. It marks the exploration of new categories, materials, and collaborations.”
Can you tell us about the materials and techniques used?
C.K.: “We selected materials for their longevity, tactility, and quality: fine cottons for bed linens, natural linens for table textiles, and ceramics, glass, silver, and lindenwood for accessories. Many pieces feature hand-finished details—ajour embroidery, delicate stitching, and reversible constructions.”
B.H.: “The techniques are essential to the story. Embroidered motifs draw from traditional patterns but are reinterpreted through a contemporary lens. Other pieces layer prints and textures to create different moods, giving each object intimacy, depth, and personality.”
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