Hilfiger selected from among eight finalists Nihan Topaloğlu’s “Timeless Allure” design as the winner of the competition after confessing to having some difficulties in picking an overall winner.“I want to work with young, intelligent and smart brains. This advances the value of the brand,” Hilfiger said at the award ceremony, adding: “When I first started this job at the age of 18, the point I’ve now reached was just a dream. But I have worked very hard and am very ambitious. This is teamwork. The best thing I did is work with qualified people.”
Noting that it was very difficult to choose the best work, Hilfiger stated that he noticed the discipline, teamwork, professionalism and talented academics behind the successful designs. “The work by Nihan Topaloğlu is really impressive,” he added.
Topaloğlu said that she examined every kaftan model on display at Topkapı Palace and created a modified design to give the kaftan a modern appearance. Her prize includes a three-month internship at the offices of Tommy Hilfiger in Amsterdam.
