Burç Tag

PARIS — When Burç Akyol initially applied for a spot on the Paris Fashion Week women’s schedule last yr, he was turned down by the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, French fashion’s governing body. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise for the designer, who as a substitute is making his debut on the official menswear calendar this season, fresh off reaching the finals of the LVMH Prize for Young Designers along with his genderless label. While Akyol left the ceremony empty-handed, he has gained visibility and forged precious relationships as he prepares to transition his business from a direct-to-consumer operation to a wholesale model, with plans to work with between five and 7 retailers initially...