Vuqu leather goods: elegance and urban practicality

Founded by sisters Fazla and Eda Topbaş, Vuqu is a Turkish leather goods house based in Istanbul that skillfully combines elegance and functionality.

 At the Premiere Classe fair, the two designers shared their vision of fashion for active city women, blending timeless aesthetics with practicality.

Creative beginnings in the pandemic


Vuqu’s journey began in an unexpected context: “It all started during the pandemic. We were confined to our home in Istanbul, and that’s when we started dreaming about creating something for ourselves,” Fazla recalls. Living in a vibrant city of 15 million people, the sisters envisioned a line of bags tailored to the needs of the women they observed and encountered. “We wanted to create for women who are constantly on the move and need practical tools to support them,” she explains.


This desire to produce objects that are both functional and beautiful led to Vuqu’s creation, a brand for adventurous personalities with a fast-paced, exciting life that never forgets the importance of style. “Our bags are designed to be adaptable, ready to suit every moment of the day,” adds Eda.


A collection inspired by current trends


Although Vuqu has presented several collections since its inception, the one unveiled at Premiere Classe marks a turning point with models specifically designed for the event. “We followed current trends in colour and material, while staying true to our DNA. Our bags are getting smaller, more adaptable, and perfectly suited to today’s women’s needs,” Fazla explains. High-end materials, primarily exceptional leather produced in Turkey, are at the core of their creative process. “We have access to highly specialised workshops in Istanbul, each bringing its unique expertise to bag-making.

The importance of local craftsmanship


The founders chose to work with several small artisanal workshops in Istanbul, each with a particular specialty. “We collaborate with workshops that focus on small bags, others that specialise in leather weaving. This allows us to bring a variety of skills to our collections,” notes Eda. By taking this approach, Vuqu highlights local craftsmanship and traditional Turkish techniques, blending them with a modern and functional aesthetic.


Premiere Classe: an opportunity to connect with an international audience


For Vuqu, this first participation at Premiere Classe was a key opportunity to meet buyers from around the world. “What we love about this fair is the chance to interact directly with international buyers, to see their immediate reactions to our products,” says Fazla. This face-to-face interaction allowed them to gather valuable feedback, especially regarding preferred sizes and colours. “Seeing a buyer smile and place an order is incredibly rewarding,” she adds.


The Topbaş sisters were also impressed by the quality of the brands showcased at the fair. “We’re delighted with the selection on display; it’s more curated than other fairs, with more established products and perfect complementarity,” Eda notes. This allows them to feel aligned with other designers, sharing a similar vision of fashion.

Paris, an essential fashion capital


Although they previously exhibited at the Who’s Next fair in September 2024, the Topbaş sisters see Premiere Classe as a more sophisticated and international platform. “Paris is and always will be the world’s fashion capital. Every time we come here, we’re inspired by the creativity of the people we meet and the city’s unique atmosphere,” says Fazla. She recalls her first visit to Paris: “I remember seeing this stunning woman walking down Avenue Montaigne; it was the first time I truly understood what fashion was, and specifically, the essence of Parisian style.


A promising future for Vuqu


With a strong focus on quality and craftsmanship, Vuqu continues to grow on the international stage. Their participation in Premiere Classe marked a significant step in the brand’s expansion, offering visibility to international buyers while reinforcing its identity as a high-end, functional leather goods brand. “We hope to keep expanding our international clientele while staying true to our mission: to create products that combine beauty, quality, and practicality,” the sisters conclude.


Vuqu is emerging as a brand to watch, blending innovation and respect for tradition with a contemporary and transformative vision of women’s fashion.

Yann Jobard

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