Images of Istanbul

GROWING UP IN THE FAMILY TEXTILE BUSINESS IN ISTANBUL, Gizem Acar became steeped in the trade’s culture and traditions.
Later she moved to Canada, where she studied marketing and trained as a Pilates instructor, before moving to Cayman in 2021 with her husband Sepehr Radjpoust and their baby son Atlas.
Then in 2023, when their second son Cyrus was aged one, she launched Home Tailor, a business that blends her Turkish heritage with the culture of the Cayman Islands. “I was born and raised in Istanbul, a city where ancient mosques and bustling bazaars coexist with modern skyscrapers and vibrant cafes,” says Gizem.
“My upbringing was rich in colours, diverse tastes and distinctive aromas.” Through Home Tailor, she imports unique, high-quality products rooted in personal relationships and connections developed over the years.

FAMILY BUSINESS

Her grandfather started the family business in the heart of Istanbul, opening a small store to sell fabrics.
Then, when her father joined the company, they expanded into manufacturing, producing technical textiles and ready made clothing.
“Being immersed in this environment from a young age, I witnessed the intricate details of the textile industry and learned about the dedication and craftsmanship required to create quality products,” says Gizem.
The family business, which now includes Gizem’s brother, produces a wide range of textiles, manufacturing these fabrics in their facilities in Istanbul, where the entire production process takes place.

Now, Gizem collaborates with the team in Turkey to source unique fabrics and materials for Home Tailor.
“This ongoing relationship allows me to bring a piece of my heritage and family legacy into my work here in Cayman,” she says.
Home Tailor specialises in window treatments, offering a curated selection of fabrics, as well as offering furniture, furnishings and home décor items that Gizem hand-selects in Turkey from specialty shops and artisans.
“I work closely with the artisans and artists, ensuring each product has a personal and unique touch,” Gizem adds. “Additionally, if a client needs a custom furniture piece, I collaborate with craftsmen to bring their vision to life.”

TIME IN TURKEY
Gizem visits her homeland every year, combining family time with business interests. This summer she been sourcing items in Istanbul for Home Tailor, immersing herself in the fabrics and exotic arts and crafts she plans to import.
“In the Cayman Islands, many products and designs are sourced from the US, particularly from large companies,” says Gizem. “This often results in similar offerings across the market. I believe there’s a demand and need for unique, imaginative products and services.
“I aim to fill this niche, providing variety, and catering to clients seeking something special and different from the standard options available locally.”
Cobalt Coast

One of Gizem’s first projects after launching Home Tailor was a comprehensive revamp of Cobalt Coast resort in West Bay.
And although the tight timeline did not allow her to import products from Turkey, she was tasked with redesigning the room layouts and creating new designs for each suite, including the bedroom, kitchenette and en-suite.
For this project, she teamed up with Avissa Mojtahedi, a high-profile Toronto designer with a background in architecture, and a passion for elegant, sophisticated design.
“Avissa’s extensive experience and award-winning style were instrumental in executing the project’s vision,” says Gizem. “Together, we collaborated closely with the developer and construction team to ensure that no detail was missed, aiming to attract a new clientele and establish a unique presence in the boutique hotel market. I managed logistics, staging, and client needs.”
Kiboko House

Another of Gizem’s initial projects was to provide customised window coverings for Kiboko House, a luxury beachfront property on the east side of Grand Cayman.
This time, she was able to import all the window coverings, including fabrics and blinds, from Turkey.
“The house underwent a renovation to provide a functional and aesthetically pleasing space for their guests,” says Gizem. “All the furniture was updated, and we aimed to complement this transformation by providing custom window coverings. The curtains were designed to bring coziness to each room, allowing privacy and light-control for their guests.
“This project showcased our commitment to offering a unique selection of fabrics and high-quality products from Turkey.”
This article originally appeared in the Autumn/Winter 2024 issue of InsideOut magazine.