About Asli

In 2004, while being a London based design student, Asli created a unique picnic bag (the 'Empty Me') which got immediately snapped up by retailers in the UK and abroad. She had no choice but to set up her design business at the same time as getting her degree. Since then, she has kept collecting awards and recognition for her business and each new design. Some of her designs were selected as trend-setters and a new 'Empty Me' collection is introduced and sold in Europe, Australia and Japan every year. 

Asli's aim is to create versatile, unique products that can be used whenever and wherever. She wants them to be attractive, practical and affordable. 'We all consume design, good or bad but as designer, my duty lies in making design better, in being responsible towards manufacturing, in caring for people and our environment'. 

Clients

Asli's clients range from Selfridges, Guggenheim Berlin through to Lakeland and Japanese mail order.

Products

Empty Me bag - Gift of the Year 2005 (Highly Commended)
Empty Me tablemats - Selected as part of Collect07 (UK wide Crafts Council's design event), selected by US trend agency Sphere Trending in 2009 as eco product
Urban Flower tray - Selected by UK trend agency Trend Bible for SS/09 'potting shed' trend
Alex and the moon sleepover bag - Gift of the Year 2008 (shortlisted)
Choc Tree cake stand - Selected Top 10 products at Tent London 2009 by Livingetc magazine

Background

Asli moved to London in 1994 to work in the City for a financial PR company and for Deutsche Bank. However, her passion for creative activities has always been a driving force and part of her life. She started to design furniture as a hobby in 1999 and rapidly developed numerous private client commissions. It eventually led her to quit the City and to re-train as a full-time product and furniture designer. She holds a BA in furniture and product design from the Sir John Cass Depart of Art, Media and Design of London Metropolitan University.

Asli is inspired by contradictions and contrasts. Difference is what qualifies her - of Turkish origin; she was born and grew up in Paris. She spends her time navigating between London, Istanbul and Paris for work and leisure.