< Back to all entries & Profiles
User Mine profile image

Mine Yeter

De Montfort University

I am a 25-year-old designer, born in South-East Turkey and based in the UK since 2004. My creative journey spans fashion, textiles, fine art, and craft, disciplines that collectively inform a culturally grounded and concept-driven design practice. Since 2022, I have been researching equestrian attire and leather craftsmanship, exploring how historical techniques and symbolic forms can shape contemporary fashion. This research led to my participation in the ‘Artifact Live: A Legacy in Leather’ project, where my work is currently exhibited. Drawing from my Anatolian heritage and cross-cultural upbringing, I use design as a means of storytelling—bridging identity, memory, and material tradition. Today, I channel this into a line of luxury leather handbags and accessories, blending heritage with innovation. Despite commercial and technological advancements, I remain committed to producing all pieces by hand, honouring traditional craftsmanship. My work includes handmade leather belts inspired by bridles and harnesses, and bags that echo the forms and detailing of saddlery, each piece rooted in the language of utility, symbolism, and elegance. My research into the leather industry and new generation designers continues through my Masters dissertation research paper, due to be published end of 2025.

Website
Lightbox zoom button
← →
x

The Fusion of Turkish Lace and Saddlery Craft

Category: Accessories

Competitions: International

This collaborative project fuses the cultural heritage of Turkish Oya (needle lace) with traditional equestrian leather saddlery, drawing on my personal lineage and the archives of the Leather Craft Trust. Oya lace, rooted in the symbolic language of Anatolian women, historically conveyed emotion, status, and identity through intricate floral and colour motifs. These narratives are reimagined alongside references to a 19th-century Argentinian-style Western saddle, celebrated for its craftsmanship and storytelling. Inspired by my mother’s legacy and the enduring presence of Oya lace in our family, this collection of handbag designs explores how lace symbolism and saddlery aesthetics can coexist in contemporary leather accessories. Handcrafted within two weeks, the bag will be presented as part of the Artifacts 2: Leather & Lace 2025 exhibition at the DMU Museum. In the photoshoot, the model wore a leather harness belt over a black dress, which was also created for the Artifacts Live: A Legacy in Leather 2024 project, showcasing the fusion of heritage saddlery and bridle craft with modern design. Using deadstock cowhides sourced from the Scottish Leather Group, renowned for its sustainability initiatives, and GH Leathers, a UK-based supplier, the pieces combine engraving, laser-cutting, couching, and saddle stitching to reflect both the delicacy of lacework and the structure of saddlery. This material choice aligns with circular design principles, giving new life to premium hides. The collection will continue with two additional handbag designs, to be displayed at the Museum, inspiring fellow students and visitors by celebrating young designers’ collaborations as leather artisans.

In association with Arts Thread

Working with our partners at Arts Thread to develop lifelong learning and career opportunities for students of fashion and design. Our partnership provides the opportunity to compete on a world stage, participate in industry led workshops, set up an outstanding portfolio and gain access to the resources that will kickstart careers in fashion and design.