Fashion entrepreneur is unknown winner at British Soap Awards
A Manchester businesswoman was among the “hidden” winners at the British Soap Awards.
Zaynep Kartal has her own fashion design company, based in King Street, and is a favourite of celebrities generally and soap stars in particular when it comes to choosing eye-catching gowns for special occasions.
Fiona Ward, who plays Priya Sharma in Emmerdale, in the Zaynep Kartal outfit she wore for the British Soap Awards
She lists Lady Gaga and Pixie Lott among her clients and has been dressing soap stars, including several winners, for the past five years.
This year’s event was no exception with Fiona Wade – who plays Priya Sharma in this year’s Best Soap Emmerdale – and X Factor finalist Rachel Adedeji, who plays Lisa Loveday in Hollyoaks, both wearing Zaynep’s gowns at the glitzy event.
“It’s wonderful to see them doing so well and looking so lovely,” stated Zaynep. “It made me very proud.”
She had a successful career in Turkey and was head of the design department of a major textile company before moving to Manchester with her engineer husband and one year-old twins 12 years ago. He had a three-year contract with the giant Cargill company where he is still employed.
She spoke no English so enrolled in a language school before studying for a two-year fashion diploma with the Manchester College to improve her employment chances here. “My English had improved by the time I qualified and I felt I had the confidence to set up my own label,” she explained.
That was in 2013 and her first big break came with the Vogue Big Night Out at Manchester Town Hall where she showcased her first collection.
Hollyoaks’ actress Rachel Adedeji wears her Zaynep Kartel gown
Since then, Zaynep has become a regular at London Fashion Week and her gowns are regularly featured in fashion magazines including Vogue. Many celebrities have visited her Manchester premises to order her outfits, which combine clear silhouettes with feminine features, and she has also had a childrenswear collection.
In the meantime, her business has expanded and she has opened offices in London and Istanbul.
Zaynep has recently returned from the Cannes Film Festival where she dressed various actresses and VIPs and plans to have her own show there in 2018.
Ironically, while she is a celebrity herself in Turkey, she is virtually unknown in the city she has made her home.
“I love Manchester,” she said. “We are very happy here and have no plans to move away.”
