Otrera for Women with Leadership Spirit

Otrera, whose story begins with women juggling multiple tasks and leading fast-paced lives, makes it their mission to produce bags that can last. The brand's founder, Benek Karaca, shares the design process and philosophy behind her designs with MAG readers.

Could you tell us the story of Otrera, including yourself? What is the meaning of the name "Otrera"?

I've always been someone who follows fashion and global trends, striving to create my own style by incorporating stylish, high-quality, and timeless pieces. Over time, I realized my interest in accessories had evolved into a passion. Drawing on my experience in the leather and export sectors, I decided to create a high-quality, distinctive, and unique brand that could be enjoyed by generations, and that's how Otrera was born. I envisioned creating a brand that reflected both the elegance and the strong spirit of women. Otrera is the product of a design approach that combines these two worlds: aesthetics and functionality.

The name "Otrera" comes from Otrera, the goddess of war, a powerful female figure in Greek mythology. We chose this name to complement us, the women who juggle so many things every day and are always on a fast-paced journey, in every aspect of life. Otrera offers women not only elegance but also the ease of adapting to the multifaceted demands of life.

What is your production process like? What kind of process do your designs go through before they reach the user?

Our brand takes every stage, from inspiration to the final product, very seriously, ensuring the most accurate and flawless progress. During this inspirational phase, we are influenced by diverse cultures from around the world, street fashion, artwork, and even nature and its changes. First, by blending this data with our brand's philosophy, we create our seasonal concept with our design team, meticulously planning every detail to create a collection that reflects the spirit of Otrera, informed by fashion and trends. Designs begin with sketches and then evolve through detailed technical drawings and prototypes. The production process begins with the assembly of meticulously selected materials. Each bag is expertly crafted by dedicated artisans. The process is meticulously crafted with meticulous attention to detail, and quality control is maintained at every stage. The bags are finished using high-quality, handcrafted leather and metal accessories. After design and production are completed, the bags are carefully packaged, and every stage is closely monitored until they reach our customers . Every bag you purchase from Otrera is designed not only as an aesthetic accessory but also as a durable piece you can enjoy for years to come. Our greatest source of pleasure is to offer innovations that will surprise our fans in every new season.

What materials do you use when making your bags? What are the key points you pay attention to when designing your bags?

Material selection is a meticulous consideration. Every bag is made with natural and sustainable materials. We prioritize environmentally friendly and high-quality leather selections for our seasonal collections. Colors, textures, and combinations are meticulously considered during the design process. The natural tones we see in nature reflect our brand identity. Furthermore, the functionality of the bags is an integral part of the design. Every detail is carefully considered, both for aesthetics and ease of use.

After the pandemic, the world experienced a major shift in sustainability, and we've adapted accordingly. Fast fashion is giving way to slow fashion and sustainable production processes. At Otrera, we offer durable and timeless styles made with natural materials without compromising on quality. Environmental awareness and avoiding wasteful resources are our top priorities in our production processes. That's why every bag we make is designed sustainably, ensuring long-term use and keeping pace with every season's trends.

You represent not only a bag brand, but also a vision that aims to empower women and celebrate their strengths. What would you like to share about this?

Otrera is a brand that not only produces stylish, high-quality bags, but also aims to celebrate the strength and freedom inherent in women. For us, every bag is not just an accessory; it's a tool that allows a woman to feel strong, free, and unique. Fashion is every woman's way of expressing herself, and at Otrera, we want women to find their own style and, through it, to gain confidence. For example, one of our iconic models, Leda , means "pioneer" and "queen," and in this model, the rounded, feminine shapes combine strength and elegance.

Our brand philosophy is based on the understanding that women should be celebrated not only for their physical beauty but also for their inner strength. Otrera offers a space where every woman can freely express her potential, explore her style, and feel her power. It is a companion that symbolizes the leader, warrior, creator, and passion within women.