Turkish scientist Canan Dağdeviren on the New York runway

World-renowned Turkish scientist Canan Dağdeviren walked onto the runway at the "What Were You Wearing?" event held as part of New York Fashion Week. In an event aimed at raising awareness of sexual violence against women, Dağdeviren walked in a special design that carries traces of Turkish culture. Dağdeviren said she was honored to participate in the "What Were You Wearing?" ("Ne Giymiştiniz?") event organized by Rise in the iconic embroidery salon of the New York Stock Exchange.

Purple Guard Design

Dağdeviren’s evening wear, the "Mor Cepken – The Purple Guard" design, blended elements of Anatolia’s traditional culture with a contemporary runway show. It was said that the design symbolized a silent call for help and protection against the violence and severe injustices women face in Yörük and Türkmen cultures.

Weaving from Anatolia to New York

The special design combined Hatay’s purple raw silk with Denizli hand‑woven silk, as well as Hereke embroideries and traditional handcrafts. Thus, textile and embroidery cultures from various regions of Anatolia were brought onto the runway of the New York event.

Clothing Is Not Consent

The "What Were You Wearing?" event is organized as an awareness campaign that criticizes the accusatory approach directed at survivors after a sexual assault, questioning their clothing. One of the event’s core messages points out that a person’s attire never constitutes a justification or consent for sexual assault under any circumstances.

Walked onto the Catwalk for Women

Dağdeviren also explained the meaning of his walk in terms of solidarity against violence towards women. The scientist quoted in his post, "I walk for every woman who is believed, not blamed."

Turkish Culture Relocated to New York

The design exhibited at the event brought together various elements of Turkey’s traditional textile heritage in a single look. Prepared by combining materials and craftsmanship from Hatay, Denizli, and Hereke, the design carried the historical stories of Anatolian women into the international fashion scene in New York.

The Event’s Message Remained Unchanged

"What Were You Wearing?" concept reexamines a question posed about clothing in the fashion world, challenging the accusatory stance that sexual assault survivors often face. The event, organized by Rise, aims to emphasize that clothing is not the cause of an assault and that responsibility lies with the perpetrator.