Melez: The Next It Girl Brand

By McKena Pennington 

In a world of fast fashion and fleeting trends, few brands stop you in your tracks with their story alone. Melez is one of them. Founded by Ezgi, a Turkish-born designer with a background in interior architecture and furniture design, Melez is not just a brand, it’s a celebration of heritage, handmade artistry, and meaningful design. I sat down with Egzi in New York, and I left completely inspired, not only by the bags she creates, but by the why behind them.

Behind the Name 

Melez, short, powerful, and meaningful, is found in the Turkish language, which translates to “a mix of cultures.” As Ezgi explains, “In Turkey, we use this term to describe someone of mixed ethnic backgrounds. It’s a beautiful concept because we believe you take the best of both worlds - the strongest traits merge to create something new, something stronger.” And that’s exactly what Melez is all about: East meets West, old-world techniques meet modern silhouettes, and tradition meets bold, contemporary color.

A Side Hustle With Soul

What had started out as an individual endeavor, a way for Ezgi to make something beautiful for herself out of leftover materials from architectural projects, soon turned into the buzz of the town on the streets of New York. "I’d carry the bags I made, and strangers would stop me. That’s when I realized this idea was bigger than me," she said.

Through her love of handmade goods and tactile materials, Ezgi tapped into her architectural training and passion for craftsmanship. Each bag was a patchwork of history, tradition, and art. And Melez was born.

The Heart of Melez: Craftsmanship + Culture

Every Melez bag is handmade in Istanbul by skilled artisans like Kirkor, who has been crafting leather goods for over 50 years. “He’s mastered this craft, passed down through generations,” Ezgi told us. “It’s not just about the product. It’s about the people behind it.” The collaboration between designer and artisan is at the core of the Melez  identity. Ezgi designs the pieces, often visiting Istanbul twice a year to work directly with her craftspeople. “It’s not just me sketching and sending things off,” she says. “It’s a dialogue. They know the materials inside and out, and their knowledge helps shape every decision.”

Each bag takes between 4 to 8 hours to create. “When I first learned how many steps were involved, it gave me a whole new appreciation for handmade fashion,” she added.

Playful, Authentic, Bright

When asked to describe Melez’s aesthetic in three words, Ezgi chose: “Playful, authentic, bright.” And it’s true, the fabrics are bold and colorful, often vibrant against a minimalist outfit. “I personally wear a lot of neutral tones,” she laughs, “so the bags add that pop of identity without overpowering.” Despite the visual punch, there’s an effortlessness to each Melez bag. They’re conversation starter accessories, but they’re also everyday staples that feel just right on anyone, at any age.

Sustainability Beyond Materials

For Ezgi, sustainability isn’t just a label, it’s an intentional lifestyle. “It’s not just about what we make the bags from,” she says. “It’s how they’re made, who’s making them, how many are made, and the values behind it all.” Melez operates in small batches, and no two bags are exactly alike. Even if they come from the same fabric pattern, each piece is unique in its final form. “You’re not buying something mass-produced,” she explains. “You’re owning something one-of-a-kind, made with care, by real hands.”

Not Just Bags, a Lifestyle in the Making

While Melez is still fresh (just over a year and a half old), it’s already expanding. Ezgi  is currently working on launching a homeware line, inspired by her background in furniture and interiors. “I want Melez to be more than just bags,” she shared. “I want it to be a lifestyle brand - pieces that are handcrafted, intentional, and meaningful, whether you’re wearing them or living with them.

The Melez Girl? She’s Everyone.

Who carries a Melez bag? The answer surprised even Egzi. “I originally thought it would be a younger, fashion-forward crowd, but at our pop-ups, I’ve seen everyone from age seven to seventy buying and loving the bags,” she said. “It’s for anyone who wants to add a touch of playfulness and personality to their look.” And honestly, we’re obsessed with that.

What’s in Her Bag?

I of course had to ask: what’s one thing Egzi always carries in her Melez bag? The answer was simple and universal: “A lip balm. Any kind. Always.”

Words to Her Younger Self

Before we wrapped, I asked what advice she’d give to her 21-year-old self. Her answer? “Just go for it. I waited for the perfect time to start, but there is no perfect time. Start now. Learn as you go. It’s all part of the journey.”

Be the Next Melez Girl 

Melez is proof that a bag can carry more than your keys and lipstick. It can carry a story, a history, a connection to someone across the world. In a world where most things are rushed and replicated, Melez invites us to slow down, seek out the special, and wear our culture with pride. So whether you’re a color lover or a minimalist looking for your signature pop, Melez is the brand you’ll want in your wardrobe, and your story.

Check out Melez’s latest drops online or at curated NYC pop-ups and boutiques like Artisanal Cornucopia in the West Village. Trust us, you’re going to want to carry this brand with you.