Gülce Optik

What defines Mooshu’s Dna and what sets the brand apart from other local eyewear labels?
One of the defining characteristics of Mooshu is that every product is 100 percent made in Türkiye at our workshop in Istanbul. The brand’s “Hand Made in Istanbul” motto comes directly from this philosophy. Istanbul is an incredibly powerful city where different cultures, street aesthetics and modern yet timeless details exist side by side, and we try to reflect that energy in our designs. At the core of Mooshu’s Dna are craftsmanship, originality and a strong attention to detail. For us, aesthetics alone are never enough. The materials we use, the balance a frame creates on the face and overall wearing comfort are equally important elements of the design process. Rather than following a mass production mentality, we aim to create more personal, long lasting pieces with a strong sense of character. That is why “Hand Made in Istanbul” represents far more than a production statement for us. It reflects the city’s dynamic, cosmopolitan, free spirited and creative identity, which is deeply embedded in the soul of Mooshu.

How would you describe Mooshu’s design language and what inspires your collections?
In our designs, we draw inspiration from the distinctive lines of the past while reinterpreting them through a contemporary aesthetic perspective. The eyewear culture of the 1960s and 1970s, retro frame details, analog design sensibilities and the street aesthetics of Istanbul are among our strongest sources of inspiration. At the same time, industrial elements, the natural texture of materials and the traces left by craftsmanship also play an important role in shaping our design process. At Mooshu, we do not design solely around trends. We also care deeply about the balance a frame creates on the face, the character it carries and the feeling it gives to the person wearing it. By combining the bold character of vintage influences with cleaner and more refined details, we aim to create a look that feels both modern and timeless.

How do you maintain your approach to quality throughout the design development and production process?
For us, quality is a principle that we strive to uphold every day throughout Mooshu’s design and production processes without compromise. No matter how visually strong a model may appear during the design stage, if it does not meet our expectations in terms of comfort, balance or material quality, we do not move forward with production. There are times when we spend a long period refining a single detail or completely revising a model. Our goal is not to create products that are made quickly, but pieces with longevity and character. Throughout the product development process, we place particular importance on craftsmanship and final assembly stages. The proportions a frame creates on the face, the quality of the polishing, coating techniques and the harmony of even the smallest details are all defining elements for us.

What materials do you prefer for Mooshu eyewear and how do you balance technology with craftsmanship in production?
The materials and production techniques we use play a direct role in shaping the character of Mooshu. Titanium coating, in particular, is an important choice for us in terms of both durability and surface quality. It allows us to achieve a more refined appearance on metal surfaces while also ensuring long lasting performance. We are also conducting new R&D studies focused on different metal combinations and specialized surface treatments in order to create structures that are both lightweight and durable. The PA (Polyamide/Nylon) lenses we use provide important advantages in terms of lightness, optical clarity and wearing comfort. Laser cutting and precision processing technologies are also an essential part of our production process. These techniques allow us to achieve cleaner lines, more controlled detailing and a higher level of precision. However, technology alone is never enough for us. Hand craftsmanship and fine detailing remain essential throughout many stages of production because we believe the true character and spirit of a frame come from this level of meticulous craftsmanship.

Could you tell us about the work you carry out to ensure the continuous development of Mooshu and its collections?
We see R&D as one of the most important parts of Mooshu’s ongoing development. For this reason, we continuously focus on experimentation, refinement and reinterpretation throughout many stages of the production process. We regularly conduct tests centered on material selection, the balance between lightness and durability and overall wearing comfort. Sometimes even what seems like a small detail can completely transform the feel and performance of a product. That is why we embrace a mindset of constant improvement from both a technical and design perspective. One of the key reasons we are able to sustain Mooshu’s development is that we manage a significant part of the production process under our own control. At the same time, we closely follow user feedback and developments within the industry in order to keep ourselves constantly updated. While we closely follow technological advancements, we also place great importance on preserving craftsmanship and artisanal culture. We believe real progress is not only about using new technologies, but also about carrying the spirit of the brand forward and improving with every new collection.

How does managing both the wholesale and production sides of Gülce Optik benefit the brand?
The fact that Gülce Optik operates across retail, wholesale and production allows these areas to continuously support and strengthen one another. This structure helps us better understand user expectations while also enabling us to move more quickly and efficiently throughout the product development process. Thanks to our wholesale network, we have the opportunity to closely observe the needs of different stores and customer profiles. This gives us the advantage of creating collections that are shaped not only by design, but also by the real demands of the market. We have built our structure around a more dynamic system in which design, production and sales remain in constant communication with one another. This allows us to quickly reflect feedback from the field into production and make the development process far more efficient. In terms of partnerships, we value long term relationships built on trust. Rather than functioning solely as a supplier, we aim to establish collaborations that help grow the brand’s design language and quality perspective together with our business partners. We believe this approach has played an important role in strengthening both Mooshu’s development and credibility.

Could you tell us about Mooshu’s international goals and export plans for the future?
We position Mooshu not simply as an eyewear manufacturer, but as a lifestyle brand with its own design language, character and production philosophy. For this reason, we are pursuing a more selective approach to global growth while remaining committed to protecting the identity of the brand. We believe markets such as Europe and the Middle East hold strong potential for Mooshu’s design perspective. On the export side, our strategy is based on controlled and sustainable growth. Today, we have already established a strong brand presence in countries such as Italy, Greece, Kuwait and Dubai. Our priority is not only to export products, but to build partnerships that can properly represent the story of the brand, its understanding of quality and its design culture. In recent years, we have established valuable business connections through participation in several international trade fairs. Moving forward, we aim to further increase Mooshu’s global visibility through international exhibitions, selected boutique optical stores and design focused sales channels. One of our biggest goals is to transform Mooshu into a globally recognized eyewear brand from Türkiye with its own distinct design identity.

Are there any upcoming collections, technologies or collaborations currently on Mooshu’s agenda?
At Mooshu, both our design and production structure are constantly evolving. For this reason, we are currently working on several new developments involving both future collections and production technologies. In particular, we are focusing on stronger collections that combine timeless lines with more contemporary details. We are also exploring new directions in material usage, including more textured surface details and more distinctive color combinations that reinforce the character of the designs. At the same time, we are concentrating on new systems and processing techniques that will increase production precision. We continue to work on different materials and manufacturing methods in order to develop products that are lighter, more durable and stronger in terms of overall wearing experience. Collaborations that bring Mooshu’s design identity together with different creative disciplines are also part of our future plans. We believe projects developed with successful names from the worlds of fashion, art and design can bring a new perspective to the brand.

How did winning the Silmo Award Istanbul for two consecutive years influence Mooshu’s brand perception?
Winning awards for two consecutive years in the domestic eyewear category at Silmo Istanbul was far more meaningful to us than simply receiving recognition. Seeing the production and design philosophy we have worked on for years receive appreciation from the industry was incredibly valuable. These consecutive awards significantly strengthened Mooshu’s credibility and visibility in terms of brand positioning. They increased interest in the brand among both industry professionals and consumers. We especially observed a stronger perception of Mooshu as a design focused Turkish brand. At the same time, these awards became an important source of motivation for us. At Mooshu, our goal is not only to create aesthetically strong products, but also to build long term value through production quality, craftsmanship and a strong brand identity. Receiving this recognition two years in a row was a proud moment that reaffirmed we are moving in the right direction.

How do you evaluate the importance of Silmo Istanbul for the optical industry?
We believe Silmo Istanbul is a critically important platform for the development of Türkiye’s optical industry. It serves as a valuable meeting point where local brands can express themselves more strongly while international industry professionals come together under the same roof. In recent years, we have seen significant progress in the rise of local eyewear brands in Türkiye, and Silmo Istanbul has played an important role in making this development more visible. For us, Silmo Istanbul is not simply a trade fair. It is also a platform where we have the opportunity to introduce our brand to both local and international industry professionals while strengthening communication within the sector. As Mooshu, we believe it is extremely important for the growth of the industry that brands with strong design capabilities and a serious investment in production receive greater visibility. We are very pleased that Silmo Istanbul provides an environment that supports this vision.

Thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Lastly, what would you like to say about 4 your eyes?
We believe 4 your eyes plays a valuable role within the optical industry by creating space for local brands like Mooshu to express themselves. We also believe the magazine has made an important contribution to increasing the visibility of local production, design culture and creative perspectives within the sector. For us, eyewear is not simply an accessory, but a powerful form of expression that reflects design, character and lifestyle. We believe platforms that share and support this perspective continue to inspire the industry. Thank you as well for featuring us in this issue.

June 2026