Meet Başak Cankeş | Fashion Artist, Wearable Art Designer, Stage manager, Art Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Başak Cankeş and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Başak, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Life is a design in itself. Everyone should have the freedom to shape their own life. We need to learn how to structure our work schedules around the times when we feel most productive and energized, setting aside space for ourselves in the remaining time.
Many people today struggle with unhappiness because they build their professional lives entirely around output without allowing room for personal fulfillment. They exist in a system where the only thing they receive in return is money and over time this becomes an empty exchange.
I live and create in a place that is bustling with people in the summer, its population growing fivefold, yet in the winter the streets are almost deserted. Because of this I structure my work around the seasons. During the summer I work more than 14 hours a day, essentially compressing a year’s worth of working hours into just a few months. This allows me to spend the remaining half of the year traveling or immersing myself in a new place for an extended period.
If my store were open year-round I wouldn’t have the mental space or inspiration to create. On the other hand if I spent all my time designing at a desk I would miss out on seeing my work reach the people who wear and experience it. There has to be a natural ebb and flow between these two just like the shift between summer and winter.
Beyond that I also take on art direction projects in stage productions. Engaging with fashion in a more conceptual artistic context helps me maintain a sense of creative balance. All of these choices enrich my life in ways that go far beyond work itself.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Sure! Based on what I know about you so far, here’s how you might answer this in your own voice:

My work is a fusion of fashion, performance, and storytelling. I don’t just design clothing; I create wearable art that carries a deeper meaning and often comes to life through stage performances and immersive experiences. What sets me apart is that I don’t separate fashion from art or life itself. For me, design is a living, breathing expression of identity, movement, and transformation.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the way I’ve structured my life and work. I live and create in a place that shifts dramatically between seasons—a tourist hub in the summer and a quiet, almost empty town in the winter. This rhythm has shaped the way I work. Instead of following a conventional year-round production cycle, I immerse myself in intense creation and work for months at a time, then take long breaks to travel, explore, and recharge. This allows me to constantly renew my inspiration and keep my designs fresh and meaningful.

Getting to where I am today professionally wasn’t easy. The biggest challenge was choosing a path that didn’t fit into traditional molds. I had to create my own system, my own rules, and trust that if I stayed true to my vision, the right people and opportunities would align. I overcame these challenges by embracing fluidity—by allowing my work to evolve organically rather than forcing it into rigid structures.

Along the way, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about persistence; it’s also about adaptability. Creativity thrives when there is space for change, experimentation, and even failure. If you try to force inspiration or work against your natural rhythm, you lose the essence of what makes your art special.

What I want the world to know about my brand and my story is that every piece I create carries a journey. Whether it’s a textile handwoven by artisans, a design that came to life after months of exploration, or a stage performance that brings fashion into a whole new realm, everything I do is deeply personal. My work is for those who see clothing as more than just something to wear—it’s for those who see it as a form of art, a way of self-expression, and a piece of a larger story.

In this world, Salvador Dalí visits the Ottoman Palace, and Gala grows curious about the harem. Edgar Degas’ impressionist ballerinas wish to dance within the patterns of Kütahya tiles, while Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí decides to blend weaving looms with oil paints. Gaziantep’s Kutnu fabric is intertwined with the Inca culture of Peru. Pomegranate skin becomes ink, calligraphy, and natural dye, creating pathways on fabric. The deer in a tapestry leap from the walls and onto people’s backs… And each of these creations is always one-of-a-kind.

On stage, colors and patterns transform into stories. The funeral of Love is held. Sometimes, the world turns entirely crimson. Other times, Medusa’s scream echoes from waters underground. A piece of fabric, crafted on an 80-year-old loom by a master artisan honored with the Living Human Treasures award, might find new life as a beach outfit in Alaçatı. Elsewhere, a girl with her hands on her hips wanders through the Inca calendar. Alpaca wool befriends Anatolian wool, sparking deep conversations.

Tropical rainforest trees and ocean-sourced shells become buttons, while silk spun from lotus stems turns into shirts. These materials, too, seek a body filled with positive energy and meaningful conversations. When the time is right, their rightful owners discover them.

Bashaques is the home of all these surreal sparks of imagination. It is neither merely a sustainable fashion brand nor simply art—it is a world that seeks to break free from all labels. A world that always opens its doors to those who wish to explore.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my friend visited Bali, this is how I would plan their trip to Ubud

On the first day, they would arrive in Ubud and start with a relaxing breakfast at Bali Buddha, where they could enjoy fresh and organic food. After settling in, they would take a peaceful walk through the Ubud Rice Field Walking Way, immersing themselves in the lush greenery of the rice paddies. In the afternoon, they could visit Tirta Empul Temple, where they would experience a traditional purification ritual in the sacred water. As the evening approaches, they would enjoy a unique dining experience at Arcadida Restaurant, followed by a visit to Room 4 Dessert for an unforgettable tasting experience.

On the second day, they would begin with a nourishing breakfast at Nourish Ubud, enjoying the serene view of the rice fields. After breakfast, they could explore the Organic Market and Green Market, discovering fresh organic products and gluten-free bread. For lunch, they would head to Zest, a well-known vegan restaurant serving delicious plant-based sushi. In the afternoon, they would attend a yoga or kirtan session at Alchemy, followed by a sound healing experience at Pyramids of Chi. To end the day, they would have a refined dinner at La Cantine, indulging in French cuisine.

On the third day, they would experience the cultural side of Ubud by visiting the Balinese Puppet Village, where they could learn about traditional handcrafted Balinese puppets. After a morning of exploration, they would have a light lunch before attending a natural fabric dyeing workshop at Cinta Bumi, where they would learn eco-friendly dyeing techniques using mordanting and leaf wrapping. In the evening, they would attend the Kecak Dance Performance at 7:30 PM in the main square near Ubud Palace, witnessing one of Bali’s most mesmerizing cultural performances.

On the fourth day, they would focus on relaxation and self-care. The morning would begin with a shamanic massage, a one-hour chakra-opening ceremony in Ubud center. For lunch, they could revisit one of their favorite spots or try something new. In the afternoon, they would indulge in a Balinese foot massage and hair spa at Fresh Spa, experiencing one of the best wellness treatments in Ubud. Later, they could take another short walk through the rice fields, appreciating the natural beauty of the area.

On the fifth day, they would explore more of Ubud’s vibrant markets, including a stop at Bintang Market to shop for souvenirs and local products. They could spend the afternoon revisiting their favorite spots, whether it be another yoga session at Alchemy, a second visit to Tirta Empul, or simply relaxing in a café while reflecting on their journey. Their final dinner in Ubud would be a special one, choosing between Arcadida Restaurant or La Cantine to end the trip on a delicious note.

This itinerary would allow them to experience the essence of Ubud, blending culture, nature, relaxation, and incredible food. They would leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and deeply connected to the spirit of Bali.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Throughout my journey, the biggest support has come from my mother and father. When I was just a child and said, “I’m going to be a fashion designer,” they took me seriously and never imposed their own career dreams on me.

Beyond that, I’d like to thank Ekin Bernay, who has collaborated with me on all my stage shows and supported me with her artistry in dance and performance. Dura Yakar has guided me with her sharp experience and financial foresight throughout my entire journey. My tailor, Melih Bayer, whom I have worked with for years, and Sibel İşel, who leads my incredible team of artisans weaving my kilims, have both been indispensable to my work.

I am also grateful to Tolga Böyük, who creates the music for all my shows, and to Murat Abbas and Ekin Ozan, who opened doors for me on two major stages that became turning points in my career. My photography and documentary team, Alper Kuruçaylı, my PR support Feride Tansuğ, who kept me informed about the competitions I won and helped me apply, and the over 100 artists who have collaborated with me in past projects—all of them have played a role in my journey.

Most importantly, I want to thank my customers who have been coming to my store for the past ten years, carrying my energy on their bodies. It’s impossible to fit everyone into a single shoutout, but I use my Instagram page to properly credit each and every person who has contributed to my work.

Website: https://www.bashaques.com

Instagram: Bashaques / bashaques_performance_arts / basakcankes / basakcankes_art

Linkedin: Basak Cankes

Facebook: Bashaques / Basak Cankes

Yelp: Basak Cankes

Youtube: Bashaques

Other: Nomintaions: Mediterrenean Fashion Prize, CFE London Yota Prize

Image Credits
Cengizhan Ergün , Ayşenur Ayan