Beyond the seasonal with niLuu

Blending the classic elegance of traditional silk with a modern, thoughtful twist, niLuu offers PETA-approved vegan silk pieces that blurr the boundaries between loungewear and outerwear, luxury and sustainability, focusing on meticulous, timeless craftsmanship.

Inspired by founder Nilufer Bracco's heritage, niLuu's designs pay homage to Turkey's rich aesthetic culture. With vibrant colors, textures, and stories woven into each piece, inviting those who wear these designs to embrace intentionality in every moment of their day.

Join us while founder Nilufer Bracco tells us about where she draws inspiration, her favorite treasure and how it all started. 



We are big treasure hunting fans. What is the story behind your favorite treasure?
My favorite treasure is a vintage silk scarf I found in a small market in Istanbul. It’s a reminder of my roots and the rich history of textile craftsmanship in Turkey.

What is your favorite place in the world? What do you like about it?
My favorite place is the Aegean coast of Turkey. I love its serene beauty, the crystal clear waters, and the peace and inspiration it gives me. When I'm there, I often imagine the world of Greek mythology, picturing the gods and goddesses who were celebrated in this area. The rich history of ancient civilizations that lived here over 2,000 years ago fascinates me, and I wonder what life was like back then. I also enjoy the local food, especially the mezes and raki, which makes it even more special.

Tell us about your creative process. Where do you get most inspired, what materials do you like to work with, or your favorite techniques.
My creative process begins with travel and nature. I draw the most inspiration from diverse cultures, architecture, and natural landscapes. I love working with sustainable materials such as Bemberg cupro, EcoVero viscose, and linen, and I enjoy exploring traditional textile techniques with a modern twist.

What sparked the initial love for your trade? Was there a defining moment or person?
My love affair with vegan silk began 5 years ago during a trip to a textile fair in Frankfurt, Germany with my brother, who worked in the textile industry in Turkey. He invited me to accompany him, and it was there that I was introduced to my fabric supplier. I vividly remember the moment I first heard the story of vegan silk and its sustainable production from the innovative yarn, Cupro, in Japan. It was truly love at first sight.



What is it like for you being a creative in today's world?
Being a creative today is both challenging and exhilarating. There's so much access to inspiration and new ideas out there, but there's also a constant need to be innovative and stay relevant.

What actions do you take in your work process to make it more sustainable?
We prioritize using eco-friendly materials, such as Cupro fabric, EcoVero viscose, and sustainable linen. Our design philosophy focuses on creating timeless pieces that transcend seasonal trends, promoting long-term use and reducing the need for frequent replacements. In addition to material choices, we ensure our production processes are ethical and designed to minimize waste. This includes optimizing cutting techniques to reduce fabric off-cuts, recycling remnants, and using energy-efficient machinery. We also collaborate with suppliers who share our commitment to sustainability and ethical labor practices. Furthermore, we are continuously exploring innovative ways to lower our carbon footprint, such as investing in renewable energy sources and reducing packaging materials. By taking these actions, we aim to contribute positively to both the environment and the global community.

What advice would you give to someone starting in your industry?
First, stay true to your vision and values. Authenticity really sets you apart and helps you connect with customers. Next, focus on sustainability, as eco conscious shoppers truly appreciate brands that consider their environmental impact. Be flexible and keep learning since the fashion world constantly evolves. Lastly, be resilient. The journey will have its ups and downs, but use setbacks as learning experiences and keep pushing forward.

If you could collaborate with any artist or creator, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
If I could collaborate with any artist, it would be Frida Kahlo. Her deeply personal and emotional work, combined with her fearless exploration of identity and cultural themes, genuinely inspire me. Collaborating with her would allow me to merge modern perspectives with her iconic style, creating a unique dialogue that honors both contemporary issues and rich cultural aesthetics. Her resilience and ability to transform personal experiences into universal messages are qualities I deeply admire and would love to learn from.



What’s a usual day for you like in your studio or workspace?
A typical day in my studio begins with an early workout. I then dive into Zoom or phone calls with my supplier in Turkey or the PR and marketing agency in Dubai. Because of the 7-hour time difference with Turkey and the 8-hour difference with Dubai, my mornings are mostly dedicated to these communications. Following my calls, I have a team meeting to discuss our daily agenda. Each day is different. Sometimes we focus on product development, other times we prepare wholesale orders, and some days are dedicated to photo shoots and content creation. With a small team in Miami, we all wear multiple hats and collaborate on various tasks to keep everything running smoothly.