Guest Editor: Ela Onur

The woman behind my favorite lingerie brand

The Background: I first became obsessed with Else a few years ago when I think I saw an ad on Instagram. I was immediately taken by the cool and subtly sexy photography, and, of course, the beautiful lingerie (I think I have about eight bras and counting). I’m also into the new swim collection (can’t wait to wear it), and pretty much everything else (no pun intended) they make. So I tracked down Ela, the founder, to find out what she’s all about.

Hometown: Istanbul, Turkey

Self-described style: I love the juxtaposition of feminine and masculine. I wear a very feminine dress or top paired with a masculine blazer or trench and loafers. Although I’m usually very casual, I make sure my jackets and coats are highly tailored.

Style icons: Sienna Miller—I love the effortless relaxed, boho-chic style she's known for. She stays true to her style and isn't a fashion victim. She is also a great ambassador for Chloé, which is currently one of my favorite brands.

Where I get my inspiration: Istanbul, where I spend half the year, is a huge source of inspiration for me. It provides the perfect combo of east meets west. It has had so many cultures that have lived there, yet it’s a very cosmopolitan city that is still steeped in heritage. You can go to a vintage store or The Grand Bazaar and find something traditional or even from the Renaissance era and then also something modern. I think of Else as a mix of traditional and modern. We have our own small atelier in Istanbul like many other businesses there. I source fabrics from Europe and am inspired by modern and technical fabrics. So high-tech and tradition are infused together.

Best thing about what I do: I love that we get to embrace a woman's confidence with the first layer that touches her skin. We’re creating something very traditional and technical for a bra, but also inspired by modern living and how women want to dress and feel. We try to design driven and fashionable, but also supportive and still comfortable!

Worst thing about what I do: Our bras are produced using 6-8 different sewing machines. They’re very technical and some of the most challenging garments to produce. All breasts are different and it can be hard for one bra to accommodate all women, even if they’re the same size. This is why we make different styles for different cup sizes, breast shapes and lifestyles.

Three things I can’t live without: The Water: I always need to live and be near it. Maybe it's because I’m a Pisces, or because I’ve always been around water, but it relaxes me, and brings me serenity and a sense of expansion. I was born in Los Angeles and grew up in Istanbul by the sea, at a beach house, spending summers swimming. I love metropolitan cities like Paris and Milan, but I try to spend as much of my summer as I can by the beach and if I can't, I will even shower two times a day, just so water can touch my skin. My favorite moments for personal connection are with bare feet in the sand and water while listening to music or podcasts.

Travel: Seeing other cultures' architecture, textures, textiles and people is an additional source of inspiration. Even with busy lives, my family and I take time to visit new places to see different cultures. We like to live like locals and rent a house when we travel, not stay at a hotel. I like to see how people experience their everyday lives and immerse myself in it.

Turkish Food: Especially a dish called Tas Kebap served with Begendi, which is made with eggplant puree mixed with cheese. Turkish food is a mix of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern foods like meat kebabs and veggies. I love anything from eggplant to shakshuka to eggplant puree. Slow cooked meat with eggplant. Even in L.A. I eat Middle Eastern and Israeli food like tapas and vegetables on a regular basis. Cooking and hosting is part of our culture and having a big table of family and friends is what feels like home to me.

Motto: Sleep on it. I learned to not rush through and quickly react with emotions. I like to sleep on my thoughts and decide the next day on my actions.

Mason Pearson hairbrush: I have the small one, and it’s always with me like a constant companion. It’s perfect for smoothing thicker hair and it fits into all my bags/clutches.

Else Bare Underwire Bra: It’s my everyday style. I like that it's sexy while being very supportive for a 34D cup with longline features and very light and breathable fabric. Works for all my outfits and I feel good when I get dressed (or undressed )with it.

Westman Atelier Deluxe Baby Cheeks Blush Stick: I also use it on my cheeks and lips. I love that it comes in a stick and I can use my fingers to put it on. As a business woman, and a mother of a young child, I prefer a low maintenance routine and natural beauty. This helps me create a bit of polish on-the-go.

Agolde Kelly Jeans: They have the perfect fit for everyday wear. I pair them with a flat and run around with my son or stop by the Else store in Santa Monica and meet with clients. I feel pulled together and comfortable at the same time.

Nackiye Naked Skin Woolen Top: The brand is designed by two sisters from Istanbul. I love their tops and their collection always feels fresh and creative.

Noto Botanics Multi Bene Lip Stain: It's very hydrating and I’m constantly trying new colors from our store. I feel like I have one in every pocket and purse.

Posse Alice Linen Dress: I love this Australian brand for summer dresses. This is my favorite (I have on in the photo of me in the Sifnos Greek Island, above). It comes in a long and a short version, it's very well priced, and I always feel put together in it.

Le Monde Beryl flats: My go-to shoe if I am not in a more masculine loafer. They have so many different styles and shades. I can’t wait to get a pop of color next.

Toteme Satin Trench: The perfect evening piece for me. I wear it for a night out with slip dresses.

Nippies nipple covers: A new addition to our offering at Else. They’re great for a slip dress that doesn’t allow for a bra, when you just need a little coverage.

Cos’ Oversized Tailored Shirt: Paired back with jeans and flats or over a summertime skirt— you can't go wrong.

Perelel Women’s Daily Vitamin Trio: I depended on their prenatal vitamins and now with a toddler I take this, and I love that they’re all created by naturopaths and doctors.

Frankie shop Blazers: They have a perfect, oversized fit, and I always pack them when I travel, they go with everything. Love the trench coats, too.

I had been eyeing the Abstract painter Colleen Herman and was able to buy a piece I will always cherish. I love her use of pigments and the movement in her work. I see it when I come down the stairs in my home in Los Angeles and it brightens my day.