A few things about me, Arzu Yonak:
Ever since I was a child I have had a love for all things artistic, and quickly grew to realize that fashion was one of the most accessible forms of self-expression. This was by no means a coincidence; being 1st generation Turkish and raised in a small town in Ohio, my mother’s European sense of style and our exotic summer vacations were as foreign to our neighbors as the language we spoke and the food we ate. Our weekends were spent making journeys to upscale malls hundreds of miles from home where we would search for designer labels. Our travels to Turkey created memories containing everything from belly dancers to gypsies, and topless beaches to discotheques. That cultural dichotomy has translated to my adult life and as much as I may be considered a Midwest girl, I carry with me an eclectic spirit inspired by a rich culture.
A graduate of International Studies from Ohio Northern University, I interned at the Permanent Mission of Turkey to the United States at age 20. Having been involved in the modeling industry from the age of 11, I went on to sign with multiple major modeling agencies in Istanbul. During that time I represented the United States in the Miss Model of the World competition in China, and did a wide range of modeling including high-fashion and editorial. I began my career in Public Relations while in Istanbul, and worked as a talent agent in Ohio upon my return to the U.S.
I currently reside in Manhattan and continue to pursue my passion for the fashion industry, working in Fashion PR and Model Placement. I love dogs, children and travel. I’m a mod 60’s/70’s girl at heart, and like to imagine I danced at Studio 54 with Andy Warhol in a past life. I always want more, and believe in loving each moment whether in work or play.