Country Vs. Town | Sep. 2025
SHORE VS. CITY: LEEN GUNDOGDU
By Morgan Hogerty
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATRINA WITTKAMP
STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA
HAIR & MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST
Leen Gundogdu founder of KIVANCI
Leen Gundogdu is the founder and designer of KIVANCI, a luxury fashion brand known for bold custom designs and one-of-a-kind ready-to-wear pieces. With a multicultural background and a strong foundation in business and hospitality, Gundogdu brings a unique perspective to design. Featured in People magazine and on WGN News, her pieces embody individuality, confidence, and creative expression. Through KIVANCI, she’s passionate about turning dreams into reality, one statement-making look at a time. Gundogdu steps away from fabric samples to share her shore and city favorites.
Mantra? “Wear your attitude.” It’s the heart of everything I create Best grooming tip? Confidence is the best glow-up—but a touch of highlighter and a signature scent never hurt Guilty pleasure? Croissants at midnight and watching fashion documentaries on repeat Favorite foods? Italian and seafood Music you love? Classical, French, and empowering runway beats Best advice ever given to you? Don’t wait for the right time, create it Best advice you’ve given? Don’t wait for the right time. Take the leap, take the risk—it’s how you grow
Earliest memory? Twirling in dresses as a little girl and matching every outfit with a hat When you wake up, you? Set intentions, drink water, and scroll through design inspiration with coffee in hand Before bed, you? Check my kids’ rooms, light a candle, and jot down ideas in my notebook What’s on your bookshelf? Design anthologies, poetry, and fashion business books You can’t live without? My sketchbook, my kids, and Turkish coffee Love to escape to? The Aegean coast—peaceful, stylish, and soul-refreshing Advice you would give to your younger self? Keep going. Your uniqueness will be your greatest asset
ON THE SHORE
Your style is? Effortless elegance—clean lines, statement jewelry, and a signature bag Can’t leave the house without? Sunglasses, lipstick, and sketchbook Transportation? Car Driving music? Old-school hits with modern remixes Place to eat? Sophia Steak or Convito Café Shop? Local boutiques with curated designer pieces Best thing about the Shore? The community and the calm energy Worst thing about the Shore? The pace can be a little too quiet sometimes The perfect day is? Morning coffee by the lake, designing from my studio, lunch with my daughters, and sunset walks
IN THE CITY
Your style is? Bold, edgy, and runway ready Can’t leave the house without? Statement accessories Transportation? Uber or a black SUV when it’s fashion week Driving music? French music Place to eat? Aba or Girl & The Goat Shop? Neiman Marcus or local fashion-forward concept stores Best thing about the City? The diversity and inspiration everywhere Worst thing about the City? Parking The perfect day is? A fashion shoot in the West Loop, late brunch with creatives, and watching the city lights from a rooftop lounge
