Mardin is known for its deep history and architecture. How did the atmosphere influence your mood or presence during the shoot.
DEREN TALU: Mardin, Turkiye has such a magnetic presence, the moment you’re surrounded by its golden stone architecture and endless views, you can feel the layers of history in the air. It’s almost as if the city holds this quiet power, and that really shifted my energy on set. Instead of just posing, I felt like I was stepping into a story much larger than myself. The atmosphere gave me a sense of grounding but also drama it pushed me to embody something more timeless, almost like I was part of the city’s tapestry. That balance between serenity and intensity really elevated the shoot.
SERHAT ŞEN: As someone who is originally from Mardin,Turkiye it was very special for me to shoot this cover there. The atmosphere made me feel deeply connected to my roots.
This shoot took place in the breathtaking Maridin Hotel in Mardin Turkiye. What was your first impression when you arrived there for your Cover shoot?
SERHAT ŞEN: When I first arrived at the Maridin Hotel, I was completely mesmerized. The golden light reflecting off the ancient stone walls, the breathtaking view over Mardin, and the sense of timeless history in every corner instantly set the tone for the shoot. It felt like stepping into a cinematic scene where tradition and elegance.
The blend of old-world charm and elegance at the Maridin Hotel is Striking. What was your first impression when you arrived at the location for your Cover shoot?
DEREN TALU: Stepping into the Maridin Hotel, I was struck by how seamlessly heritage and elegance coexist. It immediately felt less like checking into a hotel and more like entering a timeless setting.
Deren, you’ve grown up in the public eye but continue to carve out a unique path. How do you stay true to yourself in an ever-evolving industry?
DEREN TALU: Growing up in the public eye has taught me a lot about perception, but also about resilience. The industry is always shifting, and trends come and go so quickly, but I’ve realized the only way to truly stand out is to be anchored in who you are. For me, that means trusting my instincts, surrounding myself with people who keep me grounded, and always checking in with myself about whether something feels authentic. I’d rather grow at my own pace than lose myself trying to fit into every wave the industry creates.
Serhat, you're known for your distinctive style and growing presence in both fashion and entertainment. How would you describe your aesthetic?
SERHAT ŞEN: My aesthetic is a balance of timeless elegance and modern edge. I love creating looks that feel iconic yet fresh, blending classic inspirations with contemporary energy.
You embody modern elegance with ease. What influences your fashion choices today?
DEREN TALU: My style is very instinctive it’s about balancing timeless elegance with a modern edge. I’m inspired by the effortless confidence of supermodels from the ’90s, but I also draw from the women around me, travel, art, and even music. Fashion for me is a way of storytelling sometimes. I want to channel minimal sophistication, and other times I want to be playful and unexpected. Ultimately, I choose pieces that make me feel powerful, free, and aligned with the moment I’m in.
What’s one thing people might not know about you that you wish they did?
SERHAT ŞEN: People usually see the glamorous life which comes along and is a part of my work, but not many know how much I love simple moments like cooking for friends or being in nature.
You both have strong individual identities, but there’s a visible chemistry in this shoot. How was it working together?
DEREN TALU: Working together with Serhat felt incredibly natural because we’ve been friends for a long time and we both brought our individuality to the table without overshadowing each other. There was this unspoken trust almost like a dance where we each had space to shine, but also created something bigger by leaning into the connection. The chemistry wasn’t forced; it grew from respecting each other’s artistry and allowing that energy to flow freely. That balance made the shoot not just collaborative, but truly magnetic.
If you could bottle the essence of this shoot in one word, what would it be and why?
DEREN TALU: Timeless. Because every frame captured felt like it belonged both to the past and the present. The setting, the fashion, the emotions it all came together in a way that felt eternal, as if we weren’t just shooting an editorial, but creating a memory that will live far beyond the moment.
SERHAT ŞEN: Eternity: Because Mardin carries a history that transcends centuries, and this shoot felt like capturing a piece of eternity.
Your content often blends fashion, travel, beauty, and wellness. What does a “Serhat Sen lifestyle” look like behind the scenes?
SERHAT ŞEN: It’s a mix of airports and backstage chaos balanced with quiet rituals that keep me centered—like morning workouts, skincare, and time in nature. For me, lifestyle is not just about looking good, but feeling good enough to create beauty for others.
If you could give an advice to young creatives who want to build a brand while staying true to their vision, what would it be?
DEREN TALU: My biggest advice is to protect your vision fiercely. It’s so easy to get distracted by what’s trending or what seems to work for others, but authenticity is the only thing that lasts. Building a brand isn’t about rushing to fit into every mold it’s about consistency, patience, and the courage to stand by your own voice even when it feels risky. Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision, and never underestimate the power of storytelling. If your brand feels like a natural extension of who you are, it will resonate in a much deeper, more timeless way.
In a world full of influencers, how do you stay authentic and avoid trends that don’t align with your personal brand?
SERHAT ŞEN: I stay authentic by staying true to my vision and values. Not every trend aligns with who I am, and I’d rather create something timeless than chase something temporary.
How does your work as a makeup artist inform the creative direction of La Melon?
SERHAT ŞEN: La Melon is my artistry in product form. Everything I’ve learned on set and with clients translates into formulas and shades that actually work in real life, not just in theory.
You’re balancing artistry, influence, and entrepreneurship—what’s next on your radar?
SERHAT ŞEN: I’m focused on taking La Melon to worldwide and shaping my presence not only as a makeup artist, but as a creative voice in fashion and lifestyle.
If you could sum up Mardin in three words after this experience, which would you choose?
DEREN TALU: Mystical, soulful and mesmerizing.
SERHAT ŞEN: Eternal, soulful, inspiring. Because Mardin is not just where I’m from it’s a place that carries history, spirit, and creativity in every stone.
Deren Talu @derentalu
Serhat Şen @serhatsenn
Maridin Hotel @maridinhotel
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