about patara life

Founded by Turkish-Australian designer Didem Brennan, Patara Life is a heartfelt celebration of Turkish artistry and timeless craftsmanship. Inspired by her deep connection to Turkish textiles and design, Didem created Patara Life to share the beauty, texture, and spirit of her heritage with the relaxed elegance of the Australian coastal lifestyle. Every piece is thoughtfully crafted with care — honouring ethical production, sustainability, and the small artisan communities who bring each creation to life.

The name Patara Life pays homage to Patara Beach — also known as Cleopatra Beach — Turkey’s longest and one of its most breathtaking coastlines. Once home to the ancient city of Patara and now a protected sanctuary for the endangered loggerhead turtles, it embodies everything the brand stands for: natural beauty, heritage, and harmony with nature.

Our Products

At Patara Life, every piece is thoughtfully curated to bring together beauty, function, and craftsmanship. Our collection celebrates the art of slow living — where timeless design meets the soul of Turkish tradition. Each product is ethically made by skilled artisans, using sustainable materials and age-old techniques that honour heritage while embracing modern elegance.

Our collection includes:

  • Handmade & Hand-Painted Muslin Cotton Robes – Crafted with care and creativity, each robe offers a luxurious blend of comfort and artistry. New designs are arriving soon, inspired by the textures and tones of the Mediterranean.

  • Artisan-Made Jewellery – A refined new collection of sterling silver and 18k gold pieces will debut at our upcoming event, blending contemporary design with handcrafted detail.

  • Premium Woven Linen Tote Bags – Handmade from pure woven linen, these beautifully textured totes are designed for effortless versatility — perfect for the beach, travel, or everyday style.

  • Exclusively Designed Hand-loomed Turkish Towels – A signature of Patara Life, our towels combine traditional shuttle-loom weaving with timeless design, ideal for both home and seaside escapes.

  • Aegean Cold-Pressed Olive Oil Soaps & Vegan Silk Exfoliating Gloves – Rooted in the rituals of the Turkish bath, these natural products offer a sensorial experience that nourishes the skin and soothes the spirit.

Each Patara Life creation tells a story — of craftsmanship, sustainability, and the quiet luxury of everyday moments.

Product Sourcing and Sustainability

At Patara Life, sustainability and ethical craftsmanship are woven into every part of our story. Each piece is thoughtfully handmade by skilled artisans and small producers across Turkey, many of whom run family businesses that have passed their craft down through generations. Founder Didem Brennan works closely with these makers — from individual seamstresses to traditional weaving ateliers — ensuring every creation reflects care, quality, and authenticity.

We prioritise natural, sustainable materials such as organic cotton and linen, sourced from partners who hold certifications including OEKO-TEX® and GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard). Our commitment to “slow production” means we embrace traditional methods, like weaving on shuttle looms, which honour heritage techniques while using less water than modern manufacturing. Natural vegetable dyes and gentle treatments further reduce our environmental footprint, while the use of pure fibres and metals ensures each piece is durable, versatile, and made to last. Even our packaging reflects these values — each order arrives in a custom-made linen drawstring bag, crafted in Turkey and designed to be reused, avoiding mass-produced waste.


Ethical Standards and Fair Working Conditions

Patara Life is built on respect — for people, craft, and community. Didem personally selects each artisan partner, ensuring fair working conditions and ethical standards are upheld at every stage of production. Many of our collaborators are third- and fourth-generation family businesses, deeply rooted in their local traditions.

By visiting workshops and villages across Turkey — most recently in March 2025 — Didem nurtures meaningful relationships with the people behind our products. These connections go beyond business; they help support families, preserve traditional skills, and empower local communities. This hands-on approach is at the heart of Patara Life’s philosophy: creating beautiful, lasting pieces while making a positive impact along the way.

Didem in Buldan