Tyrion and Camboge

When launching Des Épigraphes, the palette was a key element to create. Two colors became an evidence: Tyrion and Camboge. 

This pair became an instant part of the brand’s soul and essence, a natural extension to its storytelling and a vivid example of how the relation between colors and the art of travel. Real fragment of Founder Tolga Avan’s heritage and journey, these shades became more than aesthetic choices but a true profound homage. 

Tolga’s Turkish roots created a strong tie with the land of his ancestors and specially the ancient landscapes of Asia Minor (Modern Turkey) and its Byzantine tradition. For almost a thousand years, the Byzantine culture ruled over and influenced this land with its opulence of mosaics, deep shades of purples and red, without forgetting its golden glories. This imagery shaped his childhood and made him drawn to this unique interplay of colors: a profound way to understand the tales and artistry of a fallen empire. Tyrion, once only reserved for imperial silks, became the perfect nod to this heritage. A favorite of Empress Theodora, this dye secreted by sea snails shaped the entire Empire and its relation to colors. It symbolizes not only a sense of grandeur but also a real mistery and timeless sophistication - values and qualities that deeply resonate with Des Épigraphes’s ethos. 

But the palette wasn’t complete without something to balance this purple. One hue became evident: Camboge yellow, one that embodies vitality, exclusivity and a certain art de vivre. For this choice, the inspiration emerged from one of Tolga’s favorite trip to Cambodia, once the home to the fascinating Khmer Empire. This voyage profoundly shaped his understanding of travel as a genuine art form. There he discovered dozens of tints and hues of yellow: the golden-hued temples of Angkor Wat, the dawn and its saffron glow, the vibrant yellows of Buddhist robes, the lush warmth of the jungle and last but not least the golden silks of a time now long gone. Colors became more than visual pleasures, they were breathing poetry.

Combined with his fascination with textile arts, Camboge yellow became a powerful bridge between past and present, old tales and new stories. 

Tyrion and Camboge form together a mystical and unexpected duet: one defining Des Épigraphes, its story and its heritage. These colors speak of the bright and the deep, the historic and the modern and how we can find harmony in contrasts. They also serve as a bridge between eras and places, from the shores of the Mediterranean Sea to the jungles of Southeast Asia, encompassing centuries of history, trade, and art. They encapsulate the ethos of the brand: creating everlasting memories, where our travels and souvenirs are a pure mosaic and kaleidoscope of colors, textures and stories.

Embracing these shades carries a strong message for our founder: it is an invitation for curious minds to perceive travelling, not just as a destination, but as a real art form. One where we paint our canvas using colors filled with myths and souvenirs. 

Remember it next time you pick up a piece from Des Épigraphes.