Born in 1976 in İzmir, Turkey, Şelale Öncel Mertadam is a multidisciplinary artist and designer based in New York. With a background in business and years of experience in the Turkish fashion industry, she transitioned from the corporate world to pursue her passion for creativity and self-expression.
After completing her fashion education at Lasalle Academy, she worked with some of Turkey’s most renowned brands, including Vakko. In 2011, she launched her own label, She-La, offering costume design for film and television, as well as editorial and consultancy services. Her collections celebrate strong, graceful, nurturing, and independent women, with a focus on refined femininity and timeless silhouettes.
In recent years, Şelale has expanded her artistic practice into sculpture and ceramics, using clay as a medium to explore themes such as gender inequality, women’s rights, migration, and identity. Her figurative works give form to untold stories, silenced voices, and the strength of women who rise despite systemic barriers.
Through every sculpture and design, Şelale reaffirms her belief in women’s empowerment and creative freedom. Her art is both personal and political—an elegant resistance shaped by hands, history, and heart.
