The streets between the Karakoy ferry terminal and Galata hold most of Istanbul’s independent design studios. Ceramics, jewellery, leather goods, stationery and small clothing labels sit in what were, until fairly recently, ship chandlers and hardware stores.
Prices are fixed, cards are taken everywhere, and in many shops the person behind the counter made what is on the shelves. Several studios will pack fragile items properly for a flight, which is worth asking about before you buy.
Most open around eleven and close by seven; Mondays are often quiet. From The Soul Hotel it is a walk of about twelve minutes downhill, and the area works well combined with lunch.