OUR STORY

Everyday Collections Inspired by Art

At Common Muse, we specialize in creating bespoke, museum-inspired product collections designed exclusively for cultural institutions, galleries, and heritage spaces. We collaborate closely with museums, artists, and curators to craft objects that extend the visitor experience beyond the exhibition—pieces that celebrate cultural storytelling and bring art into daily life. From exhibition-specific merchandise to artist-inspired collaborations, our collections are thoughtfully designed and ethically made, transforming every project into a timeless extension of the museum’s vision.

Award winning designs.

Before launching Common Muse, we began by founding AniStudio, our sister retail brand focused on sustainability and authentic heritage craftsmanship. AniStudio’s innovative carpet and kilim designs celebrate Anatolian artistry and eco-conscious production, quickly gaining recognition in publications like Maison Française, Vogue, and Elle Decoration. In 2023, AniStudio received the Elle Deco International Design Award for sustainability, cementing its reputation for beautifully crafted, meaningful design.

Building on this success and responding to growing interest from museums and galleries, we launched Common Muse as our global wholesale brand, dedicated to serving cultural institutions and galleries worldwide.

Meet the Founders: Anita & Melis

Common Muse was founded by lifelong friends Anita and Melis, whose shared Anatolian roots and love for art have guided them from childhood summers in Çeşme to a global creative studio. Anita’s journey through fast fashion led her to discover her passion for slow, sustainable design, while Melis drew on her business and marketing expertise from the tech world to scale artistry pieces that honor art and heritage. Together, they created Common Muse—a brand that transforms museum narratives into timeless, thoughtfully crafted collections for cultural institutions around the world.

Anita Savul Cen, Co-founder

I am a multidisciplinary designer specializing in authentic home textile objects. My educational journey began with studying fashion design at Parsons University, followed by nearly four years of experience in the fashion industry. Immersing myself in the fast-paced consumption culture led me to deeply value slow, sustainable craftsmanship. My fascination with the unique aesthetic values of various cultures, combined with a passion for creating using historical techniques, has inspired me to produce textiles that are both authentic and contemporary.

Melis Abuaf Mintz, Co-founder

With over a decade of experience in the tech industry, I bring a strong background in global commerce, leadership, and scaling businesses to Common Muse. I’ve built and led teams from the ground up across diverse industries, helping companies grow and expand their global presence. At Common Muse, my passion for storytelling blends seamlessly with my love for creative design and craftsmanship—transforming cultural heritage, motifs, and techniques into bespoke collections that honor art and history.

Still got questions?

If you still have questions or want to explore how our museum-inspired collections can support your institution, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to provide any information you need and help find the best way to collaborate.