Ali Karaata opened his first store “Moda Giovanni” in Beyoglu in 1965 to present to Turkish fashion lovers the fashionable items he sourced from Italy and France. This initiative was majorly influenced by his father, who was a tailor.

Karaata was the first to promote international labels, the first to introduce “haute couture” culture to Istanbul residents. Following his first store, he created the Ali Alta Moda brand originating from the word “Alta” which means high in Italian!