From August 7 to 9, 2024, the Istanbul Fashion Connection (IFCO) marked its sixth successful edition at the Istanbul Expo Centre, solidifying Turkiye’s position as a pivotal player in the global fashion industry. With 300 exhibitors spread across four halls, the event drew nearly 18,000 visitors, a 13.9 per cent increase in international attendance compared to the previous year. The event's growing appeal is evident, with 35 per cent of attendees hailing from abroad, underscoring Istanbul's strategic importance as a fashion hub.

The event attracted high-ranking buyers from 121 countries, with Asia and the Middle East leading in representation, followed by Europe, North Africa, and the Americas. The rise in international visitors highlights IFCO’s role in bridging fashion markets across continents. Mustafa Paşahan, Vice President of the Istanbul Apparel Exporters' Association (IHKIB), emphasized IFCO’s rapid ascent in the global fashion calendar, positioning Istanbul as a premier destination for fashion, design, and trade.

Diverse exhibitor showcase

IFCO 2024 showcased a diverse array of fashion sectors across 30,000 square meters of exhibition space. The event featured collections in womenswear, menswear, kidswear, denim, sportswear, evening and wedding wear, lingerie, hosiery, leather, and furs. The designer area, The Core Istanbul, once again captivated attendees with exclusive collections from over 20 established and emerging designers. Among the standout names were ArzuKaprol, MeltemOzbek, and Tuba Ergin, who have already made their mark on the international stage.

ArzuKaprol, a renowned designer, highlighted the significance of IFCO for Turkish design, particularly in fostering new business relationships with buyers from the USA and Russia. She noted the event's success in uniting the international fashion industry, enabling intensive networking and business opportunities.

Retail giants and strategic growth

In the IFCO Brands area, leading market players such as B&G Store, Jakamen, Giotelli, NCS, and 7Camicie showcased their latest collections in meticulously designed stands. These brands, which already have a strong international presence, reported high satisfaction with their participation. CemilKarabel, Vice President of Karabel Group, praised IFCO as an efficient platform for brand presentation, networking, and customer acquisition, particularly in regions like North Africa and the Middle East.

BatuhanKutlu, owner of Gizia, Turkiye's pioneer of the ‘Accessible Luxury’ concept, echoed this sentiment, noting the trade fair's role in connecting Turkish fashion brands with global buyers. Gizia's participation in IFCO resulted in valuable new contacts and expanded customer bases, reinforcing the importance of the event for the industry.

The IFCO B2B Meeting was a highlight of the event, attracting nearly 100 prestigious buyer groups from over 20 countries. Notable participants included major retailers from the USA, UK, UAE, India, and Mexico. These meetings facilitated significant business deals and networking opportunities, further strengthening IFCO's reputation as a critical event for global fashion players.

Trends and innovation at IFCO

This year's IFCO Trend Area, themed ‘Ascension,’ was curated by the Istanbul Moda Academy (İMA), showcasing future-oriented fashion philosophies. The Trend Area explored themes of self-discovery and mindfulness, visualizing concepts such as Zen Revival, Multifaceted, Reclaimed Confession, and Freed. İMA's involvement highlights Turkiye's commitment to nurturing creative talent and innovation in fashion, with international collaborations and educational programs that connect students to global fashion schools and brands.

Turkiye’s fashion industry is increasingly recognized as a global powerhouse, ranking third in clothing and textile exports to the European Union and sixth worldwide. In 2023, the sector achieved exports worth $28.8 billion, with ambitions to reach $40 billion in the near future. Mustafa Gultepe, President of IHKIB and the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM), outlined the strategic initiatives aimed at achieving this goal, including digital transformation and sustainable development.

Significant investments, including over €10 million in digital transformation since 2014 and €7 million in sustainable projects in 2021-2022, underscore Turkiye's commitment to maintaining its competitive edge in the global market. The expansion of modern production facilities in eastern Turkiye further aligns with the country's strategic vision.

Looking ahead: IFCO’s continued growth

As IFCO continues to grow, it cements Turkiye's role as a key player in the global fashion industry, bridging East and West. The next edition of IFCO is scheduled for February 5-8, 2025, while Texhibition Istanbul, focusing on fabrics, ingredients, and yarns, will take place from September 11-13, 2024. These events are poised to further enhance Turkiye's influence in the international fashion business.