From the Sector

• Over 250 exhibitors from across all fashion segments will present their latest collections to more than 30,000 visitors from over 100 countries – spanning womenswear, menswear, kidswear, denim, accessories, and homewear. 
• The Core Istanbul with 24 leading Turkish designers, including internationally acclaimed names such as Arzu Kaprol, Mehtap Elaidi, Hatice Gökçe, and Sudi Etuz, bringing Turkish design to the global stage. 
• Strong womenswear, menswear, and kidswear segments proving the creativity, high-quality craftsmanship, fast turnaround, and sustainable approaches of Turkish fashion  
• A diverse seminar program featuring trend talks and expert panels: Industry leaders such as Tatiana Aldrich (WGSN) will explore Autumn/Winter 26/27 trends, while discussions address topics including Gen Z, conscious luxury, digital transformation, and future design strategies. 

From 20–22 August 2025, IFCO – Istanbul Fashion Connection will once again bring the global apparel industry together in the vibrant metropolis of Istanbul. Following a record-breaking February edition with over 34,000 professional visitors from more than 150 countries, the 8th edition is set to offer an expanded exhibitor portfolio, curated trend showcases, high-calibre runway presentations, and deep market insight. Over 250 exhibitors from across all sectors of the fashion industry will showcase their latest collections to more than 30,000 visitors from over 100 countries.  This August visitors can explore a 360° fashion showcase across womenswear, menswear, kidswear, denim brands, shoes, accessories, activewear and homewear, alongside other specialist participants. Leading names will unveil their latest collections, offering buyers a complete spectrum from premium to commercial lines.  

IFCO Segments  
TheCore Istanbul: Design Excellence Meets Global Reach 
The spotlight will shine brightly on The    Core Istanbul, where 24 of Türkiye’s most influential designers will present their latest collections. These include internationally acclaimed names such as Arzu Kaprol, whose architectural silhouettes are stocked in concept stores from Paris to Hong Kong; Mehtap Elaidi, a champion of contemporary womenswear seen at trade shows across Europe and the Middle East; and Hatice Gökçe, known for redefining menswear codes and collaborating with global cultural projects. Meltem Özbek and Özlem Süer continue to attract international buyers with their sophisticated, feminine aesthetics, while avant-garde label Sudi Etuz by Şansım Adalı has made waves at Paris Fashion Week. This mix of established names and rising talents positions Turkish design firmly on the global fashion map. Among the other rising and established talents unveiling their creative vision are Aylin Çetinkaya, Bahar Korçan, Belma Özdemir, Ceren Ocak, Elif Cığızoğlu, Emre Erdemoğlu, Erkan Demiroglu, Gokay Gundogdu, Gökhan Yavaş, Gönül Altunışık, Mehmet Emiroğlu, Mert Erkan, Murat Aytulum, Özlem Erkan, Özlem Kaya, Tanju Babacan, and Yakup Biçer, each brining a distinctive signature to the international stage.  

Turkish Womenswear 
Türkiye’s womenswear sector is experiencing strong growth, driven by its blend of creativity, craftsmanship, and rapid production capabilities. Offering everything from sleek minimalist tailoring to statement-making eveningwear, Turkish brands are increasingly present in global retail spaces, e-commerce platforms, and multi-brand boutiques. Backed by combining creative direction, premium craftmanship, high-quality fabrics, advanced manufacturing infrastructure, and competitive lead times, they can respond swiftly to shifting market demands – a capability highly valued by international buyers. For many retailers, sourcing in Türkiye also means reduced supply chain risks compared to distant manufacturing hubs, while benefitting from the country’s proximity to Europe and its customs union with the EU.  

With 125 exhibitors in this category alone, IFCO provides a concentrated view of the sector’s capabilities – from high-end designer pieces to large-scale production for global retail. Türkiye’s proximity to Europe, its customs union with the EU, and advanced logistics infrastructure allow for delivery times as short as 2–4 weeks to major European markets – a significant advantage over longer supply chains from Asia. Export destinations such as Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Gulf markets continue to show strong growth, with analysts forecasting double-digit annual increases supported by sustainable production investments, digitalisation, and global marketing initiatives. As one of the top brands İpekyol, one of Türkiye’s most influential womenswear brands and part of the Ayaydın-Miroglio Group, which also owns Twist and Machka, proudly marks its presence at IFCO. İpekyol operates over 240 stores domestically and internationally, with a retail presence spanning the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and select European fashion capitals. Known for its modern, feminine aesthetic and high-quality fabrics, İpekyol is a benchmark for Turkish womenswear’s – proving that Turkish brands can thrive in both domestic and international fashion markets. 

Menswear: Tradition Meets Modern Market Demands 
Türkiye is a powerhouse in menswear manufacturing, blending heritage tailoring skills with modern production efficiency. In 2024, Turkish menswear exports exceeded USD 3 billion, reflecting robust demand from Europe, North America, and the Middle East. The country’s menswear segment benefits from high quality-to-price ratio, attracting both luxury and mid-market buyers; agility in production, enabling rapid adaptation to emerging trends; expanding focus on sustainability, from organic fabrics to eco-friendly finishing techniques 

At IFCO, leading menswear brands such as DS Damat, Kiğılı, JAKAMEN and Sabri Özel, UCLA, NCS will present collections that merge refined tailoring with contemporary silhouettes. From premium business attire to casualwear with global appeal, Turkish menswear offers a breadth of choice that meets the needs of diverse retail formats. 

Kidswear: A Market on the Rise 
Türkiye’s kidswear industry is emerging as a high-potential segment, supported by strong domestic consumption and growing export demand. With 21 exhibitors at IFCO buyers will find collections that combine playful, fashionforward design with the stringent quality and safety standards required for children’s apparel. Key competitive advantages include fast fashion capability for kidswear, enabling seasonal refreshes multiple times a year; competitive small-batch production for niche and premium children’s brands; increasing eco-conscious offerings, including organic cotton and non-toxic dyes.  
Export growth is particularly strong in European markets, the Gulf region, and Russia, where Turkish kids wear is valued for its design appeal, comfort, and durability. 
 
IFCO Frame Program 
IFCO Trends 
The Trend Area in hall 8, curated by the Istanbul Moda Academy (IMA), will present forward-looking insights into colour palettes, silhouettes, and fabric innovations for upcoming seasons – framed within cultural and social narratives that help brands connect with consumers worldwide. Istanbul Fashion Connection Apparel and Fashion Fair – is curated by the expertise of Istanbul Moda Academy (IMA), offering visitors an inspiring perspective on the fashion codes of the upcoming season. This special space blends academic knowledge with industry vision, reflecting not only seasonal trends but also the evolving cultural and social dimensions of fashion. From next season’s color palettes and silhouettes to fabric innovations and design details, each theme is presented through a curated lens aligned with global trends. Powerful visual storytelling supports each concept, allowing visitors to experience the latest in fashion both aesthetically and conceptually. 

IFCO Shows 
IFCO Shows is set to capture the pulse of the fashion industry. With the participation of womenswear, menswear, and kidswear brands, this special event will present a dynamic and inspiring fashion showcase featuring the latest collections from leading labels. Drawing strong attention from fashion professionals, buyers, and influencers, the runway will highlight the standout trends of the season. Each collection, reflecting its own unique style language, will bring to life the diverse spirit of fashion through colors, silhouettes, fabrics, and creative details. Positioned as a key showcase of the fashion industry, IFCO Shows not only sets the direction for sector professionals with the latest trends but also contributes to Istanbul’s vision of becoming a global fashion capital. 

IFCO Seminar Program 
The three-day IFCO seminar program promises a compelling blend of trend insights, expert discussions, and cutting-edge industry perspectives. Opening with a keynote by Tatiana Aldrich, WGSN Client & Trend Consultant, attendees will explore the Autumn/Winter 26/27 macro trends, key colors, and standout pieces shaping both women’s and men’s fashion. Thought-provoking panels moderated by industry leaders such as Belma Özdemir and Sinan İz will dive deep into pivotal themes including Gen Z’s reshaping of fashion culture, the evolution of menswear with inclusive identities, and the urgent call for conscious luxury grounded in sustainability and circularity. Further sessions spotlight the transformative impact of digital technologies on fashion retail, with insights from experts Almila Bayraktaroğlu and Esra Bağdat on e-commerce trends and AI applications. A dedicated panel on the “Digital Transformation 

Roadmap for Ready-to-Wear” brings together influential voices from İTKİB, KOSGEB, and sustainability leaders, outlining the future of fashion commerce and innovation. Concluding the program, industry and academic experts collaborate to discuss design and creativity strategies for the future, emphasizing competitions and partnerships that will nurture emerging talent and drive the sector forward. 
This seminar series is designed to empower attendees with actionable knowledge, foster meaningful dialogue, and highlight the fashion industry’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and environmental responsibility.