The 8th edition of IFCO demonstrated the strength and diversity of the Turkish fashion industry. On a total exhibition space of 25,000 square meters, brands and manufacturers showcased their latest collections in women’s, men’s, and children’s fashion, denim, accessories, and homewear. Nearly 20,000 trade visitors attended, with 43% international visitors, a 23% increase compared to August 2024.
A key success factor was the more than 400 B2B meetings that brought together 30 Turkish companies with 76 international buying groups. Many of these meetings went beyond networking and resulted in concrete procurement agreements, new collaborations, and long-term partnerships.
——————
“In just four years, IFCO has become a true success story in the international fashion industry. Since its launch in 2022, the fair has hosted nearly 3,000 exhibitors and welcomed 195,000 trade visitors from 165 countries across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia, and other regions, firmly establishing Istanbul as a dynamic hub on the global fashion calendar. The 23% increase in international visitor numbers at our 8th edition compared to August 2024 highlights the global importance of our platform.” Mustafa Pasahan, Vice President of IHKIB
——————
TheCore Istanbul once again served as the creative highlight of IFCO, bringing together 24 of Turkey’s most influential designers. Cubist elements in earthy natural tones and materials created a modern yet organic atmosphere, enhancing the experience and underlining the premium positioning of Turkish design. The stage featured internationally celebrated names such as Arzu Kaprol, Mehtap Elaidi, Hatice Gökçe, Meltem Özbek, Özlem Süer, and Sudi Etuz by Şansım Adalı, all of whom garner attention from Paris Fashion Week to high-end concept stores and international trade fairs. The line-up was complemented by a new generation of creative talents
The IMA Trend Area combined academic insight with industry vision, reflecting not only seasonal trends but also broader cultural and social developments.
Under the guiding theme BE:COMING, the space explored a state of constant transformation, in a world shaped by speed, visibility, and digitalization. Instead of fixed identities, the focus was on openness and fluidity: fashion became a medium for change, intuition, and emotional self-determination. Organic silhouettes met technological textures, digital details merged with real materials. Lightweight fabrics, transparency, and delicacy revealed vulnerability not as weakness, but as a new form of strength.
The concept unfolded in four thematic directions:
–INTUMOTION: Intuitive movement with fluid cuts and second-skin materials such as bamboo jersey and breathable knit fabrics.
–ETHERLOOK: Craftsmanship and ritual, featuring handwoven cotton fabrics, natural dyes, and symbolic embroidery in sun-bleached hues.
–FANTASMIC: Opulent imagination with baroque volumes, antique brocades, velvet, and pearl details in tones ranging from antique ivory to oxidized gold.
–SUBCORE: A subtle techno aesthetic with thermochromic fabrics, memory yarns, and muted tones like slate gray and archival blue.
The next edition of IFCO – Istanbul Fashion Connection will take place February 4–7, 2026