The 8th edition of the Istanbul Fashion Connection (IFCO), held from August 20–22, 2025 at the Istanbul Expo Centre, reinforced its role as a global fashion hub, drawing 18,814 visitors from 114 countries, with international attendance rising 23% compared to 2024. The fair hosted 270+ exhibitors across 25,000 sqm, showcasing womenswear, menswear, kidswear, denim, leather, accessories, and homewear.
High-profile buyers including ASOS, Zalando, Twinset, Everlane, Coach, and Landmark Group participated, underlining IFCO’s growing influence in international sourcing. More than 400 targeted B2B meetings connected 30 Turkish companies with 76 global buying groups, leading to concrete orders and long-term collaborations.
TheCore Istanbul spotlighted 24 of Türkiye’s leading designers, with a new cubist-inspired stand design earning international acclaim. Established names such as Arzu Kaprol, Mehtap Elaidi, and Sudi Etuz joined rising talents like Belma Özdemir and Gökhan Yavaş, positioning Turkish creativity on the global stage.
Dedicated areas such as IFCO Brands and IFCO Kids offered a platform for leading labels and children’s fashion, while supporting programmes like the IMA Trend Area (SS27 BE:COMING) and expert panels on AI, sustainability, and digital transformation enriched the fair’s forward-looking agenda.
Industry leaders praised IFCO’s role in driving growth. Mustafa Pasahan, Vice President of IHKIB, noted: “In just four years, IFCO has firmly positioned Istanbul as a dynamic hub on the global fashion calendar.” Mustafa Gültepe, President of TIM and IHKIB, added that Türkiye’s 3.2% share of global apparel exports and its position as the EU’s third-largest supplier underline the country’s strategic importance.
With its blend of creativity, commerce, and innovation, IFCO 2025 confirmed itself not only as a showcase for Turkish fashion but as a deal-making platform shaping the future of global trade.
