In February, CWB attended the IFCO – Istanbul Fashion Connection trade fair in Turkey. Housed across eight halls of the Istanbul Expo Centre, IFCO covers all clothing sectors: kidswear, womenswear, menswear, denim, sportswear, evening and wedding fashion, lingerie and hosiery, leatherwear and accessories. February’s event saw the kids’ area double in size, with 40 exhibitors showcasing a wide variety of children’s fashion manufacturers and brands. Following IFCO’s renewed focus on the childrenswear sector, Fiona Coleman spotlights some of the exhibitors discovered at the show.
Ozmoz
As one of Turkey’s oldest organic and sustainable producers since 1994, Mrs Mukadder Ozden established Simurg Tasarim Company and has been manufacturing private-label products for men, women and children since 2005. In 2010, the company launched the Ozmoz brand (pictured above), catering for newborn up to age 12 years. Certified organic and utilising a high percentage of recycled fabrics along with other sustainable practices such as zero dye, Ozmoz is at the forefront of sustainable kidswear in Turkey, with the founders boasting over 40 years of experience in the textile industry. The Ozmoz Reborn products exemplify best practices for zero waste and minimal environmental impact. The company uses 90% less water and no dye in the production of its products in this line, which is crafted from recycled materials. Focusing on exports, it opened an office in Australia a year ago and has previously exhibited numerous times at CIFF Kids in Copenhagen. A recent and exciting product development is its Clean&Safe innovative baby clothing for newborns, patented in 2024 after five years of research. Made from 100% organic cotton, these items are pre-cleaned and ready for immediate use, designed specifically to protect sensitive skin, especially in premature infants. Unlike traditional clothing that can harbour harmful residues, Ozmoz Clean&Safe garments remain sterile and chemical-free due to a unique processing method. Strict procedures minimise chemicals while maintaining GOTS certification, and products are sewn in a sterile environment to ensure safety. Additionally, Clean&Safe uses food-grade, airtight packaging to prevent contamination, which can be resealed for safe storage after washing. Clean&Safe products are available as preemie or newborn hospital sets, various complementary sets, or individual items for babies up to 9-12 months. The carefully selected designs also promote babies’ mental development, with softer colours fostering a calm and peaceful mindset.
Contact: info@simurgtasarim.com / @ozmozkidswear.official
Hopfrög Kids
Since 2020, Hopfrög Kids has been crafting healthy, sustainable footwear for children. As part of the ERFE Group in Turkey, a shoe specialist with over 30 years of experience, it sells globally to more than 20 countries. The brand’s unique 3F (Feel, Fit & Flex) barefoot design ensures that tiny feet develop naturally, allowing for unrestricted movement and essential protection. Hopfrög Kids prioritises children’s health and the environment by using high quality, sustainable materials, alongside a commitment to innovation that incorporates cutting-edge technology for adaptability, comfort, durability and style. The range includes pre-walker booties and school-age shoes designed to support natural foot development. In 2025, the brand will launch its adaptive footwear line, enabling all children to explore confidently, regardless of their needs. This dedication to inclusivity was honoured when Hopfrög Kids won first place in the Maternity & Kids Fashion category at the Kind + Jugend Innovation Awards 2024 for its KidzQuaRd shoe, which features a QR code for child safety. Hopfrög Kids has expanded across Europe and the USA, reaching families who value sustainable, barefoot-friendly footwear. “Our journey is just beginning, as we seek new distribution partners, especially in the UK, to bring our award-winning designs to more children.”
Contact: info@hopfrogkids.com.tr / @hopfrogkids
Hilal Akinci
Founded in 2003 in Istanbul’s Merter district, the company began as a 30 m² wholesale store. It has since evolved into a leading Turkish producer of children’s fashion, rebranding to Hilal Akinci Kids in 2010. Now operating from a 400 m² retail space and a 1,000 m² facility, it manages design, production, logistics and wholesale for domestic and international markets, exporting to approximately 60 countries across Asia, the Middle East, Russia, the USA, Africa, Europe and Sweden. The brand is also keen to expand into the UK. In addition to manufacturing, Hilal Akinci provides a private label service that includes men’s, women’s and kids’ clothing, with children’s items accounting for 70% of the business. Hilal Akinci manufactures for girls and boys aged 2-16 years, with girls representing the majority of sales. The company excels in seasonal collections, particularly occasionwear and knitwear, using high-quality fabrics inspired by European design. Hilal Akinci keeps its products in stock, ensuring customer demand is met. Having exhibited at IFCO since the trade show’s launch, the company is enthusiastic about the expansion of the event’s kids’ area, which aims to create a destination to attract European buyers in the next edition.
Contact: hilalakinci@hilalakinci.com / @hilal_akinci
Atelier Des Reves
Atelier Des Reves was established in 2017, and since 2020, it has created seasonal collections of casualwear, occasionwear, outerwear and partywear for babies and kids. With Oekotex and BCI-certified production in Turkey, and most fabrics sourced locally, it sells online to boutiques in Turkey, Ireland, the Netherlands and the Middle East. Currently, the brand is looking to expand further into Europe and the USA, having previously exhibited at Playtime Paris and potentially at Playtime New York in the coming seasons. February marked the third time Atelier Des Reves has exhibited at IFCO, and it received a lot of interest from international buyers. The brand’s baby clothing encompasses a wide array of garments designed specifically for infants and toddlers, including one-piece outfits that snap or button at the crotch for easy access during nappy changes. Clothing sets feature various thoughtful details, including adjustable straps. A speciality of the brand is its luxury special occasion outfits, which are perfect for flower girls, weddings, confirmations, first communions, Eid and birthdays. Expect classic silhouettes showcasing a creative mix of prints and colours, with careful attention to trim details.
Contact: contact@atelierdesreves.com.tr / @atelierdesreves_official
BabyCosy Organic
Launched with a 300 m² retail store in 2012, the company’s founder continues to offer certified organic and modal fabric baby clothes globally under the BabyCosy brand, represented by Babeks Textile, Industry and Trade Limited Company. With a branch office in Australia and a showroom in Merter, Istanbul, the company exports 85% of its production, predominantly to Russia, Kazakhstan and various European countries. It also conducts contract manufacturing for brands both in Turkey and internationally. All products are made from 100% organic cotton sourced from the Aegean region of western Turkey, where it is known for its sturdiness, durability and breathability. Its modal organic collection consists of 50% modal fabric and 50% organic cotton. Thanks to the breathable texture of modal fabric, especially in warm weather, it is suitable for use up to 12 months. The company aims to be an accessible brand for customers worldwide by fulfilling the requirements for organic certification, including fabric, product tags, prints, interior labels and packaging, whilst also introducing monthly product and colour updates.
Contact: info@babyd.uk / @babycosyorganic
BBX
Specialising in private label production for babies and kids, BBX collaborates with its customers’ designs and has been doing this under the BBX label for eight years; however, the company boasts considerably more experience, having been established in 1965 in Bursa, Turkey. It concentrates exclusively on the childrenswear market, using only natural GOTS-certified Turkish fabrics for newborns, babies, boys and girls. With two modern factories, BBX is committed to excellence and perfection at every manufacturing stage, from fabric to delivery; the design team continuously updates styles and prints to keep pace with current trends. BBX exports its products to 24 countries including Italy, Spain, Greece and Russia. Having previously exhibited at the FIMI trade show in Valencia, the company supplies several retail stores in the UK and throughout Europe. It is keen to expand further in these markets.
Contact: elif@bbx.com.tr / @bbx_exclusive
The next edition of IFCO – Istanbul Fashion Connection takes place on 20-22 August 2025. For further information, please click here.