The ninth edition of IFCO – Istanbul Fashion Connection on 4-7 February once again demonstrated the strength, diversity, and international relevance of the Turkish apparel industry. Offering around 450 exhibitors across six halls at the Istanbul Expo Centre, the event attracted 29,746 visitors from over 134 countries.

This season also saw the show’s childrenswear zone, IFCO Kids, further strengthen its profile as a dedicated platform for baby and children’s apparel. Brands including Incity, Katamino, Loco Loco Kids, and Escabel Kids reported strong interest from international buyers, particularly for collections focusing on sustainability, natural materials, and functional design.

With a structured B2B meeting programme actively connected participants across all key product segments – from womenswear, menswear and kidswear to eveningwear, lingerie, denim, shoes, accessories and homewear – IFCO delivered strong international participation and a clearly business-driven profile. Trade visitors originated from countries including Algeria, France, Germany, Kazakistan, Kirgizistan, Lebanon, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, the UK, the USA, and the United Arab Emirates.

 

 

Despite ongoing global economic and geopolitical challenges, the Turkish apparel industry continued to demonstrate resilience and strategic importance in 2025.

Türkiye’s apparel and textile exports reached USD 26.2 billion, with apparel accounting for USD 16.8 billion and remaining the country’s fourth-largest export sector. Amid a year-on-year decline, Türkiye maintained its position as the world’s seventh-largest apparel exporter and the EU’s third-largest supplier, with 60.6% of apparel exports directed to the European market.

Commenting is Mustafa Paşahan, President of IFCO and Vice Chairman of the Istanbul Apparel Exporters’ Association (IHKIB). “The global apparel industry is undergoing a period of transformation shaped by evolving market dynamics and changing demand patterns. Within this landscape, the Turkish apparel industry stands out with its strong design capabilities and solid production infrastructure.

“Well-positioned to respond to these dynamics, the industry continues to move forward with confidence and adaptability. IFCO reflects this strength by bringing together creativity, production expertise, and international business, demonstrating that the Turkish apparel industry is not only adapting to current conditions but actively shaping its future.”

 

 

Trends, knowledge, and added value

In cooperation with the Istanbul Fashion Academy (IMA), IFCO’s seminar and trend programme provided forward-looking insights into the coming seasons alongside sustainable growth strategies, digital transformation, and the application of AI in the fashion industry.

Sessions focused on innovation in ready-to-wear production and access to export financing, as well as the strategic challenges of international markets. By combining creative insight with economic, technological, and sustainability perspectives, the seminar programme offered international trade visitors concrete orientation, forward-looking analysis, and practical impulses for navigating an increasingly complex global fashion ecosystem.

Meanwhile, the E2B Programme (Experts to Business), a new format at IFCO, provided a comprehensive, practice-oriented seminar agenda focused on the key drivers of international fashion trade. Industry leaders, public-sector representatives, and digital experts addressed topics ranging from export financing and incentive mechanisms to B2B marketing, AI, and digital transformation.

The IMA (İstanbul Moda Akademisi) Trend Area presented a curated space for reflection and recalibration. Translating the season’s focus on balance, clarity and conscious design into a tangible experience, the Trend Area highlighted calm colour stories, tactile materials, and refined forms that respond to today’s accelerated world.

IFCO – Istanbul Fashion Connection and IFCO Kids return on 19-21 August 2026. To learn more, please click here.