A total of 4,525 visitors, representing 36 percent of attendance, came from international markets. The Middle East accounted for the largest share at 42.9 percent, followed by Europe with 21.4 percent, Asia with 19.8 percent and North Africa with 10.6 percent. Russia, Syria, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Jordan, Palestine, Iran, Tunisia, Algeria, Kyrgyzstan, Romania, Libya and the United Arab Emirates were among the strongly represented markets.

“Over the past four years, IFCO has made significant progress and established itself as an international platform for the Turkish fashion industry,” said Mustafa Paşahan, President of İHKİB. “It brings together design and production expertise, connects brands with buyers, and turns creative vision into business opportunities.”

Mustafa Gültepe, President of the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM), also underlined IFCO’s role in creating new business connections and export opportunities, describing the fair as an important part of efforts to strengthen Türkiye’s position in global fashion.

International business remains in focus

The Hosted Buyer Programme and structured B₂B meetings brought exhibitors together with international buyers, retailers, department stores, online platforms and distributors. According to the organisers, numerous meetings resulted in follow-ups, sample requests and order negotiations.

Exhibitors also reported positive results. Emre Ayan, Design Director of Jakamen, said the company had established valuable connections, particularly with buyers from Central Asia. Carmen owner Adnan Canpolat highlighted continued development in the buyer profile and strong interest in eveningwear.

Other exhibitors echoed this assessment. Barış Köseliören of FIMKA reported new customers from markets including Canada and Australia in addition to visitors from the Middle East and Africa. Murat Atalan of Ceremony Tekstil said the company had received orders during the fair and had made new contacts, particularly with buyers from Middle Eastern countries.

At the same time, several exhibitors pointed to the challenging global market environment and the need to further increase the number of qualified international buyers. Yasemin Sarpkaya of Mimya described IFCO as an important opportunity for the sector but said further improvements in buyer quality, exhibitor preparation and organisation could strengthen its international profile.

Turkish design and key product segments

With THE CORE, IFCO placed greater emphasis on the creative side of the Turkish fashion industry. The curated platform brought together contemporary Turkish designers and labels across tailoring, womenswear, menswear, streetwear and experimental design.

Denim, one of Türkiye’s internationally established manufacturing strengths, was presented in a dedicated area. Manufacturers including Catch, Koza Denim and 2Ypremium showcased collections alongside washing and finishing technologies and more sustainable production solutions.

Mustafa Emrah Uykız of Koza Denim said the company had met buyers from Germany, Poland and Russia and described IFCO as a platform that encourages participating companies to continuously develop new models and collections.

Menswear was also given greater visibility through a redesigned exhibition concept. Companies including Kiğılı, Jakamen, NCS, İmza, Kadir Büyükkaya and Terzi Adem represented categories ranging from classic tailoring and knitwear to smart casual and sportswear.

LINEXPO returned under the IFCO umbrella in Hall 8, with exhibitors from lingerie, hosiery, swimwear, seamless technologies, loungewear and accessories. Ümit Taş, Sales Manager at Artış Collection, said the integration added value for both visitors and exhibitors.

Trends, sustainability and technology

The Trend Area curated by the Istanbul Fashion Academy presented the Autumn/Winter 2027/28 concept RESONATE. Four trend worlds – ATTUNE, ECHOFORM, SYNC MODE and PULSE PLAY – addressed developments around balance, heritage, flexible lifestyles, functionality and expressive design.

The accompanying seminar and conference programme focused on sustainability, digitalisation and artificial intelligence. Topics included the European Green Deal, the Digital Product Passport, traceability, certification, resource-efficient manufacturing and the growing role of AI in design, production, marketing and international business models.

Fashion shows featuring brands including FIMKA, Terzi Adem Altun and Quesste Maxra complemented the programme.

Sourceist to launch in February 2027

During the August edition, İHKİB also announced Sourceist, a new sourcing format scheduled for 4–5 February 2027. The event will bring international brands and buying groups together with high-capacity Turkish manufacturers, with curated contacts and targeted B₂B matchmaking at the centre of the concept.

IFCO is also adjusting its schedule from 2027. The second edition of the year will move from August to September in order to align more closely with international sourcing and buying calendars.

The next IFCO editions are scheduled for 3–6 February 2027 and 8–11 September 2027.