IHKIB to stage new Istanbul show centred on Turkish fashion

By

Matthieu Guinebault

Translated by
Nicola Mira

Published
Jan 10, 2022

The association of Istanbul-based apparel exporters (IHKIB) will stage, jointly with Istanbul Fashion Connection (IFCO), a new trade show centred on Turkish fashion for men, women and children. The event is scheduled from February 9-12 2022, and will feature denim, lingerie, occasion and evening wear. Some 300 brands and producers will be exhibiting at the show, which will take place over a 30,000 m2 exhibition area at the Istanbul Expo Center.

IHKIB has indicated that this new event will be held twice a year. The dates of the second session are already set, from August 24 to 26 2022. The aim is to bring together under the same roof the entire range of Turkey’s apparel products, enabling local industry players to showcase their manufacturing capabilities to Turkish and foreign buyers, as well as bolstering the growing reputation of Turkish fashion designers on European markets.

The show will consist of a series of themed sections, from denim products to lingerie and occasion wear. Visitors will be able to browse the trends section and attend runway shows dedicated to specific products. Conferences and round-table debates are also on the programme, covering topics that include digital transformation, smart apparel, high-tech fabrics and sustainability.

“More and more European fashion brands are overhauling their sourcing strategies and looking for production sites that allow for rapid deliveries, in order to become independent of suppliers that pose logistical challenges,” said IHKIB, citing a study by McKinsey. “More than 70% of sourcing managers surveyed expect to increase their purchases from neighbouring countries by 2025. Near-shoring is becoming a key element, as supply chain speed and flexibility are turning into crucial competitive advantages.”

Turkey plays a central role in the sourcing strategy of European textile and apparel brands. In 2020, the country was the third largest supplier of garments to the EU, behind China and Bangladesh, exporting €9.48 billion worth of goods. Unlike other Mediterranean sourcing countries, such as Morocco and Tunisia, Turkey benefits from duty-free customs arrangements with the EU.