Despite the swirling clouds of global macroeconomic volatility and a dampened trade climate, the Turkish textile and garment industry has once again demonstrated its remarkable resilience. The ninth edition of the Istanbul Fashion Connection (IFCO), Turkey’s flagship biannual fashion fair, concluded on February 7, 2026, on a decidedly positive note. Spanning four days at the Istanbul Expo Center, the event served as a high-profile stage for approximately 450 Turkish brands to unveil their latest collections, proving that Turkish creativity remains undeterred by external pressures.
While total attendance dipped by 12 percent year-on-year to 29,746 visitors, the fair’s international appeal remained robust. International attendees represented 38.2 percent of the total, hailing from 134 different countries. Buyers from the Middle East led the pack, accounting for nearly 40 percent of visitors, followed by strong representation from Europe (27.4 percent) and Asia (18.9 percent). The presence of heavyweights like Perry Ellis Europe, Paul Smith, and U.S.-based MGM Hosiery LLC signaled that Turkey remains a critical destination for global fashion sourcing.
Mustafa Gültepe, President of the Turkey Exporters Assembly (TIM) and Chairman of the Istanbul Apparel Exporter Association (IHKIB), emphasized that the fair is a testament to the sector's strategic positioning. “IFCO demonstrates that Turkey’s apparel industry is ready for the future: resilient, design-driven, and strategically positioned to deliver sustainable value to global markets, even in challenging times,” Gültepe stated. This resilience is particularly notable given that Turkish apparel exports faced a 6.3 percent decline in 2025, yet the sector maintained its status as the country’s fourth-largest exporting industry.
A key highlight of the event was its focus on transformation and high-end design. Mustafa Paşahan, President of IFCO, noted that the industry stands out for its solid production infrastructure and agility. "The industry is not only adapting to current conditions but actively shaping its future," Paşahan remarked. This forward-looking approach was visible in "The Core Istanbul" area, which showcased 22 premier designers—including Özlem Süer and Mehtap Elaidi—within an innovative AI-generated landscape designed to mimic ice and snow.
To broaden its reach, the February edition also integrated the Linexpo showcase, bringing lingerie, swimwear, and loungewear into the fold. By offering such a comprehensive range, Turkey is reinforcing its position as a vital partner for European markets, which currently absorb over 60 percent of the nation’s apparel exports. Ultimately, the success of IFCO amid a global slowdown sends a clear message: Istanbul remains a strategic bridge and a hub of innovation for the ever-evolving global fashion supply chain.
