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The 12th edition of the IF Wedding Fashion Show that took place at Fuar Izmir in Turkey conculded on 19 January 2018 on a high note, reaffirming to the world Turkey's leading position as a serious fashion designer and producer. The show brought together nearly 8,000 buyers from 81 countries to view the latest collections in wedding dresses, suits and evening wear.
Hundreds of national and international suppliers flew from countries such as China, France, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Spain, Kuwait, Lebanon, Russia and the United States, as well as, numerous Turkish provinces to exhibit at the show. In addition, renowned models from around the world participated in the catwalks.
The pinnacle of the four days was the main catwalk, organized by last year’s winner, Amor Gariboviç. On the second day, Gariboviç’s demonstrated why she won with a 38-piece collection of wedding dresses and suits called Perla, whilst some of the most prominent models in Turkey, Cağla Şikel, Özge Ulusoyand Irmak Atuk, had their moment on the catwalk.
Maryna Linchuk, one of Victoria’s Secret Angels, was one of the great attractions at the event. She paraded the catwalk as part of the “AlfaBetaSS 18 Couture”. Directed by Özner Evez, the show featured 40 exclusive evening dresses for all occasions. With models such as Ayşe Hatun Ünal, Merve Büyüksaraç, Tuba Melis Türk and Ece Begüm Yücetan showcasing some of the most inspiring garments.
The International Area, was one of the best aspects of the event, having been launched for the first time this year. In the International Area, world-wide participants were able to attend talks designed to encourage the making of international connections with other members of the sector, as well as, to establish collaborations with suppliers from other countries.
The 9th Bridal Dress Design Contest, composed of senior executives and experts in the field, gave new, talented fashion designers the chance for their work to be recognised. 363 inspiring designs were entered into the contest under this year’s “Party” theme, and Kansu Sarıkan, from Mimar Sinan University, won the first prize.
The fair is organized by Izmir Fair Services, Cultural and Art Affairs (İZFAŞ), İzmir Metropolitan Municipality and has partners such as the Aegean Clothing Manufacturers Association, adding more prestige to an event that triumphs each year.
On the occasion of this great feat, the President of the Executive Board of the Chamber of Commerce of Izmir, Ekrem Demirtas, praised the mayor of the city, Aziz Kocaoğlu, who always supports the fashion industry in his city and who has contributed to the growth of the fair: “He grew the IF Wedding fair area from 4,ooo square meters to 25,000 square meters. The fair of wedding dresses, suits and evening dresses has become one of the most important events in the world. We continue to improve our satisfaction as more and more foreign buyers come to visit us.“
Mayor Aziz Kocaoğlu himself praised the IF Wedding Fashion, which started as a small event and has climbed to the top of the sector. “12 or 13 years ago, when we started the wedding dress fair with the Aegean Clothing Manufacturers Association, there was not even a total of 5 bridal gowns on the first floor.” He added: “Now Izmir is full of wedding dress shops with showcases full of these dresses, evening pieces, suits, workshops and vendors.“
The General Director of Exports of the Ministry of Economy, Özgür Volkan Ağar, also praised the fair and its privileged position within the field of weddings: “Our bridal dress producers continue to evolve. In 2017, exports of wedding dresses in the region reached 670 million dollars, along with evening dresses and suits, this figure is expected to reach one billion dollars."
Arabia Weddings was one of the main Media Partners of the event.