IFCO Kids presents strong childrenswear showcase

The eighth edition of IFCO Istanbul Fashion Connection on 20-22 August once again highlighted the strength and diversity of Türkiye’s fashion industry, with exhibitors from all key segments expressing optimism about the fair’s growing international relevance.

Divided into clear product areas with a total of 25.000 sq. m of exhibition space, brands and manufacturers presented the latest collections from the areas of kidswear, womenswear, menswear, denim, accessories and homewear. Almost 20,000 visitors attended, with strong international participation.

Commenting is Mustafa Pasahan, vice president of the Istanbul Apparel Exporters’ Association (IHKIB)

“In just four years, IFCO has become a true success story in the international fashion industry. Since its launch in 2022, the fair has hosted nearly 3,000 exhibitors and welcomed 195,000 professional visitors from 165 countries across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia and beyond – firmly positioning Istanbul as a dynamic hub on the global fashion calendar. The 29% increase in international visitors at our eighth edition of IFCO compared to August 2024 underlines the worldwide importance of our platform.”

Kidswear – A rising export strength

Kidswear exhibitors praised the strong international buyer interest at IFCO. Lovetti, exhibiting at IFCO for the first time, was particularly successful. “Having all children’s brands together is valuable,” says Hakan Aslangiri. “We connected with buyers from Arab countries, Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the US – and already received orders during the fair.”

Cemix also reported a strong performance. “A special hall for kidswear is very important,” notes Engin Özdemir. “This year’s edition surpassed last season, with stronger participants and visitors. IFCO is a growing attraction for international buyers.”

From established market leaders to emerging labels, exhibitors across all segments praised IFCO’s role as a driver of business, innovation and international exposure. With dedicated halls, including kidswear, as well as TheCore Istanbul as a creative hub, IFCO continues to expand its reputation as an influential fashion platform bridging Türkiye and the global market.

International visitor growth and networking opportunities

With 18,814 visitors, the eighth edition of IFCO recorded a 43% share of international visitors – a 29% increase compared to last August. A central driver of this success was the B2B meetings, designed to connect Turkish manufacturers with global buyers. Over 400 targeted meetings took place, bringing together 30 Turkish companies with 76 international buying groups.

Many of these encounters went beyond networking: they paved the way for concrete sourcing agreements, new collaborations and long-term partnerships, underscoring IFCO’s role as a catalyst for international business growth.

IFCO Expo Programme

A key highlight of IFCO was the comprehensive seminar programme, which offered participants valuable insights into current market trends, innovations and prospects in the fashion industry. Experts presented practical analyses on topics such as ecommerce developments and applications of AI. The programme was complemented by panels on creative strategies, sustainable product development, and cooperation between industry and academic institutions.

Meanwhile, a panel discussion on the digital transformation roadmap for clothing discussed practical strategies and prospects for the digital development of the industry. Fashion shows on the first and second fair days rounded off the programme.

Mustafa Gültepe, president of the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM) and IHKIB, concludes

“In recent years, the Turkish fashion industry has proven its strategic significance despite global and economic challenges. With a 3.2% share of worldwide apparel exports, and as the EU’s third-largest supplier, it remains a driver of growth and innovation. Today, we are setting new standards through high product quality, strong design, digitalisation and consistent sustainability measures – from recycling and CO₂ reduction to social compliance.

“IFCO represents a key milestone in this journey, demonstrating how we are leveraging transformation to establish Istanbul as one of the leading international fashion hubs of the future.”

The next edition of IFCO Istanbul Fashion Connection will take place on 4-7 February 2026.