While economic uncertainty and supply chain disruptions continue to rock the global fashion industry, one event is standing firm: the Istanbul Fashion Connection (IFCO) trade show. Despite the challenges, IFCO's 9th edition managed to attract over 29,000 visitors from 134 countries, cementing Istanbul's status as a strategic hub for international fashion business.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
The IFCO show, which took place in February 2026, featured around 450 exhibitors across six halls, showcasing the breadth and diversity of Turkey's apparel industry. What this really means is that Turkey's fashion players are doubling down on their strengths - design capabilities, manufacturing prowess, and global market access - to weather the current storm.
As WWD reports, the show saw a significant boost in international attendance, with buyers from the Asia-Pacific and Middle East markets each representing 31.1% of sales. The bigger picture here is that Turkey is leveraging its strategic location and well-established trade relationships to position itself as a go-to sourcing hub, even as other major fashion capitals grapple with volatility.
Confidence in the Face of Change
Mustafa Gültepe, President of the Turkish Exporters' Assembly (TİM) and Chairman of the Istanbul Apparel Exporters' Association (İHKİB), struck an optimistic tone, stating that "IFCO demonstrates that Türkiye'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."
This sentiment was echoed by exhibitors, who reported strong buyer interest and productive order discussions despite the global headwinds. As Just Style noted, the next two to five years will be critical for Turkish fashion, as brands balance cost pressures, sustainability demands, and shifting global demand.
In a world where fashion supply chains are in flux and consumer preferences are in flux, Istanbul's resilience and strategic positioning make it a bright spot for an industry seeking stability and growth. As the Just Style report concluded, "IFCO 2026: Full halls, sober conversations" - a testament to the industry's ability to press on, even in the face of global volatility.