The tenth edition of the Istanbul Fashion Connection (IFCO) concluded at the Istanbul Expo Center, drawing 12,550 trade professionals from 117 countries. International buyers comprised 36 per cent of total participation, underlining Türkiye's aggressive push to position its domestic apparel manufacturing infrastructure at the center of European and Middle Eastern supply chains. Exhibitors spanning womenswear, denim, and technical textiles engaged in structured commercial negotiations, capitalizing on proximity and rapid lead times to capture market share from competing sourcing regions.

Structuring future B2B frameworks

Organizers are capitalizing on this momentum by introducing Sourceist, a targeted sourcing platform debuting in February 2027, alongside a permanent shift to September scheduling to align with international buying calendars. Global retailers are demanding greater supply chain transparency and agile manufacturing channels, which our localized ecosystem delivers seamlessly, stated an İHKİB representative. Exhibitors reported robust order intakes, particularly across specialized denim and sustainable finishing sectors, reinforcing the country's transition toward high-value apparel production.

Operated under the Istanbul Apparel Exporters’ Association (İHKİB), IFCO connects Turkish textile manufacturers with international retail buyers. Focused primarily on ready-to-wear, denim, and accessories, the exhibition network drives export expansion, technological modernization, and sustainable manufacturing practices across Türkiye's vibrant fashion sector.