IF Wedding Fashion İzmir made a magnificent start to the new year with the Final Fashion Show of the 11th Bridal Gown Design Competition. Held under the theme “Next Generation Effect,” the finalists presented their theme-inspired designs to all fair participants. Evaluated by the jury as the most meticulous and creative works produced to date, the designs also received full marks from industry professionals.
Organized by İZFAŞ with the partnership of the Aegean Clothing Manufacturers Association (EGSD) and hosted by İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, IF Wedding Fashion İzmir opened its doors to the world for the 14th time with a grand ceremony. Continuing its mission as a platform where young talents are discovered, IF Wedding Fashion İzmir once again highlighted innovative design this year. In the 11th International Bridal Gown Design Competition, where 350 designs created by 125 designers competed intensely, the 12,500 TRY first prize was awarded to Zehra Zayrek from Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University in Istanbul.
Zayrek stood out with her bridal gown titled “Aqua,” designed to represent the waste mass in the middle of the Pacific Ocean popularly known as the “Seventh Continent.” By cutting transparent plastic bottles into floral patterns and melting their edges onto tulle fabric, she incorporated the athleisure fashion trend—combining elegant pieces with sporty elements—along with retro influences. Transforming the traditionally classic bridal gown into a form suitable for the new generation, Zayrek’s design was met with a standing ovation from industry professionals and fashion designers for both its message and materials.
Inspired by the “Seventh Continent,” a plastic waste mass covering 4 million square kilometers and weighing 7 million tons, known as the largest waste accumulation on the planet, Zehra Zayrek explained her creative process:
“After the applications were announced, we were asked to create a collection. At the same time, the 16th Istanbul Biennial was being held under the main theme ‘The Seventh Continent.’ That’s when I saw the real scenario. Scientists refer to the plastic waste accumulating in the oceans as the ‘Seventh Continent.’ It is continent-sized, and microorganisms have even begun to live there. While thinking about what kind of impact we, as the new generation, could create, this topic really caught my attention. We are a generation that cares about the planet we live on. I wanted to show how we can recycle the waste we create ourselves. I used entirely plastic as a texture and wanted it to come specifically from PET bottles. During this process, I spent about two months collecting the plastic bottles I personally used. Everyone who sees the design—including the jury—says the texture doesn’t look like plastic. That, to me, is a great success. My goal in entering the competition was to see what I could do. Participating for the first time and winning an award became a major design journey for me.”
Izabela Janachowska, a Polish television host and fashion editor who served as a jury member, said:
“I was very impressed by how large the fair hosting this competition is. I will explore it in full over the coming days, but even the opening was striking. The competition theme was incredible. Young designers have tremendous potential. In design competitions, creations can sometimes focus too heavily on trends and become impractical, but all the finalists’ designs here were very wearable. They have wonderful ideas and are highly sensitive to current global issues. The winning design conveyed a message about caring for our planet and environment—an extremely important topic today. There are so many negative things happening around the world that push you to think about taking action. You can link fashion with environmental issues, but reflecting this idea through bridal fashion is truly extraordinary.”
Jury member and fashion designer Hatice Gökçe commented:
“Bridal design is actually a very challenging theme for a competition, but I see that the students handled it extremely well. The harmony between patterns and materials was presented very effectively. The use of technology was also impactful. Of course, more material research is always needed. Having this as a nationwide competition is very meaningful, especially since İzmir is a pioneering city in this field. I believe that when economic value meets design here, it will reach a completely different level. This competition is valuable in that sense—it moves beyond the classical approach and encourages deeper thinking. Bringing such a traditional subject together with new-generation designers is truly meaningful.”
Prof. Ender Bulgun, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design at İzmir University of Economics, emphasized that the next-generation effect will be vital for the industry’s future:
“Tailoring has become more professional, and participants now act with greater awareness. The theme was excellent. Fashion from now on will be shaped by the new generation, bringing different perspectives. There were many works focusing on sustainability, recycling, and reusing waste materials. A very timely topic was chosen this year. The bridal sector especially needs fresh and contemporary ideas. I believe that young people’s ideas and tastes will define the future of the sector and increase our country’s brand value.”
In the competition, Ece Dörtköşe won second place with a prize of 10,000 TRY, while Betül Tezcan placed third, receiving 7,500 TRY. The designs of the 15 finalists who earned the right to participate in the final fashion show will be exhibited throughout the fair in the Designers Area located in Hall A.