Applications have opened for the 15th Bridal Gown Design Competition, held within the scope of IF Wedding Fashion İzmir – Bridal, Groom and Evening Wear Fair. Organized this year under the theme “Return to the Roots,” the competition previously attracted 84 designers with 243 designs last year. Applications will remain open until September 13 at 5:00 PM.
One of Europe’s largest fashion fairs, IF Wedding Fashion İzmir – Bridal, Groom and Evening Wear Fair, held in İzmir the capital of fashion and bridal wear will open its doors for the 18th time between November 19–22, 2024, hosted by İzmir Metropolitan Municipality and organized by İZFAŞ in partnership with the Aegean Clothing Manufacturers Association (EGSD). Taking place at fuarizmir, IF Wedding Fashion İzmir will once again introduce new designers to the sector through the 15th Bridal Gown Design Competition, as it has in previous years.
Aiming to strengthen the industry with innovative designs and reveal original creations capable of shaping fashion and trends in international markets, the competition joined last year by 84 designers with 243 designs will once again bring young designers together with industry professionals.
Held under the theme “Return to the Roots,” the competition offers young designers the opportunity to explore cultural heritage and traditions passed down through generations, while reinterpreting these elements with modern touches. Designers will bring together the values of the past with today’s trends by blending traditional styles with contemporary fashion. The finalists will showcase innovative designs that reflect tradition while presenting a bold and modern fashion approach.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and not older than 35 by the award ceremony date. Candidates must be students or graduates of at least two-year fashion design programs at faculties of fine arts, fashion design departments, vocational schools of fashion and textile design, stage design and applied sciences schools, or maturation institutes; or hold a certificate from Ministry of National Education approved fashion design courses.
Competitors can find detailed application requirements and all relevant information at www.gelinliktasarimyarismasi.com.tr. Applications will continue until September 13, 2024, at 5:00 PM, and the pre-selection will take place on September 27. Following the announcement of the semi-finalists, designers who advance to the finals will have the opportunity to produce their bridal gowns together with industry expert mentors. Young talents will present their designs to professionals during the opening ceremony fashion show on November 19, when the competition awards will also be announced.
Designers who place in the competition will not only take confident steps into the sector but will also receive special prizes. The first-place designer will receive TRY 75,000 and earn the right to stage a Performance Fashion Show at IF Wedding Fashion İzmir 2025. The second-place designer will be awarded TRY 50,000, while the third-place designer will receive TRY 25,000. The IF Wedding Fashion İzmir runway will also host the Performance Fashion Show of Sercan İzci, winner of last year’s Bridal Gown Design Competition.