Awards Presented at the Wedding Dress Design Competition

Awards Presented at the 16th Wedding Dress Design Competition

As part of IF Wedding Fashion İzmir – the 19th Bridal Gown, Groom Suit and Evening Wear Fair, one of the most significant gatherings of the international fashion world, the awards of the 16th Wedding Dress Design Competition were presented to their winners during the final runway show.

Hosted by İzmir Metropolitan Municipality and organized by İZFAŞ in partnership with the Aegean Clothing Manufacturers Association (EGSD), IF Wedding Fashion İzmir took place between 20–22 January. Within the scope of the fair, the 16th Wedding Dress Design Competition was held with strong interest.

The competition aims to support young designers in taking their first steps into the industry while contributing to the international competitiveness of the sector through original designs. A total of 103 designers applied with 206 creations. Following the jury’s preliminary evaluation, 15 finalists showcased their designs on the runway during the final event held at Fuar İzmir B Hall Fashion Show Area.

Under the theme “Balance,” the finalist designs—bringing together tradition and modernity, aesthetics and functionality, elegance and simplicity—received great admiration from the audience.

Distinguished Attendance at the Award Ceremony

The award ceremony was attended by:

• İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Mayor Dr. Levent Yıldır,

• Öznur Tugay, spouse of İzmir Metropolitan Mayor Dr. Cemil Tugay,

• Aegean Exporters’ Associations Coordinator President Jak Eskinazi,

• Aegean Ready-to-Wear and Apparel Exporters’ Association President Burak Sertbaş,

• İzmir Chamber of Commerce Deputy Assembly Chairs Mehmet Tahir Özdemir and Nevzat Artkıy,

• Aegean Region Chamber of Industry Deputy Assembly Chair Işın Yılmaz,

• EGSD Chairman Yasin Akçakaya,

• Association Vice President Çağlar Bağcı,

• Fashion Center Association Chairman Erdoğan Kulu,

• İZFAŞ General Manager Tuğçe Cumalıoğlu,

along with NGO representatives, sector professionals, municipal officials, academics, and designers.

Who Received the Awards?

The first prize was awarded to Nihan Selin Paksoy, a graduate of Dokuz Eylül University, Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Fashion Design. Paksoy received 100,000 TL and also earned the right to present a Performance Fashion Show at IF Wedding Fashion İzmir 2027.

The second prize and 75,000 TL were awarded to Sevgi Aleyna Buzkıran, a student at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, Department of Textile and Fashion Design.

The third prize and 50,000 TL went to Seher Yılmaz, a graduate of the same department.

The winners received their awards from:

• İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Mayor Dr. Zafer Levent Yıldır,

• EGSD Chairman Yasin Akçakaya,

• and Burak Sertbaş, President of the Aegean Ready-to-Wear and Apparel Exporters’ Association.

Plaques of appreciation were presented to the İzmir Fashion Designers Association and sponsors Altier Academy and Rönesans Model Agency by İZFAŞ General Manager Tuğçe Cumalıoğlu and EGSD Chairman Yasin Akçakaya.

Yıldır: “İzmir Continues to Be the City of Production, Design and Creativity”

Speaking at the final night, Deputy Mayor Dr. Zafer Levent Yıldır emphasized that the Wedding Dress Design Competition has remained a strong starting point for young designers for many years:

“This competition is an important platform that considers design as a way of thinking, unites production and aesthetics, and creates a space where young people can express themselves. This year’s theme, ‘Balance,’ reflects the essence of both design and life. It shows us how tradition and innovation, dreams and reality, aesthetics and functionality can coexist in harmony.”

Yıldır also expressed confidence in young designers, stating:

“Many names who once walked this runway have gone on to establish strong brands in the industry. Some are now jury members, and many former contestants mentor today’s young talents. You, the designers competing today, may become the ones shaping the future of this sector.”

Akçakaya: “We Are Proud to Bring New Talents to Our Industry”

EGSD Chairman Yasin Akçakaya noted their pride in being a partner of IF Wedding Fashion İzmir since its first year:

“Today, IF Wedding Fashion İzmir has become one of the most distinguished fairs in Europe and worldwide, serving as a powerful platform where design, production, and trade in bridal, groom, and evening wear meet on a global scale.”

He also highlighted the competition’s contribution since 2010:

“The Wedding Dress Design Competition offers young designers a unique space to express themselves and provides qualified human resources to our industry. The performance fashion show awarded to the winner is a significant milestone in their branding journey. With its 16-year legacy, this competition has brought many valuable designers to our sector.”

Mentor Designers

Throughout the competition, finalists were mentored by members of the İzmir Fashion Designers Association, including Burak Çiçek, Çağrı Şengül, Dilek Yaldız, Done Özaki, Ezgi Mahir, Melek Özyenilmez, Meltem Aybar, Meriç Sefer, Nergis Şahan, Nükhet Gelen, Taner Tabaklı, Volkan Kerimoğlu, Yasemin Mızrak, Zeynep Olgun, and Zühre Balaban.

Jury of Leading Industry Experts

The jury, chaired by designer Övge Yıldızhan Subaşı, consisted of prominent experts, designers, stylists, academics, and sector representatives from leading institutions and universities.