One of Europe’s largest fashion fairs, IF Wedding Fashion İzmir, is preparing to bring together the bridal, groom and evening wear sectors in İzmir in its 19th year. Taking place at Fuar İzmir between 20–22 January 2026, the fair stands out with its comprehensive content that brings together production, trade, design and fashion within the same schedule.
Hosted by İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, organized by İZFAŞ in cooperation with the Aegean Clothing Manufacturers Association, IF Wedding Fashion İzmir – 19th Bridal, Groom and Evening Wear Fair will offer an intensive three-day program ranging from business meetings and fashion shows to design competitions and sectoral gatherings. The fair is expected to welcome more than 20,000 industry professionals in İzmir, the capital of fashion and bridal wear.
This year, IF Wedding Fashion İzmir will host a total of 203 companies, including 185 domestic exhibitors from 11 cities and 18 international exhibitors from 8 countries. Through B2B meetings held throughout the fair, direct contact will be established between participating companies and domestic and international professionals. The fair will provide the sector with opportunities to access new markets and develop international collaborations.
Among the highlights of IF Wedding Fashion İzmir are the fashion show programs, where 2027 collections will be unveiled for the first time. A total of 12 runway shows, accompanied by renowned models, will present collections of leading brands shaping the sector as well as works by young designers. The fashion shows are expected to attract strong interest throughout the fair.
In addition to runway shows, IF Wedding Fashion İzmir will once again host a special social responsibility–focused design exhibition this year. After drawing attention to violence against women last year with a black bridal gown project, the İzmir Fashion Designers Association will present a new project aimed at raising breast cancer awareness.
Association President Esin Özyiğit stated that 18 special designs in pink tones were created to raise awareness of breast cancer and will be exhibited throughout IF Wedding Fashion İzmir. Emphasizing that fashion is a powerful means of expression capable of creating social awareness beyond aesthetics, Özyiğit also noted that the designs are planned to be donated to an association after the fair to generate income for a social responsibility project.
The 16th Bridal Gown Design Competition, held within the scope of the fair, continues to introduce young designers to the industry. The 15 young designers who advanced to the finals are currently in an intensive preparation period to complete the production of their collections for the final fashion show on 19 January. Guided by mentors from the İzmir Fashion Designers Association, the finalists are bringing their designs to life through all stages, from production to presentation. The finalist designs will be showcased on the runway on the final night, where industry representatives and professional visitors will determine the winning designers.
Öztürk Yıkılmaz, winner of the 2025 Bridal Gown Design Competition, will take part in IF Wedding Fashion İzmir this year with a performance fashion show. Prepared under the theme “Silent Nobility”, the 20-piece collection includes both bridal gowns and evening wear designs.
Stating that preparing a performance show under his own name holds special meaning for him, Yıkılmaz said:
“For me, the real award is not the cash prize but being on the IF Wedding Fashion İzmir runway. Showcasing your collection under your own name on the stage of such a major organization is an incredible feeling. I couldn’t have imagined this a year ago. İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, the İZFAŞ team, my mentor and everyone in the workshop supported me throughout this process. This runway is truly a great opportunity for a young designer.”
Explaining that the starting point of his collection is the connection he established between the past and the present, Yıkılmaz added:
“While creating the collection, I wanted to bring the romantic woman of the past into today. My aim was to reflect a stronger, calmer and more noble stance. Instead of being eye-catching, I preferred a quieter, simpler yet more impactful look. In terms of fabrics and colors, I used pastel tones and shiny satins inspired by 2027 trends.”
Spanning three days between Tuesday, 20 January and Thursday, 22 January, IF Wedding Fashion İzmir aims to strengthen the city’s position in fashion, bridal, groom and evening wear. In addition to its commercial dimension, the fair will create a strong business platform for the sector by showcasing new collections and hosting competitions and runway shows that highlight design. Meetings with domestic and international professional visitors are expected to generate new markets and contribute to export connections.
IF Wedding Fashion İzmir is organized with the support of the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Trade, Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye, İzmir Chamber of Commerce, Aegean Region Chamber of Industry, İzmir Commodity Exchange, Aegean Exporters’ Associations, İzmir Union of Tradesmen and Craftsmen Chambers, Fashion and Ready-to-Wear Federation, Mimar Kemalettin Fashion Center Association, Fashion Textile and Apparel Manufacturers Association, İzmir Tailors and Apparel Makers Chamber, and İzmir Fashion Designers Association.