At IF Wedding Fashion İzmir Fair, which shapes the future of fashion together with young designers, a new star was born. The “timeless” designs of Zehra Zayrek, winner of the 11th Bridal Gown Design Competition, took to the runway at the Performance Fashion Show held within the scope of the 15th IF Wedding Fashion İzmir Fair. The collection titled “Gattara,” which captivated the audience with its elegant and refined pieces, was met with a standing ovation from the fashion world.
Believing that young people set the trends of the industry—and strengthening its fairs with design competitions to support this vision—İzmir continues to nurture the fashion designers of the future within IF Wedding Fashion İzmir. The impressive runway shows of the 15th IF Wedding Fashion İzmir – Bridal Wear, Groom Wear and Eveningwear Fair mesmerized the audience with the Performance Fashion Show of Zehra Zayrek, winner of the 11th Bridal Gown Design Competition. Contributing to the national economy every year, IF Wedding Fashion İzmir has once again introduced a new designer to the industry, in addition to presenting designs that shape global fashion. Presenting her first professional runway show, Zayrek appeared before representatives of the fashion and design world with a chic and timeless collection. The fact that the designs—sketched two years ago—remain fashionable today received full marks from professional designers.
Following the Performance Fashion Show, Mustafa Özuslu, Deputy Mayor of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, presented Zehra Zayrek with a plaque of appreciation and wished her continued success. Also receiving plaques at the show held at fuarizmir on Thursday, November 18, were Burak Sertbaş, Chairman of the Board of the Aegean Ready-to-Wear and Apparel Exporters’ Association; Hayati Ertuğrul, Chairman of the Board of the Aegean Clothing Manufacturers Association and Vice President of the Board of the Turkish Fashion and Ready-to-Wear Federation; and Mehmet Bilgin, Owner of Prenses Tekstil, the fabric sponsor. The fashion show was also attended by Naciye Gökçen Kaya, Representative of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in İzmir and Ambassador, as a guest.
Blending masculine styles with feminine and elegant touches, the young designer received high praise from industry professionals. The 20-piece special collection, consisting of black, white, and pastel tones, was realized with the support of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, İZFAŞ, Aegean Clothing Manufacturers Association, İzmir Fashion Designers Association, and Prenses Tekstil. Explaining that her collection “Gattara” was inspired by the concept of the “lady,” Zehra Zayrek stated that her goal was to create pieces whose fashion would never fade—items that would always remain in wardrobes. She continued:
“This collection interprets the concept of the ‘lady’ in the modern world. Minimalism, modernity, and timelessness are the best words to describe it. I tried to portray strong and timeless women through modern and minimal garments. My inspiration was Lady Diana, an icon with her own timeless style. Princess Diana continues to illuminate contemporary fashion even today with her enduring elegance. In the era we live in, timelessness holds great importance in the fashion industry in order to avoid unnecessary consumption of global resources. This collection—whose sketches I completed two years ago and was finally able to bring to life today—has, in fact, lived its own timelessness.”