As Europe’s largest fair in its sector—where fashion trends are set—IF Wedding Fashion İzmir continues to illuminate the dreams of young people by introducing new designers to the fashion world.
With 295 designs by 101 designers competing under the theme “Awakening,” the winners were announced at the Final Fashion Show of the 12th Bridal Gown Design Competition. In the 12th International Bridal Gown Design Competition, where 101 designers competed fiercely, the first-place winner earned the opportunity to stage a runway show at IF Wedding Fashion İzmir next year, while the top three finalists received prizes totaling TRY 30,000.
1st place: Nurdan Ahsen Fıçıcı (İzmir University of Economics)
2nd place: Hasancan Meşelik (Giresun University)
3rd place: Gözde Ağca (İzmir University of Economics)
Nurdan Ahsen Fıçıcı won first place by earning full marks from the jury with a design focused entirely on sustainability. She shaped silk without using scissors, employing a felting technique, and incorporated waste wires, emphasizing zero waste and sustainability.
Nurdan Ahsen Fıçıcı said:
“I place great importance on craftsmanship. I design with sustainability in mind and bring my designs to life with zero waste. I believe fashion now needs to focus entirely on sustainability. I want the products I buy to reach me without harming nature or human health. My dream is for the fashion industry of the future to be built entirely on sustainability.”
Stating that the competition helped her move away from ready-to-wear fashion, Fıçıcı added:
“I really enjoyed this. I’m excited for next year. The model I dream of seeing my design on is Çağla Şıkel.”
Jury Chair Övge Yıldızhan Subaşı commented:
“I think the theme is crucial for allowing designers to use their creativity. Given the conditions we’re living in, the theme aligned well with this period. In the past, some designs didn’t fully match the theme, but this one reflected shared experiences, so the outcomes were in harmony with it. We understood what designers were feeling through their designs. In recent competitions, we can clearly see the difference—contestants are creating entirely original works. Our goal is to introduce new talents to the sector and bring innovation. Through this competition, we aim to address the gap in design.”
Jury member Berat Kayışkan, CEO of JADORE, said:
“Being a jury member in a competition organized by an institution like İZFAŞ is a great honor. İZFAŞ is a significant organization for İzmir and Türkiye. It was a very successful event. The finalist designs were highly impressive—there are very strong pieces and designer candidates whose names we will hear in prominent places in the future.”
Kayışkan also emphasized that beyond aesthetics, factors such as production costs, market research, cultural and geographic compatibility, and pricing aligned with buyer expectations play a role in success:
“A design being visually strong doesn’t necessarily mean it will sell, and a design not selling doesn’t mean it lacks quality. A designer must understand not only design, but also tailoring, patterns, fabrics—everything. The designer is effectively the general manager of the design room and must oversee all aspects. Only then can a designer truly translate a concept into a real-world garment.”
Another jury member, İsmail Urhan, Chairman of the Board of WHITE HOUSE and Board Member of EGSD, said:
“The young candidates prepared very well. I hope they all succeed in the coming years. Creativity is essential here. There are many highly creative young designers. This competition organized by İZFAŞ is excellent—it broadens young designers’ perspectives. Everything happens step by step. If they persevere, stay committed, and work hard, they can achieve anything.”
Jury member Prof. Dr. Ender Bulgun noted:
“Sustainability has become a very important theme in our lives, and we saw it reflected in nearly all the bridal gowns—reinterpretations of old dresses, reworking elements from grandmothers’ gowns, and reusing materials. The pandemic clearly had an influence, and many pieces were very successful. Selection was difficult. What matters most is whether designs can be realized and worn in real life. Over the past two years, I’ve seen bridal companies offering scholarships at universities—this is an investment in the sector itself. I believe the bridal sector in İzmir will grow even stronger and reach higher levels with designers.”
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 15th time with a grand ceremony. The fair will continue to welcome visitors until Friday, November 19. Open exclusively to professional visitors, IF Wedding Fashion İzmir can be visited between 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM.