The Performance Fashion Show prepared by Kansu Sara, winner of the 9th International Bridal Gown Design Competition held within the scope of IF Wedding Fashion İzmir – Bridal Wear, Groom Wear and Eveningwear Fair, received full marks from fashion lovers. Presenting her 27-piece collection titled “The Nightingale and the Rose” on the runway accompanied by famous models, Kansu Sara said, “I will continue by learning. I hope we will grow the Kansu Sara brand with confident steps.”
In addition to presenting bridal, groom, and eveningwear designs from İzmir to the world, IF Wedding Fashion İzmir – Bridal Wear, Groom Wear and Eveningwear Fair also brings young designers into the industry. Organized for the 13th time between 22–25 January 2019 by İZFAŞ, hosted by İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, and partnered with the Aegean Clothing Manufacturers Association (EGSD), the fair is held at fuarizmir and is open exclusively to professional visitors. IF Wedding Fashion İzmir is set to be a defining event for 2019–2020 fashion trends. As part of the fair, the International Bridal Gown Design Competition, aimed at introducing young designers to the sector, featured last year’s winner Kansu Sara, who presented her Performance Fashion Show. The theme of her collection was inspired by Oscar Wilde’s “The Nightingale and the Rose.”
Following a long design process and a 3.5 to 4-month production phase, Kansu Sara’s 27-piece collection titled “The Nightingale and the Rose” received great acclaim. Many models—especially Irmak Atuk, Şebnem Schaefer, and Itır Esen—showcased the special designs on IF Wedding Fashion İzmir’s white runway.
Kansu Sara stated:
“I have been preparing for a long time. The production process took about 3.5 to 4 months. Before that, there was of course a design and development phase. Erol Albayrak was very helpful at every stage. It was an intense but rewarding process. What you see now is the polished version, but the real work happens behind the scenes—and that requires a lot of effort. We created 27 designs. I aimed for lighter pieces, more youthful and a bit bolder. This is the vision I want to continue with.”
Explaining the story behind her collection, Kansu Sara said:
“I was inspired by Oscar Wilde’s story The Rose and the Nightingale. In the story, the nightingale sacrifices itself for a great love, staining the rose red with its own blood. I tried to convey that story. That’s why I used ruffles and feathers—to express this narrative through my designs.”
Expressing her desire to establish her own brand, Kansu Sara said:
“There are many things I still need to learn. Going abroad is one way, learning within my own business is another. I will continue by learning. I hope we can grow the Kansu Sara brand with confident steps.”
During the day, three more special fashion shows took place. At Kaneviçe’s show, live god and goddess statues from the Street Arts Workshop appeared on stage, drawing great interest from visitors who took photos for a long time. In Eris Moda’s 34-piece bridal gown show, famous models Irmak Atuk and Şebnem Schaefer presented the designs. The fashion show by In Couture also impressed the audience.