MELİS ALPHAN [email protected]
ISTANBUL – Hürriyet Daily News
Istanbul Fashion Week is hosting 22 designers but just five brands this year – a departure from previous years. The decision to play the designers higher than the brands was made intentionally. The designers are trying to connect with fore
In Turkey, Europe’s second and the world’s fourth largest textile supplier, a new generation of designers are emerging. AFP photo
The fifth Istanbul Fashion Week, or İFW, started Wednesday and will run until Sunday.
In a departure from previous years, there was no state protocol, no opening ceremony and no presentation of plaques this time around.
In Turkey, Europe’s second and the world’s fourth largest textile supplier, a new generation of designers are emerging, and the fashion week that is taking place at the center of Beyoğlu, one of Istanbul’s most historical centers, is hosting a great number of young Turkish designers.
The goal in the minds of this year’s IFW organizers is to establish the city as the fashion capital of the region. Istanbul-based designers are not only showcasing their work for the global fashion press, they are also trying to connect with foreign markets.
In total, 22 fashion shows are taking place with the contribution of 22 designers and five brands during the week. The budget for the whole event, which is also being supported by the Istanbul and Beyoğlu municipalities, is 2 million Turkish Liras. Turkish Airlines is sponsoring the transport, while M.A.C. is responsible for all the models’ makeup during the shows.
Over 100 foreign members of the press coming from France, Italy, Spain, Russia, the United Kingdom and the Middle East are here as part of their coverage of Spring-Summer 2012 fashion shows. In addition to this, buyers from France, Italy, Spain, Russia and Lebanon are here to place orders.
The event, which employs over 1,000 people, will have a positive effect on Turkey’s image worldwide.
The first day of IFW started with a mixed designer show, as İpek Arnas, Aslı Güler and Jale Hurdoğan showcased their work. The Hurdoğan collection, named “Stigmatization,” was inspired by “waves.” Her aim was to ignore the waves others shoot at us, but to turn inwards and explore our own waves; the designer thinks women can only achieve real happiness and freedom this way.
Güler, meanwhile, sent West Side girls to the catwalk for her show, during which femininity merged with masculinity. The colors of her collection are composed of contrast tones.
Arnas’ knits were innovative, mixing thread with raw materials that have not been used together with knitwear until now.
The second show of the day was the socially responsible brand Argande. A brand created with the support of Mudo’s and Turkish fashion designers, Argande is produced by poorer women living in southeastern Turkey. The collection reflected the most beautiful tones of summer, namely whites, blues and pinks.
Atıl Kutoğlu, a well-known designer in Eastern Europe, was the third to stage a show, while the last to run on the first day was Tween, a very successful brand which has become quite popular in the U.K. market as well as in Turkey.
On Thursday, the shows started with Niyazi Erdoğan and continued with Simay Bülbül, whose show took place in her showroom at Galata. Nejla Güvenç, Studio Kaprol and Koton were the other names and brands that showcased their collections on Thursday.
Friday, meanwhile, starts with Bahar Korcan’s behind-the-scenes look at İFW; the day will continue with another mixed designer show featuring Şafak Tokur, Seda Zoroğlu and Çiğdem Akın, designer Özgür Masur and Hatice Gökçe.
Gül Agis will show her collection in the historical Galatasaray Hamam, while Jean D’Art by Özlem Süer, adl & Cengiz Abazoğlu and Mehtap Elaidi will also be on display Friday.
(Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com )