Eltas says she would like to see the event feature more designers, but is held back by the logistical and financial challenges of running a smaller fashion week on a global scale. “Financial constraints are one of the biggest challenges, so we have to prioritize securing the right partners who support the event and align with our vision for the modest wear industry,” she explains.
But being small also has its advantages: “Being small allows us to give designers a real opportunity to be seen by the industry and focus on supporting them individually,” Eltas says.
Return to Türkiye
Last year’s earthquake devastated areas of Turkey and its neighbors that are heavily dependent on textile manufacturing. Turkey has shown resilience in rebuilding from the damage, but concerns remain about the state of supply chains and rising inflation and costs remain a challenge.
Despite these challenges, some local designers are moving production back to Turkey to improve quality and reduce costs. “Some of our participants are keen to explore these opportunities, so they hold local meetings at events or stay longer to visit production sites and fabric stores,” says Eltas.
Designers, including some from Turkey, say they have learned the benefits of using Turkish materials: “The quality of cotton, silk and linen is very important for Turkish products. [for modestwear]”This is extremely challenging, especially when buying for GCC countries where it’s hot for seven to eight months of the year,” explains Swati Rabal, modest wear buyer at Dubai-based retailer Landmark Group.
“Previously we exported raw materials from different countries, but now Turkish production is developing, which helps us reduce costs,” says Oguzkan, founder and designer of the label that bears her name.
Australian ready-to-wear brand Acoia, which debuted its second collection at MFW for the first time, featuring pastel and floral maxi dresses with hand-knitted and lace details, mostly made from silk and Tencel, said designer Bahar Akahan. The brand was looking for a production facility that aligned with its philosophy of being as transparent as possible with customers about how its clothes are made.
