FASHİON ESKİŞEHİR PRESS CONFERENCE INTRODUCES FASHİON DESİGN COMPETİTİON

The "Fashion Eskişehir" fashion design competition, organized by the Eskişehir Chamber of Commerce with the support of the Ministry of Trade, was introduced to the press.

On September 8, 2021, the press conference was held to unveil the fashion design competition under the theme "The Power of Innovative Heritage." The event featured ETO President Metin Güler, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Design at Eskişehir Technical University (ESTU) Prof. Dr. Alper Çabuk, Head of the Textile and Fashion Design Department Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Şakir Özüdoğru, ETO Council Member Kerem Can Apaydın, Projects Responsible Assistant Secretary General Arda Genç, Project Coordinator Okan Taşkın, and jury members Eray Köseoğlu, Fulya Yaba, and Setenay Ay.

Competition to Enhance the Competitive Edge of the Bridal Sector

During the meeting, ETO President Metin Güler announced that applications for the competition would begin on September 10, expressing excitement about hosting Eskişehir's first fashion design competition. He emphasized that the competition aims to boost the competitiveness of members in the bridal, evening dress, and women's apparel sectors, while also strengthening the design infrastructure. Additionally, Güler stated that young fashion designers would have the opportunity to realize their dreams.

Fashion Eskişehir Adds Value for Companies and Young Designers

Güler noted that the competition will allow textile sector members to strengthen their corporate structures and produce unique designs. He highlighted that the competition is organized with the support of the Ministry of Trade and contributions from Eskişehir Technical University. He expressed ETO's commitment to developing the vision and competitive edge of its members, stating that cities that prioritize design have achieved success in textiles, and Eskişehir has the potential to attain similar success. Güler thanked the ESTU Faculty of Architecture and Design, stakeholders, and jury members for their contributions to Fashion Eskişehir.

Eskişehir Can Promote Its Fashion Design

Prof. Dr. Alper Çabuk, Dean of the ESTU Faculty of Architecture and Design, expressed happiness about participating in the Fashion Eskişehir project and contributing to the sector. He noted that Eskişehir's developed artistic and design culture positions it as a hub. The competition could enable Eskişehir to gain recognition in the field of fashion design across Turkey. Çabuk viewed the competition as a starting point for future successes, suggesting that the process could expand from fashion and textile design to product and industrial design in Eskişehir.

Eskişehir Has the Potential to Be a Design and Innovation City

Prof. Dr. Alper Çabuk emphasized that Eskişehir is well-suited to become a design city due to its commercial and industrial potential, stating that it could become a key player in design, similar to cities like Berlin. He added that the competition and its accompanying process could serve as a precursor to a design, R&D, and innovation valley planned for Eskişehir.

Applications Open on September 10

The fashion design competition, which includes categories for Bridal/Wedding Attire (Women), Evening Wear (Women), and Casual Wear (Women), will allow designers to apply starting September 10, 2021, via the website www.fashioneskisehir.com. Applications will close on October 15, 2021, with preliminary evaluations taking place from October 16-30. A total of 15 finalists will be selected, five from each category, based on the jury's evaluations. From November 1 to December 12, 2021, these finalists will produce their designs in collaboration with local firms. The final evaluations will occur from December 13-20, with the winners announced on December 21, 2021. Those who place will receive monetary prizes and gain access to overseas training and internship opportunities provided by the Ministry of Trade. The Fashion Eskişehir Fashion Show and Award Ceremony is scheduled for January 16, 2022, at the Vehbi Koç Conference Center within the Eskişehir Fair and Congress Center (EFKM).