On the catwalks where bold designs meet innovative education, the Istanbul Fashion Academy (IFA) is reshaping the future of Turkish fashion, giving it a “world class” label.
IFA was born in 2007 as the answer to a fundamental question: What do we need to do next? The answer lays in a strategic collaboration that combined European Union (EU) resources with local ambitions to create an institution ready for the challenges of tomorrow.
Cemal Bayazıt, Director of IFA, says: “The ready-to-wear sector once thrived on capacity sales -a model that set records from the 1980s until 2005. But when that era ended, the need a new roadmap. We had to focus on a qualified workforce and value-added production.”
Cemal Bayazıt, Director of IFA
With that vision in place, it led to the creation of an academy run by the industry it serves. The EU’s IPA funds were put to good use by the Turkish Ministry of Economy and the Istanbul Apparel Exporters’ Association (IHKIB) to establish the IFA.
Its mission is clear: to train students and professionals in both the art of design and the technical skills of production.
Melis Karapança Örün, Education and Business Development Manager
Melis Karapança Örün, IFA’s Education and Business Development Manager, explains the Academy’s dual focus: “We are crafting a global educational plan for young talents who want to start a career in fashion and textiles. At the same time, we provide specialised training for experienced professionals who want to expand their expertise into new, innovative areas.”
Burcu Yıldırım Göral, IFA School Director
This comprehensive vision is embodied in IFA’s rigorous three-year programme, a curriculum that demands mastery of every stage of the design process.
According to IFA School Director Burcu Yıldırım Göral:
“Our programme differs from traditional models in that it balances creative design with a robust technical foundation. Moreover, our international partnerships are unique. We’re the only fashion school in Türkiye integrated into global networks such as the London College of Fashion – a subsidiary of the University of the Arts London – ensuring that our accreditation and educational standards meet the highest global standards.”
It has also formed collaboration with Italy’s Polimoda fashion school, the Institut Français de la Mod, as well as the Nottingham Trent University, providing Turkish students with access to international fashion institutions, brands and designers.
IFA has the most comprehensive fashion library in Türkiye
Burcu Yıldırım Göral says that, thanks to its EU-funded origins, IFA has the state-of-the-art infrastructure and resources rarely found in other institutions. So much so that, according to Melis Karapança Örün, IFA is already setting the trends for the winter of 2026-27.
Students agree. Şahan Çağlayan, who has spent two years at IFA, shares his experience:
“Here, I’ve grown both technically and artistically. IFA taught me both the simplest way to make a pair of trousers and an extraordinary design.
Students Şahan Çağlayan and Azra Kumanova
His enthusiasm is echoed by Azra Kumanova, who reflects on the personal connection behind every design:
“The garments we create mirror our inner feelings. I’m pursuing my dream with joy, and I truly believe I’m receiving the best fashion education available in Türkiye.”
IFA trains the next generation of fashion designers
In its 16 years, IFA has touched the lives of more than 20,000 people.
Today, it stands as a beacon of innovation, a place where industry needs converge with academic excellence, backed by the strategic support of the EU.
The Acting Head of the Delegation of the EU to Türkiye, Jurgis Vilčinskas
The Acting Head of the Delegation of the EU to Türkiye, Jurgis Vilčinskas, says:
“Istanbul Fashion Academy illustrates how EU-Türkiye cooperation can inspire sustainable innovation. Through projects aligned with the European Green Deal, the Academy is educating the next generation of fashion designers and is also steering the course of Türkiye’s ready-to-wear sector into a dynamic and digitally transformed future. The EU always supports this kind of innovative and responsible projects that contribute to a green and resilient world.”
IFA sets new trends in the industry
IFA, together with IHKIB and Ekoteks, an independent laboratory active in many sectors, including textiles, is also implementing the Digital Transformation Project for the Ready-to-Wear Sector in parallel with the European Green Deal. The project is supported by a €10.4 million grant from the IPA programme.
Thanks to EU funding, IFA has a strong technological infrastructure
According to the Turkish Exporters Assembly, 62% of Türkiye’s $13.6 billion clothing and ready-made garment exports in 2024 went to EU countries.
What is IPA?
The Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) is the means by which the EU has been supporting reforms in the enlargement region with financial and technical assistance since 2007. IPA funds build up the capacities of the beneficiaries throughout the accession process, resulting in progressive, positive developments in the enlargement region to which Türkiye belongs.