Turkey has created a niche for itself in the cotton growingsector, and is a significant producer of readymade garments. What are its prospectsto dazzle in the fashion zone?


Textile and clothing industry in Turkey accounts for around18% of the countrys total exports proving to be an integral engine of the Turkisheconomy. Its dynamic industry serves the key markets in Europe, Middle East,and Russia. During 2009, their clothing industry shipments were worth $12.9billion USD. The country has an exclusive collection of brands and designs, andis considered as the second biggest supplier of apparels to the Europeancountries. They have a production capacity of 370, 000 tons annually, and enjoythe credit of being ranked 7th among the worlds top 70 cottongrowing countries.


Turkeys growth in the apparel exports was dramatic, increasing several timesover the previous years. Currently, the country is planning to journey aheadand become a fashion hub, and a creator of well-liked brands.


Istanbul - The crest of fashion culture:


Istanbul is the commercial heart of Turkey. The 'European Capital of Culture' isa city created by EU for promoting and organizing series of cultural eventswith a strong European dimension. Istanbul, the largest city of Turkey is one of the European Capitals of Culture for 2010. It is making is transitionslowly and steadily to become a fashion player. The Istanbul Fashion Days eventexecuted for three days was a success with more than 25, 000 visitors for theshow. Fashion designers are getting utmost support in Turkey as the country has realized that their importance is vital to succeed in the globalmarket.


Inspiration and style is seen in Turkish textiles, which hasmade the industry, a vibrant one in Europe. Industry critics feel that thestrength of Turkey would be its focus on design and marketing. It has goodmanufacturing base, fashion skills, quality and is flexible in terms ofexecuting orders. This might give a positive option to the country forperforming in the global fashion arena.


Growth Drivers:


The country is rich in cultural heritage, acting as apowerful magnet to achieve potential gains in the fields of urban living andrenewal, and environmental as well as social development. Turkish people areeager to welcome new trends. The younger generations in particular are talentedand expect an opportunity to get involved in fields related to artisticcreativity. Tourists from all across the globe visit the country which can makea positive contribution to the promotion and branding of fashion items. Theirclothing industry enjoys the advantage of cheap labor costs compared with othercountries. The geographical location of the country also adds an advantage toit as it is easy for the European buyers to complete their business in a singleday.

All these factors are likely to fuel the growth of thefashion segment in the country.


Turkey is poised to become a global fashion force, doubling its size andstatus. As the country moves ahead with its candidacy for reaching a strongposition in the fashion segment, positive results will be soon achieved,demonstrating Turkey as a fashion icon.


References:

  1. &sec=article&uinfo=<%=server.URLEncode(2925)%>" target="_blank" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">http://www.en.istanbul2010.org
  2. &sec=article&uinfo=<%=server.URLEncode(2925)%>" target="_blank" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">http://www.istanbulfashion.com