Backstage and runway images from the Islamic Fashion Show at the CNR Center in Istanbul Turkey. Several shows featuring Islamic designers and companies premiered throughout the weekend.
Attendees exit Istanbul Fashion Week in Istanbul Turkey
In Turkey, the perceived growing Islamization in the country can be seen even in couture. The economy is booming, making Turkey more wealthy than it has ever been in modern history – and designers in capital Istanbul, are quickly meeting the demand in the market for conservative Islamic consumers’ desire for chic, modest fashion.
But though there is growing demand for conservative attire, this is not the case for the significant secular community, as is reflected in recent protests fiercely opposing what demonstrators believe is a growing imposition of Islamic conservatism by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the ruling Justice and Development Party. Even President Abdullah Gül’s daughter was widely criticized on social media after wearing a headscarf in her wedding.
Despite the unrest, new companies such as wedding dress designer Filiz Yetim, whose gowns retail at up to 4,000 USD, and chain stores like "Armine" continue to spread across the country, selling every day wear and evening gowns to female shoppers.
Hasema conservative swimwear store in Fatih, Istanbul.
Shoppers in the Fatih distict of Istanbul, Turkey. Fatih is known as one of the most conservative districts in the city.
Mannequins in the Fatih distict of Istanbul, Turkey. Fatih is known as one of the most conservative districts in the city.
The Armine store in the Fatih distict of Istanbul, Turkey. Fatih is known as one of the most conservative districts in the city.
Shoppers in the Fatih distict of Istanbul, Turkey. Fatih is known as one of the most conservative districts in the city.
The Fall/Winter show at Argande, a more traditional line of Turkish clothing is shown at Istanbul Fashion Week in Istanbul Turkey.
Backstage and runway images from the Islamic Fashion Show at the CNR Center in Istanbul Turkey. Several shows featuring Islamic designers and companies premiered throughout the weekend.
A model for Hasema conservatve swimwear prepares for the show. Backstage and runway images from the Islamic Fashion Show at the CNR Center in Istanbul Turkey. Several shows featuring Islamic designers and companies premiered throughout the weekend.