Who can apply for the competition?

Applicants who are at least 18 years old and no older than 35 as of January 19, 2027, and who are either students or graduates in the field of fashion design or hold a Ministry of National Education (MEB)-approved fashion design certificate, are eligible to apply.

Can I apply again if I have participated in the competition before?

Yes, you can apply. However, applicants who placed in the top three in previous Wedding Dress Design Competitions are not eligible to apply again. In addition, those who were previously selected as finalists and subsequently disqualified are not eligible to apply.

I work in the fashion industry. Can I apply?

According to the competition rules, applicants must:

  • Not be a well-known figure in the fashion industry,
  • Not own a fashion-related business registered in their own name,
  • Not be an educator or academic.
What is this year’s theme of the competition?

“LUMINARY – The Birth of Light”

The theme centers on the concepts of hope, rebirth, inner transformation, inspiration, and creative expression.

What is the application deadline, and until what time can we upload the files?

The application deadline is November 9, 2026, at 5:00 PM. We strongly recommend that you do not leave your application until the last day or the final hours to ensure that you can complete the process without any issues.

How can I apply?

Applications must be submitted online only via www.gelinliktasarimyarismasi.com.tr. Physical applications will not be accepted.

What documents are required for the application?
  • Application form
  • Hand-signed declaration form
  • Copy of ID
  • Diploma or student certificate
  • CV with a photograph
  • Presentation boards
  • Conceptual approach board
  • Fabric and accessories board
Can I submit more than one design?

Yes. You may submit up to three different designs within the same concept as part of your application.

Are designs created using artificial intelligence (AI) accepted?

No. Designs found to have been created wholly or partially using artificial intelligence (AI) will not be considered. If the use of AI is discovered at a later stage, the contestant will be disqualified and any award received will be revoked.

Can I apply if my design has previously been shared on social media?

No. Designs that have previously been published or have received an award or placement in another competition will not be accepted.

How will the preliminary selection be conducted?

The preliminary selection will be conducted online, and the applications will be evaluated by the jury anonymously, with applicants’ personal information concealed.

Will the jury see the contestant’s name?

No. During the initial evaluation stage, the jury will assess only the designs, without seeing the applicants’ names or personal information.

How many finalists will be selected?

During the preliminary selection, 15 semi-finalists and 3 reserve finalists will be selected. The final list of finalists will be confirmed following the online interviews.

Will the finalists receive mentorship support?

Yes. Once the finalists have been confirmed, they will be matched with mentors.

Will sewing support be provided?

İZFAŞ and EGSD will endeavor to assist contestants in finding suitable sewing workshops. However, if a contestant chooses to work with a different workshop, all associated costs and arrangements will be the contestant’s responsibility.

Is support provided for participants coming from outside the city?

Yes. Travel and accommodation support will be provided for participants coming from outside the city during the stages specified in the competition rules.

What are the prizes?
  • First Prize: TRY 150,000 + the opportunity to stage a Performance Fashion Show at IF Wedding Fashion İzmir 2028
  • Second Prize: TRY 120,000
  • Third Prize: TRY 75,000
  • When will the final take place?

    The final will take place on January 19, 2027, as part of IF Wedding Fashion İzmir.

    Can I appeal the competition results?

    Yes. Appeals may be submitted within two weeks of the announcement of the results. All appeals will be reviewed by the jury.

    Where can I find more detailed information?

    The competition rules, application documents, and all announcements are available at:

    www.gelinliktasarimyarismasi.com.tr

    Where can I find sample presentation boards?

    You can view sample presentation boards at www.gelinliktasarimyarismasi.com.tr

    What criteria are the designs evaluated on?

    The designs will be evaluated by the jury based on criteria such as creativity, originality and innovation, feasibility and wearability, material selection and compatibility, relevance to the competition theme, and the harmony between the accessories used and the overall design.

    How are the finalists selected?

    Applications are initially evaluated online by the jury, with applicants’ personal information kept confidential. Candidates selected in the preliminary round then present their collections to the jury during an online interview. Following these evaluations, the competition finalists are confirmed.

    What can finalists expect during the final stage of the competition?

    An orientation meeting and mentor matching will be arranged for the finalists. Contestants will work with their mentors to further develop their designs and complete the production process. They will then present their designs to the jury at the final fashion show, which will take place on January 19, 2027, as part of IF Wedding Fashion İzmir.

    How can I find out more about the competition?

    You can find the competition rules, application documents, and all the latest announcements at www.gelinliktasarimyarismasi.com.tr. You can also submit your application online through the same website.

    Can I apply in person or by mail?

    No. Only applications submitted digitally will be accepted. You can complete your application at www.gelinliktasarimyarismasi.com.tr

    CONTACT US
    Address: Zafer Mahallesi 840 Sokak Fuar Alanı
    No:2 Gaziemir / İZMİR
    Telephone: +90 (232) 497 10 00 (ext. 1037,1148)
    E-Mail: [email protected]
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