At the beginning of summer, Istanbul hosted a truly large-scale and impressive fashion event — the «Istanbul Fashion Battle» show. The organizers of this grand project were Mari Kutlu and Karolina Gorodenko.
“Istanbul Fashion Battle” is an international fashion show, a competition for designers and models, and a unique project that combines various fashion directions:
- Fashion shows by renowned designers.
- Famous designers and professional models.
- Leading modeling agencies from around the world.
It offers each participant a chance to showcase their talent and win titles from the top professionals in the modeling industry.
The event featured masterclasses on runway walking, posing, and personal brand development led by fashion experts.
This event brought together 130 professional models and 10 talented designers from Kazakhstan, Turkey, and Russia. It became a true celebration of high fashion, gathering creative individuals from different countries.
About the founders and organizers:
Mari Kutlu @marikutlu1 is an international model with over seven years of experience. She has collaborated with more than 200 brands in China, the Czech Republic, Germany, Russia, and Turkey, participating in fashion weeks, advertising, catalog, and creative shoots.
She is the holder of the “Super Grand Prix” at the Czech beauty and talent competition “Miss Crystal Star of the World.”
Mari is also a teacher of runway walking and posing at modeling agencies.
Currently, Mari is the founder and director of the «Istanbul Fashion Battle» project, as well as a fashion show producer involved in developing modeling careers. Her models participate in fashion shows and advertising campaigns for various brands worldwide.
“I plan to further develop my career as a producer and organizer. The IFB project is gaining momentum with each new season, and we are involving more models, designers, and sponsors, expanding the opportunities for our participants,” comments Mari Kutlu.
Karolina Gorodenko @caroline_gorodenko is a children’s model manager with knowledge of fashion trends, experience in organizing modeling events, and managing model careers. She has been working as a model manager and in fashion show organization for over five years. In her youth, she was a model and beauty pageant winner. Today, Karolina is the founder and creative director of the «Istanbul Fashion Battle» project, as well as the event’s organizer and producer.
“For me, organizing the “Istanbul Fashion Battle” is an opportunity to unite talented professionals, inspire them for new achievements, and showcase the unique facets of fashion from different cultures to the world,” says Karolina Gorodenko.
The “Istanbul Fashion Battle” became a true celebration of high fashion, gathering creative people from different countries.
As part of the PR campaign for the brands, the project’s organization and the honorary jury from the Turkish fashion industry awarded each designer with a unique title and gifts from the project, ensuring that participation was not only prestigious but also beneficial for the designers.
The main titles were awarded to the following brands:
- «Khan Kerim» @kk_c.o.u.t.u.r.e — «Designer Grand Prix Winner Of The IFB»
- «Marie Shic» @_marie_shic — «Best Designer Of The IFB»
- «Julya Krylova» @julya_krylova — «Top Designer Of The IFB»
«Khan Kerim» is a new and promising name in the world of fashion from Kazakhstan. Founded in 2023, the brand has already made a name for itself at major shows, and its collections reflect a bold and innovative approach to design. Inspired by both tradition and modern trends, the brand is rapidly gaining popularity not only in its home country but also internationally.
At the «Istanbul Fashion Battle», the brand presented its unique collection, which immediately caught the attention of fashion experts. Drawing inspiration from natural elements and architectural forms, the «Khan Kerim» collection combined elegance with avant-garde.
The latest collection from the brand is presented in bold colors, dominated by deep shades of purple, red, and nude tones. The focus is on complex and unusual dress constructions, where fabrics seem to flow around the models’ bodies, creating the impression of movement and dynamism. Some looks included decorative elements such as wooden structures, adding volume and emphasizing the uniqueness of the silhouette.
At the «Istanbul Fashion Battle», the runway featured:
- Light, transparent fabrics wrapped around the body, creating soft but structured forms, complemented by rigid framework elements.
- Play with contrasts in color and texture — from delicate pastel tones to rich dark shades, emphasizing a dramatic effect.
- Focus on decorative elements — floral motifs and fabric inserts that added a romantic and feminine touch to the collection.
These looks highlighted the boldness and innovation of the brand, which, early in its journey, has already attracted attention from both the Kazakh and international fashion industries. Participation in the «Istanbul Fashion Battle» became a launching point for the brand, and following the event, «Khan Kerim» received an invitation to present its collection at “New York Fashion Week”.
«Marie Shic» @_marie_shic, founded in 2016 by talented Russian designer Marina Shaida, has already earned recognition on both the Russian and international fashion scenes. Marina is a regular participant in major children’s fashion weeks, including «Fashion Week Moscow New Kids».
Recent achievements include:
- «Creative Designer Dream Fashion Show Dubai» 2023,
- Title of «Best Designer of the Istanbul Fashion Battle» 2024,
- “Grand Prix” at «New Fashion Week Smolensk».
The «Royal Collection» by “Marie Shic”, presented at «Istanbul Fashion Battle», is the embodiment of grandeur and luxury, designed for those who want to feel like queens in any situation. Inspired by fairy-tale images and royal aesthetics, the collection features dresses with bold corsets, voluminous skirts, and luxurious decorative elements.
Key features of the collection:
- Bold color combinations, where deep dark tones are paired with pastels to create a magical effect.
- Tulle and lace that give the outfits an airy and light feel, creating images of true princesses.
- Corsets that perfectly accentuate the figure, creating elegant and feminine silhouettes.
- Rich decoration — exquisite embroidery, crystals, and sparkling elements that give the dresses a royal splendor.
The collection showcases outfits suitable for red carpets, grand balls, or weddings. Each look provides an opportunity for every woman and girl to feel like a true queen.
“Julya Krylova” @julya_krylova is a children’s evening wear brand founded in 2017. It is a young and dynamically developing brand that has quickly gained popularity in the world of children’s fashion. The brand’s collections are distinguished by unique design solutions and high-quality materials, making each dress not only beautiful but also comfortable for young fashionistas.
Achievements of the brand:
- «Top Designer Of The IFB» 2024,
- Winner of the «Kids Fashion Awards» 2021 in the category «Best Children’s Show,»
- Winner of the «Kids Fashion Awards» 2022 in the category «Best Avant-Garde Collection.»
The collection presented by “Julya Krylova” at «Istanbul Fashion Battle» is the embodiment of ethnic chic and refined elegance. Each outfit features captivating ethnic patterns and harmonious geometric prints, highlighting the individuality of each model. The color palette consists of rich natural tones such as emerald green, warm yellow hues, and deep purple accents. In these dresses, every girl feels special and confident.
— Ethnic patterns bring cultural heritage to the collection, blending traditions with modern fashion trends.
— Textures and fabrics are carefully selected to create pleasant-to-touch and visually light designs. Organic cotton and natural materials emphasize the brand’s eco-friendly direction.
— Details. The dresses are adorned with fringe, ruffles, and intricate patterns, giving each outfit uniqueness and standing out among other children’s collections.
Dresses by “Julya Krylova” are not just evening outfits; they are true works of art, ideal for special occasions such as holidays, photoshoots, or formal events.
Testimonials from IFB participants:
«Thanks to the “IFB” project for the opportunity to develop my career in Europe. In the fall, I will travel to the “Italian Fashion Days”educational project, where I will enhance my modeling qualifications, work with Italian designers, and get the chance to collaborate with European modeling agencies,» shared model Alina Belogrud.
«I was pleasantly surprised when the brands invited me to participate in a professional photoshoot in Istanbul, also organized by the “Istanbul Fashion Battle” project,» said Turkish model Selin Büyükgüral.
«Thank you to the “Istanbul Fashion Battle” project for the unique opportunity to become the face of a European magazine cover,» said Arina Bashmakova.
«It was a great honor for me to present my collection at such a prestigious international project,» shares designer Nurila from the «SendeiSlu» brand from Kazakhstan. «This is an invaluable experience, a chance to showcase myself on a new level, and to inspire fashion lovers worldwide.»
«The organizers of the ”Istanbul Fashion Battle” fulfilled my dream: I was able to present my collection on an international stage, and as a gift, I received a publication in the most popular Turkish magazine,» commented designer Vera Versal.
We are waiting for new modeling faces and talented designers at the «Istanbul Fashion Battle 2025»!
April 5, Istanbul !
This unique international project unites the best talents in the fashion industry from around the world. «Istanbul Fashion Battle» offers participants
