Fashion has a language all its own, and on November 12, it spoke volumes at The Turkish House in New York City. Columba New York, in partnership with The Canvas NYC and the Consulate General of Türkiye, hosted "Fashion Diplomacy," an evening showcasing how design can bridge cultures and build connections across borders.

Over 200 guests from the fashion, diplomatic, and cultural communities gathered to experience a curated selection of Turkish ready-to-wear and jewelry brands, each representing a different facet of Türkiye's creative landscape.

Eight Turkish Brands on Display

The showcase featured ILVI, SAINT ONES, CLIMBER BC, MIRIMALIST, KOZAN BY MELIS KOZAN, MALEJ, CANAN YOLAC STAMBOUL, and ESPALA. Each brand brought its own aesthetic, highlighting the craftsmanship and diversity that define Turkish fashion today.

"Türkiye is a colorful country that cannot be limited to a single aesthetic or category," said Irem Kara. "This event celebrates the richness and range of Turkish design while building bridges between two nations through fashion."

The evening wasn't just about clothing. It was about storytelling, cultural exchange, and creating space for designers and industry leaders to connect over shared values of creativity and quality.

Five Years of Building Connections

Columba New York has been working to strengthen ties between Türkiye and the United States for the past five years, organizing over 30 major events during that time. The organization has showcased Turkish excellence across multiple industries, including apparel, leather, home textiles, fabrics, footwear, and manufacturing, connecting more than 5,000 professionals from both countries.

Through trade shows, curated showcases, and business matchmaking, Columba New York helps Turkish brands find the right retail partners in the U.S. market and build long-term relationships that go beyond one-off deals.

"Columba New York is dedicated to promoting Türkiye. We believe deeply in its craftsmanship, quality, and design capability," said Sercan Daniel Kara. "Turkish brands have strong roots and an undeniable creative voice. Our goal is to amplify that in the U.S. market and beyond."

A Night of Culture, Style, and Networking

The event brought together style, culture, music, fine food, cocktails, and plenty of opportunities for meaningful conversation. Honored guests included Mr. Mustafa Gültepe, President of TİM and İHKİB. Ms. Emine Yıldız, Spouse of the UN Representative of Türkiye. Kemal Yüksektepe, Deputy Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye. Marilyn Tammsaar, Spouse of the Permanent Representative of Estonia. Irem Kara and Daniel Sercan Kara, Founders of Columba New York.

Both Columba New York and The Canvas NYC share a mission to foster cultural exchange through sustainable and creative fashion initiatives. The Canvas, a global retail and cultural platform, focuses on showcasing brands that prioritize sustainability and social impact, using fashion as a tool for positive change and international collaboration.

Why Turkish Fashion Deserves Attention

Turkish design has a depth that comes from centuries of craftsmanship and a unique position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. The brands featured at "Fashion Diplomacy" reflect that richness, offering everything from minimalist jewelry to bold ready-to-wear pieces that challenge expectations.

Columba New York's work goes beyond promotion. It's about creating visibility for a fashion scene that deserves a seat at the global table, and doing it through relationships, partnerships, and events that leave a lasting impact.

For more information, contact Jose Ibarra at [email protected] or +1 (305) 684-1375. Follow @jipublicrelations for updates.

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