A meeting with Istanbul’s concept store Vakko at Who’s Next

At the latest edition of Who’s Next in January 2025, Esra Baysal, buyer for Istanbul-based concept store Vakko, had a clear mission. Her goal? To seek out excellence and a unique identity. The purpose? To enhance their global selection for the season.

As she moves through the vibrant aisles of the show, her team’s keen eye meticulously analyses every detail, every stitch, every texture. Here, fashion is not just about trends—it is a meeting point between craftsmanship and innovation, a window into future trends, and a unique space for exchange and discovery. Having attended the show for several years, the Vakko team knows better than anyone how each edition brings its share of discoveries and memorable moments. And this year is no exception.

In search of uniqueness

 

"Style is not just about image; it is above all a pursuit of quality, emotion, and authenticity," says Esra. In this spirit, the trade show remains a key platform where designers and brands unveil original collections, highlighting diversity and craftsmanship.


"We come back each season to reconnect with our key brands, but also to be surprised by the ever-evolving selection," shares Vakko’s buying team. Innovation and creativity are essential pillars of their selection process, and this year, the brand Michele & Hoven particularly caught their attention with its premium materials and refined craftsmanship.

"We are looking for pieces that perfectly blend modernity and heritage, and here, we have this unique opportunity to see how young designers reinterpret traditional craftsmanship," Esra explains.


An edition celebrating aesthetic diversity


Who’s Next is more than just a trade show. It is a journey through different styles, identities, and creative perspectives shaping today’s fashion landscape. "We appreciate this diversity of offerings—it allows us to curate a selection that is both cohesive and unique for our clientele," they say. Balancing well-established houses with emerging talents, the show offers a broad spectrum of designs, from cutting-edge to more accessible fashion.


Vakko’s buyers also noticed the improved fluidity of this edition, with an optimised layout and a well-thought-out presentation that enhances each creative universe. "It is easier to explore, to get a comprehensive overview of the global selection, to feel the trends, and to project how each creation can integrate into our collections," Esra highlights. And while each season brings new changes, the show’s energy remains constant. "It’s an event where encounters multiply, ideas take shape, and future collaborations emerge."

Paris: A city of unparalleled inspiration


Attending Who’s Next also means immersing oneself in the unique atmosphere of Paris—a city where history and creative momentum are in constant dialogue. "Paris is more than just a backdrop; it is a true source of inspiration," says Esra. Wandering its streets, observing its silhouettes, visiting its galleries—it all helps to understand why fashion and creativity continue to thrive here. Vakko’s buyers, whose store is based in the heart of Istanbul, emphasise the importance of this connection between tradition and renewal, which makes Paris an essential crossroads for global fashion. "Being here allows us to broaden our vision, to pick up on the subtle signals that will shape the fashion and trends of tomorrow."

Who’s Next: A key platform for the future of Fashion


Beyond the excitement of discovery, Who’s Next remains a strategic event. It is here that the selections for upcoming seasons take shape, where each collection comes to life through the expert eyes of buyers, professionals, and international fashion enthusiasts.


"This trade show is more than just a marketplace for the creative industry—it is a laboratory of ideas, a fertile ground for new collaborations," Esra states with conviction. And as the fashion offering evolves, so too does the industry itself, seeking a new balance between desirability, sustainability, and innovation. Through this edition, Who’s Next reaffirms its status as a key player in the international fashion scene: a space driven by human values, where trends are shaped, and the future of retail is forged through every connection.

Yann Jobard Setzu

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