New York, NY — November 12, 2025 — Fashion Diplomacy, an evening celebrating how
fashion transcends borders and unites cultures through creativity, took place at the iconic
Turkish House in New York City. Presented by Columba New York in collaboration with The
Canvas NYC and supported by the Consulate General of Türkiye in New York, the event
brought together over 200 distinguished guests from the worlds of fashion, diplomacy, and
culture.
The showcase featured a curated selection of Turkish ready-to-wear and jewelry brands,
including ILVI, SAINT ONES, CLIMBER BC, MIRIMALIST, KOZAN BY MELIS KOZAN,
MALEJ, CANAN YOLAC STAMBOUL, and ESPALA — representing the diverse faces,
craftsmanship, and creativity of Türkiye’s vibrant fashion scene.
“Türkiye is a colorful country that cannot be limited to a single aesthetic or category,” shared
Irem Kara. “This event celebrates the richness and range of Turkish design while building
bridges between two nations through fashion.”
As a proud promoter of Turkish fashion, Columba New York has organized over thirty major
events in the last five years to strengthen commercial and cultural ties between Türkiye and
the United States. Beyond fashion, the organization has showcased Turkish excellence in
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
continues to help Turkish brands identify the right retailers in the U.S. market and create
long-term partnerships.
Both organizations share a mission to foster cultural exchange through sustainable and
creative fashion initiatives. The event offered an evening filled with style, culture, music, fine
food, cocktails, and meaningful networking among designers, diplomats, and industry
leaders.
“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.”
Honored guests included Mr. Mustafa Gültepe, President of TİM and İHKİB. Ms. Emine
Yıldız, Deputy Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye in New York Kemal Yüksektepe,
Spouse of the UN Representative of Türkiye. Marilyn Tammsaar, Spouse of the Permanent
Representative of Estonia.
About Columba New York
Founded in New York, Columba New York is an organization dedicated to promoting Turkish
fashion, textiles, and design across North and Latin America. Through trade shows, cultural
collaborations, and strategic partnerships, Columba NY builds bridges between Türkiye’s
creative industries and the global market.
About The Canvas NYC
The Canvas is a global retail and cultural platform showcasing sustainable and socially
impactful brands from around the world. Its mission is to use fashion as a tool for positive
change and international collaboration.
