A Sparkling Report from the Istanbul Jewelry Show
How can I succinctly summarize my first visit to the Istanbul Jewelry Show? Gold! In a dual sense: the dominance of the yellow metal at the exhibition booths and metaphorically – out of gratitude for the warm welcome from the organizers and local brands, the sparkling discoveries, and the magic of an extraordinary city spanning both sides of the Bosphorus Strait. Come with me for a review of memories from my trip to the famous Turkish jewelry fair.
The Istanbul fair boasts an impressive history – the Istanbul Jewelry Show has been organized continuously since 1986. It’s the largest event of its kind in the region, held twice a year – in spring and autumn. Primarily, brands from Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia showcase here, but one can encounter guests and creators from all over the world.
Top Discovery: Roberto Bravo
During my inaugural visit to IJS, I had the pleasure of collaborating with an exceptional brand of Turkish heritage: Roberto Bravo. The multi-generational success story of the Kamar family dates back to 1948. Today, Roberto Bravo is a brand of international prestige. Their creations astonish with craftsmanship and imagination, with each piece of jewelry hiding emotions and a tale. Collections draw inspiration from legends, journeys, and various phenomena. The brand’s pride lies in colorful dazzlers with enamel. The Salsa line, with its dancing diamonds, particularly charmed me – elegant and lightweight (you can check out the collection in this reel). On the Turkish market, Roberto Bravo stands out for its class and creativity. The local jewelry industry is vast, but I noticed it’s still searching for its design identity. Pssst… dear designers – maybe it’s time to send your CV to magical Istanbul?
Gold in XXL Version
During a fair dinner (food in Istanbul is sooo delicious!), I asked one of the organizers what sets Turkish jewelry apart. She answered, the tradition of crafting in gold. Evidence for this was seen in intriguing collections at the booths of local brands, but also in astonishing gold artifacts of maximalist forms and scales: massive chains, body jewelry (essentially – clothing made of gold), and various artifacts. A characteristic feature of the Istanbul Jewelry Show is the engagement of models – at every booth, a beautiful hostess showcases jewelry (a different collection daily). It’s especially helpful for buyers to assess how earrings or necklaces look “in practice”. Live music, security technology shows for jewelry stores (it reminded me of the movie “Ocean’s 8”!) – the fair was filled with attractions and curiosities, and the exhibition halls buzzed with life.
Lagata Conquers Istanbul
For yours truly, an essential point on the fair’s agenda was participation in a panel discussion on digitalization and success in social media. It was a genuine pleasure to share experiences alongside colleagues in the field, including Aneta from @blissfromparis and Bebe from @champagnegem. We were listened to by a full room (wow!), and post-meeting guests approached me to chat and take a photo. Is this fame? I humbly smile, but I was filled with pride and emotion when, strolling between booths, industry representatives kept stopping me to praise my style and content. Fun fact: I even earned a new nickname! When one of the organizers spotted my blonde hair and dark glasses, for a moment, he thought it was… Karl Lagerfeld (laughter). Thus, LAGATA was born! Fortunately, your Agata-celebrity also found time to indulge in the charms of Istanbul. I fondly remember a trip with Aneta @blissfromparis (You’re the best tour guide, Aneta!) to the old Jewish-Armenian district of Balat, a colorful, artistic haven of cafes and bars, where I blissfully sipped delicious Turkish tea in small glasses. I’ll be returning to the golden land soon – I gratefully accepted an invitation from the Istanbul Jewelry Show team for the April edition of the fair. Who’s coming with me?
