The 8th edition of Antalya Fashion Week (AFW25), held from May 27 to 31, 2025, brought together fashion, culture, and history in one of Turkey’s most scenic coastal cities. Among its most anticipated moments was the appearance of Filipino designer John Herrera, invited as a Special Guest in collaboration with London’s Fashion Scout.
In a conversation with PalabasTayo.com, Herrera shared “Eda Leković, the founder of Antalya Fashion week got her experience for years working at the now defunct Istanbul Fashion Week. She wanted to invite a designer from London to sort of show how fashion is done abroad. When they approached Fashion Scout, they gave her options and she picked me.”
On May 30, the historic Ruin Adalia in the heart of Kaleiçi set the stage for Herrera’s haute couture presentation. The runway—made of handmade Turkish rugs—created a powerful visual contrast between contemporary fashion and ancient heritage. It was a fitting backdrop for a 25-piece collection that blended precision, texture, and elegance.
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Fresh from showing at Paris Fashion Week in March, Herrera delivered a collection marked by bold silhouettes and refined detailing. His designs featured a ruched bow gown in silk taffeta, a feather dress with dramatic flair, and an ebony gown crafted from ostrich jacquard, embellished with black pearls. A petrol gown in liquid satin, also adorned with pearls, added fluidity and shine. Another standout piece combined bold shoulders with a cinched waist, designed in rich silk velvet and satin. One of the most visually striking looks was a sculpted mermaid gown in silk velvet, heavily embellished with gold beading.
The presentation was made possible through the support of Fashion Scout London and the contributions of an exceptional team of models, stylists, and crew. Herrera shared his gratitude for everyone involved, with special thanks to Eda for her generosity and support.
“It was tremendously fun, I feel very fortunate. Being hosted to see a new country and culture is the best perk of being a designer. You meet great people, show your craft and learn about theirs.”, Herrera said. His participation in Antalya Fashion Week 2025 brought a fresh perspective to the event—bridging Filipino artistry with European fashion platforms in a setting rich with cultural resonance.
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