Fashion festival comes to popular summer gateway of Alaçatı

Alaçatı, a resort village in the western province of İzmir, is an up-and-coming vacation spot with boutique hotels, luxury beach clubs, cobblestone streets and laid-back local charm. This month, the popular town hosts a fashion and shopping fest, "MillFest," presented by the Aegean Clothing Manufacturers Association (EGSD), making the town more attractive for fashionistas and local and foreign tourists.

Taking place July 28 to July 31, the festival is being held for the 11th time. A number of stalls will be set up to sell women's wear and accessories by renowned and young designers. Fashion talks by professionals and collection displays are part of the festival program. "Like previous years, we are expecting big interest for the four-day event," said Mukadder Özden, the festival coordinator, adding that festival events have also been scheduled in various places. The Çeşme Municipality and local Diva Magazine organize MillFest, which takes place near the town's historic windmills.

Nested between village houses, the town has small souvenir stands and cozy cafes where tourists can have a drink and warm conversation with friends. In addition, numerous restaurants serve local Alaçatı cuisine to visitors, as a big tourist influx occurs each summer. The town is a one of the most ideal spots for windsurfing and kitesurfing in Turkey.