Famous designers flock to Istanbul show

World-renowned fashion houses Roberto Cavalli, Gianfranco Ferre and Salvatore Ferragamo were on the runway over the weekend at the international Fashionable Istanbul by Avea. Cavalli and Ferre unveiled their 2009-2010 fall and winter collections at the event, held on a platform raised above the Bosporus at the Dolmabahce Palace. The Ferre collection got resounding applause from the audience. State Minister and chief European Union Talks negotiator Egemen Bagis saw the show with his wife Beyhan. "These events are proof of Turkey's European identity," he said. "The fact that Europe's designers have come to our country at the edge of Europe indicates that Turkey will secure its rightful place in the EU."