INDIAN FASHION ON WORLD STAGE
Khalid M Ansari (Hindustantimes.com)

"The Indian fashion industry is a disorganised and directionless despite its creativity and elegance. It needs a fleet with a navigator," Mounir Moufarrige, the chief of France Luxury Group and a fashion connoisseur, had observed during his visit to India three years ago. This observation shook up the Indian fashion fraternity which later on led to the conception of Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI). The council has already organized two fashion events under Sumit Nair, its former executive director. Currently headed by Vinod Kaul, the council is ready to unveil Lakme India Fashion week 2002 at New Delhi's Taj Palace Hotel. A combination of prêt-a-porter (ready-to-wear) and couture designed by India's 53 leading and upcoming designers, India's top models, make-up trends and exotic accessories will be on show during the event.

"I am extremely excited to present my creations for European buyers. Though I have already been catering to most European markets, yet I feel that an event of this stature is a lifetime opportunity for Indian designers," says Rohit Bal, one of India's veteran designers.

According to Raghuverndra Rathore, who is going to present ensembles using modern fabrics with sensuous and contemporary cuts, the event is a prelude to future opportunities. "South America, Hong Kong and European markets offer mind-boggling opportunities for Indian creativity. In fact Dubai has also emerged as one of the potential markets lately," says Rathore.

Besides a display of creativity, the event is likely to prove the managerial and administrative capabilities of its current executive director as well. "I know that the industry has a lot of expectations from me but right now my focus is the success of this event. We would like to prove to the world that India can offer the best in terms of both creativity and quality. A visiting buyer will be exposed to a gamut of lifestyle trends, including ready-to-wear clothes, hairstyles, make-up trends and accessories for the global consumer," says Vinod Kaul, Executive Director, FDCI.

Since the focus of the event is on presenting a creative and affordable prêt line, is it easy to be creative with ready-t-wear? "Not at all. On the contrary it's really tough to be innovative with ready-to-wear. Catering to international buyer means you have to be extremely price conscious besides being creative. At times foreign buyers get put off if the price is exorbitant," says Mandira Wirk, a Pearl Academy of Fashion Graduate who specializes in prêt lines.