Designer debate over show slots

The day-old LIFW 2005 is gradually settling down. As we enter Day 2 today, buyers are still coming in and designer stalls are still taking shape. It's too early in the day to talk trade but de signers are bullish about business.

The day-old LIFW 2005 is gradually settling down. As we enter Day 2 today, buyers are still coming in and designer stalls are still taking shape. It's too early in the day to talk trade but de signers are bullish about business.

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But some designers are still not sure if they can do business from tents in the designer stall area just outside The Grand's premises. "We've just been to Germany where we visited the Nazi concentration camp... this looks just like that," laughs a designer. "With the blazing heat, I hope we're able to do business!" The tents are air-conditioned but apprehensions still remain. "I'm upset because the stalls were allotted at the last minute," says another senior designer. "How can I do up my stall the way I want to?"

Show timings are another area of complaints. The FDCI has allotted show timings through lots this year. "Senior designers should have been given the 8 pm slot," says a veteran. "On the first three days, shows start at 12 noon and thereaf ter at 10 am," says a designer who got a 10 am slot. "When I asked FDCI why this difference, they said the media will have to get used to the timings in the first few days then gradually get into the habit of starting early. If that's the case, wouldn't early shows stand to lose media coverage?" With business being the mantra, designers are willing to wait and watch.

"Since everything is organised well this time, with more participation on and off the ramp, we can expect better business," says Leena Singh of the Ashima-Leena duo. "That's what matters finally."