Front row view

It was more than a decade ago that the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) was formed. Since then, the only thing that has come out of it that is worth mentioning is the inception of fashion weeks.

It was more than a decade ago that the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) was formed. Since then, the only thing that has come out of it that is worth mentioning is the inception of fashion weeks. These have not only brought in a sense of belonging among the designers, but have also put Indian fashion on the global map.

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Having said this, I feel that the FDCI, the apex body of fashion designers in the country, should perhaps involve itself more in providing solutions to the problems faced by the fraternity. On several occasions in the past, designers have called me up complaining of people copying their designs. I, believing that it was the job of FDCI to take up the issue and find a solution, called its officials only to be told that they can’t interfere in such matters and that designers should take this up legally. While I agree with finding legal solutions to such matters, I also feel that the FDCI should be empowered in dealing with such matters.

It should be able to take action against those found guilty and expel them. The same way, whenever the state government imposes a tax burden on fashion, I see unrest among the fashion designers and so far, I have not seen the body taking this matter up with the government. This happened even recently and all one could see was fashion designers who are members complaining about the increase, saying retail prices would go up and clients will find it hard to digest. In situations such as this, the FDCI should at least act as a liasoning authority and try and see what it can do to help its member designers.

It should also take serious interest in promoting worthy young designers. All of us know that talented youngsters in India today are struggling as they don’t have the financial support to start their career. What is happening now is that they’re just given a platform to debut, that too at a price. Once they show their worth on the fashion runway, they are left to fend for themselves. FDCI is a body that can easily create funds and support these talents.