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Kuwait to have mega India fashion fest
Impressed by the styles of India, a leading Kuwait firm plans to organise that country's first Indian fashion show in the Gulf.
Impressed by the styles of India, a leading Kuwait firm plans to organise that country's first Indian fashion show, which it says will also be one of the biggest Indian fashion extravaganzas in the Gulf.
"It will be a big show," said Salah Duaij al-Sabah of Moda-In and the Diamond Trading Centre in Kuwait. He is one of the biggest buyers each year at the Lakme India Fashion Week that ended here Tuesday.
"I'm going to have (Indian designers) Anamika Khanna, Aki Narula and a host of other big names. Talks have started with them and we are trying to coordinate a good time," Al-Sabah told IANS.
Al-Sabah said Indian fashion is a big hit among buyers in the Middle East but still suffers from lack of promotional push.
"People there have heard all about Gucci and Prada and Armani, but how many can offhand remember Anamika Khanna or Ranna Gill?
"This is where we come in. As a buyer, I want to promote awareness about Indian fashion in a market where it has a natural, ready clientele."
The Middle East is a natural home ground for Indian design with the climate appropriate for Indian styles and fabric. Also, Indian designers are often more accommodating about keeping the feminine form suitably covered.
In the recent past, big name Indian designers have opened shop in the Middle East, like J.J. Valaya's big store and the new Kimaya store, both in Dubai.
Gulf royalty have always favoured Indian and Pakistani designers for their special occasions like weddings. For his event, Al-Sabah plans to fly in top Indian classical musicians who would add to his India theme.
"I want a complete Indian look and feel," said Al-Sabah, who is buying Ranna Gill, Aki Narula and Anamika Khanna from the fashion week this year.
But he was a little unhappy that prices had soared since last year.
"I am quite surprised. Things are far more expensive than last time. So if I bought 350 pieces from a designer last time, I can buy less than half that number this time."
Through his show, Al-Sabah hopes to make demand for Indian fashion soar in Kuwait. "I want to tell people that there is this enormous amount of talent among Indian designers which must be tapped."
