The rift between Fashion Development Council of India and Lakme (former sponsor for fashion week) resulted both the players going their separate ways. While Lakme headed to Mumbai with their fashion week from March 28 to April 1, FDCI stuck to Delhi and the shows begin on April 5.
While this provides a glamour treat to the junta spread over 10 days, the reaction to the split from the fash frat has been mixed. But all the designers who stuck to Delhi, seem to have done so expecting a much bigger exposure in the Capital.
"I am not missing being part of the Mumbai Fashion Week at all. The real buzz will be here, in Delhi. I can always catch up in Mumbai later this year," claims designer Ritu Kumar.
"I am looking forward to a much bigger event this year in terms of business and management. Also, Walter Damas, who organises the London Fashion Week will be here so I am excited to meet him too," she adds.
Says designer JJ Valaya: "I think that India is not ready for two parallel Fashion Weeks. It will not only divide the industry (which cannot be the goal of any entity working for the good of the industry) but would also create confusion in the mind of the buyer, especially today, when we stand at a vital threshold of an accepted and appreciated creative expression about to break into full flight. Fashion does not wish to be drawn into petty politics and glorified public bashing…and for the good of the industry and the country; it is best left alone to evolve peacefully. We are one country and must project ourselves as united to be able to achieve our goals. Indian fashion, in a way, had evolved much like the birthplace of Couture, Paris, but impressively, had moved a great deal faster in its progression. It is possibly one of the few markets in the world today which enthusiastically supports Couture, yet is equally responsive to the advent of Prêt. It would be very sad if some of us chose not to agree on the strength of our unity."
{{/usCountry}}Says designer JJ Valaya: "I think that India is not ready for two parallel Fashion Weeks. It will not only divide the industry (which cannot be the goal of any entity working for the good of the industry) but would also create confusion in the mind of the buyer, especially today, when we stand at a vital threshold of an accepted and appreciated creative expression about to break into full flight. Fashion does not wish to be drawn into petty politics and glorified public bashing…and for the good of the industry and the country; it is best left alone to evolve peacefully. We are one country and must project ourselves as united to be able to achieve our goals. Indian fashion, in a way, had evolved much like the birthplace of Couture, Paris, but impressively, had moved a great deal faster in its progression. It is possibly one of the few markets in the world today which enthusiastically supports Couture, yet is equally responsive to the advent of Prêt. It would be very sad if some of us chose not to agree on the strength of our unity."
{{/usCountry}}"I am aiming to impress more international buyers and looking forwards to business, hoping almost double of last year," adds Pria Kataria Puri.
Clearly it may be more work for the glamour world, but no one's quite complaining yet. The promise of more business, international traders and a lot of dosh is keeping all the twinkle toes clicking on the ramp.