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Week of big money, big names
India's annual fashion frenzy, Fashion Week 2005, kicks off in New Delhi on Wednesday with hope that this year's event will bring in the maximum business ever.
India's annual fashion frenzy, Fashion Week 2005, kicks off in New Delhi on Wednesday with hope that this year's event will bring in the maximum business ever.
That the organisers, Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), are keen that the event generates as much business this time as the hype that surrounds it is evident from the number of accredited buyers -- 160 -- being the most ever in the event's sixyear history.
Also, the fact that well-known designers -- Mumbai designerduo Abu Jaani and Sandeep Khosla and Delhi's David Abraham and Rakesh Thakore -- are taking part in the event for the first time seems a sure indicator that besides the usual barenaked ladies on the ramp, the next seven days will see some hectic business activity.
Besides a large number of domestic buyers, major international buyers like Harrods (at the event for the first time), Saks and Selfridges will be there as will the world media -- New York Times, Harper's Bazaar, Times and fashionweek-daily.com.
Since it is an 'entry by invitation only' event, keeping with Delhi tradition, calls for free passes are pouring in from VIPs and people with 'connections.' "There are ministers, bureaucrats, cops and local netas calling us for invitations," said a FDCI official. But there are only limited seats.
