Delhi has always been the fashion hub of the country, but with movie industry based in Mumbai, the city of dreams has competed fairly well with the capital city in the terms of introducing some spectacular talents in the field of fashion. But in an unprecedented move, after two years of digital and phygital fashion showcases (due to the pandemic) the Indian fashion and beauty powerhouses and beauty - Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) and Lakme Fashion Week (jointly organised by Lakme & RISE Worldwide) have come together to host the first fully on-ground, season-fluid edition in New Delhi. We spoke with the top representatives of both and tried to find out what this collaboration will mean for Indian fashion.
Sunil Sethi, Chairman FDCI feels the return of FDCI X Lakme Fashion Week in a fully physical format is a sign that the world is returning to normalcy, and he says, he can't be happier. "FDCI X Lakme Fashion Week is an epitome of positivity, as it beckons effective co-operation between powerhouses in the fashion industry, as we bring meaningful initiatives to the fore, to drive growth in the post-pandemic world. The event being held in New Delhi reflects a collaborative effort, which will give the platform and its stakeholders the opportunity to interact with varied audiences, while engaging with the fashion community."
When asked if this collaboration is an indication of the Indian fashion scene seeing a shift from Mumbai to New Delhi, Sethi said, "Fashion today has transcended geographical boundaries. Delhi has always been considered the hub of fashion, but today there is spectacular talent emerging from all parts of the country. Over the last two years, through the course of the pandemic, the digital medium has further enabled all stakeholders to not let geographical restrictions come in the way of reaching to and interacting with their audiences. We at FDCI X Lakme
Fashion Week stand for promoting talent irrespective of where you come from or belong."
According to the FDCI Chairman, the fashion showcase will open a host of opportunities for both designers and buyers and help resurrect the Indian fashion industry, which suffered grave losses during the last two years. "The pandemic hit the garment industry hard. But the resilience that was shown by all, reflects how the industry is very steadily finding its way back. In addition to hosting an on-ground edition, we are happy to also be hosting the FDCI X Lakme Fashion Week showroom that will give designers the chance to interact with a diverse host of buyers. This will also be supported by enhanced features in the virtual showroom initiative."
Jaspreet Chandok, Head RISE Fashion and Lifestyle, which organises Lakme Fashion Week, calls the FDCI X Lakme Fashion Week as the "biggest collaboration in the Indian fashion industry." According to Chandok, the Fashion Design Council of India and Lakme Fashion Week have for decades worked towards the growth of fashion and design industry. "Through the course of the pandemic, we decided to join forces to blur geographical boundaries and help one view the Indian Fashion industry more holistically. FDCI X Lakme Fashion Week continues to be an epitome of positivity, as it beckons effective co-operation, as we bring meaningful initiatives to the fore to drive growth in the post-pandemic world. Our belief is that the coming together will provide one face of the fashion industry to the world as we endeavor to create global brands of Indian fashion designers," he added.
On being quizzed about choosing Delhi over Mumbai, Chandok said, "Both, FDCI and Lakme Fashion Week, have in different capacities showcased in Delhi before. We are excited to bring FDCI X Lakme Fashion Week to Delhi in the form of an on-ground format. Our real expectation is to build towards an event, that will become the hub for all conversations and business for the Indian fashion industry. In the short term, this Delhi event should showcase an upgraded view to the event as it builds on the good work done by each of the partners over the last few years. We definitely feel that the designer line-up this season is one of the best that has been out forth by a fashion week in a long time.
