In 2011 BBC India Business Report presenter Nidhi Dutt wrote, the Indian fashion industry is still in its infancy on an international level when compared to other countries. Although the industry has been growing in the past few years, it is still a challenge for some Indian fashion industry players to get national or global recognition. The industry acknowledges two big fashion events, recognized very well amongst the Indian Fashion Community: Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week, New Delhi organized by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) and the very popular Lakmé Fashion Week, Mumbai. Indian models and Bollywood celebrities walk the runways in collections made by famous and established Indian designers during the two events. For up and coming designing talent it is difficult to be a part of these two glamorous fashion platforms. The designers have to be present for a long time to be able to present their work at WIFW or LFW. This is why two young entrepreneurs took it upon themselves to develop a platform for new and upcoming designers as a stepping stone to the larger fashion platforms. Avinash Pathania and Kiran Kheva established the Indian Federation for Fashion Development (IFFD) in 2012 to uplift and revitalize the Indian fashion industry and create a platform for fashion designers, brands and fashion students.
The IFFD provides useful and up-to-date information to keep the industry on top of what is happening locally and abroad. It showcases seasonal fashion and trade shows on a regular basis to create exposure for the fashion industry and provides a marketing platform by increasing local and international awareness of Indian brands and talent. The IFFD links the fashion industry players with corporate, government and trade bodies and financial institutions.
The IFFD organizes several fashion events like the India Fashion Summit. This is an event where fashion companies, experts, NGO’s and politicians are gathered in Delhi to present themselves and discuss the evolution of a successful fashion industry in India. The IFFD also organizes India’s Luxury Collection, an exhibition that captures the essence of luxury. This event is a platform for industry members to show their work to the public.
The IFFD aims to make a difference in the Indian fashion industry. If you are interested to know more about a membership or the federation you can visit: iffd.co.in
Last year the India Fashion Summit 2012 was a great success. It attracted a large crowd including people from the fashion and entertainment industry and press to cover the event in the media. The highlight of last year’s summit was the grand finale show of designer Amit Talwar and Jewellery designer Sumit Sawhney. The designers showcased their stunning designs, chunky jewellery pieces and colorful traditional gowns, on the runway.
This year the India Fashion Summit 2013 will take place on the 29th of March in Delhi, more about his event and participants will be featured very soon on The Fashion Orientalist.
Images: Jewellery designer Sumit Sawhney with DJ Bharka wearing Apala jewellery. Fashion designs by Amit Talwar at the India Fashion Summit 2012.