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The fiesta returns...
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The sixth edition of Lakme India Fashion Week begins in April
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— Pic. by Sandeep Saxena
Rathi Vinay Jha, Director General, FDCI, (centre) with sponsors and fashion designers
RAMP, PRET, business. Yes, the Lakme India Fashion Week is back. Scheduled for April 20-26 this year, there are going to be 61 designers, 39 fashion shows, 70 designer stalls and a flurry of sponsored events — a significant leap from last year. But what's really a plus is the inclusion of accessory stalls after the industry experts criticised the virtual absence of this major segment of fashion.
"Accessories have become a significant part of fashion," says Rathi Vinay Jha, Director General, Fashion Design Council of India. It has more to do with sponsors like Lakme and Liberty asserting that their products have become important fashion add-ons.
"You may not be able to afford a Tarun Tahiliani outfit but you can easily buy a lipstick," says a spokesperson for Lakme, that's charged up to showcase its Summer 2005 line.
Last year's find, Varun Bahl and Monisha Jaising will interpret the statement this year too. Shalini of Geisha designs whose bags were liked last year, promises to come up with more bags and belts this year to add to the accessories segment.
Tracing the highlights for this sixth edition of the Week at a function in New Delhi, Rathi emphasises that "fashion is no longer a means of entertainment in India. It has become serious business. So there is a need for a focussed approach.
She also asserts that the FDCI plays the role of "backroom boys" to bring design talent to the fore.
So what do designers have to say? "Indian fashion is still relying on East meets West theory. We are still selling our products as separates, seniors get away with showing couture in the name of diffusion and a 300-million strong Indian market is waiting to be tapped," says one.
We will not miss the hype. So also the charges and counter charges. But the great Indian fashion party will go on...
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