Showcasing unique expertise in fashion

The fashion industry may still be at a nascent stage but it is only a matter of time when overseas designers will start outsourcing from India, particularly for Indian handcrafted textiles, say fashion experts.

"We want to showcase to the world's leading retailers, fashion brands and ready-to-wear designers that India has attained a competitive edge in terms of good quality finished products and design leadership," said Gauri Kumar, Director General, National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT).

"Our future is to embrace the old and the new and in doing so create a unique position for ourselves in the world economy," she said at a press conference held to announce the first international fashion event of its kind. It is not just a trade event but will bring the expertise and capabilities – in terms of design, textiles and apparel manufacturing – of the Indian fashion industry.

Held annually in New Delhi, 'dsyn 04' will be held from March 29-31 and will showcase 165 collections in nine different apparel sectors that include day wear, evening wear, ready-to-wear, corporate uniforms and children's wear.

This event will be far from the usual fashion week as it focuses on promoting business and all the facets of the industry, said Simon P. Lock of Australian Fashion Innovators (AFI).

The AFI, which organises the Mercedes Australian Fashion Week, has been commissioned by NIFT to produce and market 'dsyn 04'.

A number of key countries have been targeted across North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.