WIFW set to create new benchmarks with spring-summer 2013

New Delhi: As many as 132 designers, including international names, are participating in the spring-summer edition of the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW) and Sunil Sethi, president FDCI, hopes that they set a new benchmark and strengthen the business of fashion in the country.

The five-day fashion extravaganza, organised by Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), will start here Saturday. "This edition will see a mix of Indian and international designers setting newer fashion trends for the season. We are hopeful that this edition will set new benchmarks and strengthen the business of fashion in India," Sethi said. "With an aim to encourage designers and help them build global fashion brands, the platform not only supports designers but also generates fruitful business opportunities for them," he added. Some of the participating designers are Ashish N Soni, Rajesh Pratap Singh, Namrata Joshipura, Wendell Rodricks, Gaurav Gupta, James Ferreira, Manish Malhotra, Suneet Varma, and Kavita Bhartia. Buyers from UAE, London, Australia and Japan among others will be there to appreciate and buy their offerings. Designer Payal Pratap will flag off this year`s edition, while Ritu Kumar will be the grand finale designer. One of the high points of the edition is an association between FDCI and The Textiles Ministry. They have joined hands to promote fashion from the northeast with a show dedicated to designs from the region. Atsu Sekhose, a designer from northeast and one of the known names in the Indian fashion world, will showcase a contemporary collection on the first day of WIFW. Another highlight is collaboration between the Dutch fashion industry and Indian designers for a collection, to be showcased on the opening day, is expected to attract eyeballs. Co-initiated by the FDCI foundation, HTNK Fashion recruitment and consultancy foundation and House of Denim, it is titled "Dutch Fashion Here & Now India" (DFH&NI). It will see Indian names Suneet Varma, Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna teaming up with Dutch fashion house. Sethi called it a "unique bonding" between Indian and Dutch fashion entrepreneurs. With so much fashion happening around, how can one miss the Bollywood presence. ‘Satya’ actor Manoj Bajpayee will be showstopper for Samant Chauhan, while model-turned-actress Sarah Jane Dias will walk the ramp for Surily Goel. Designer Nikasha Tawadey, Ranna Gill and Manish Gupta also promises to woo the audience with their collections. "My collection at WIFW will bring the captivating charm of the capital`s iconic Chandni Chowk bazaar to the fashion forefront," said Nikasha. Ranna, on the other hand, has taken inspiration from the flora and fauna to present a collection that are easy-to-wear and sustainable. Manish`s line titled "Primrose" embraces spring season. IANS