New Delhi, March 31: For them it is a step closer to the world of their dreams of seeing beauties wearing their designs on the ramp.
But the new entrants in the world of fashion are happy to get a chance to showcase their creations through the stalls.
Naveen Dohare, a NIFT alumnus and a debutante at the recently concluded Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW) feels that although designers showcasing their collection on the ramp have an edge, he has been able to showcase his merchandise for buyers to take notice.
The designer has combined ‘Hyper Real’ with ‘Glam Rock’ for his Autumn-Winter collection, inspired by pop singer Lady Gaga.
“I may not get buyers and huge orders but at least they were able to see my stuff and I have met people whom I would not have met otherwise at my studio and it always helps,” said Naveen who started his label in 2006.
“My collection is about female energy into the centrestage combined with flamboyant expression. It also combines present day music culture influences like Lady Gaga and House Music, it’s very colourful since I usually find winters to be very gloomy,” said Navin who also doubles up as a DJ.
Designer Manish Gupta, who has had his chance at the runway in the past, insists that a fashion week is primarily a B2B event and what ultimately matters are the creations and not the glamour.
“At the end of the day WIFW is a trade event and buying is happening in the stalls and not during the fashion shows.
All that matters is what you sell. There is nothing like they have leverage otherwise I would have done a show,” Gupta said.
“But it’s good as the show creates brand value. The buyer response has been really not many designers use,” he added.
Delhi based designer Shikha Sharma, another debutant feels it’s a personal choice whether you want to showcase your designs in a show or to keep them restricted to a stall.
“I just wanted to have an experience. WIFW is what we used to look up to when we studied fashion. I got to know positive and negative things about me and it makes you feel a part of the industry. It’s not that if you have a stall you won’t get noticed,” said Shikha who passed out from NIFT in 2008 and started her label this year.
“I personally wanted to learn the business experience, it makes you learn the market. Maybe next year I will showcase my collection on the ramp. For a beginner exposure is important,” she added.
–PTI