India’s Consul General in New York Prabhu Dayal flanked by American models at a glittering fashion event at the Consulate General of India. Pics Prakash M Swamy
NEW YORK: India’s global supremacy and unprecedented growth in apparels, textiles and fashion and its role in shaping the contours of world economy came into sharp focus at the heartland of world fashion – New York.
The two-day Fabric to Fashion Trade Forum-2011 sponsored by New York Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and supported by the Consulate General of India in New York that ended March 25, unveiled the exquisite collection of Indian fashion designers besides a panel discussion on the triumph of Brand India put together by the Department of International Trade and Marketing of the FIT.
“India has become much more than a developing world economic power. FIT is organizing informative sessions with experts to educate students and others about influential countries such as India making mark on the global economic stage,” said Dr Frank T. Koe, acting dean of Jay and patty Baker School of Business and Technology of the FIT.
The third emerging markets guest lecture series focused on India as world’s hottest consumer market, its textile industry’s road to success and the increasing globalization of its apparel business, said Christine S. Pomeranz, chairperson of Department of International Trade and Marketing of FIT.
The panelists include Dr Ajay Gondane, deputy consul general of India in New York; Nimet Degirmencioglu, co-founder of Soham Dave; Ashok Varshney, president of Vintage Vision; Anila Midha, president of Uttam House of Designs and Sachin and Babi Ahluwalia, co-founders of Sachin and Babi for Ankasa.
The panelists elaborated on the trade, development, global economic challenges, growth potential and export and import opportunities. They also discussed on long-term prospects, maximizing manpower, FDI and steps to improve current business environment.
The sessions were moderated by Prof. Jeffrey Silberman chairperson and Margaret Bishop, adjust instructor of the department. Prof Subash Midha, professor and global strategy advisor (India) of the department of International Business and Finance of New York University presided over the sessions.
A reception was hosted by Ambassador Prabhu Dayal, Consul General of India to New York at the Consulate which was attended by buyers and industry representatives in the tri-state area on the previous day which was followed by a display of Indian collection of textiles and garments and a buyer-seller meet.
Dayal said fashion has evolved in India time since immemorial and sari was born 5000 years ago. Dhotis were worn not only in villages but in catwalks and capitals. India once supplied garments to the whole world before the arrival of British.
It’s regained its position and is now the world’s leading exporter of textiles thanks to the role of private sector, incentives and innovation. India has become one of the most important places to source textiles and garments and New York plays a leading role in this progress. Indian fashion designers have made a huge impact on the global scene, he said.
Bhavna Toor, fashion designer and a model of New York, said sari, unmatched in its antiquity and a signature of Indian women, was first mentioned in Rig Veda in 3000 BC. Sari was a dream that was born at the hands of a fanciful weaver who dreamt on how to dress a beautiful woman. Pushpa Kumar, vice consul (commerce) of the Indian Consulate, said scores of American companies showed interest in the buyer-seller meet.
India Post News Service
