Fashion Garments

After a hectic day of conferencing, networking and debating the day two of India Fashion Forum 2010 (IFF) saw a very engaging panel discussion on Fashion Dynamics. Panelist Sanjeev Mohanty, MD Benetton India observed that every one was chasing the cool quotient of fashion. He emphasised his point through an interesting presentation on the major fashion influencers i.e. media, fashion magazines Bollywood movies like Wake Up Sid and Jab We Met, Hollywood figures like Justin Timberlake and Twilight – the film. He stressed the importance of being ’stupid’, which translates to being brave and thinking innovatively. “If it weren’t for the stupid thought processes, then we the fashion world today would probably never have big names like Bennetton,” he added.
Speaking on the perspective of international brands in India Devangshu Dutta, Chief Executive Third Eyesight threw light on the importance of developing Indian brands with global appeal, paving the way for the recognition of Indian brands internationally.
Juliet Warkentin, Content Director, WGSN, UK. Warkentin spoke about the smart strategies followed by various retailers from across the globe, for generating good business. “Get involved in story telling through your brand because a store that tells a story is a beautiful store,” she suggested. She also drove home the point that the customers are looking for value, quality and beauty all at the same time. “If you have a good product why be boring about it,” she added.
Inaugurating the 10th edition of the India Fashion Forum (IFF) on day one Chairman Gautam Singhania said that that the industry was experiencing a quick bounce back from the economic slowdown and predicted that the industry was on a solid ground for a great performance drive, not just through this year but for the long term. When global economies like US, Japan, Germany and France contracted, India recorded a 6.7 percent growth with projections to touch 7-7.75 percent this financial year, he added.
As the economy grows; so does India’s consuming class. It is estimated that 140 million Indians will earn a salary of over USD 20,000 by 2011. The number of effective consumers is expected to swell to over 600 million by this time – sufficient to establish India as one of the largest consumer markets of the world. “China gives volume business, while India gives value business”, Mr. Singhania emphasied.
At the same session Kishore Biyani, CEO Future Group advised retailers to build a portfolio of many brands and then pick up the right format (like Big Bazaar), all the while keeping a tab on the constantly changing consumers minds. Above all, hold on to your entrepreneur instincts, Mr Biyani advised.
Ireena Vittal, Principal, McKinsey (India), said growth drivers like afford ability, occasion and style; which are crucial for the smooth functioning of all markets. Industry one needs to create occasions for consumption; and create talents for industry and drive lower costs in the ecosystem.
Juliet Warkentin spoke to a packed house about the key mood, colour, details, shapes inspiring the trends of fashion from around the world. She urged retailers to be ‘a global player in the local market.’ “Play with softness and silhouettes and give the consumers another reason to buy,” she advised.
At the AEPC conclave anchored by Premal Udani, Chairman, Apparel Exporters Promotion Council (AEPC) some of the leading exporters from the fashion industry debated on the prospective markets of the future by weighing out the global vs the domestic scenario.
Vimal Kirti Singh, Secretary General of AEPC stressed that at present it is not foreign exchange but skill development that the government is concentrating and predicted that moving forward the domestic sector as well as the export sector in India will open up job opportunities for a huge number of skilled labour.
The afternoon session also saw the unveiling of the Triumph 2010 Collection at a scintillating fashion show.