Fashion fights for industry status
Fashion isn’t entertainment. It’s pure hard work for many associated with the trade. And while youngsters may be bedazzled by the glitter of the fashion world, designers feel that fashion, as an industry, needs to be taken more seriously. Designer Anupama Dayal recently put it in plain words when she said that complete support from the government is needed for the fashion industry so that it can in turn help in creating more employment opportunities and build a cultural identity for the nation.
Adding to what Dayal said, veteran designers Madhu Jain, who has been a maverick at reviving traditional textiles, feels that in a country like India an individual can’t progress on her own without support from the authorities.
She says that the government should allocate adequate funds for the development of the fashion trade. “Middlemen should be evicted and direct dealing between weavers and designers should be established. Also, government stores, generating employment to younger designers, weavers and fashion sales professionals should be opened across the country,” feels Madhu, who has just completed 25 years in the industry.
Designer Anjalee Kapoor wonders why the fashion industry, which is growing at a fast pace and has the potential of creating many employment opportunities, doesn’t enjoy enough patronage from the authorities. “Unfortunately, because of the lack of resources, the talent associated with the trade hasn’t been exploited properly,” she feels.
Anjalee feels that the government should put in place flexible policies and tax benefits. “It should support fashion schools as so much talent walks out from there, which sadly, due to lack of proper structure is lost in the crowd or ends up being exploited,” she says.
Ace designer Reynu Taandon points out the dearth of industrial land for design units. “Designers in villages have no land. The government must create some special industrial area at nominal rates, where they can step up their factories. Bankers are hesitant to give credit facilities to designers,” she points out.
However, president, Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), Sunil Sethi begins on an optimistic note as he talks about the present state of affairs. He informs that slowly, but steadily, support from the relevant ministers is building up. “Our designers will be presenting 20 fashion shows every year across the country with back-up from the government. And as such 40-60 talented designers will get an opportunity to display their talent. Also, we recently showcased a handloom expo for IAS officers,” he informs.
The industry, Sunil adds, is working tirelessly towards the upkeep of the crafts and cultures of the country. “At the same time we are trying to bring in export revenue. Having said that, fashion is still awaiting recognition as an industry,” he says. “Sadly, the Delhi government is still charging us entertainment tax,” he concludes on a sigh.
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