Preponed WIFW gets a thumbs up

[1]

FDCI has just thrown in a surprise for designers as well as buyers by releasing the dates of WLIFW. Well, the fashion event which usually takes place in April will now happen in February. Interestingly, the news has gone down well with the designers. While some are not very sure if they will be able to wrap up by then

, others are pretty excited as the new arrangement is good for their business.
FDCI president Sunil Sethi says, “The idea is to showcase before others do internationally. So we are having the fashion week before New York, Paris, Milan, London and similar events of repute. We are yet to officially announce it, as we are waiting for our main sponsor’s confirmation. We are expecting the same by next week. However, the Board has agreed to the dates and we have even reserved the venue.”
He adds that the move will definitely benefit the designers and most of them are very happy about the whole idea.
Designer Gaurav Jai Gupta who will be showcasing his collection this week says that it makes sense to have this event in February.
“February is in tune with the international buying cycle and perhaps can result in more buyers coming to India. All the international fashion weeks happen back to back and India generally is always in the end. Designers who showcase outside India will be fine with it as they already prepare with these dates in mind,” says Gaurav, who will now need to rush his work. But he is sure that he will be able to pull it off.
“It may affect the preparations of others but since I design and develop my own fabric, I don’t need to worry,” he quips.
Designer Varija Bajaj says it’s not impossible to put everything together. “We will just need to step on the gas. There will be more night shifts for us as well as the kaarigars. It is difficult but not unattainable. Just that we were not mentally prepared. If you have time, you are better organised. Fashion week in February makes sense from the business perspective,” sums up Varija.