Huge market for Indian fashion designers in western countries

Products of Indian fashion designers are in great demand in western countries which perceive India as the land of cultural pluralism with rich civilisational history, a fashion expert said.     

"India is rich, exotic, mysterious, colourful and historic. This perception creates a huge market for Indian fashion designers in the western countries," Prof Simon Lewis, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Nottingham Trent University of Britain, told PTI here.     

Lewis, who was here to attend the convocation ceremony of the Pearl Academy of Fashion, said Indian fashion students are very talented.     

The perception of India creates an opportunity for Indian fashion students to get good jobs abroad, said Lewis, who is also the head of College of Art and Design of the reputed institution.     

The world fashion market was facing dearth of talent and Indians have good scope for growth outside, he said.     

Noting that fashion is all about creating brands, Lewis said Indian fashion sector has the potential to become a brand in itself. He gave the example of Indian cuisine, saying it has become a coveted brand worldwide. He advised fashion students to emphasise on techniques and design skills.     

"In the early years, many British designers had overlooked the business aspect of fashion which led to their failure. Therefore, every fashion student should understand the business context as well," he said.     

Lewis said India's fashion sector was in a better position than that of China. On India's fashion designs, he said he liked the new designs created by the fusion of eastern and western trends.