First edition of Wool Conclave kicks off in capital

The Woolmark Company and India Fashion Forum (IFF) on Wednesday flagged off the first edition of Wool Conclave focussing on the potential of wool as luxurious and natural fibre for fashion and lifestyle sector and how India and Australia can work in tandem to multiply and support wool.

The Woolmark company's 'Grown in Austrlia, Made in India' intiative was in the spotlight at the event as the global authority on wool joined forces with IFF to host a seminar attracting the likes of dignitaries like Australian Deputy High Commissioner Chris Elstoft as well as India's leading retailers and manufactures.

The first session kicked off with ace designer Ritu Kumar sharing her thoughts on how Indian art and craft and its journey globally, along with few other members from different brands.

When she was asked if India has evolved in terms of luxury market and if the country has got acceptance worldwide, she said: "I have been working now for 45 years in the street along with here indigenous fashion, we also do four collection in year for Europe and States. I have always found there are two disparate markets and it always remain so.

"I see India today in a very miraculous kind of form. I thought 10 years back, all our India would start wearing high street London or Paris clothing because we would like the rest of the world to be dictated by Euro Centric handwriting like Mexico, Japan or any other country. (But) that has not happened in India. We have found an indigenous, organic India fashion handwriting in this country. It rarely happens in any other country where it is not imposed by religion or society."

Talking about the importance of wool, Elstoft said it can prove to be a great opportunity for India and Australia to work together to mutually support wool.

"The conclave focuses on complete fiber to fashion story. It's a story about how Australian Merino wool can be transformed into garments here in India," he said.

Some of the other Industry leaders like Janne Einola, CEO and Country Head of H&M India, and Ram Bhatnagar, Vice President of Raymond Textiles, also chaired discussions on the key drivers of wool growth volumes, the wool market in India and Wool's communication strategy.

--IANS

nv/dg