Fashion industry seeks govt support

The fashion fraternity has sought the government's support, saying the lack of infrastructure and assistance prevented them from organising shows in India and abroad.

"The Indian fashion segment is still not a full-fledged industry. If the government helps in organising big shows in India and other locations globally, new players will be able to compete with international fashion designers," Neeraj Chauhan, debuting at the ongoing Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week said.

Chauhan and his wife Alapana showcased their collection 'Azara' at the ongoing Will India Fashion Week. He is among the five Indian designers selected to participate at the Miami fashion week in April.

Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) executive director Sumeet Nair said the industry would welcome governmental initiative in any form.

A senior Finance Ministry official present at the event said the government would consider assisting the designers if they put up a representation before the government.

"During the pre-budget discussions, there was no demand from the fashion designers for infrastructure support. If they present their demand before the Finance ministry, the department may consider it favourably," he said.

Other designers such as Sumeet Varma, who showcased his collection on the first day of the Fashion Week said, "The fashion industry is not growing due to lack of government support. We do not have adequate infrastructure and require funding to organise better shows".

While Indian fashion designers are going global and designing clothes for Hollywood actors, government assistance to collaborate with designers in countries such as Paris, London, Hong Kong and Italy would be beneficial, WIFW debutante K S Shah said.

Designer Reena Dhaka said while designers were earlier given fiscal benefits by the Commerce Ministry to participate at global fashion events, "currently we are not getting anything".

"We hope that the government will help the Indian fashion to enable it gain greater visibility, Dhaka added.