Indian designers gain space on fashion calendars

September is the unofficial fashion month, with Indian designers gaining increasing prominence on global calendars. On September 21, Gursi Singh and Amrita Khanna introduced their label Lovebirds at London Fashion Week, showcasing contemporary designs with chintz and Adarsh Balak graphics. Two days later, Dhruv Kapoor returned to Milan Fashion Week, incorporating a beaded Madras-check lungi into his usual streetwear collection.

Sabyasachi Mukherjee recently returned to New York Fashion Week after an 18-year absence, joining the official calendar with his 72-look Spring/Summer 2027 collection. Manish Malhotra made his Paris Haute Couture Week debut this year in July, while Rahul Mishra and Gaurav Gupta have been part of its official calendars for years.

Attending international fashion weeks requires significant investment and logistical planning. Kapoor explains that it is a substantial commitment, encompassing the runway show and various supporting elements such as production, styling, and public relations. International fashion weeks offer Indian designers exposure to key industry leaders, buyers, press, and tastemakers from around the world, providing a platform to project their vision globally.

In contrast, fashion weeks in India are generally more centralized, with limited international exposure.

While the cost and logistics of participating in international fashion weeks can be daunting, the potential benefits are substantial. Sunil Sethi, chairman of the Fashion Design Council of India, acknowledges that Indian designers are increasingly suited to the global luxury market, blending traditional techniques with contemporary styles.

The Fashion Design Council of India has expanded its international showcases to regions like New Zealand, Jakarta, and Moscow. As fashion becomes increasingly borderless and the customer base extends globally, Indian designers are positioning themselves to capitalize on this trend. Despite the challenges, many industry insiders believe that consistent participation in prestigious fashion weeks is crucial for establishing credibility and driving sales in the competitive global market.