India's supremacy in textiles, apparels showcased in NY

The two-day "Fabric to Fashion Trade Forum-2011". sponsored by New York Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and supported by the Consulate General of India in New York unveiled the exquisite collection of Indian fashion designers.

The function which culminated Friday also included  panel discussion on the triumph of Brand India put together by the Department of International Trade and Marketing of the FIT. "India has become much more than a developing world economic power.  FIT is organising informative sessions with experts to educate students and others about influential countries such as India making mark on the global economic stage,” said Dr Frank T. Koe.

Koe is the acting dean of Jay and Patty Baker School of Business and Technology of the FIT. The third emerging markets guest lecture series, which were among the programmes, focused on India as world’s hottest consumer market, its textile industry’s road to success and the increasing globalisation of its apparel business, said Christine S. Pomeranz, chairperson of Department of International Trade and Marketing of FIT.

The panelists include Ajay Gondane, deputy consul general of India in New York; Nimet Degirmencioglu, co-founder of Soham Dave; Ashok Varshney, President of Vintage Vision; Anila Midha, President of Uttam House of Designs and Sachin and Babi Ahluwalia, co-founders of Sachin and Babi for Ankasa.

The panelists elaborated on the trade, development, global economic challenges, growth potential and export and import opportunities. They also discussed on long-term prospects, maximising manpower, FDI and steps to improve current business environment.

The sessions were moderated by Prof. Jeffrey Silberman chairperson and Margaret Bishop, adjust instructor of the department. Prof Subash Midha, professor and global strategy advisor (India) of the department of International Business and Finance of New York University presided over the sessions.

A reception was later hosted by Prabhu Dayal, Consul General of India to New York at the Consulate to the panelists, buyers and who-is-who of the industry on Thursday evening followed by a display of Indian collection of textiles and garments and a buyer-seller meet. Dayal said fashion has evolved in India since time immemorial and sari was born 5000 years ago. Dhotis were worn not only in villages but in catwalks and capitals.

India once supplied garments to the whole world before the arrival of British, Dayal said. It’s regained its position and is now the world’s leading exporter of textiles thanks to the role of private sector, incentives and innovation, he said.

India has become one of the most important places to source textiles and garments and New York plays a leading role in this progress. Indian fashion designers have made a huge impact on the global scene, he said.

Bhavna Toor, fashion designer and a model of New York, said sari, unmatched in its antiquity and a signature of Indian women, was first mentioned in Rig Veda in 3000 BC.
Sari was a dream that was born at the hands of a fanciful weaver who dreamt on how to dress a beautiful woman.

Pushpa Kumar, vice consul (commerce) of the Indian Consulate, said scores of American companies showed interest in the buyer-seller meet.