Fabric to Fashion - India 2011

The Consulate General of Indian New York organized a two day event on apparel promotion titled ‘Fabric to Fashion – India 2011’ in association with the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) on March 24th-25th, 2011. The event included a Buyer-Seller Meet (BSM) and networking reception on March 24, 2011. Around 200 textile and apparel vendors, retailers, wholesalers, fashion designers and mainstream and ethnic media officials participated in the Event. Similarly a panel discussion on various aspects of the Indian Apparel Industry, the advantages and opportunities in India, etc. was held at the FIT on March 25, 2011.

In his opening remarks Ambassador Prabhu Dayal, Consul General of India, New York warmly welcomed the guests and noted the high level of interest that Indian fashion and apparel was generating in the United States. He spoke of the ancient origins of Indian textiles and garments. The Consul General said that fashion had evolved in India over time and that India was a major supplier of textiles before its colonization. India has regained its position and is now the world’s leading exporter of textiles and apparel. It is due to the role of private sector, Government incentives and innovation. He mentioned India was recognized as a prime sourcing destination for garments, textiles and accessories. He added that India was the world's second largest producer of textiles and garments and the second largest provider of employment in the country which supports around 7 million people as part of its workforce. Amb. Dayal added that India has become one of the most important destinations to source textiles and garments and New York played a leading role in this progress. 

 
A fusion instrumental musical program was presented by guitarist Mr. Sudeip, tabla player Mr. Nitin Mitta and violinist Mr. Raghuttam.

A short film on the Indian textile and apparel industry highlighting India’s competitive advantage and efforts undertaken by AEPC was played followed by a film presentation on designer Ms. Sushma Patel.

Participants in the buyer seller meet included fashion designers Mr. Soham Dave, known for his eco-friendly lifestyle brand which includes a clothing line and jewelry collection, Ms. Sushma Patel known for her Indo-Western fusion collections and Mr. Sachin & Mrs. Babi Ahluwalia known for their designer and couture embroideries and luxury home furnishings brand. In addition, Ms. Rekha Mehta, a designer of traditional Indian garments and Mr. Ashok Varshney, distributor of Indian apparels also displayed their collections.

Dr. Gondane, Deputy Consul General proposed a vote of thanks and the event concluded with dinner.

The second segment of Fabric to Fabric 2011 which included two panel discussions was held on March 25th 2011 at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), a premier fashion institute in New York.

The first panel discussion titled ‘Road to Success:  Indian Textile Industry’ included Ms. Nimet Degirmencioglu, co-founder of Soham Dave, Mr. Ashok Varshney, President of Vintage Vision and Prof. Subash Midha as panelists and Prof. Jeffrey Silberman, Chairperson, Department of Textile Development & Marketing, FIT as the moderator.

The second panel discussion titled ‘Indian Apparel Fashion:  Going Global’ included Ms. Anila Midha, President of Uttam House of Designs, Ms. Anu Athri, Designer and Trend & Editorial contributor and Mr. Sachin and Mrs. Babi Ahluwalia, co-founders of Sachin and Babi for Ankasa as panelists and Prof. Margaret Bishop, Adjunct Instructor, Department of Textile Development and Marketing and International Trade, FIT as the moderator.