International Institute of Fashion Design holds fashion show in Chandigarh

With a growing number of people becoming fashion conscious these days, Chandigarh is carving out a niche for itself in the world of fashion. It is all set to become country's new fashion hub, as being a home to several fashion institutes in Punjab, the satellite city offers a valuable platform for all budding designers in showcasing their creative work.

Many Bollywood stars along with India's top fashion models recently walked the ramp during a fashion show 'INIFD Designer Medley'. They were wearing collections of students graduating from International Institute of Fashion Design.

There were 19 collections used in the fashion show that characterized original style and elegance expressed by student designers.

Nimisha Gupta, Centre Head, INIFD, said: There is a boom in fashion industry. Lots of retail revolution is happening in India and so many foreign brands are coming in the Indian market. Apart from that our Indian craft is also acknowledged all over the world. So our designers are high in demand as well as our merchandisers and retailers. That is the reason why we are producing students who are well-equipped with all this knowledge.

Meanwhile, students presented their innovative concepts, as they tried to present the fusion of Indian wear with contemporary clothes.

The event provided these students an opportunity to showcase their creativity as well as try to understand the nerve of potential buyers beside looking at public inclination for something distinct.

Be it clothes, shoes or accessories - designer wear is in great demand in India.

Niyati Sharma, one of the participating student, said: Earlier, not many people were aware about the fashion industry, today they are becoming fashion conscious. Customers have started taking interest in accessories, gears from head to toe. The industry holds a lot of scope since students are very fond of fashion these days

and so they are studying fashion. It's not limited to dressing well and looking good. It's about your forecast for trend and fashion and your creation.

Anisha, another fashion student, said: Fashion is offering youngsters lots of opportunities. There is lot of money and glamour. So it is a big industry with lots of job prospects. Nobody can be a big designer just after studying and acquiring a degree in fashion. One has to work hard for that.

With their fascinating creations, a new group of talented fashion designers have made an entry into the world of fashion.

'Beautyworld India' in Mumbai from 3rd to 6th October

Messe Frankfurt India today announced the arrival of its well known international brand “Beautyworld”, as “Beautyworld India” in Mumbai from 3rd to 6th October 2008.

The fair will feature the entire gamut of product ranges from cosmetics, skincare, haircare, mouth & dental care, spa and wellness, fitness equipment, to packaging, raw materials, manicure & pedicure, interior design & furniture for beauty parlours, fashion accessories as well as training centres and publishers from India and abroad.

Beautyworld is the globally recognized brand from Messe Frankfurt's portfolio of beauty fairs, which is currently held in Frankfurt, Buenos Aries, Osaka, Tokyo and Dubai.

“With India's economy on the fast track, and a reduction in import duties, the large and demanding market is well and truly open for business. The huge opportunities in the cosmetic, wellness and health sectors can no longer go unnoticed.

International manufacturers waiting to take advantage of the enormous Indian consumer market, and Indian manufacturers wanting to keep upwith global trends and production, will find Beautyworld India perfectly timed “ says Shammi Nagpal, Managing Director Messe Frankfurt India.

To be held in Mumbai, the country's commercial and fashion capital, Beautyworld India will provide the right backdrop for business in a city where more than half of India's high net-worth consumers reside.

Trends and tradition combine dynamically in the modern Indian beauty & health scenario. Growth in domestic markets is coming from several sectors. Consumer spending itself is changing because an average urban household is becoming particular about health and beauty care. Small stores dealing exclusively with beauty products as well as beauty salons, spas, health food shops, and fitness studios have now become a common feature of most Indian towns and cities. With the growing urbanization of Indian cities, more and more Indians are opting for beauty treatments, health products together with radical haircuts. Beauty pagents are very well accepted and titles are much sought after. Advertising campaigns, and product launches of beauty products form a greater part of the social calendar. International labels such as Estée Lauder, Elizabeth Arden, Yves Saint Laurent, Shiseido, among others, are increasingly commanding shelf pace in department stores across the country.

The beauty and cosmetics market in India currently stands at US $950 million and is growing at the rate of 15-20% per annum. The skincare sector is one of the fastest growing segments as Indian consumers have started using specialized skincare products according to their skin type. The market for fairness creams, facial creams, moisturisers, cleansers are growing at a rate of 18-20%.

Fringe programmes are an important aspect of any trade fair and are a must in the beauty industry. Over 16 international workshops are planned to inform and inspire.

Beautyworld India will set the trends for attractive business in the subcontinent.

Lakme Fashion Week 2007

The Lakme Fashion Week has announced the dates for Lakme Fashion Week Spring Summer from October 13 to 17, 2007.

The major Indian festivals such as Dussera & Diwali, which also happen to fall in the month of October, have been taken into account.

Accordingly, the dates for Lakme Fashion Week have been decided while taking these above important factors into consideration. Confirming the dates for Spring Summer, 2008 makes it easy for buyers to plan their visits. Moreover, designers get enough time to plan for the next season, keeping in mind their business commitments.

Current Exhibitor:

Manish Malhotra, Abhishek Dutta, Narendra Kumar, Nalanda Bhandari, Nandita Mahtani, Swapnil Shinde, Sanjay Malhotra, Surily Goel, Leonard, Nandita Mahtani, Allen Solly , Vineet Bahl, Shyamal & Bhumika, Julie Kagti, Savio Jon, Vikram Phadnis, Arjun Saluja, Payal Singhal, Debarghya Bairagi & Navonil Das, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Sun Goddess, Deepti Toor, Wendell Rodricks, Sandip Biswas .....