India:Kolkata Fashion Week website goes online

 

Kolkata Fashion Week (KFW) is picking up steam. The official website of Kolkata Fashion Week – kolkatafashionweek.in was launched over a glittering ceremony by Mindscapes Maestros. Renowned model Sonalika Sahay was present for the occasion. kolkatafashionweek.in will be the primary information hub for Kolkata Fashion Week.

Designed by Grinning Tree Productions, kolkatafashionweek.in integrates elegant silhouettes with detailed information about the mega event. The website blends rich Bengal motifs and uber cool graphics; supremely chique, yet amazingly Bengal.

It’s designed keeping the theme and concept of Kolkata Fashion Week – Return To Roots, intact. The site will provide the finest details and updates of the KFW activities, the participating designers and the frescos of our lovable city. People can also check the backstage gossips, pictures & videos of the shows and life behind the screen.

“We believe that websites have become the most important and crucial tool for any communication. This website will help us to reach every corners of the world, anyone from anywhere and at anytime, will be able to access our website for any information related to Kolkata Fashion Week”, said Mr Yudhajit Dutta, Director, Mindscapes Group Of Companies.

Mindscapes Maestros also announced the remaining names of India’s greatest fashion designers who would be participating at KFW. Rohit Bal, Wendell Rodricks, Rohit Gandhi & Rahul Khanna, Shane-Falguni and Gauri Nainika will be joining Bibi Russell, Mona Pali, Dev R Nil, Abhishek Dutta, Marg, Sharbari Dutta, Zubair Kirmani, Anjana Bhargav, Manoviraj Khosla and Narendra Kumar to make Kolkata Fashion Week the most sought after fashion fiesta of the country.

Leading models of the country such as Nina Manuel, Laxmi Rana, Neha Kapur, Sapna Kumar, Bhavna Seth, Sonalika Sahay & Shayan Munshi amongst others will be sashaying down the ramp of Kolkata Fashion Week.

“We are moving at a break-neck speed and in the coming days the country will witness various interesting updates around KFW”, added Mr Dutta.

Conceptualized and designed by Mindscapes Maestros Events & Sports Management Limited, a part of Mindscapes Group Of Companies, Kolkata Fashion Week (KFW) will be a four day fashion blitzkrieg to be held through 2nd – 5th April, 2009 at PC Chandra Greens, EM Bypass, Kolkata. 

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India:20 Femina Miss India contestants move closer вЂLive the Dream’

 

The talented and glamorous finalists of Pantaloons Femina Miss India (PFMI) 2009 were unveiled amidst much fanfare. Out of all the 64 aspiring contestants who were present at the Regional Rounds, 20 stunning beauties finally made it to the top. These divas come one step closer to вЂLive the Dream’ – of winning the most coveted title – and would compete for the crowns on the Grand Finale stage.

The 20 finalists from across India sizzled on the ramp with the show choreographed by none other than Marc Robinson (Fashion Director and Contestant Director, PFMI 2009).

The gorgeous ladies were attired in cocktail dresses designed by renowned fashion designer Haasya Chandna. Her collection for the future Miss India’s was designed keeping in mind each ones personal attributes. The hues, the textures and cuts of each gown made every contestant stand out as an individual, exuding confidence of looking and giving their best in their quest to win the most coveted title of Femina Miss India’s pageant.

The collection boasted of cocktail gowns woven in satin, enhancing eclectic hues of electric blue, sea green, wine pink and black. It emphasised on flowy textures, each cut to perfection. The aesthetic makeup was done by Vivian D Silva, Make up Expert from Make up Forever. The Hair styling was done by Najeeb Ur Rehman – Chief Colour and Styling Consultant from Schwarzkopf Professional.

Adding glamour to the grand evening was the unveiling of the three exquisitely designed crowns for the top three winners crafted by Collection G – a brand for the woman of today in association with D’damas and World Gold Council, exclusively for Pantaloons Femina Miss India 2009. The intricately crafted crowns inspired from the Sun, Moon and Stars were unveiled by the brand ambassador of Collection G, Jacqueline Fernandez. The trendy Collection G jewellery adorning the contestants lent grandeur and beauty to the evening held at the upscale Flute Lounge, located at Hotel Sahara Star.

These aspiring finalists will continue their journey towards the coveted pageant through a month long intensive training schedule at Hotel Sahara Star, carefully put together by the Miss India expert panel comprising of Marc Robinson – Fashion Director & Contestant Director, Alicia Raut – Ramp Walk Trainer Sabira Merchant – Diction Expert, Dr. Rekha Sheth – Nivea Visage Skin Care Expert, Dr. Dilip Deshpande – Smile & Dental Expert, Dr. Abhijit Desai - Makeover Expert, Dr. Apoorva & Sonal Shah – Hair Care Experts, Ashley Rebello - Fashion Stylist for photoshoot, Prasad Bidapa – Contestant Advisor, Zakia Shakir – Fashion Photographer, Najeeb Ur Rehman – Chief Colour and Styling Consultant from Schwarzkopf Professional, Anuja Katara – Make up Expert from Make up Forever, Latif Mohammed – Head Fitness & Training Expert from Talwalkars, Neesha Bukht and Avantika Shah – Diet & Nutrition Experts from Talwalkars, Sandeep Soparkar & Jesse Randhawa – Dance Experts and Anjanna Kuthiala – Art appreciation. These experts will thoughtfully guide them in various facets which are important for every aspiring вЂMiss India’ to possess. The star studded grand finale will take place on the 5th of April at Mumbai. 

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India:Kolkata Fashion Week website goes online

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Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week, India’s leading business of fashion event, announced a powerful list of 13 commercial partners and 103 participating designers who would bring business and fashion on a common platform. The designers comprise of established and emerging names from across the country who would market Indian Fashion to domestic and international buyers, fashion enthusiasts, media and other industry stakeholders.

Through each event, WIFW continues to set new standards and help its members achieve global benchmarks. WIFW AW 2009 is represented by some of the best and the most sought after designers. Over 24 designers would be showcasing their collections at WIFW for the first time.

The prestigious brands associating with Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week, Autumn/Winter 2009, from 18-23 March, 2009 are:

• Wills Lifestyle – Title Sponsor
• Fiama Di Wills – Associate Sponsor
• Chivas – Fashion Partner
• Hewlett Packard – Major Partner
• Audi – Official Car
• Kingfisher – Good Times Partner
• Power Plate – Fitness Partner
• NDTV Good Times - Broadcast Partner
• Yahoo – Online Partner
• Elle –Magazine Partner
• Big FM - Radio Partner
• Intercontinental Eros - Hotel Partner
• Fedex – Logistics Partner

Welcoming the Sponsor and Partners for WIFW 2009, Sunil Sethi, President, FDCI said, "It is with pride, FDCI can say that 10 years into the business of fashion has established Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week as the most sought after trade event for the fashion design industry. The Indian fashion industry has seen a dramatic growth and with India being in fashion, everybody wants a piece of it! FDCI has taken the Indian Fashion industry to touch new heights globally and made it a national pride. WIFW, without doubt, is not only India’s premier fashion event but Asia’s largest. Adding another feather to our cap is the recognition we have received from the Fashion Design Promotion Council (FDPC).”

The list of participating designers at the forthcoming event was announced. With 34 shows and 103 designers on the schedule, Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week brings before the Indian and International clientele five action-packed days of absolute fashion and serious business. The designers will be showcasing their collections under three new categories introduced earlier – Contemporary, Synthesis/ Heritage and Creator. The sixth day is dedicated to a designer-buyer B2B dialogue.

In addition, FDCI in association with FDPC will shine the spotlight on young budding talent at a special showing in between designer show schedules.

Atul Chand, Divisional Chief Executive, ITC’s Lifestyle Retailing Business Division, said, “Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week has been scaling new heights edition after edition and I compliment all stakeholders in making this the country’s most prestigious event. There is great synergy in the association of our premium lifestyle brands Wills Lifestyle & Fiama Di Wills with the event and we look forward to further strengthening the strong and deep–rooted partnership that we have established with the fashion fraternity.”
 

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India:Kolkata Fashion Week website goes online

India:Fake Pashmina shawls hit traditional artisans

 

With the global economic crisis, taking its toll on each and every export sector, the vulnerable handicrafts industry has not been left behind in being deeply affected. Most of the artisans hail from rural and poor backgrounds which makes it more difficult for them to survive through this Tsunami like crisis.

The famous Pashmina shawl is also facing problems, which are not of its own making nor related to the economic crisis. Fake Pashmina shawls are circulating in the state of Jammu and Kashmir to the consternation of the traditional Pashmina shawl producers. The customer is also not able to discern between a genuine and a fake.

Since these fake Pashmina shawls are sold at cheap rates, people flock to buy them, unaware that they are being sold a counterfeit shawl. Sales to the extent of nearly 50 percent have been affected since these bogus shawls started to find their way in to the Kashmiri markets.

The Pashmina shawl producers are expecting the government to intervene in the matter, before it is too late and most of the traditional weavers move out of the business. The government on its part had introduced a law, making it mandatory for handicraft products to carry a logo to differentiate it from the fake ones, but it was never implemented properly.
 

  

Pakistan:Textile sector losing sheen in int’l market

 

Textile sector that accounts for around 46 percent of entire manufacturing sector, generating 60 percent of total foreign exchange for the country is currently facing critical challenges.

Fluctuating cotton prices in the international market, and rising interest rates have crippled the exports of this industry. Further energy crisis has added to the woes of the manufacturers.

The industry engages more than 40 percent of labourers who depend solely on this sector for earning their livelihood.

Speaking exclusively to Fibre2fashion.com , Dr Murtaza Mughal, President of Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) told, “The crisis looming on the textile sector, needs immediate and proper Government intervention; otherwise competing in the international export market will be really difficult.”

Informing about PEW , Dr Mughal stated, “We are an independent group of experts and economists that works without any aid or prejudices. We provide recommendations to Government and concerned sectors. There are some issues that need to be addressed on priority. Lack of skilled workforce, professionals, designers and creativity is an issue.

“Although there is a separate Textile Ministry, it is not delivering the way if should be, as other ministries are not cooperating with them. Like Production ministry feels that their powers have been snatched. Even interest rates are one of the highest in the world.”

He further stresses, “Substandard inputs at being used at every step; from sowing to finished products. Even availability of pesticides, insecticides always remained a problem. Modern cottonseed is yet to be introduced in majority of cotton sowing areas. Competition has increased since 2005 when special protection was withdrawal.

“The investment in R&D is also falling. World demand for textiles is currently nearing to 19 Trillion, (set to slide due to economic crunch); while Pakistan’s share is less than 1 percent which will go down further. Most importantly energy outages have crippled this sector. Remaining working units are in business to keep the customers. There is interference and monopolies in the sector impeding growth.”

According to PEW President if Pakistani Government pays heed to the above problems then only the textile industry can survive in the current scenario.  

  

India:Raymond sets up Neckties and More to compliment menz outfits

 

Raymond Apparel Ltd, that ranks amongst the largest and most respected apparel companies, has introduced first of its kind, a one stop shop for accessories – Neckties and More, after recording a strong growth in their accessories business in the past few years.

Sources from the Company informed Fibre2fashion.com that although accessories significantly add flair to a man’s outfit and create a positive style statement, most retailers shy away from displaying accessories on the forefront. Raymond Ltd has understood the growing importance of accessories in the man’s wardrobe today.

In line with this thought Raymond Apparel Limited, the 100 percent subsidiary of Raymond Ltd has introduced a whole new store format, a one stop shop for accessories – Neckties and More.

The Company plans to launch 50 Neckties and More stores in the coming 6 months and about a 100 stores in 2 years. The Company projects that with this retail initiative the contribution of accessories business to Raymond Apparel Limited turnover would double from the current 5 percent to over 10 percent.

Currently, in the pilot stage Neckties and More have over 20 stores across India with the most recent one launched at the newly developed Bangalore Airport.

One can choose from a vast range of accessories for every occasion and personality. Ties, tie-pins, belts, cufflinks, bags, pocket squares, cravats, shoes and innerwear; all form an integral part of this store. Priced between Rs250 to Rs2,000, the versatile range can make you feel dressed and most importantly, complete.

Neckties and More is designed to target the impulsive shopper, who would not mind adding a tie or a pair of cufflinks to his wardrobe while he is on the move, either at a swanky mall or waiting for his flight at the airport. The consumer can now look forward to premium quality and latest trends at an affordable price in this one-stop-shop accessory outlet.

Neckties and More houses the brands Park Avenue, Parx, Raymond Finely Crafted Garments and Manzoni. 

  

USA:Laughing Out Loud Kids debut collection wins ‘Best in Show’ Award

 

The premiere collection from new children’s apparel label Laughing Out Loud is already receiving accolades. The Spring/Summer ’09 line from designer Mila Cole, which debuted at New York’s premiere Children’s Club trade show in October, has received the covetable “Best in Show” award honoring market newcomers from longtime industry expert Tina Barry, a correspondent for JamesGirone.com, a revered online guide to the children’s marketplace.

Selected for its child-appropriate fashion, successful incorporation of leading trends, and cohesiveness as a collection, Barry noted that Laughing Out Loud’s “freewheeling sportswear” stands out from other brands due to its modern look, vibrant colors, and high-quality Pima cotton knits and woven fabrics.

In addition, she highlighted the designer’s talent for bringing whimsy to clean-lined silhouettes through bold touches like wide stripes and ribbon embellishments. Barry picked a multi-tiered dress as the must-have design from the brand’s spring collection: “With the ruffled body, the rich charcoal lining and [a] bold crisscrossed woven ribbon, the Flamenco dress lives up to its name,” she said.

“As a new label, we’re thrilled to have been pinpointed as an exceptional newcomer to the children’s wear market,” Cole said. “With children’s retailers looking for new and fresh designs to keep their customers shopping amid a troubled economy, this award provides evidence that ours is a brand to watch.”

Lawyer-turned-designer Mila Cole debuted her children’s wear label in 2008, hoping to share with other parents styles that evoke the love, laughter and liveliness of her own two sons. Made for boys and girls ages 0 to 6, her designs emphasize comfort and quality and are made of high-grade Pima cotton sourced from her native Peru.