The Rise of the Indian Fashion Industry
Change is constant. The Indian fashion industry is also changing and growing at a rapid pace. With a drastic increase in the number of design colleges, design courses, textile diploma courses, fashion designers, fashion boutiques and clients, the fashion industry has grown manifold in recent years. According to a report by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), India’s share in the global designer wear industry is likely to go up from 0.32 percent to 1.7 percent by 2020. Some of the key factors influencing the growth of the Indian fashion industry are rising standard of living, emergence of the organized retail sector, digital marketing and a conducive environment.
The Indian Fashion Industry Goes Global
At present, Indian fashion designers are dominating the global fashion industry. Last year, India won the “Best Country Award” for its very first exhibit (put together by Gautam Vazirani, IMG Reliance) at the International Fashion Showcase of London Fashion Week. Today, more and more international celebrities are flaunting clothes designed by Indian designers. During her visit to India in 2015, Michelle Obama, former First Lady of the United States wore an ensemble designed by Bibhu Mohapatra. Recently, American star Kylie Jenner was seen flaunting an outfit designed by Falguni and Shane during the launch of her own nail paint line.
Similarly, international fashion houses and brands have slowly begun to realize that the Indian fashion industry has tremendous potential for growth. Indian ethnic designs and styles have gained popularity in western countries. The rise of several e-commerce startups has also led to the penetration of several national as well as international brands into the Indian retail market. Moreover, these startups offer discounts on several brands throughout the year. Hence, today designer wear has reached the masses and is no longer confined to the elite class.
Ethical Fashion is Here to Stay
A group of fashion designers have set out to give a new meaning to the term “fashion.” Today, Indian fashion is no longer limited to style and innovative designs. India’s best fashion designers are now realizing the importance of sustainable fashion and the need to introduce ethical, eco-friendly and durable clothes. Today, the focus is on reducing the carbon footprint and encouraging sustainable practices such as recycling clothes, using natural fiber and making fabrics out of plastic bottles. Brands like “Upasana,” “No Nasty,” “Bhu:sattva,” “Doodlage,” “Ethicus” and many others are adopting fair trade practices and are directly collaborating with weavers to eliminate middlemen and to give craftsmen and artisans due credit.
Indian consumers are also becoming more and more aware of sustainable and green practices. The youth form a major part of the Indian fashion audience, and today’s youth is well informed about various things including fair trade practices and upcycling. At the same time, top fashion design colleges in India are including topics related to sustainable fashion in their syllabus. Principals of these institutes are coming forward to increase awareness about fair trade policies among the youth.
The young generation of fashion designers is all set to revolutionize the Indian fashion industry and create a sustainable environment for future generations.
