India’s supremacy in textiles, apparels showcased in NY

From PTI Correspondent
New York, March 26 (PTI) India’s global supremacy and
unprecedented growth in apparels, textiles and fashion and its
role in shaping the contours of world economy came into sharp
focus at the heartland of world fashion – New York on Friday.
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.