The Business of Fashion

Top Fashion designers of the country Gauri Karan ,Co-Founder & Designer of Gauri & Nainika ;Nainika Karan, Co-Founder & Designer of Gauri & Nainika; Malini Ramani, Founder, Malini Ramani and Charu Sachdev, Founder & CEO,TSG International Marketing Pvt. Ltd. – KITSCH& Co-Founder- www.rocknshop.com and Fashion Stylist & Freelancer Gautam Kalra talked about the business of fashion and how India needs to look at it as a full-fledged industry in itself just like the global fashion sector.

The panellists expressed their views on the necessity to corporatize the India fashion industry with strong backend infrastructure through financial aid from corporates and banks. They also emphasized on social media is transforming the fashion industry and how Bollywood is setting fashion trends successfully.

“Be as creative as you are but you have to sell. There needs to be a target market and a unique selling point. That’s how you run a successful business,” said Gautam Kalra.

Gauri and Nainika emphasized on the uniqueness of the designs. “It is just not about creating beautiful clothes. It is just like any other business. There is no easy way in the glamour industry.”

Charu Sachdev said that “The Business of fashion is real business. I am not just a designer or a creator. I am an aggregator. The end result is creating profit for all who are involved in the business.”

The session was moderated by Supriya Dravid, Consultant with Mint Lounge Contributor to Elle India and Architectural Digest

In her welcome address, Vinita Bimbhet announced that the theme for the year is “Changing Lives: New Challenges & Unprecedented Opportunities”.

Ms Bimbhet said “Fashion designers have contributed immensely to the spread of fashion as a driving force, both among Indian consumers and select segments of Western markets. Today’s programme aims to enrich our members with insights into the industry and also be inspired by the success mantras of the stalwarts.”

Archna Luthra, Governing Body Member of FLO hosted the lunch.