18 young designers chosen for New Zealand fashion show

India
18 young designers chosen for New Zealand fashion show
By IANS, Apr 21, 2007 - 6:53:37 PM

New Delhi, April 21 - Eighteen young Indian designers will get an opportunity to showcase their creativity and vie for awards at the prestigious Montana World of Wearable Art - fashion extravaganza in Wellington this September.

The names of the designers were short listed by the Fashion Design Council of India -, which has also selected 20 garments for the show to be held Sep 20-30.

Rathi Vinay Jha, director general of FDCI, told media persons at the residence of the New Zealand High Commissioner here Friday: 'WOW is a globally renowned fashion extravaganza. It is a challenging opportunity to showcase not just fashion, but a fusion of fashion with practicality and out-of-the-box creativity. When the FDCI sent entries for the first time last year, the Indian participants received rave reviews and even brought honours to India. Encouraged by their performance, this year, we are sending as many as 20 garments.'

Last year, the FDCI had sent 10 designers to the show.

Jha said: 'This year, several more fashion institutes have sent in their entries - a clear indication of the high excitement level among budding Indian designers to prove themselves globally. The FDCI is proud to have partnered with Tourism New Zealand to create this opportunity for these youngsters to showcase their talent at such a prestigious platform.'

The 18 designers being sent for selection by the WOW jury this year include, Avant Garde Section - Harsh Raman, -, Man Unleashed Section - Shayan Mitra Mustafi -, Kapil Sangwan -, Shivan Bhatia -, Rajskaran R.S. -, Nandini Sundaram and Nowshath Ali - Morvi Kumari -.

Graeme Waters, New Zealand high commissioner, said: 'We received an overwhelming response from India last year, and I am delighted to see such creative entries from India. I hope this enthusiasm will continue to grow over the years.'

'It gives me immense pleasure to witness the presentation of Indian entries and I am looking forward to see all of them in the final round this year. It is very satisfying to see a successful relationship between India and New Zealand at a new creative level. We hope to receive continued support from India in the years ahead,' said Phil Goff, New Zealand minister of trade.

The Montana WOW Awards show, with which FDCI has officially tied up, selects around 150 design entries from all over the world. The designers have to create an outfit echoing originality, excitement and sophistication.

The three best entries will be hosted by Tourism New Zealand. FDCI will give Rs.30,000 each to the three best Indian entries selected by the WOW jury.

The WOW show also offers over NZD 100,000 worth of prize money to be offered to the participants.

Last year, 10 designers made it to WOW. Among them Narresh Kukreja and Shivan Bhatia, both from NIFT New Delhi, were awarded for their entry - the 'Bee Hive Bra' in the Bizarre Bra Category.

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