Lingerie, kids wear soon at fashion week ramp

By Shweta Thakur

New Delhi, Jan 24 Soon fashion week won't be only about prêt. Accessories, lingerie, kids apparel and maternity wear will all be showcased at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW) in about five years.

"In four to five years from now, couture, men's wear, accessories, lingerie, kids wear and maternity wear would be displayed on the WIFW ramp or during an event especially organised for it," Rathi Vinay Jha, director general of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) that organises WIFW, told IANS.

"However, organising a separate event would largely depend on supply and demand. I mean we would need hordes of designers to showcase their collections and the demand of buyers must be suitable enough," she added.

The idea has been well received by the fashion fraternity.

"Why not? We would love to design kids wear. It would be wonderful to dress little little girls in baby doll frocks and boys like princes," said Ashima of designer duo Ashima-Leena.

Rohit Gandhi of the label Cue and Puja Arya were equally excited about designing kids wear.

Style gurus believe the initiative would bring the so far neglected sections to the forefront.

"The initiative would increase awareness among people that fashion is not just about clothes, instead it is about one's complete look where accessories play a very important role," accessory designer Meera Mahadevia said.

"The step-motherly treatment towards these quarters would come to an end. It is heartening! Now designers working in this area would also come under the spotlight."

Accessory designer Anandita said: "Apart from bringing designers working in these areas to the forefront, it would add to the present customer base and give a boost to the fashion industry."

Fashion designer Raghavendra Rathore agreed. "It is not that the market doesn't exist for these segments. Actually their growth hasn't been acknowledged yet," he said.

"The segmentation would give a great boost to the fashion industry. Also, it would prompt more students to specialise in these areas."