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Workshop on Gen Next to a global brand

To take Indian fashion onto a global level, a very informative and thought provoking workshop was held on March 29, during Lakme Fashion Week, where designers and international experts shared their views with a packed hall of retailers, designers, media and students.

Setting the pace for the discussion, Simon Lock, MD IMG Asia Pacific, welcomed the speakers on the panel. As the moderator, Simon stated that IMG and Lakme were the pillars of the fashion industry and were making every effort to take the business of fashion to a global level.

The panel comprised Fern Mallis, VP, IMG fashion, Albert Morris from Browns, designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee and Colin McDowell, Senior Fashion Writer, Sunday Times UK, who then shared their experiences and thoughts on how the Gen Next can prepare on becoming global brands.

Opening the discussion, Sabyasachi admitted that he had taken a break and not shown at the current Lakme Fashion week because he wanted to consolidate his production since he was catering to two separate markets—the US and India—which were diverse in their fashion needs. He was happy with the students' attendance at the seminar and stated that they were the future of the fashion business and they must remember that in fashion one must leave the ego behind and take it as a serious career.

Fern Mallis advised that designers should be reachable and communicative with their buyers and customers, but she felt that taking a break was not advisable in a Blackberry world where speed is the essence of business.

Albert Morris agreed with her, adding that buyers invest in space and money and come to see new styles at the fashion week so it was necessary for designers to be regular in their participation.

Colin McDowell who has been an actor, designer and now fashion writer has experienced fashion from both sides of the spectrum and admitted that one was as good as one's last collection and designing was a tough job, which required new ideas every six months if one was to succeed.

The workshop was thrown open to the audience who had some invigorating one-on-one with the panellists. Anil Chopra, VP, Lakme Lever, closed the interactive workshop by stating that Lakme Fashion Week is built on the two pillars—integrating India into the global fashion world and defining the future of fashion.

Aza at the Lakme Fashion Week

Aza, a leading fashion house, will be the presenting sponsor for the "GenNext Show", a unique initiative by Lakme Fashion Week where 10 promising designers will showcase their collections.

Designers Anuj Sharma, Aneeth Arora, Debarun Mukherjee, Digvijay Singh, Kunal Rawal, Nachiket Barve, Nimita Rathod, Nitin Bal Chauhan, Vivek Karunakaran and Vivek Kumar are the gifted young talents who will display their creations at the Aza GenNext Show for the first time before a targeted group of international and domestic buyers and media.

By signing on as the associate sponsor for LFW and presenting sponsor for the GenNext show, Aza has reiterated their commitment to and belief in both IMG and Lakme, the two pillars of the fashion industry in India. Dr Alka Nishar of Aza, said, "As a leading fashion brand it has always been our endeavour to promote aspiring designers and be a footprint of the newest trends in the world of fashion and style. And we are confident that this association with the GenNext Show will take us further down this road."

Speaking on their association with Lakme Fashion Week, Anil Chopra, VP Lakme Lever said, "We are delighted with Aza's support and commitment to Lakme Fashion Week. This reflects how the design conscious fashion houses are becoming more creative by backing indigenous fashion design talent.”

Aza has invited a panel of eminent personalities—Albert Morris, Browns, Fern Mallis, VP IMG, Hilary Alexander, Telegraph UK, Colin Mc Dowel, Sunday Times, UK, Dr Darly Koshy, National Institute of Ahmedabad, Wadia, Sabina Chopra, fashion consultant and Alka Nishar—to select one among the best 10 debut designers. Aza will extend retail space to the one designer selected by the panel at all the stores of Aza. As the 'GenNext Prodigy' participates for the next season at Lakme Fashion Week, Aza will provide financial support to this designer.

Being on the ramp is the most natural place to be for Aza Fashion House, as the store has been a celebration of fashion and style. It is the passion to fashion and promoting new talent in every movement that has been the key to Aza playing a leading role at the Lakme Fashion Week.

Identified, as one of the leading fashion stores, Aza is one of the largest integrated designer stores in India that displays more than 25 designers under one roof—Anand Kabra, Anupamaa Dayal, Kiran Uttam Ghosh, Narendra Kumar, Neeta Lulla, Nikasha Tawadey, Rahul & Firdos, Sanjay Malhotra, Shyamal & Bhumika, Sonam Dubal, Wendell Rodricks and many more are the crème de la crème designers whose creations feature at Aza.

Aza showcases a wide range of diffusion and prêt collection and also has a separate couture section, which caters to the trousseau needs of brides. The diffusion and prêt repertoire is glitzy, vibrant, young and funky.

Glamour and glitz mark the first day of Lakme Fashion Week

Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) Advisory Board announces the list of Emerging and GenNext Designers

Mumbai, Feb 6th, 2007: Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) Advisory Board members met to discuss important initiatives to be implemented for the upcoming Autumn Winter season. At the meeting, following key decisions for the forthcoming Lakme Fashion Week from March 27 - 31, 2007 were announced.

Participating Emerging Designers
Participating Gen Next Show Designers
Participation of International Stylists at LFW

The LFW Advisory Board consists of key stakeholders from the fashion fraternity, contributing in their respective ways to the industry. The list includes, eminent personalities, like Dr Darlie O'Koshy, Director, NID Anuradha Mahindra, Verve; Amy Fernandes, Femina; Sathya Saran, DNA-Me; Pradeep Hirani, Kimaya, Sangeetha Kathiawada, Melange, Alka Nishar, Aza; Designers Narendra Kumar Ahmed, Wendell Rodricks; Anil Chopra, VP Lakme Lever, Balu Nayar, MD IMG and Ravi Krishnan, Consultant to IMG.

Emerging Designer Category

LFW, in the past two seasons, has witnessed a great talent pool from the Emerging designer category. The designers from this category have left a mark with the incredible innovation and creativity displayed. There was an outstanding response from designers applying in this category for the Autumn Winter season. The Advisory Board reviewed all the submissions through a rigorous selection process and selected 5 designers from out of 18 designers.

Gen Next Category

Gen Next category at LFW has been one of its strong pillars, emphasizing on creating a platform for new talent to debut in the fashion world. Students from fashion institutes grab an opportunity to launch their designs at LFW and are then groomed to share space with the long list of reputed and respected designers. The category that acknowledges the importance of the "future of Indian fashion" had 32 applications out of which the Board selected 10 designers.

For the first time in LFW Spring Summer '07, LFW had invited international stylists Kelvin Harries and Philip Scurrah, to take a keen look at designer collections and bring an international perspective to their showcase. The stylists assisted LFW designers in creating distinct looks for their styles and silhouttes, while maintaining a unique look on the runway. The Advisory Board discussed the participation of iternational stylists at the upcoming LFW Autumn Winter,'07 and these names would be announced soon.

Commenting on the decisions Mr. Anil Chopra, Vice President, Lakme Lever said, "Lakme Fashion Week aims to grow as a key pillar of the fashion industry. The recommendations made by the Advisory Board are important for the developments of all the LFW stakeholders. The suggestions when incorporated will make the event more convenient to match the designer, buyer and media needs."

He further added, "Lakme Fashion Week will continue to support grooming new talent through the Gennext designer category and Model auditions. Additionally, we will re-enforce our commitment to globalize fashion through participation of International talent pool at LFW. Inclusion of these initiatives further emphasizes our long-term commitment to organise a world-class fashion week."

Mr. Ravi Krishnan, Advisor IMG said, "The Advisory board discussed and brought out some very relevant suggestions that will definitely facilitate in raising the fashion platform in the country to a new level. IMG will leverage its international network to bring in the best talent in the industry for Lakme Fashion Week. We will continue to include recommendations made by the Advisory Board and the participating designers that will help us integrate India with the global fashion world."

About Lakme Fashion Week:

Lakme Fashion Week is a joint initiative by Lakme and IMG, the global leader in fashion weeks and event production. LFW has been conceived and created with a vision to "Integrate India into the global fashion world and redefine the future of fashion". LFW is organized twice every year. Lakme Fashion Week Autumn Winter 2007 will be held from March 27th to 31st 2007 at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA), Mumbai. New successful initiatives like 'Emerging Designer Category' and 'GenNext' was unveiled for the first time in India at the inaugural LFW 2006 with an aim to provide a platform for promising young talent. Both Lakme and IMG have been pivotal to the success of the Lakme India Fashion Week over the previous seven years.

For more information please contact:

Sonia Huria / Pooja Trehan
9892447777 / 9820299051
Genesis Burson-Marsteller
E-mail: sonia.huria@bm.com; pooja.trehan@bm.com

Preeti Desai
Business Head
Gitanjali Group
E-mail: preetid@gitanjaligroup.com

ANNEXURE

Diamond Jewellery Brand Gitanjali Group takes the runway as Lakme Fashion Week's Associate Sponsor

Mumbai, February 28th, 2007: Diamond brand, Gitanjali Group and Lakme Fashion Week- two giants of the fashion & creative industry today came together to unearth the most potent combination of fashion and creativity. Gitanjali Jewellery brands (Asmi, D'Damas, Nakshatra, Sangini, Desire) have come on board as the Associate sponsors for Lakme Fashion Week. Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) Autumn Winter 2007, will showcase the work of 43 leading designers. It will be held in Mumbai's National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) from March 27th - 31st, 07.

To this association Mr. Anil Chopra, VP Lakme Lever expresses, "As an event, the LFW has now grown into a sponsor's dream. The association of Gitanjali Jewellery Extravaganza proves that world of fashion has moved beyond the multi billion clothing industry and into the wider world of consumer products like jewellery and accessories. Every season we aim to deepen our associations with the sponsors and provide them a platform to capture consumer mind space through the fashion week. We see our sponsors as desirable partners and seek to make concerted attempts to facilitate greater connect between the sponsors and their target audience."

Gitanjali Jewelry Extravaganza will sponsor the inaugural show at LFW on March 27th, unveiling an exclusive fashion show. An entire collection will focus around the brand personality of Gitanjali Jewellery. This unique association for LFW and Gitanjali Group as a jewelry extravaganza will unfold at the country's best fashion event.

Mr. Mehul Choksi, Chairman Gitanjali Jewellery, said, "This is the first season for Gitanjali's association with Lakme Fashion Week. Jewellery is turning more prêt and Gitanjali's brands like D'Damas, Asmi, Sangini, Nakshatra, Desire are extremely popular with the masstige audience. Lakme Fashion Week is a strong brand, thus we plan to leverage on the Fashion Week."

Adds Ravi Krishnan, Advisor IMG, "The sponsors are a vital part of growing LFW to a scale where it has an even bigger impact both nationally and internationally. The fact that Gitanjali Jewellery has come forward to be the associate sponsor is a testimony that there exists a huge branding opportunity at Lakme Fashion Week."

Pleased with this association, Balu Nayar, MD IMG, expressed, "Over the last two seasons we have learnt who, and what to invest in, in terms of who to bring to the event. We are delighted that Gitanjali Jewelry has chosen to begin their relationship with LFW. The sponsors are from diverse sectors, but share the common position of being fashionable consumer choices."

The Gitanjali Group has strategically positioned itself at the top of the jewellery business as a leading diamond jewellery manufacturing company with one of the largest fully integrated diamond and jewellery manufacturing plants in the country. The Gitanjali Group is engaged in the business of sourcing rough diamonds, its manufacture, import and export of diamonds, manufacture of plain and diamond studded gold and platinum jewellery and its marketing and domestic retailing. Jewellery exports forms one of the largest contributors to the foreign exchequers. Gitanjali is one of India's high-end contributors to the foreign exchequer as well as a major player in the domestic market.

The Gitanjali group exports jewellery in bulk for export market like USA, Japan, Europe and Middle East and brands to Japan, Middle East, Saudi Arabia and China. On the local front the company markets five of India's top jewellery brands. It is constantly expanding its retail presence and introducing new brands and collections offering consumers more choice. The ultimate goal objective of the group is the offer diamond jewellery in all ranges and for all occasions.

About Lakme Fashion Week:

For more information please contact:

Sonia Huria / Pooja Trehan
9892447777 / 9820299051
Genesis Burson-Marsteller
E-mail: sonia.huria@bm.com; pooja.trehan@bm.com

Preeti Desai
Business Head
Gitanjali Group
E-mail: preetid@gitanjaligroup.com

Lakme Fashion Week and Alta Roma (Rome Fashion Week) announce an exchange program

Mumbai, March 7th, 2007: Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) and Alta Roma, promoters of Italian style and the "Made in Italy" concept around the world, announced an exchange program for designers. Lakme Fashion Week aims to realise the international cooperation and interaction in fashion, design ideology and brand culture through information release and exchange programs, thus enabling Lakme Fashion Week to integrate India into the global fashion world.

Lakme Fashion Week has an inspiring pool of talent that is increasingly providing a stage to showcase their talent abroad. The designers to be selected to show at Alta Roma will be based on the decision made by the LFW Advisory Board and Alta Roma.

Excited with the exchange program, Ms Consuelo Aranyi, Alta Roma said, "Alta Roma plays an important role in promoting the "made in Italy" brand world over. With this exchange program, Italy and India will witness an excellent exchange of talent and creativity. At Lakme Fashion Week this year, Giovanni Cavagna, specialized in Knitwear will display his collection on the Indian runway. Also, Alta Roma focuses on creativity and offers an opportunity to all those young designers who have graduated from fashion schools, while generating an ideal continuity between milestone names of high fashion, such as Fausto Sarli, Renato Balestra, Gattinoni, Lancetti, Galitzine."

Confirming this exchange program, Mr. Anil Chopra, VP Lakme Lever said, "LFW is pleased to announce yet another fashion exchange program with Italy's promoter of fashion across the world. The global cross-over with LFW and Alta Roma is an initiative towards providing an attractive platform for designers. Additionally, last season, our association with PRÊT À PORTER PARIS® has proved that LFW is the hub for fashion exchange- an exchange for the best minds and products to display their talent before an international audience and also provides multiple opportunities to globalize Indian fashion."

Alta Roma is a syndicated joint stock company made up by the Chamber of Commerce of Rome together with the Region Lazio and the municipality of Rome. Born in 1998 as "Agenzia per la Moda" it underwent a meticulous restyling process in 2002, changing its name to Alta Roma and becoming the institutional tool to promote the image and culture of Rome on the international fashion scene. The ideal spot where "training" and "seeing" important names in terms of style as well as new talents on the Italian and international fashion scene is possible.

Giovanni Cavagna, an Italian designer with 20 years of experience in the field of fashion will be participating at LFW in the upcoming season. Giovanni Cavagna is the creative manager in a team of ten professionals with whom he accurately researches in raw materials, technical innovations and in perfect collection development. He has an impressive line-up of projects with companies like Gilmar Group (Iceberg), Spadafora, Werner Kuhlmann (Gianni Bugli Germany line), Mitsumine Japan, Emmanuel Schvili, Mario Boselli's Area, Gazebo, Il Marchese Coccapani, Baroni, Max Mara Group (Marella Tricot and Marina Rinaldi), Les Copain, Hauber Group (Luisa Cerano line), Le Tricot Perugia (Gruppo Burani), Raffi Linea Uomo (USA), Gattinoni Lei, 97 Rue Des Mimosas. Specialized in Knitwear he also has a huge experience on designing total Looks, denim items and accessories for various targets, from woman to men and kids, with a sport, classic or young look depending on the customer requirements.

LFW witnessed the first of its exchange program with Prêt a Porter, where as part of this 'fashionable' business association, designers from Leonard Paris, the Parisian fashion house and Nathalie Garcon, the French designer showcased on the runways of LFW Spring Summer'07.

Their work was widely appreciated by the Indian audiences, media and buyers. As a part of this exchange program, Indian designers Narendra Kumar Ahmed and Wendell Rodricks will present on the runways of PAPP in September, 2007.

Balu Nayar, MD IMG India, further elaborates, "We are extremely pleased to announce the great opportunities for LFW as well as International designers, through the exchange program with Alta Roma. Lakme Fashion Week aims to raise the fashion platform in the country to a new level and IMG is proud to have played yet another important role in the globalization of the Indian fashion design industry."

Alta Roma continues to invest massively in the set up of programmes focused on the technical and creative growth of all those students who choose to concentrate their efforts and hopes in the fashion field. Alta Roma also promotes projects linked to underprivileged social classes. In this case the role of fashion ceases to be a mere vehicle for luxury and style, while becoming a tool to promote social responsibility. The first fashion training course was organized for a group of Rebibbia convicts. "La Moda Oltre" gave life to a dressmaker's lab which is now working full time with clients all over Italy. A successful combination between fashion and sports was created by Alta Roma in the occasion of the XXVIIIth edition of the Olympic Games, as they exported Italian fashion to Athens too.

About Lakme Fashion Week

For further information, please call:

Sonia Huria / Pooja Trehan
Genesis Burson-Marsteller
Tel: 24199783/ 85
Mobile: 9892447777 / 9820299051
Email: sonia.huria@bm.com / pooja.trehan@bm.com