Those of you who still believe that the Indian fashion industry is enjoying its nascent stages, consider a rethink. It's been long since our designers have been participating at international events and attending reputed fashion meets, and the young and upcoming Anand Kabra will be another feather in the cap.

The Hyderabad-based  designer will be participating at the world's largest and most exclusive show, Coterie, to be held in New York from September 16 to September 18. In a freewheeling chat with MiD DAY, Anand gets talking about his participation in the big style carnival.

Your inclusion in the Coterie is a massive feat.
That's called 'being lucky'. It's the first time I will be participating at this event. The producer of Coterie, Elyse Kroll, was invited to the last Lakmé Fashion Week. To select the right participants, Elyse, along with a board of Lakmé advisors, scanned the creations of several designers after which the names were zeroed upon (See box). 

What do you have in store for the Big Apple?
It will be my Spring-Summer '09 Collection. As the buyers will be predominantly US based, my line will have an element of the American way of life. But my assortment would also have a reflection of Indian sensibilities and the use of colours like indigo and rust. 

Does international participation prove that the Indian fashion industry is fast evolving to match international standards?
I firmly believe that the competency of Indian creators is at par with their global counterparts. See, the fashion fraternity across the globe shares the same goal of expanding the industry, it's just that the approach to the goal has local overtones.

Will we see an increased representation of India in times to come?
For a long time now, we have been increasing our global footprints and it's just a
good start. I have full faith that soon, Indian fashion won't be an option but a compulsion for the global industry to succeed.

What will keep you busy after Coterie?
Once I am back from New York, I will be participating in Bridal Asia at Delhi and then the Lakmé Fashion Week is coming up. So, I have enough work on my hands.


 Colossal Coterie

Since its inception in March 1986, Coterie has built its reputation as the most exclusive hotel trade show in the world for the women's market. It has helped young designers make a mark, served as an essential sales vehicle for notable fashion houses worldwide, and continues to discover emerging talent each season.

At present, Coterie attracts over 15,000 retailers every year. The likes of Ralph Lauren, Baby Phat, Betsy Johnson and many designer denim labels also participate in this prestigious show.

This year, along with Kabra, Anuj Sharma, Nachiket Barve, Nikasha Tawadey, Narendra Kumar and Rakesh Agarvwal will be a part of this fashion extravaganza.


Old was gold

Anand's Fall Winter Collection' 08 Renato's Malena showcased at the Lakmé Fashion Week in Mumbai mirrored adolescent love synthesised in the myriad interpretations of the rose.

The designer chose huge rose motifs on seductive hues like black, red and white among others. The line comprised dresses in different shapes including bubble, mini and maxi. Even the line of saris in organza caught fashion afficionados' fancy.