Delhi made its presence felt on the map of world fashion as it marked its entry into the list of most fashionable cities. Though the West continue to rule the roost, the rising fashion quotient of 'Saddi Dilli' shot up drastically in the last few years, forcing the world to take cognizance. Delhiites are not stopping at that and are ready to take on fashion destinations of the world - New York, London, Rome, Paris or Milan.

Delhi gears up for fashion wars

Running an import and export business, Karan, in his late twenties, says, "Delhi is the most happening in place in the country. And we are going to be the best one day." 

Divya Chhabra, from the Lady Irwin College college, feels that the city needs to improve on some points. "There is scope of improvement. We can do much better. I think we have a fashion history of just 20-30 years, but the future is ours," said Divya.

The top 25 fashion cities list was compiled by the Global Language Monitor, a non-profit group that tracks the frequency of words and phrases in the media, on the Internet and throughout the blogosphere.

Jaspriya, a second year student of LIC, said, "Though quality of products in New York, Milan and other cities might be better but we are also not behind them. Today, we have got all the big brands here and they are doing good business which shows how fashion conscious residents of the city are."

Delhiites have a variety choose - from the streets of Janpath to the best brands in lanes of Hauz Khas or Greater Kailash. In the recent years, designers from across the country are also setting up their stores in the Capital and global fashion brands are making a beeline to open their outlets across the city.

However, hanging around Connaught place, Tisha, a second year student of Zakir Hussain College, feels Delhi was not yet ready to take on the big cities. "It is good enough. I am very happy that we are taking on other big cities which are considered most fashionable. But I find Delhi far behind them.

The road ahead seems to be bright as in recent times we have managed to carve a niche in today's fashion world," said Tisha.

Infact, at some spots in the city, you can feel the city pulse of fashion index. The M-Block market in Greater Kailash, or South Ext or any mall in Rajouri Garden the congregation of fashion aficionados is all too pervading. The pulsating fashion conscious Delhiites rub shoulders each others without making any big deal about it.

Hip and happening trends in fashion like hipsters, spaghetti tops, noodle straps, strapless and capris blend easily with naval-revealing sarees and sleeveless blouses or even bustiers.

Some guys and gals, our correspondents talked, felt the city was happening, saying the Capital has the 'it' factor to be amongst the top 10 rankers.

Terming Delhi a "fashion lover's paradise", Swati, a student of  Lady Irwin college said, "I think that Delhi is fashionable enough to beat any other city in the world."

Delhi offers you the cheapest and the best from Western to traditional. You take your pick. They come with all types of price tags and all sorts of personalized mantras. 

But admittedly, many feels that fashion is still limited to the posh area of the city only.

Madhuparna, a teenager in GK told MiD DAY, "Delhi is fashionable but not as fashionable as Mumbai where you can find fashion on ordinary streets. Here, it is only in the posh colonies and markets."

Navneet, a Shahid Bhagat Singh College student said, "Delhi is quite fashionable and every college going boy or girl is making his or her own fashion statement. The men fashion too is rocking man."