With India’s strong foundation of rich and varied textile heritage, fashion industry seems to be a promising segment to carve a good career. It seems paradoxical that fashion is considered a young concept in India since the first fashion show was held only in 1958. Jeannie Naoroji wins the credit for initiating the first wave of fashion shows in India and for giving a degree of professionalism to such shows.
Though fashion has been in existence for over 5,000 years, it yet changes perhaps every day, irrespective of syndromes like ‘Global meltdown’.
Today, fashion designers are recognised for their skills and are celebrated for their creativity. Young urban Indians can choose from the best of East and West, as Indian fashion designers are inspired by both Indian and western styles. This fusion of fashion can be seen on the streets and the ramps of fashionable cities of India. Fashion in India has become a growing industry with international events such as the India Fashion Week and annual shows by fashion designers in the major cities of India. Fashion in India covers a whole range of clothing from ornate clothes designed for wedding ceremonies to prêt lines, sportswear and casual wear. Traditional Indian techniques of embroidery such as chikhan, crewel and zardosi, and traditional weaves and fabrics have been used by Indian designers to create Indo-western clothing in a fusion of the best of East and West.
Sparkling future
The fashion cycle definitely keeps progressing with time as new fabrics, trends, designs and cultures mix and match their way to create something unique. According to Assocham, the domestic fashion business is expected to become a Rs.750 crore industry by 2012, from the current level of Rs. 270 crore, given the increased demand for designer clothes and huge investments being planned by companies.
The sector accounts for a meagre 0.2 per cent of the global designer wear market, which is worth Rs. 1,62,900 crore and is growing at 9.5 per cent annually. This trend would open the Pandora of opportunities for the fashion community.
Forex earner
The apparel industry is one of India’s largest foreign exchange earners, accounting for nearly 16 per cent of the country’s total exports. It has been estimated that India has approximately 90,000 readymade garments manufacturing units and around three million people are working in the industry. Today, many leading fashion labels are associated with Indian products. India is increasingly being looked upon as a major supplier of high quality fashion apparels and Indian apparels have come to be appreciated in major markets internationally.
To yield up the new opportunities and global challenges, more specialised professionals is the crucial need of the hour, as there is a huge demand and supply gap of skilled human resource and institutions framework to cater to the growing needs. The export turnover will touch Rs. 50 billion by the year 2010, which will require 6.5 million new professionals to achieve the growth. No wonder it is deemed as the “Sunrise Industry” of India. While other professional fields are losing their lustre, fashion is destined to flourish.
Unique endeavour
To make India the “Fashion Destination of the World” and to tap into the immense employment potential of the field, a unique endeavour has been taken up in AP. For the first time a university, an institute and an industry partner have joined hands to create focused, specialised and industry ready professionals.
Collaboration
Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University has collaborated with Orient Craft Fashion Institute of Technology, which is the education and training wing of Orient Craft Limited, to create designers, production managers, merchandisers, retail managers, fashion buyers and marketers; covering the gamut of fashion business.
JNAFAU and OCFIT are jointly offering the following under graduate and PG, industry centric programmes:
Bachelor Degree- Fashion Design and Technology- four-year duration. Eligibility criterion: 10+2 or equivalent.
Bachelor Degree in Apparel Manufacturing and Merchandising- four-year duration. Eligibility: 10+2 or equivalent.
Master Degree in Apparel Technology- two-year duration. Eligibility: Graduation.
Master Degree- Fashion Management- two-year duration. Eligibility: Graduation or equivalent.
For details log on to www. ocfitindia.org
