Designers lash out at FDCI's no show at WIFW

Spicezee Bureau

New Delhi: Even before the curtains could be lifted off the much awaited and biggest fashion event of the year, WIFW was dubbed a flop as there was no show whatsoever on it’s first day. With the Delhi police not issuing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to the show, the first day of the hyped event saw frustrated designers up in arms against the Fashion Design Council of India over its gross mismanagement. Leading designer Mona of MonaPali fame, who was to showcase her collection of the first day told Spicezee, that she was utterly “disappointed” at this “gross negligence on the management’s part”. The entire ruckus occurred after the Delhi police officials told the show organizers to cancel the show as they had failed to get clearance from fire department. Talking to Spicezee.com, Mona said, “ I was to hold my show today and I had my entire collection ready. But on reaching here I was informed that there will be no show.” When asked as to whether she has got any further notice from the management, she said, “No. I have received no official word. The Board members are yet to come out with a official word on this. I feel really sad for my buyers. They had to go through all the chaos.” So is she holding management responsible? “ No. The show has been happening for the past 10 years and it has been such a hit. You can’t write off the entire management just because they make a mistake once. But yes I am very disappointed and I am sure so are all the designers.” Echoing her sentiments was ace designer Ranna Gill who stated that her show had been cancelled and that she was not sure as to whether it will be rescheduled. Nevertheless, she takes comfort in the fact that her buyers are standing in support for her. Designer Nida Mahmood, who was to open the fashion week with her collection along with accessory designer Little Shilpa at 12 p.m., was almost in tears at the unexpected delay in the show starting. "My models were ready, everything was done, I was backstage when I heard that the show is so delayed. I don't know what's going to happen," Nida said. Other designers like Tarun Tahiliani, Leena Singh, Ritu Kumar and J.J. Valaya too were seen wandering around the venue, wondering when the show will begin. Visitors, other than accredited journalists, designers and workers, were asked to move out of the venue for security reasons. Puneet Nanda, the man behind well-known label Satya Paul, cancelled his show himself because he did not wish to keep his guests waiting outside. "It is the 25th anniversary of Satya Paul and we had big plans for the show. About 600 guests were slated to come and I did not want them to wait outside or be treated rudely. So I took a call and cancelled the show. "This is a big slap on the face of the event, which is said to be Asia's biggest. What does this say about India? It's a loss for the whole event and for all those who have participated in the event, including designers and buyers," Nanda, who claims to have suffered a loss of Rs.5 million due to the delay, told IANS. Fashion designer Rina Dhaka didn't blame FDCI, but said: "I don't understand why the government looks down upon the fashion fraternity. Due to this (delay), the designers will suffer loss of revenue, loss of business, loss of face and brand value as well. The government authorities had dropped in at the last moment. Where were they before?" Couture king JJ Valaya, who is slated to close the first day of WIFW, says it is unfortunate that this has happened but feels it is a learning experience for FDCI. -IANS inputs