Economics of the North East International Fashion Week in Guwahati

Guwahati: The North East Fashion Week held in Guwahati last weekend was heavily billed as one of the biggest in this part of the world. And why not? It attracted international participants from Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka and featured several known names.

So, how does a fashion event of this scale get put together in Guwahati, where the industry is still in its fledgling phase?

In a conversation with Business North East, organizer Prashantt Ghosh revealed that the show cost around Rs 10-15 lakh to produce. "We do get good sponsors sometimes. However, we do not have a concrete source of revenue yet. More than a business, it is like a platform for designers and students as they are groomed by us", he said.

Organizer and fashion designer, Prashantt Ghosh

Ghosh is an award-winning fashion designer who also runs a fashion designing and modeling institute named Assam Art and Designing Institute (AADI) in Guwahati. "We aim to provide a platform for professionals as well as freshers", he stressed. The show drew 30 designers and 200 freshers.

Ghosh further went on to describe the 8th season of the North East International Fashion Week as "not just a business." “Hard work is the investment", said Ghosh, adding that there is "limited scope" from sponsors and the government.

The show started with a bang with international participants from Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka at South Point School of Barsapara on January 27. Business North East observed that futuristic attires were heavily featured in this year's edition. Even traditional designs were modernized to give them a contemporary feel.

Inauguration by South Point Principal - Mr Krishnan chanda and his wife 
Mandira Chanda

This year, the theme was "fashion for all”, and featured participants from all age groups. Ghosh pointed out that the fashion industry in the Northeast is a matter of love for fashion. "We try to give a platform for everyone. We don’t think about profit. But yes, the industry is growing."

Designer Karabi Devi Das

Famous Assamese actors Utpal Das, and Vivek Bora, in addition to professionals hailing from the metropolitan cities, were among the models who walked the ramp.

The designers who exhibited their creations included Faisal Ansari, Monica Subba, Richa Oli, Momi Baijang, Bhabajyoti Barman, Cheena Laishram, Priyanka Sharma, Lakshmi Chhaya, Daisy Gogoi, and Richa, to name a few.

Designer Faisal Ansari from West Bengal

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