F&DC's Vision for Northeast Indian Fashion Takes Center Stage

In a recent interview, Medha Saikia, Founder and President of the Fashion and Design Council of Northeast India (F&DC), shed light on the organisation's ambitious plans to elevate Northeast Indian fashion onto national and international platforms.

Saikia revealed that F&DC is actively promoting 35 designers from the region through a series of international showcases. "F&DC is working, and we have been promoting 35 designers in different, different parts of the world. Suppose we have done shows in Las Vegas, we have done shows in Dubai, we have done shows in Bangkok," she stated, emphasising the organisation's global outreach. A key strategy involves an annual fashion show in Bangkok, designed to expose Northeast Indian fashion and culture to a wider audience.

F&DC is also deeply committed to preserving traditional crafts while encouraging innovation. Saikia explained, " We are working at the grassroots level, and we are getting a very good response, and the tribal women work hard to preserve this tradition, and that is the way we are working and going ahead." This grassroots approach underscores F&DC's dedication to supporting the artisans and tribal communities that are the backbone of the region's unique textile heritage.

To establish a recognisable brand identity for Northeast Indian fashion, F&DC organises the East India Fashion Week. "F&DC is organising this East India Fashion Week once a year for two days at Vivanta so that they give a platform to the rural and upcoming designers, a platform to showcase their talent in the world," Saikia said. This annual event provides a crucial platform for designers to showcase their talent and connect with a broader audience.

Saikia also addressed the financial challenges of organising such large-scale events. "Yeah, for fashion, the budget is very high actually and getting sponsorship in a place like Guwahati is very difficult because fashion does not fall into our culture," she noted. She highlighted the difficulties in securing support from both the government and corporate sectors, stating, "So, from the government side also, we don't get any help and the corporate also, it is very difficult to convince them for fashion because fashion is always a very known, although it is integral part of our day-to-day life nowadays, then also we get very lukewarm response from the corporates."

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Despite these challenges, F&DC has found a key supporter. "So, for that, I offer my heartiest thanks to Anna Purna Group since they have come ahead and sponsored us last year, also, this year, for this East India Fashion Week," Saikia expressed. She concluded by thanking the Anna Purna Group for their continued sponsorship, acknowledging the vital role they play in making these events possible.

This report highlights F&DC's multifaceted approach to promoting Northeast Indian fashion, from international showcases to grassroots support for artisans, and the challenges faced in securing adequate funding.