The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) and Education New Zealand (ENZ) organised a fashion event ‘Runway to New Zealand’ based on the theme “Future World Connection”, recently at the Hyatt Regency. The extravaganza showcased sustainable fabrics by 12 Indian—New Zealand students from New Zealand (Massey University and AUT University) and Indian institutions (National Institute of Fashion Technology and the Pearl Academy).
The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), a non—profit organisation, is the apex body of fashion design in India, represented by over 400 members. Founded on the premise of promoting, nurturing and representing the best of fashion and design talent in the country; its prime objective is to propagate the business of fashion. FDCI stays true to its commitment to promote the ‘Make in India’ label as handlooms take center stage, in a country, who’s heritage is soaked in the flavours of indigenous crafts.
With collaboration with Education New Zealand (ENZ), FDCI promises to enhance and promote young designers across the world. Education New Zealand (ENZ) is New Zealand’s government agency for international education. ENZ works to grow awareness of New Zealand as a study destination and to support New Zealand education providers and businesses to take their services and products abroad.
The long awaited event was a culmination of a month—long journey which saw an amalgamation of creative impetus and ingenuity. It celebrated independent thinking and encouraged team work as two participants from New Zealand and India came together to curate ensembles.
The competition was judged by an esteemed jury which included prominent names from the style galaxy: Amit Aggarwal, Rina Dhaka, Rohit Bal and Varun Bahl.
Two winning pairs were selected— Yoshino Maruyama from Massey University and Megha Sharma from Pearl Academy; the second pair — Claire Nicholson from AUT University and Aishwarya Jain from Pearl Academy, won a two—week internship at the participating New Zealand fashion school where they would get an opportunity to experience New Zealand’s eclectic teaching processes.
The fashion show featured engaging concepts by the six student pairs, covering themes such as creative uniform, ambitious girls in a dystopian global environment, boundary less world, among others. The student designers were judged on the basis of technical, theme interpretation, ramp impact, market relevance and functionality.
Other designers also seen at the event included Reynu Taandon, Rahul Mishra, Hemant Lalwani, Gaurav Jai Gupta and many more.
On the occasion, New Zealand High Commissioner Grahame Morton said, “The event was a tremendous success and I congratulate the winners and all the young kiwi and Indian student designers who participated. We saw some great ideas and the winners will have a very immediate opportunity to continue their work together in New Zealand. We are grateful to NIFT and Pearl Academy and the Fashion Design Council of India for working with Education New Zealand on this wonderful event.”
Speaking about the event, John Laxon, Acting Regional Director, Education New Zealand, said “This is the first of its kind initiative organized by Education New Zealand in India. We are pleased to have partnered with some of the best names in the fashion industry from both countries.”
“The initiative reinforces New Zealand’s reputation as a premier higher education destination. We are delighted that more and more Indian students are choosing to study at our Universities, which are all ranked in the top 3 percent worldwide. I am very pleased that ‘Runway to New Zealand’ has not only strengthened academic connection but also initiated cultural and social ties.”
“We hope to create more such avenues of engagement for students from both countries, exploring the creative potential of New Zealand and India to its best,” he added.
In the same loop, Sunil Sethi, President, Fashion Design Council of India said, “It is captivating for the FDCI to be associated with a cross—cultural fashion event of this magnitude. The charged minds from the two countries, New Zealand and India, have worked meticulously to showcase their individualistic take on fashion. This event proves that style is truly seamless and this could not have been achieved without the unflinching support of the Education New Zealand.”
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