India’s apex fashion organization, Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), kick-started the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW) in Delhi. The five-day fashion extravaganza, being held at Pragati Maidan, is said to be the biggest trade fair for the fraternity and this year it will showcase the creations of 82 designers for buyers from London, Paris, Tokyo and Europe.

According to Mrs. Rathi Vinay Jha, Director General of the FDCI, “There will be about 150 domestic and foreign buyers, including organised retailers like Reliance Retail and Pantaloon. Of this, 50 buyers are from European and other countries."

Day One opened with veteran designer Vikram Phadnis displaying his art. The WIFW this year is providing a platform for 15 new designers to demonstrate their talent, including Charu Parashar, Rahul Reddy and Nitin Bal Chauhan, who would make their debut at the Fashion Week runway.

For the first time, designers have been segregated into three categories this year: “Contemporary,” “Heritage/Synthesis” and “Creator.” The “Contemporary” segment will incorporate international fashion trends and clothes with global fashion influences. The “Heritage” category will include collections that promote the craft and textile traditions of India and celebrate the country’s cultural heritage. The “Synthesis” category includes fashion that represents a fusion of ethnic Indian and international influences. Lastly, the “Creator” segment will showcase original creations that are not influenced by any contemporary fashion trends.

Of the things to look out for between March 12 and 16 this year are Vikram Phadnis’ “Save the Earth” collection, which is inspired by nature, as well as the works of fashion legends such as Rohit Bal, Ritu Kumar, Tarun Tahiliani, Rina Dhaka and Falguni and Shane Peacock, among others.

Currently there are 40 Wills Lifestyle stores in 30 cities across the country, and the brand is making rapid strides in terms of expansion, intending to double the number of stores over the next three years.