Source: The Stitch Times 'October 2008'

The couturists in India, who must have been wanting to showcase their creativity at a forum other than Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week, had a reason to be pleased, for, they got what they wanted - an exclusive event for the couture in India.

The inaugural HDIL India Couture Week was held at Mumbai from September 16 through 21 September 2008. Two theatrically produced shows were held each day of the event at 1930 and 2100 hours. Each designer was given approximately 22 hours and a sizable budget to create their 'fantasy' environment within the main show area.

The event showcased 11 of India's finest couturiers aiming at providing a platform for Indian couture in the same way that Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week has been a powerful stage for Indian prt-a-porter. HDIL India Couture Week has been made possible by the support of principal sponsor HDIL, one of the largest listed real estate players in India, which has made significant investments in retail development catering to the Indian fashion Industry.

Sunil Sethi, President, FDCI said, "We are delighted to formally announce the staging of India's first Couture Fashion Week, HDIL India Couture Week. This event will be a celebration of Indian fashion and will feature some of the country's finest couture designers. After a period of relative unrest in the industry, it is wonderful to see the fashion community coming together on one platform to progress the cause of Indian fashion. I would like to extend the thanks of the FDCI to our Partner HDIL for making this landmark event possible."

Sunny Dewan Wadhawan, Managing Director, HDIL remarked, "It is with great pleasure that we announce today HDIL's association with the India's Fashion Industry's apex body, FDCI, and India's newest fashion event HDIL India Couture Week. We are proud to be associated with HICW, an event created to celebrate India's fashion heritage by showcasing leading couture designers of the day. This move into fashion is in broader synergy with the Group's long term strategies and objectives. We believe fashion, especially in the area of couture and bridal wear, is a central interest in the lives of a great proportion of Indians. We would like to be part of ensuring that India's fashion heritage is preserved and nurtured. Our core belief at HDIL is in 'Creating Value' and with HDIL India Couture Week we would like to 'create value' for the Indian fashion industry."

The list of designers participating in the event comprised Anamika Khanna, Ashish Soni, J J Valaya, Manav Gangwani, Manish Malhotra, Pallavi Jaikishan, Ritu Kumar, Rohit Bal, Suneet Varma, Tarun Tahiliani and Varun Bahl.