Individuals with an eye for talent, commercial acumen and risk-taking ability have emerged within the fashion industry which has high potential for growth in the new quotas free textiles market

With Indian textiles and designs beginning to make an impact in the fashion capitals of the world and a steady stream of fashion designers pouring out of vocational institutes such as NID (National Institute of Design) and NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology), a new genre of business-minded professionals “fashion entrepreneurs” with a keen eye for talent, commercial acumen and risk-taking ability have emerged within the fashion industry which has high potential for growth in the new global quotas free textiles market. 

Fashion entrepreneurship is essentially about starting new fashion and textile ventures- boutiques, labels, production houses or even multi-brand retail outlets. Fashion entrepreneurs don’t necessarily design garments. They could stock other designers’ labels. But their distinguishing characteristic is their flair for design and fashion and considerable experience of its ancillary industries.

To start off as an entrepreneur in the fashion industry, design- brand creation or retailing- a degree or diploma in fashion technology while not mandatory is helpful, as it equips aspiring entrepreneurs with appreciation of style, cutting and manufacturing technology, fashion co-ordination, merchandising, fabrics, forecasting and marketing.

The premier institute for professional training in the fast-track fashion and related industries is the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Delhi. An autonomous organisation promoted by the Union ministry of textiles, with affiliated institutes in the major metros, NIFT offers a three-year full-time diploma course in fashion technology. Other reputable institutes offering similar study programmes are SNDT Women’s University, Nirmala Niketan and Sophia College Polytechnic, all in Mumbai, and the International Polytechnic and South Polytechnic for Women in New Delhi. Minimum eligibility for the study programmes of these institutes is Plus Two or equivalent.

After completing a general diploma course in fashion technology, students have the option of enrolling for a fourth year of training in a specialised area, which is followed by internship with a local fashion house. Depending on the specialisation, a student could intern in designing, merchandising, co-ordination, workshop, sampling, manufacturing etc.

Armed with an enabling diploma, the best option is to seek employment in a small firm where one can acquire multi-department experience. A few years down, a switch to a larger organisation offering a higher designation and remuneration would fully equip you to start your own venture, for which a minimum workplace experience of five years is advisable.

Several entrepreneurial firms like Ensemble, Ritu’s, BE, Melange, Satya Paul et al have established a strong countrywide presence. In addition a number of international fashion firms are also streaming into India. Among them, Aftershock, a UK-based women’s smart wear brand started in London in 1992 by the husband-wife team of Hiro and Radhika Harjani, originally from Bombay. Currently Aftershock owns 42 stores worldwide with an annual sales turnover of $50 million (Rs.225 crore). In November 2004 Aftershock inaugurated its first retail store in Bombay. Last month (September) it opened a second retail outlet in Bangalore and is gearing to establish its presence in New Delhi next March. Claiming their couture clothing is “affordable glamour”, Aftershock caters to the 18-45 age group.

“Aftershock is positioned differently from other fashion retail stores and boutiques. We handpick garments and designs which suit our clients and make them look good. This necessitates considerable personal attention to clients. We believe fashion is an industry beyond mere commerce as it involves quality, design, customisation, and clothing our clients with wearable and quality fashion to create loyal customers. Fashion entrepreneurship has grown as a vocation, but it requires informed risk-taking capability because of the huge outlays involved in design, production, brand building and promotion,” says Samira Singh, manager of Aftershock, Mumbai who has been closely involved in the textile, fashion design and related businesses ever since she graduated in commerce from Mumbai’s Sydenham College in 1981.

“While Hiro concentrates on purchasing properties in malls and prime locations and handles commercial aspects, Radhika with her team of designers procures garments and accessories from the Far East, Turkey, etc. Aftershock also buys from a well-known French designer Renederhi. In India, we have fine-tuned our operations to suit Indian preferences and styles because designs have to be wearable and affordable. Young entrepreneurs in this industry should keep this in the forefront of their minds,” says Singh, proposing that “If you can sell, dress well and dress others as well, fashion entrepreneurship may be the vocation for you.”

Indra Gidwani

Also read: Fashion Design: Growing allure of the fashion business