I wanted to share with the BoF community an exciting step in the evolution of Indian fashion that marks the official arrival of India on the global fashion scene.
For years, Western designers and global brands have used Indian craftsmanship, culture and history as an inspiration for fashion. From intricate embroidery this season on Marchesa's "Raj and in Charge" dresses for Spring/Summer 2008 to khaki's from Gap, Ralph Lauren and Abercrombie and Fitch that have outfitted generations of Americans, India's influence on global fashion goes all the way from the high-street to the high-end.
Today, my good friend Bandana Tewari, Fashion Features Editor of Vogue India , graciously sent me an image of the first cover for the newest magazine in Vogue's stable of global fashion magazines, which now number 17 in total. From Japan to France to Mexico to Switzerland, Vogue has been the undisputed arbiter of fashion and culture for over 100 years, since its launch in 1892 as a society magazine.
For years, Western designers and global brands have used Indian craftsmanship, culture and history as an inspiration for fashion. From intricate embroidery this season on Marchesa's "Raj and in Charge" dresses for Spring/Summer 2008 to khaki's from Gap, Ralph Lauren and Abercrombie and Fitch that have outfitted generations of Americans, India's influence on global fashion goes all the way from the high-street to the high-end.
Today, my good friend Bandana Tewari, Fashion Features Editor of Vogue India , graciously sent me an image of the first cover for the newest magazine in Vogue's stable of global fashion magazines, which now number 17 in total. From Japan to France to Mexico to Switzerland, Vogue has been the undisputed arbiter of fashion and culture for over 100 years, since its launch in 1892 as a society magazine.
For its Indian debut, Patrick Demarchelier snared Gemma Ward to pose with Indian beauties Bipasha Basu, Priyanka Chopra, Monikangana Dutta, Preity Zinta and Laxmi Menon. The magazine includes contributions from some of Vogue's internationally known contributors including Lucinda Chambers of British Vogue who styled the cover and editorial featuring Gemma Ward. The first issue is being feted tomorrow evening at a launch party at the immense Umaid Bhawan Palace in the Rajasthani city of Jodhpur.
The timing of the launch is no accident. With a long tradition of luxury in India and an estimated $500m domestic luxury market, global brands will now be eager to advertise their wares to India's growing middle class.
Congratulations to Editor Priya Tanna, Bandana and the rest of the team on a phenomenal first issue. Now that Indian fashion has officially arrived, I am looking forward to seeing and hearing the intelligent editorial and images that will communicate the latest in Indian fashion and culture -- not only to India, but to the world. Finally, India will get credit for its rich history and creative contributions to global fashion. It's long overdue.
The timing of the launch is no accident. With a long tradition of luxury in India and an estimated $500m domestic luxury market, global brands will now be eager to advertise their wares to India's growing middle class.
Congratulations to Editor Priya Tanna, Bandana and the rest of the team on a phenomenal first issue. Now that Indian fashion has officially arrived, I am looking forward to seeing and hearing the intelligent editorial and images that will communicate the latest in Indian fashion and culture -- not only to India, but to the world. Finally, India will get credit for its rich history and creative contributions to global fashion. It's long overdue.
