Thursday, April 14 2005 17:37 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), the apex body of the Indian Fashion Industry today (Apr 14, 2005) announced that over 60 International buyers from 12 countries, along with 90 domestic buyers will participate at Lakme India Fashion Week (LIFW) 2005 from April 20 - 26, 2005 at The Grand, New Delhi. The mega event is awaiting confirmation during the next one week from many more serious buyers.

Buyers from the USA, UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, Spain, Japan and other countries include Okra USA, Boho - London, RCKC -London, FAE - The Fashion House - Dubai, Ananda - Spain, Sanskrit - Hong Kong, Saaya - Japan, Chokri - Singapore, Talisman - Turkey, Jofima LDA - Portugal, Moda In - Kuwait, Kiki - London. International giants such as Saks 5th Avenue, Selfridges, Harrods, Barneys are also expected to confirm their participation shortly for India's largest fashion event, FDCI release said.

Domestic buyers participating in the mega event include names like Kimaya, Be, Elan Couture Pvt Ltd, Ogaan, Ensemble, Shoppers Stop Ltd, Fuel, Kala Niketan, Sosa's, Ffolio, Elahe, Zenon, Evoluzione, Pantaloon, M&S House of Design among others.

Announcing the names of the buyers, Rathi Vinay Jha, director general, FDCI, said, "The confirmation from reputed International buyers at Lakme India Fashion Week reflects the trend that the Indian Fashion Industry is gaining rapid acceptance worldwide and leaving significant footprints in the global arena of fashion.

"We at FDCI are happy to see such positive interest shown by buyers both national and international. These are indicators supporting our view that fashion is a serious business."

These prominent buyers from various part of the world will also interact with the fashion fraternity at India's largest business event for the fashion design industry to explore and tap its increasing potential, the release said.

The largest and most high profile fashion trade event in the country, LIFW 2005 aims at providing a platform to develop business opportunities for Indian fashion industry professionals, the release added.