subject: Fashion Designers In Kolkata: The Underdogs Of The Fashion Industry [print this page] Fashion designing in Kolkata appears to have taken an upward swing today. Fashion designers in Kolkata have never had it better. With many of them participating in International fashion shows, their hard work is finally paying off. Kolkata today is now fast securing a foothold in the fashion map of the world. Fashion designers in Kolkata are now being subjected to increasing adulation, thanks to exposure they have received over the past few years. Fashion designers in Kolkata cater to Haute Couture, Ready-to-Wear and Mass Market and Prt segments. With more institutes dedicated to fashion designing being established in Kolkata, fashion designing as career seems to be a bright prospective today. The number of fashion designers in Kolkata has increased exponentially over the past few years. Today many of them have their own exclusives lines and are even proud owners of high-end fashion boutiques.
A haute couture fashion designer is one who designs exclusively for one individual. These designers work usually with high-end, expensive fabric and embellishments. Their work is time consuming as most of their garments are hand stitched. Great attention is paid to detail. Looks and fit are given priority over cost. The garment will not be re-created for another client and is exclusive to one. They are made to measure.
A mass market fashion designer is one who relies on mass market sales. The mass market caters to a wide range of customers. These designers often release their new designs every season and use cheaper fabric and simple, machine stitching techniques. Though fashionable, the end product is a lot cheaper than haute couture and available in numbers.
A ready-to-wear fashion designer is a cross between haute couture and mass market. Though not made for individuals, great care is taken in choice of fabric and cut. Clothes are available in numbers but small quantities only, to guarantee exclusivity. These are usually showcased in fashion weeks and are quite expensive.
A fashion designer could be either one these three or all of them, through different labels.
Fashion designers in Kolkata are the busiest during the months of August, September & October. This is when Durga Pooja is celebrated in the city. During this season, celebrities and the masses step into a fashion & shopping frenzy, always looking out for something unique and exclusive. While celebrities and the elite run after haute couture fashion designers for that unique outfit, masses run to stores to explore the new ranges of festival themed outfits. Fashion designers in Kolkata have a special challenge while designing for the people in Kolkata. As the city is at its humid best in these months, designers need to use breathable fabrics, without compromising on design, fit & aesthetics.
Designers have tremendous scope during this season as the festive celebrations are spread over 4-5 days and consumers want a separate outfit for each day. The morning wear is usually traditional with sarees, anarkalis, lehengas, Shwerwanis & dhotis being the most popular. Evening is more relaxed with kurtis, jodhpuris, skirts, and short kurtas being in demand.
