Milan Fashion Week invites first Indian buyer

NEW DELHI: The Milan Fashion Week has for the first time invited an Indian buyer, Kimaya, to be part of its ongoing fashion extravaganza.

Pradeep and Neha Hirani will lead the eight-member merchandising and forecasting team to conduct business at the fashion week that started on Saturday.

Kimaya, a leading Indian apparel chain, represented India at the London Fashion Week from Sep 18 to 22 as well.      

"For the first time ever, India is being recognised, not as a seller but as an important buyer at international fashion events. It is a proud moment, not only for Kimaya, but the entire fashion fraternity in India. Our participation in the London and Milan fashion weeks is a huge step towards creating a springboard for European designers to launch and extend their brands in India," said Pradeep Hirani, chairperson of Kimaya.

Kimaya represents 108 designers, including designers from Pakistan, Malaysia and South Africa. The chain hopes to now include European designers and brands.

With Kimaya's participation at the London and Milan Fashion Weeks, it is evident that the European fashion industry is taking serious note of India's growing potential as a fashion destination.