The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) and New Zealand Fashion Week (NZFW) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate in fostering a global platform for emerging and established designers from India and New Zealand. In the presence of the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Rt Honorable Christopher Luxon, and the Honorable Minister of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, Piyush Goyal, the agreement was signed by Sunil Sethi, Chairman of FDCI, and Feroz Ali, Chairman of NZFW. This marks a significant milestone in building international bridges between the fashion industries of both countries.
(L-R) Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, Feroz Ali, Executive Chairman of NZFW, Sunil Sethi, Chairman of FDCI, Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said: “New Zealand has a growing global reputation across fashion and the creative arts, which I have been proud to showcase in India this week. The partnership between New Zealand Fashion Week (NZFW) and the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) will help build valuable connections and collaboration between our two countries to drive the sustainable growth of our fashion industry.”
Sunil Sethi, Chairman of FDCI, said: “We are thrilled to announce this historic partnership between FDCI and NZFW, and I am looking forward to this exchange with a country we have shared cordial ties with for so many years. We are grateful for the immense support and encouragement we have received from Piyush Goyal, Honourable Minister of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, over the years. This has helped us take our vision for the business of fashion to many countries globally. There is significant business being transacted across sectors in both India and New Zealand, and this agreement will ensure that fashion gets its rightful space in such a conducive environment.”
(L-R) Designers Pawan Sachdeva, Rajesh Pratap Singh, JJ Valaya, Ashish Soni, Sunil Sethi, Feroz Ali, Harita Kapur, Shruti Sancheti, Varun Bahl and Nitin Bal Chauhan
This groundbreaking collaboration is designed to provide world-class, inclusive, and sustainable opportunities for designers, enabling them to showcase their work on an international stage, connect with global audiences, and cultivate professional growth. Both institutions are committed to empowering designers by facilitating runway shows, events, and networking opportunities that expand global connections, foster industry growth, and promote a circular fashion ecosystem.
Key Objectives of the Collaboration:
Support for Designers: FDCI and NZFW will jointly endorse and support fashion designers, ensuring they have access to high-quality platforms and international exposure.- Global Connections: The partnership will facilitate connections between designers, buyers, media, and consumers across international markets, fostering valuable networking opportunities.
- Adaptation to the Evolving Fashion Landscape: Both organisations will ensure that designers are equipped with the necessary tools, knowledge, and resources to thrive in a dynamic global marketplace.
- Promotion of Sustainability: The collaboration will champion circular fashion principles, promoting sustainability and creativity in design.
- Resource Mobilisation: FDCI and NZFW will work together to mobilise resources for the sustainable growth of the fashion industry through strategic partnerships, sponsorships, and investments.
The five-year agreement, which will be reviewed annually, aims to drive innovation and growth in both India’s and New Zealand’s fashion sectors. As part of this collaboration, both institutions will also promote their activities and achievements through their websites and social media platforms, enhancing their global presence and impact.
Feroz Ali, Chairman of New Zealand Fashion Week (NZFW), expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating: “This collaboration represents a significant step towards bringing together two vibrant fashion communities. We are excited to offer a platform for our designers to expand their horizons and to foster meaningful connections in the global fashion industry.”
The MOU also outlines procedures for coordination and implementation of the agreement, ensuring seamless cooperation between the two parties.
