FASHION CAPITAL

Fashion is a term used to describe the creation of clothing, footwear,
accessories, and Jewellery, reflecting diverse cultural aesthetics and their
combinations into unique outfits. These distinctive styles serve as
expressions of self-identity and social status. Fashion empowers
individuals, enhancing self-confidence and well-being. The acts of
purchasing, styling, and wearing clothes are known to elevate dopamine
levels, contributing to a positive mood.

A Fashion Capital is a city that significantly influences fashion trends and
serves as a hub for the design, production, and retail of fashion products.
Such cities also host major events like fashion awards and trade fairs,
contributing greatly to the economy. Globally, Paris, Milan, London, and
New York are renowned as Big 4 Fashion Capitals.
They boast a rich blend of business, finance, entertainment, culture, and
leisure, creating a unique and powerful identity. These cities are home to
the largest fashion brands, influential designers, fashion schools,
magazines, exhibitions, and events. They dominate the fashion world by
hosting the most anticipated fashion weeks and setting new trends for each
season.

Fashion serves as a barometer of a nation’s economic health, reflecting its
infrastructure, technological progress, and high net worth income. The
presence of high fashion and haute couture signifies a developed and stable
economy. As one of the world’s key value-creating industries, fashion
would rank as the seventh-largest economy globally if considered
alongside individual countries’ GDPs, with an estimated value of $2 billion.
The LVMH clothing company, boasting a market capitalization of $367
billion, exemplifies the industry’s economic power. Beyond market value,
fashion is also the largest employer in the manufacturing sector, with 60
million workers worldwide, according to the International Labor
Organization.

But across the globe, there are concerns also – geopolitics, inflation, and
recession – all three are restraining the growth of this industry across
Europe, the US, and China but India emerges as a beacon of hope. With its
market expanding at a commendable CAGR of 10%, India demonstrates
resilience through stringent cost management and inventory control.
From the luxurious warmth of Pashmina wool to the intricate elegance of
Chikankari embroidery in the north, to the vibrant Sambalpuri and blockprinted Kalamkari in the south, India swiftly ascends as a pivotal hub in
the fashion realm. Indian designers exhibit mastery in embroidery,
blending traditional and contemporary elements to craft remarkable
designs. Fueled by a burgeoning middle class, a tech-savvy populace,
competitive pricing, abundant raw materials, and robust economic
fundamentals, India propels the fashion industry’s growth trajectory.
Notably, the textile sector contributes approximately 2.3% to the nation’s
GDP, 13% to industrial production, and 12% to exports, with India
commanding a 4% share in the global textile trade. Furthermore, India’s
women’s apparel market ranks as the world’s sixth-largest.

WHY NOIDA– Noida, also known as Gautam Budh Nagar, has blossomed
into a vibrant center for the global fashion sector. With a plethora of highend fashion brands and an impressive array of lifestyle and apparel
offerings, the city has cemented its position as a fashion destination. Fueled
by a burgeoning international clientele, Noida’s fashion industry is
experiencing a remarkable 15% growth rate. The untapped market of the
upper and middle class has allowed designers to introduce a slew of global
trends – Bohemian Vampire, Thumbelina, rhinestones (cocktail and
evening wear), etc.
G.B. Nagar boasts 2500 readymade garment factories, aligning with the UP
government’s One District One Product (ODOP) initiative launched in

2018. This program aims to rejuvenate industries, spur employment, and
      bolster exports. Noida’s designated product under ODOP is readymade
      garments. Both the Central and State governments have undertaken
      numerous infrastructure development initiatives, including the
      establishment of Common Facility Centers (CFCs), improved access to
      financing, and support for marketing and exports. With a population of
      approximately 2.5 million, Noida enjoys the second-highest per capita
      income in the country, closely rivaling Mumbai, India’s current fashion
      capital.
      The significant presence of gold-collar workers, owing to Noida’s status as
      an IT hub, presents an enticing opportunity for affluent consumers.
      Consequently, approximately 100 foreign fashion brands are anticipated to
      establish their presence through stores. Additionally, Noida boasts the
      largest mall in the country, DLF Mall, further enhancing its allure. With
      numerous malls emerging across various sectors of Noida, a promising
      landscape for the apparel retailing sector is foreseen. Moreover, the
      presence of skilled workers, efficient managers, and affordable real estate,
      coupled with reliable water support, facilitates fashion houses in
      manufacturing ready-to-wear garments at competitive prices.
      In addition to the advantages, there are challenges also to contend with,
      including inadequate power supply, recurrent power cuts, scarcity of local
      suppliers and fabric resources, labor union concerns, a deficit of skilled
      contractors and workers, and a prevailing high crime rate.
2019. 
      To surmount these obstacles, it is imperative for the government, in
      collaboration with business and entrepreneur associations, as well as
      NGOs, to unite their efforts. Together, all should strive to elevate Noida
      from its current status as a One District One Product (ODOP) region to the
      pinnacle of success: establishing it as a global fashion capital.
2020. 
      The State Government is actively pursuing various developmental projects,
      including the establishment of a film city, an airport at Jewar, and a large
      exhibition mart in Greater Noida. Additionally, Noida hosts a significant
      number of IT companies poised to contribute to the advancement of artificial
      intelligence, which, in turn, can augment human creativity across diverse
      designs.
      SUGGESTIONS – The government should consider providing an integrated
      industrial, commercial, and institutional space for fashion industry
      manufacturers. Such space would facilitate production, showcasing of
      products, hosting of design events, fashion shows, and trade fairs, while also
      supporting the establishment of research institutes focused on fashion studies,
      including areas like fashion branding and value creation.
      We possess all the essential ingredients to craft an exceptional dish. What’s
      needed is a holistic approach and collective effort from all the concerned
      groups toward the shared objective of elevating Noida to the status of a global
      fashion capital.

-Sanjay Kumar Sinha