Talent unfolds at the 6th edition of "The Debut'; Wills Lifestyle felicitates India's aspiring fashion designers

Wills Lifestyle takes forward its search for aspiring fashion talent with the sixth edition of "The Debut', a unique initiative that recognizes India's promising young designers in the fashion arena. Wills Lifestyle presented the grand finale of the sixth edition of "The Debut', today in the capital at the Wills Lifestyle store in South Extension. The finale of the Debut took place after regional rounds in Kolkata and Bangalore held earlier this month. Aman Verma from Pearl Academy of Fashion, Jaipur was declared the winner of Debut 2012.

Wills Lifestyle's association & commitment with India's most prestigious fashion event "Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week' is a celebration of the country's formidable creative talent. "The Debut' is an extension of that commitment & aims to encourage students of fashion through showcasing, recognizing, & launching outstanding talent of tomorrow. This platform was initiated five years ago in 2007.

This year the contest received an overwhelming response through more than 500 entries from all over India, including students from country's prestigious fashion institutes - all centers of National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), National Institute of Design (NID), Pearl Academy of Fashion, Northern India Institute of Fashion Technology, Amity School, Noida & J. D. Institute of Fashion Technology. Out of the portfolios received, a separate jury further short listed the entries to 31 potential candidates and 4 direct entries through facebook, who presented their creations in front of eminent juries at the regional rounds held in Kolkata and Bangalore respectively. The further shortlisted 12 candidates competed for the winner's title at the finale.

Mr. Atul Chand, Divisional Chief Executive, ITC's Lifestyle Retailing Business Division said, "The Debut by Wills Lifestyle is a unique platform that nurtures and recognises young talent in the field of fashion design. This initiative continues to provide encouragement to budding creative talent and facilitates interface with the leading names of the Indian Fashion fraternity. Year on year we have identified some of the best creative young minds of this country and will continue in our endeavors to highlight and bring this talent to the forefront."

The finale was judged by an eminent panel comprising of celebrated fashion designers JJ Valaya, David Abraham, Rakesh Thakore and Asha Baxi, leading fashion educator. The shortlisted candidates were judged on key parameters like Creativity, Technicality and Commercial Viability.

The winner received a trophy besides an all expenses paid trip to an International Fashion Fair. The winner will also be felicitated at the forthcoming edition of WIFW SS'13 being held in New Delhi in September, 2012.