Vogue India partners with FDCI to launch Vogue Fashion Fund!

After years of success in several countries, the prestigious Vogue Fashion Fund makes its India debut this year. Vogue India, in collaboration with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), is launching this annual event to give centre stage to India’s next generation of fashion designers. The Vogue Fashion Fund was originally conceptualised by US Vogue, spearheaded by the iconic Anna Wintour.

 

Announcing the launch of the Vogue Fashion Fund in India, Ms. Priya Tanna, Editor, Vogue India said, “For a country that takes great pride in its indigenous fashion and boasts such a stunning array of embroideries, textiles, and craftsmanship, it's no surprise that we consistently produce exceptional design talent. With the launch of the Vogue Fashion Fund, our endeavour is to strengthen the foundation for these designers and help marry their creativity with commercial success. It is a truly special project for Vogue India and I look forward to the fund changing the lives of promising young designers in the years to come.” 

 

Sunil Sethi, President, FDCI said, “I once heard the proverb, ‘Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach him to fish, and feed him for life.’ It’s an apt metaphor for the Vogue Fashion Fund, which supports the winning designer through a one-year mentorship. With this initiative, Vogue is putting its weight behind young talent—I look forward to seeing what’s in store for many years to come.”

 

The judging committee comprises an eclectic mix of fashion authorities, including Sunil Sethi and the Vogue India experts - Priya Tanna-Editor, Anaita Shroff Adajania-Fashion Director, Bandana Tewari -Fashion Features Director and Oona Dhabhar-Marketing Director, Condé Nast India. The jury also features renowned fashion designers Manish Arora, Sabyasachi Mukherjee and Suneet Varma as well as retail experts like Alka Nishar and Tina Tahiliani.

 

Manish Arora, shares, “I think this is a great platform for upcoming designers. I believe that the development of young talent is essential to our industry. As a judge, I am looking for designers who stay true to their own sensibility and manage to illustrate their perspective in an innovative manner, separating them from the rest.”

 

Sabyasachi Mukherjee, comments, “This is a wonderful initiative. It is fantastic that Vogue India recognizes this fact and is creating the platform to nurture upcoming design talent. I feel privileged to be a part of the jury panel. Hopefully, I will be able to use my aesthetic skill and business acumen to make Vogue zero in on the right choice.”

 

Suneet Varma, adds, “I think Vogue worldwide sets a certain standard for the younger generation, with access to the best photographers, models, hair and make-up artists and other industry professionals. When I started out 25 years ago, we didn’t have Vogue to lead us, and it took us longer to get where we are today. These young designers will have that nurturing and guidance.”

 

Vogue India invites entries from emerging fashion designers based on pre-defined eligibility criteria. The judging panel will shortlist 20 designers at first from the entries, further narrowing this list down to top 5 finalists based on interviews and the creation of a special capsule collection.

 

The winner will have the opportunity to be featured in Vogue India and also win a grand cash prize. Besides this, the design talent will also get a chance to commercialise his/her brand with a leading retailer, and gain access to prominent platforms in the industry like Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week and a one-year business mentorship with an industry professional.