The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) recently established a Covid-19 Support Fund to offer financial assistance to small businesses and young designers in need. Many designers have pitched in, according to FDCI chairman Sunil Sethi. Following the nationwide lockdown, the fashion industry has witnessed a drastic dip in the sales of textiles and apparels, instantly affecting cash flow.
As the industry employs a number of tailors, craftspeople, weavers, embroiderers, the outcome of delayed or cancelled orders and zero sales along with the salaries, rentals and utility bills that need to be paid is having a huge impact on professionals in this field. While many designers in their personal capacity are looking after the wellbeing of their craftsmen, many smaller businesses are not able to withstand the financial blow, FDCI said in a statement.
“Meanwhile, we are approaching the government and ministers, including (Union minister of women and child development and textiles) Smriti Irani, who has been supportive of the textile, design and fashion industry. We are positive that there will be some help extended by them for the tailors, craftsmen, weavers and embroiderers. Maybe they will suggest us some scheme that will help our designers,” added Sethi.
In the absence of the face, the sock-clad feet are most welcome Sourced by the Telegraph
A sock-ing comeback
One surprise effect of lockdown has been the return of socks. People are home; shoes are gone. Perhaps being indoors and not up to much make-up or brushing of the hair has made selfie-takers abandon the selfie a lot too. Not many want to post pictures of frump on Insta.
So then the feet come into the frame. In the absence of the face, the sock-clad feet are most welcome. So just aim the camera at your feet and shoot! The more colourful the socks, the better!
And a pair of old socks can act as gloves. When there’s a knock on the front door, or your grocery order has been delivered, wear the socks in your hands and receive the visitor and the packages he brings.
The goal is to identify early stage, disruptive ideas that can make fashion more sustainable, and to scale them to transform the entire fashion industry Courtesy: H&M
Awards for disruption
From lab-grown cotton and creating fabrics from protein DNA, to tracking sustainable fibres by using blockchain technology, wastewater separation and converting carbon dioxide into sustainable polyester. These were the 5 winning innovations of 2020 Global Change Award, named the Nobel Prize of sustainable fashion that received a grant of $1 million from H&M.
Global Change Award is the non-profit H&M Foundation’s fifth annual innovation challenge. Now, more than ever, H&M Foundation wants to continue to support long-term development, innovation and entrepreneurship for a sustainable future. The goal is to identify early stage, disruptive ideas that can make fashion more sustainable, and to scale them to transform the entire fashion industry.
