How fashion conscious is Ranchi?

The trend in fashion has changed drastically in the city, especially in the last two years. College-going students have felt the need to look good and wear their attitude, which was not so about four years ago. Earlier, people used to buy clothes from local shops because there were hardly any shops selling ?brands?. But now, there are so many outlets right from GEL Church Complex to Hazaribagh Road. Youths know what colours are trendy, what accessories will go best with what outfits and the cut of the fabrics.

How is the older generation reacting to the fashion-conscious youth?

Earlier, parents were confused about fashion, be it designing or modelling. Most parents resisted whatever changes their children wanted. From fashion designing to modelling, all these professions were not considered respectable and lucrative. That was a different day and a different time that we are talking about. Now the trend has changed and parents know that fashion designing, too, offers good career prospects.

Speaking of which, what are the prospects for the young designers?

A fashion designing course is a self-sufficient course. One may turn it into a business. Also it lets a student join the textile industries, merchandising organisations, boutiques and garment factories. A recent survey has shown that the textile industry has more than a crore jobs.

What added onus do you offer your students?

IIFT participates and organises fashion shows and exhibitions not only here but in other states as well. Our students, have in the past, designed clothes for reputed models like Neha Dhupia. This adds up in their resume. Besides, we have also organised fashion shows during the launch of reputed brands. Actor Hrishita Bhatt was a part of one such show and lauded the efforts of students.

Abhijeet Mukherjee