The fashion industry is gaining a lot of momentum worldwide and the scene is no different at the national level. With the recently-concluded dual fashion weeks in Mumbai and Delhi, where over 110 designers showcased their cutting-edge collections over 10 days with favourable sales, the industry is all set to gallop at a breakneck speed.

Today, the fashion industry has thrown open many career options with growth prospects increasing manifold. It is not just about sketching and designing and organising shows, but a universe of possibilities that encompasses accessory design, merchandising, visual merchandising, garment export, jewellery design and offshoots like communication, styling, choreography and photography, among others.

No doubt fashion education in India has evolved into a specialised and focused field. Even in Assam, the industry, though still at it nascent stage, is all set to go places. Today more and more youngsters of our state and region are aspiring to be a part of the high profile, glamorous world of fashion and modelling.

I strongly believe that the fashion industry in the region, if developed fully and properly, will make Assam one of the richest states in India and boost its economy. It will definitely go a long way towards solving one major problem that Assam is facing today -unemployment.

Yes, indeed. In this industry there are umpteen options, be it that of fashion designer, textile designer, model, choreographer, fashion stylist, hair stylist, make-up artist, event co-ordinator and manager, fashion photographer, journalist, fashion critic or fashion illustrator.

One just needs to be aware of the enormous potential and the scope that exists in this arena. However, it is a real pity that the industry out here has often been misunderstood and misinterpreted. It really hurts when people often term nudity and vulgarity as the other side of fashion.

As a fashion designer from this region, I have understood the potential of this industry as well as that of our state. Assam is blessed with fabrics which have their own unique and distinctive qualities, setting it apart from the rest. The different ethnic groups and tribes that inhabit Assam have their own distinctive culture and lifestyles. And with it comes their own traditional attires, all handwoven with beautiful patterns.

But it’s really sad that with the growing popularity of modern wares and fabrics, these attires are about to lose their popularity and appear as only occasional adornments. Being a fashion designer, I feel and realise a tremendous sense of responsibility on my shoulders as well as an urgency to promote and popularise these wonderful, mesmerising and beautiful handwoven fabrics and to create a global market for them.

I am fascinated and inspired by these beautiful and colourful fabrics of our state and the region. Over the last few years I have been sincerely trying to promote and popularise these products by modernising them, keeping in mind the taste and style of the new generation. The effort has resulted in my new line of creation -- Fusion ware. My designs are always modern, stylish and trendy, yet very traditional when it comes to the fabric. This is one place where I never compromise.

Today, it is a really wonderful feeling to see a lot of budding designers from the region make an effort to work with these local fabrics. This is one good sign that the industry is growing. And of course, with the market being created for such products, in view of the increasing demand for them, I can definitely say that within the next five years the fashion industry of our region is going to make headlines.

(The author is a well-known fashion designer)