New Delhi: Wills Lifestyle takes forward its search for aspiring fashion talent with the 8th 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 8th edition of ‘The Debut’, today in the capital at the ongoing Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week. Actor Soha Ali Khan was present on the occasion to felicitate the young designers at the splendid award ceremony.
Gourav Goel, Pearl Academy, New Delhi was declared as the winner of 8th edition of ‘The Debut who received sponsored trip to UK for a befitting course at the London School of Fashion. 16 finalists shortlisted at the regional rounds held in Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai earlier this month, competed for the coveted title.
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. We are pleased at the tremendous response received from the student community. 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.”
Present on the occasion, Soha Ali Khan said, “I am really excited to be here today! The Debut by Wills Lifestyle is an extremely wonderful initiative. It gives the young aspiring student designers from all over India an opportunity to showcase their capabilities in front of the celebrated fashion specialists. I wish all the participants the very best for future and hope through this unique program by Wills Lifestyle many more such unseen talents are discovered!”
Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Sunil Sethi, President, FDCI said, “The Debut’ is an extension of our partner Wills Lifestyle’s association & commitment with India’s most prestigious fashion event ‘Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week’ that aims to encourage students of fashion through showcasing, recognizing, & launching outstanding talent of tomorrow. We are delighted to support this platform.”
An eminent panel comprising of celebrated fashion designers Namrata Joshipura, Pankaj & Nidhi, Sartaj Singh Mehta, Creative Head, Wills Lifestyle and Dr. Vandana Bhandari, NIFT Dean judged the Debut finale. The shortlisted candidates were judged on key parameters of Creativity, Technicality and Commercial Viability.
This year the contest received an overwhelming response with more than 360 online registrations and over 110 portfolios received from fashion schools across the country including National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT); National Institute of Design (NID); Pearl Academy of Fashion (PAF); Symbiosis Institute of Design, Arch Academy of Fashion, Northern India Institute of Fashion Technology (NIIFT) & JD Institute of Fashion Technology.
Out of the portfolios received, a separate jury further short-listed the entries to 45 potential candidates, who presented their creations in front of distinguished jury at the regional rounds. The further shortlisted 16 candidates competed for the winner’s title at the finale today.