Australia pitches for 'fashion diplomacy' with India

11 Sep '15

2 min read

Australian Deputy High Commissioner in New Delhi, Chris Elstoft calls it fashion diplomacy. And if all goes well, India could be the destination for Australian designers who are looking for fashion collaborations with domestic artisans and craftsmen, according to an agency report.

"India promises to be a very big market for Australian designers but at the same time India stands to benefit. Australian designers love to work with the Indian handloom sector and they love the delicate craftsmanship," Elstoft said at a book release function in New Delhi.

Stating that the arts, fashion, textile and books provide a window into cultures of the two countries, Elstoft said, "We can really find areas where the two countries can cooperate and we call this fashion diplomacy."

In its bid to globalise their fashion the Australian government has been working with the Australian fashion Chamber to seek opportunities for their fashion stylists and creators and designers with counterparts overseas like in India.

"India has the labour, its textile industry is the second largest employer in the country. Australia on the other hand has the wool, for example 50 per cent of wool that comes to India comes from Australia. So this is a win-win situation where Australian designers can work with Indian artisans to produce these wonderful garments," he said. (SH)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India

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