Straight answers

<div class="section1"><div class="Normal"><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="" font-style:="" italic="">Nina Gill</span><span style="" font-style:="" italic="">, Accessory Designer, On how Indian designers can make an impact internationally</span><br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">You''re based in Paris. How strong is the Indian theme there?</span><br /><br />India is a very strong theme in France.The economic establishment sees India as a future market both for suppliers and clients because of our market potential, English-speaking entrepreneurs, and democracy. <br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">But are Indian fashion designers known in the West?</span><br /><br />Admittedly, Indian designers aren''t too well known in the West, but it''s only a matter of time before they succeed there. Lots of Indian stylists are already working for European fashion houses and picking up how things are done abroad. Yes, European fashion isn''t the same as Indian fashion, but Indian elements such as embroidery are an important part of the puzzle in the West. <br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">Business-wise, what should be the USP of Indian fashion abroad?</span><br /><br />To be successful in the West, Indian designers must create garments that an international client will purchase. Of course, each designer has to work out his own path to success.<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">What exactly is required by the global market? </span><br /><br />The global market requires personal contacts, knowledge of various designers'' styles and trends of the moment, transposition of ideas, a constant supply of stimulating swatches, the final execution of elements for fashion shows and other sales cycles, and timely delivery of elements corresponding to designers'' orders. <br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">What kind of work do you do for the global market?</span><br /><br />I personally do both haute couture and pret-a-porter embroidery, with work being executed at two factories in India. We also create accessories spanning handbags, jewellery, belts, scarves and decorative items; and finished ready-to-wear garments.</div> </div>