Hindustan Times ST (Jaipur) - Hindustan Times (Jaipur) - City
Let’s go #vocalforlocal for fashion
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the nation recently, encouraged citize ‘to go local and be the voice f it too’. #Vocalforlocal has bee the topic of discussion on all social media platforms, with fashion brands and designers encouraging people to support local businesses.
It is not just about the sentiment, but also about finding ways to boost the economy, given that the pandemic and the lockdown have already affected local businesses badly. “There are many karigars who have carried forward age-old skills, passed on over generations, and which today are used to create breathtaking and worldrenowned crafts and designs in India. If due to this pandemic, local businesses continue to suffer losses and shut down, these karigars will be lost due to a grave existential crisis, where they will have to give up their heritage art to earn their bread and butter from a different field of work. By supporting #vocalforlocal, we will also be able to help sustain the cultural heritage of India, which is deeply imbibed in various products skillfully crafted by our artisans,” says footwear designer Aprajita Toor.”
Apparel businesses, fashion designer Pay Khandwala is o opinion that it [go local] cushions the blow of disruptions caused by global supply chains, in a hyper connected world. “If we depend on locally sourced yarn and raw materials and make in India then we will obviously be more self-sufficient. But more importantly, it will empower our skilled indigenous artisans,”adds Khandwala.
While the fashion industry has been taking precautionary measures amid the lockdown, they feel that post the lockdown, things might take time to unfold. “As we eagerly await the lockdown to be lifted, we have prepared an SOP which will help us practice social distancing and maintain
a well-sanitised manufacturing nit,” says Toor. Accessory designer Preksha Mehta is motivating all her artisans and employees by assuring them with a secured job in order to create a positive environment for a better tomorrow. “Since accessories are highly imported from neighbouring countries, “vocal for local” can be a big turning point for the industry. Imported bags, fashion jewellery, footwear, mobile accessories etc have captured a huge market in India. It is time for Indian manufacturers to bounce back and give the best quality with best price range. We are all set to start our work with lots of positivity and support,” adds Mehta.