**Title: Indian Designers Making Their Mark on the Global Fashion Stage**
**Moscow, Russia** – Indian fashion designers are increasingly stepping into the spotlight, moving beyond their traditional roles in manufacturing and craft work for global brands. At the recent BRICS+ Fashion Summit in Moscow, designer Kanika Goyal highlighted this shift, emphasizing that a new generation of Indian labels is now presenting their own collections internationally.
Historically, India has been recognized as a significant contributor to the global fashion industry, primarily as a source of craftsmanship and production. Much of this work has occurred behind the scenes, with Indian artisans and designers often not receiving the recognition they deserve. However, Goyal noted that this trend is changing, with Indian designers now emerging "in a much louder way" and gaining visibility for their unique design identities.
"We’ve always been on the back end of things and walking behind the scenes," Goyal stated. "But now, emerging talent is increasingly creating the final product and putting it on the global stage." She emphasized the importance of recognition for these designers, stating that it "really matters" as they strive to establish their presence in the international market.
This transformation in the Indian fashion landscape coincides with a notable increase in the country's textile exports, which rose by 16.1% year-on-year in August. The Ministry of Textiles reported that ready-made garment exports alone saw a 6.1% increase. This growth reflects a broader trend where designers from BRICS nations and other emerging markets are not only building strong domestic businesses but are also reaching audiences beyond their borders.
For Goyal, the ongoing changes represent a shift that is already underway rather than a distant future revolution led by the Global South. She pointed out that Russia is a particularly promising market for Indian labels, noting that her brand previously supplied Russian stores through a Paris-based sales agency before 2022. While challenges such as shipping, customs, and finding the right partners remain, Goyal sees potential for increased business between India and Russia.
Goyal's Arc Echo collection was showcased at Moscow Fashion Week, which features over 350 designers from more than ten countries. The current edition of the event runs until October 1. The Fashion Design Council of India has been active in promoting Indian designers on international platforms, previously presenting collections at Moscow Fashion Week and facilitating exchanges with Russian labels.
The strengthening of ties between emerging markets could enable designers and buyers to collaborate more directly, bypassing traditional fashion hubs like Paris. However, Goyal noted that this will require the establishment of effective commercial structures to facilitate shipping, purchasing, and cross-border partnerships.
Social media is playing a crucial role in this evolution, as it diminishes the traditional barriers to global visibility. Designers from smaller cities and countries can now showcase their collections directly to international audiences and fashion editors, providing them with opportunities that were once heavily reliant on established fashion capitals.
As Indian designers continue to assert their identities and gain recognition on the global stage, the landscape of international fashion is poised for a significant transformation, driven by creativity and innovation from emerging markets.