Indian fashion industry pays tribute to Paris victims

New Delhi, Nov 18 (IANS) It was a moment to pay homage to the lives lost in the Paris terror attacks when Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) president Sunil Sethi along with noted designers of the Indian fashion industry gathered to meet French ambassador Francois Richier at the embassy and show their solidarity with the city.

Sethi along with designers Hemant Lalwani of the famous duo Hemant-Nandita, Anupama Dayal, Namrata Joshipura, Rohit Gandhi of the duo Rohit Gandhi-Rahul Khanna, Gaurav Gupta, J.J. Valaya, Amit Aggarwal and a representative of designer Manish Arora gathered at the embassy to pay condolences to the departed souls.

"On behalf of the FDCI, we are here to pay condolences over the tragic deaths of many people in Paris," Sethi told reporters after lighting candles made in the colours of the French national flag.

"What has happened in Paris is not easy to forget. The fashion and design fraternity of Paris and India share a great bonding as many designers here have participated in fashion weeks and trade events in Paris.

"We are with them even at this tough time and would like to say that 'Long Live Paris'," Sethi said.

The bonding of both the countries was obvious from the fact that the French flag seen at the embassy was designed on three saris in the colours of blue, white and red with intricate work done by ace Indian designer Suneet Varma.

Addressing the bonding between both the countries, Richier said they have a great connection and it has become more strong during these tough times.

"I would like to thank my friend Mr. Sethi along with designers who came to show their solidarity. It's a great initiative, and I feel that we have huge connection with the fashion industry here. Suneet Varma has offered us that beautiful work on the flag.

"Manish Arora was just some distance away from the attack spot in Paris, and thank god that he is safe. Indian designers are close to our minds and hearts.

"We just hope that peace prevails in Paris and also in the world because its an attack on democracy. I hope we don't have to do it again," he said.

The designers wrote their love for Paris in a book of condolences kept at the venue.

"Our beloved Paris. You will always be special to us," the message read.

Simultaneous shootings and explosions in Paris on November 13 killed at least 129 people and injured over 350.

Copyright  IANS

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