Fashion Design Council Of India

Summary

The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) is an Indian organisation that intends to establish itself as the apex body in the field of fashion design in India and to work for the development and growth of the fashion design industry. Formed in December 1998, the FDCI is a non-profit independent association of fashion designers. Currently, the office is based in New Delhi with Mr. Sunil Sethi as the President. The FDCI is supported by the Indian Textile Ministry & it also works very closely with fashion institutes like NIFT.

History

The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) is the apex not-for-profit body dedicated to promoting and nurturing the Indian fashion industry. Established in 1998 and headquartered in New Delhi, the FDCI has played a pivotal role in shaping the modern fashion narrative of India. It provides a professional platform for designers to showcase their creativity and craftsmanship, both domestically and internationally. As an industry authority, the Council sets the standard for excellence, fosters innovation, and acts as a key connector between Indian designers and global fashion markets.

At the heart of FDCI’s mission is the commitment to support Indian designers—emerging and established—through exposure, mentorship, and commercial opportunities. Its most high-profile initiatives include India Fashion Week, a biannual event that showcases the diversity of Indian fashion to media, buyers, and influencers from across the world. Through these platforms, FDCI amplifies the voices of designers who merge traditional Indian textiles and crafts with contemporary silhouettes and global aesthetics, thereby keeping India’s cultural legacy alive while pushing fashion forward.

The FDCI is also deeply invested in preserving India’s rich textile heritage. It frequently collaborates with artisan communities, craftspeople, and sustainable fashion advocates to spotlight handloom, khadi, and indigenous techniques. These efforts not only ensure economic empowerment at the grassroots level but also position India as a global leader in ethical and heritage-driven fashion. The Council believes that sustainable fashion must be rooted in responsibility—toward people, culture, and the planet—and actively champions this value through its programming and partnerships.

Education and capacity-building are key pillars of the FDCI’s long-term strategy. The Council partners with leading fashion institutions, both in India and internationally, to develop future design talent and bridge gaps in fashion education. By facilitating workshops, scholarships, internships, and knowledge-sharing forums, FDCI equips the next generation of designers with the creative and business skills needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive global market. It also plays a role in policy advocacy, working with government bodies to strengthen the creative economy and ensure the fashion sector’s sustainable growth.

In a rapidly evolving global industry, the Fashion Design Council of India stands as a cultural ambassador and strategic enabler for Indian fashion. It not only showcases the richness and innovation of Indian design but also creates systems that support its economic and social development. By uniting design, craft, and commerce, FDCI is building a fashion ecosystem that is globally respected, economically viable, and deeply rooted in India’s cultural identity.

Vision

The vision of the Fashion Design Council of India is to position India as a global leader in fashion by celebrating the country’s rich heritage, fostering cutting-edge design, and promoting sustainable practices across the industry. FDCI aspires to build a globally competitive Indian fashion ecosystem that balances innovation with tradition, elevates indigenous craftsmanship, and empowers designers to thrive on international platforms. The Council envisions a future where Indian fashion is aesthetically influential, ethically driven, economically impactful, and culturally significant.

Mission

The mission of the Fashion Design Council of India is to support, promote, and strengthen the Indian fashion industry through professional development, global exposure, and sustainable growth. As a not-for-profit organization, FDCI is dedicated to nurturing emerging and established designers, preserving traditional crafts, and fostering innovation through strategic collaborations, educational initiatives, and fashion showcases like India Fashion Week. By connecting designers with markets, media, and policymakers, the Council aims to create a thriving fashion ecosystem that reflects India’s cultural richness while meeting global standards of creativity, quality, and responsibility.

Services

The Fashion Design Council of India offers a range of services aimed at empowering Indian fashion designers, promoting industry growth, and elevating the global visibility of Indian fashion. One of its flagship services is organizing India Fashion Week, held twice a year, which provides a prestigious platform for designers to showcase their collections to domestic and international buyers, media, and fashion influencers. These fashion weeks serve as critical commercial and branding opportunities for both emerging and established labels.

FDCI also offers business development and mentorship programs, including networking events, industry-led workshops, and panel discussions on fashion innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. These initiatives help designers understand the commercial aspects of fashion—such as pricing, production, export logistics, and digital marketing—while encouraging collaboration across the value chain.

In its commitment to heritage preservation, FDCI runs craft revival projects and partners with NGOs, weavers, and artisans to integrate traditional Indian textiles and techniques into contemporary fashion. These projects ensure economic support for artisan communities and contribute to a sustainable, inclusive industry model. The Council also advocates for ethical sourcing and eco-friendly practices, aligning its services with global sustainability standards.

Education and training are another cornerstone of FDCI’s service offerings. It works with design institutes to create educational outreach programs, scholarships, and internships, ensuring a steady pipeline of talented, industry-ready professionals. Through curated masterclasses and digital platforms, FDCI helps young designers gain exposure to global trends and business practices.

Additionally, FDCI acts as an industry liaison, representing the interests of the Indian fashion community in conversations with government bodies, international organizations, and cultural institutions. It helps shape policy, secures funding and trade support for designers, and facilitates access to international markets through participation in global fashion events. Altogether, FDCI’s services create a robust ecosystem that supports creativity, economic development, and cultural expression in Indian fashion.

References

•  “FDCI moves ahead with the business of fashion”. News Track India. 
•  “Redesigning the fashion ramp”. Business Line. 
• “FDCI changing headquarters?”. The Times of India. 
• “Designers to host Lakme Fashion Week”. Business Line.
•  “Accessories overshadowed by clothes at AIFW”. The Times of India. 
•  “The FDCI’s slip is showing”. Express India. 
•  “The Growth Chart”. Express India. 
• “FDCI ties up with coveted New Zealand Fashion Extravaganza”. CNBC TV 18. 
• “Vogue announces first fashion fund with FDCI”. 
• “Cotton goes fashionable”. Deccan Chronicle. 
• “Creativity enmeshed in cotton: 5 finalists of ‘Lets Design'”. Daily Bhaskar.com. 
• “AIFW: Nida Mahmood X Milind Soman’s collection launches India’s first running sari”. The Times of India. 
• “Designer garments on sale”. The Hindu.
• “Creativity for charity at this do”. The Times of India. 
• “Art on Wheels”. Indian Express. 
• “Painted auto-rickshaws to be auctioned at WIFW”. India Today. 
• “FDCI’s art exhibition for charity”. The Times of India. 
•  “WIFW to announce vegan fashion bill”. The Times of India. 
•  “2012: Fashion’s firsts”. live mint & the wall street journal.