FDCI launches Covid-19 Support Fund

By

Isabelle Crossley

Published
Apr 1, 2020

The Fashion Design Council of India has launched the Covid-19 Support Fund to aid small businesses and young designers. Lakmé Fashion Week endorsed the initiative on March 31.

 
The FDCI launched its Covid-19 Support Fund on Facebook on March 28 and Mumbai-based bi-annual fashion week LFW announced its support with the hashtag ‘In This Together’ on Tuesday. As up-and-coming designers and brands feel the effects of halted production and sales with continued outgoings, the FDCI aims to help keep India’s young design talent afloat during the ongoing pandemic. 
 
“A delightful outcome of a healthy discussion- Lakme Fashion Week joins hands with the Fashion Design Council of India to help the design fraternity during these testing times,” the FDCI announced on Facebook on Tuesday.

“The Covid-19 Support Fund with the help of our sponsors, eminent designers and corporate houses will enable the style world to cope with the devastation the pandemic has wrecked."
 
“Lakme Fashion Week supports and endorses the FDCI Covid-19 Support Fund,” Lakmé Fashion Week announced on Facebook. “Please connect with the Fashion Design Council of India in case you would like to support the fashion industry through these challenging times in any manner.”
 
LFW sponsor IMG Reliance’s parent company Reliance Industries has also announced a wide range of measures to support coronavirus relief across India. The business has pledged Rs 500 crore ($67.7 million) to the PM Cares Fund, set up a 100-bed hospital dedicated to the fight against Covid-19, and planned to produce one lakh protective masks per day.
 
LFW held its summer/resort edition from February 12 to 16 in Mumbai. The event featured designers including Manish Arora and Kunal Rawal among others. LFW also has its own ‘Gen Next’ programme to support young designers and holds showcases for the initiative each fashion week.