The First Meeting of Task Force on Design was held

2nd Meeting of Task Force on Design Hotel ITC Maratha, Mumbai, July 25, 2015 1 Introduction Objective of the Meeting The First Meeting of Task Force on Design was held in Mumbai on April 16, 2015 under the Chairmanship of Shri Naresh Bhasin, Chairman, Task Force on Design. In this meeting, the action plan to be initiated in Phase 1 and Phase 2 were decided. It was decided that in Phase 1, a Designers Fair is to be organised for showcasing the designs of overseas designers in India. Accordingly, the Task Force on Design had initiated several measures including nominating Product Panel Convenors to identify overseas designers, fixation of date of Designers Fair at Feb. 1-3, 2016 in Chennai ; holding a presentation meeting with Designers at Lineapelle Fair on Sept. 10, 2015 etc., The second meeting of Task Force of Design was held on July 25, 2015 primarily to discuss about action to be initiated for organising the Designers Fair during Feb. 1-3, 2016. Shri Naresh Bhasin, Chairman, Task Force on Design chaired the meeting. The following members/special invitees participated. 1. Mr.Naresh Bhasin,Chairman-Task Force on Design 2. Mr.H.R.Malik,Member CoA 3. Mr.Nari Kalwani,Member CoA 4. Mr.Sudhir Rustagi,Covenenor-Footwear Component Panel 5. Mr.N.Mohan,Convener Leather Footwear Panel. 6. Mr.Israr Ahmed, Convener-Finished Leather Panel 7. Mr.Syed Irshad Ali-Inma Enterprises 8. Mr.Taj Alam,Convener-Saddlery & Harness Panel 9. Mr.Asif Merchant-Catwalk Worldwide Pvt.Ltd. 10. Mr.V.Noushad-VKC Group 11. Mr.Nitesh Bhasin-Ram Fashion Pvt.Ltd. 12. Mr.Jogesh Bhasin-JK Footwear Pvt.Ltd. 13. Mr.Karan Bhasin-JK Footwear Pvt.Ltd. 14. Mrs.Nilima Rani Singh,Director-National Institute of Fashion Technology 15. Mr.Sushil Raturi,Associate Professor & Head Industry,National Institute of Fashion Technology 16. Mr.Md.Sadiq,Principal Scientist,Central Leather Research Institute 17. Mr.Gurvir Singh Gulati-Shoe & Accesories 18. Mr.Dinesh Kuradia.Amit Leather Company 19. Mr.D.K.Acharya,Regional Director,CLE 20. Mr.D.Gokula Krishnan,OSD,CLE 21. Mr.Suresh Bhasin,Ram Fashion Pvt.Ltd. 22. Mr.Sam Dawoodani,Indian Leather Company 23. Mr.K.Dawoodani,Indian Leather Company 24. Mr.Faiz Mamdani,Indiana Exports 25. Mr.Rajesh Jain,Bombay Subscription Agency 2 Briefing by Chairman, Task Force on Design Shri Naresh Bhasin stated that Leather Sector was one among the 18 sectors identified as Focus Sector in the Make in India programme. Under this programme, a Five Year Action Plan has been drawn-up and a target of USD 27 billion (export of USD 15 billion as against existing export of USD 6.5 billion and domestic industry target of USD 12 billion from the existing USD 6 billion) has been set for the leather industry, to be achieved by 2020. Various key areas like Design, Skill Development and Environment have been identified in the Action Plan under Make in India. Accordingly, the Council for Leather Exports has formed specific Committees to look into the Key Areas which includes a Task Force on Design headed by him (Shri Naresh Bhasin) and a Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development headed by Shri Rajendra K. Jalan, former Chairman, CLE while the Skill Development initiatives are being undertaken by Leather Sector Skill Council (LSSC) headed by Shri Habib Hussain, Chairman, LSSC. As far as Organisation of the Designers Fair in Phase 1 is concerned, the following initiatives have been undertaken. - It is proposed to hold the Designers Fair in a Five Star Hotel in Chennai during February 1-3, 2016, coinciding with India International Leather Fair 2016. The dates of the Designers Fair have been fixed to facilitate visit of more industry members, who normally visit IILF 2016. - About 40 overseas designers will be invited for the Designer s Fair and they will exhibit their designs/ products in a well decorated stand. - The Package to be provided to the Designers include 50% of the air fare and hotel charges. As of now, a budget of Rs.75 lakhs has been approved by Chairman, CLE for the Fair towards meeting, as per following break-up Estimated budget for the Designer Fair S. Expenditure Head No. 1 50% Air fare Economy Class @ 50,000/- per person x 40 person 2 50% Hotel cost 5000 per night x 4 nights x 40 persons 3 Construction Cost of 40 stands in Hotel @ Rs.1 lakh per stand Amount (Rs. in lakhs) 20 4 Advertising + Miscellaneous 07 TOTAL 75 lakhs - Panel Convenors of Design Task Force has been appointed so as to identify the designers of the respective product segments. The following is the proposed no. of designers to be identified by Panel Convenors 08 40 Leather News India August 2015 39

Events Sl.No. Product Panel Conveyer Total no.of Designers to be invited 1 Leather Footwear Mr.N.Mohan 20 to 24 2 Leather Goods Mr.Nari Kalwani 8 to 6 3 Leather Garments Mr.Manoj Tuli 4 to 6 4 Footwear Components Mr.Sudhir Rustogi 2 to 3 5 Non-Leather Footwear Mr.V.Noushad 2 to 4 6 Saddlery & Harness Mr.Taj Alam 2 to 3 7. Finished Leather Mr.Israr Ahmed 2 to 3 8 Industrial & Fashion Gloves Mr.Patel Md.Yusuf 2 to 3 Total 8 8 42 to 52 - Discussions have been held with the following journalists/representatives of trade magazines on giving publicity to the proposed Designers Fair. 1. Mr.Rajesh Jain (Bombay Subscription Agency & Agent of ARS Arpel Group) 2. Mr.Stefano Migliavacca (International Promotion Manager of ARS Arpel Group) 3. Mr.Antonio of Lucio Righetto Group 4. Mr.Dott.Pier Nicola Fascetto of Foto Shoe Group 5. Mr.Eugenio Di Maria of Shoe Intelligence. - There is a proposal to appoint an Overseas Design Director to co-ordinate with the Designers. Shri Naresh Bhasin, Chairman, Task Force on Design delivering introductory remarks something which is new and unique. We must take the example of how mobile phone companies like Apple, Nike etc., are bringing out new and innovative products every now and then with the objective of increasing their market share. Hence, we too need to work smart and create a Pool of Designers, who are a mix of Designers who are having futuristic ideas as well as those who reflect aspirations of the current market trends. Thereafter, Shri Naresh Bhasin invited the opinion of the members on the above broad proposals for organizing Designers Fair. A view of participants Shri Naresh Bhasin added that the exporters in leather sector are now considered as Contract Manufacturers. Hence, the objective is to create a Design Capacity in the Indian leather industry so that the exporters can suggest the Designs to the buyers rather than the buyer suggesting the Designs now as per their specifications. The Designers Fair is a First Step in this Direction. Besides the Designers Fair, it is also proposed to engage overseas designers in training the students who are pursuing courses in institutions on design aspects in Phase 1 while in Phase 2 the proposals like establishment of Design Studios in major clusters will be taken-up. Shri Bhasin added that as Design is a new and innovative area, there is a need for comprehensive discussions for successful organization of various events/actions planned. India has lot of opportunities and there is a need to concentrate on innovation and design so as to create 3 Brochure on Designers Fair Shri Md. Sadiq, Senior Principal Scientist, CLRI made a presentation on the proposed Brochure to be brought out for the Designers Fair. Shri Sadiq highlighted the following. - The brochure will be an 8 page brochure. The Cover Page will have logo of Make in India, as leather has been identified as a Focus Sector under Make in India. Besides, the dates of the Designer s Fair will be given in an attractive logo format. - The 2nd page will have a brief introduction on the Designer s Fair and the need for organizing this fair in India. - The 3rd Page will have details on the Overseas Designers to be invited to the fair while the 4th and 5th Pages will have attractive photos of the products made with Indian Designs. 40 August 2015 Leather News India

- The 6th Page will have details of Indian leather industry and its growth potential while the 7th page will have a brief profile of CLE. The last page will have contact details of Chairman, CLE ; Executive Director, CLE ; Chairman, Task Force on Design and Panel Convenors of Task Force. designers to be invited under respective product panels by end of Sept. 2015. - Shri Mohan stated that the proposal to invite 20-24 designers for leather footwear segment is alright as it was earlier decided that 65% of the designers should come from this product segment. Also, we need to invite more chemical companies for the event. Shri Md. Sadiq, Senior Principal Scientist, CLRI (right) along with Shri D. Gokula Krishnan, OSD, CLE Shri Naresh Bhasin stated that this brochure will be distributed in all important fairs for mobilizing overseas designers and also to CLE members for mobilizing their participation in the fair. All the members appreciated the contents and design of the brochure, which has been brought out in a short span of time. Shri Sadiq stated that the text in the brochure will be further pruned and finalized. Shri Mohan sharing his thoughts - Shri Asif Merchant stated that he wrote to 10 leading non-leather footwear companies in China requesting to invest in India and 9 of them have responded positively. 3 Panel Convenors of Task Force on Design - Shri Israr Ahmed stated that there needs to be separate Convenors for Industrial and Fashion Gloves. Accordingly, it was decided that Shri Vinit Kumar Khetan will be the Convenor for Industrial Fashion Gloves. Shri Asif Merchant sharing his thoughts - Shri Noushad stated that non-leather footwear is an important area whose manufacturers do not have adequate international exposure, as far as design is concerned. Hence, we need to invite more designers under this segment, perhaps 10 designers under this segment,, as against suggested 3-4 designers. Shri Israr Ahmed providing his views - Shri Naresh Bhasin sought the opinion of members on the no. of designers per product segment to be invited for the Designers Fair, as suggested by him in his presentation. The following were the views of the members - Shri Israr Ahmed stated that selling finished leather designs as such by the designers will not work out. Hence, Chemical Companies like Stahl, BASF etc., can be invited to showcase their Design Forecasts Shri Noushad speaking on the occasion - It was decided that the Panel Convenors may finalize the Leather News India August 2015 41

Events - Shri Nari Kalwani stated that there is a need to invite 10-12 Designers under Leather Goods Segment, as against suggested 6-8 designers. Also, in Phase 2 the Designers need to work with individual factories and Govt. can sponsor part of this expenditure. Italy, Spain, UK and Germany and obtain cost estimates. - Shri H.R. Malik stated that the budget of Rs.75 lakhs for the first edition of the fair is not sufficient. Shri Naresh Bhasin stated that budget is a constraint and hence we need to look for sponsors. 4 Publicity for the Designers Fair - Shri Naresh Bhasin informed that Mr. Amit Chopra of Shoes and Accessories magazine will publish write-ups on the proposed Designers Fair in his magazine. Besides, the Group of overseas journalists identified by us will also be requested to publish details of the fair in their respective magazines. Shri Nari Kalwani giving his inputs - Shri Sushir Rustagi stated that about 4-6 footwear component designers can be invited, as against suggested 2-3 designers. - Shri Nitesh Bhasin stated that once the Designers get business tie-ups in the First edition of Designers fair, there is apprehensive as to whether they come again for future editions of the fair. - Shri Taj Alam enquired as to whether there will be only display of projects or designed products as well. Shri Naresh Bhasin, Chairman informed that the designed products should be displayed with restrictions on photography. However, special designs need not be displayed and can be kept in a cabin to be provided in the stand. - Shri Noushad stated that we need to promote young designers. We can organize a Design Competition in India and offer a stand to the winners. Shri Md. Sadiq Stated that CLE is already organizing this competition and is providing Design Award every year during IILF. Shri Naresh Bhasin, Chairman, Task Force on Design clarifying a point - Shri Asif Merchant stated that the initiative for organizing a Designer Fair is unique. However, we need to appoint a PR agency to give wide publicity and also to facilitate Sponsors for their event. We need to have own website for this event to attract Design talent from abroad. In this regard. Mr. Sam Balsara can be roped-in as PR agency, considering his wide network. - Shri Asif Merchant stated that we need to have only one Design Director. Shri Mohan stated that some Design Directors can work for us on advisory basis. Shri Irrar Ahmed stated that one Director cannot take care of all product segments. As regards Design Director, we can explore possibility of engaging Design Director in France, Shri H.R. Malik, Doyen of the Industry, sharing his thoughts Shri D.K.Acharya, Regional Director (West), CLE (middle) interacting with the participants 5 Designers Meet at Lineapelle Fair, Sept. 10,2015 - Shri Naresh Bhasin stated that approval has been accorded by Chairman, CLE for holding a Designers Meet on Sept. 10, 2015 at Lineapelle Fair. This meet has been planned to create enthusiasm among the Designers for the proposed Designer Fair in India. Accordingly, the Lineapelle Fair authorities have allotted a Seminar Hall for holding the event at 0400 p.m. on Sept. 10, 2015 at a cost 42 August 2015 Leather News India

of Euro 600. Besides, hi-tea will also be organized during the event. - Shri Md. Sadiq stated that the Modeurop will also be having its meeting in Lineapelle on Sept. 10, 2015 forenoon to review colours for Autumn Winter 2016-17 and Spring Summer 2017. As 2-3 Chemical Manufacturers are also part of Modeurop, the Modeurop members can also be invited for our Designers Meet on Sept. 10, 2015. Agreeing to this suggestion, Shri Naresh Bhasin stated that Shri Md. Sadiq has also written to some designers as per his request that some of them had responded positively to our Designer Fair concept. - As per request of Shri Naresh Bhasin, Shri Mohan and Shri Israr Ahmed confirmed their participation in the Designers Meet to be held at Lineapelle. - Shri Taj Alam stated that KolnMesse too is willing to promote the Designer Fair in their Spoga event comingup between Aug. 30 Sept. 1, 2015 and they are willing to give free stand in this regard. As we are having a CLE Pavilion in Spoga Fair, we should showcase the Designers Fair in this event, as more publicity needs to be done. Besides, we also need to create publicity for the fair through overseas magazines. 6 Fee for the Designer Fair - Initially, a fee of Rs.5000/- per person was suggested as entry fee for Indian manufacturers/exporters participating in the event. Shri Nitesh Bhasin stated that entry fee should be as high as possible to attract serious players. - Shri Asif Merchant stated that this fee will be too high for domestic players. Shri Israr Ahmed stated that the fee can be between Rs.2000/- - Rs.3000/- per person - After detailed discussions, it was decided that the fee of Rs.2500/- per person will be fixed for the Indian manufacturers/exporters participating in the event 7 Decisions taken The following are the details of the decisions taken in the meeting, after detailed deliberations. - Shri Vinit Kumar Khetan will be the Convenor for Industrial Fashion Gloves and he will suggest Designers to be invited under this product segment. - The dates for the first edition of the Designer Fair will be February 1-3, 2016 and the venue will be a Five Star Hotel in Chennai. - Panel Convenors to write to Designers about their scope of work and package provided by Aug.5, 2015. CLE to provide details of facilities offered to designers to Panel Convenors. - Panel Convenors may form a Group/Committee of 3 members (including Panel Convenor to invite Designers and thereafter screen the list of designers. - The Panel Convenors may send the final list of designers to be invited under respective product panels, along with their profiles and contact details by end of Sept. 2015 to Shri Naresh Bhasin, Chairman, Task Force on Design and to Mr. Md. Sadiq, Senior Principal Scientist, CLRI. Shri Taj Alam sharing his thoughts 5 Promotional event at Las Vegas, USA - Shri N. Mohan stated that the need for developing focus markets for footwear was discussed in his Panel Meeting. Accordingly, USA has been identified as a Focus Market. As per approval of Chairman, CLE, we are having an India Reception in Las Vegas on Aug. 17, 2015 in association with Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA) and another Seminar is planned on Aug. 18, 2015 on the Make in India initiatives. This event can also be used to promote India as a country looking for Design Development, not only for footwear but also for Leather Goods and Garments. - Designers meet at Lineapelle Fair to be held on Sept. 10, 2015 as planned. - The existing budget of Rs.75 lakhs for the First Edition of the Designers Fair to be revised, keeping in view the additional activities to be planned. - Stand size for each designer at the Designer Fair will be 3 x 3 sq.mtr. However, designers who want more area to pay for it and this will be allotted depending on availability. - Besides, a team of FDRA representatives will also visit India in near future to clusters namely Chennai, Mumbai and Delhi. In short, we are trying to Open a CLE FDRA Chapter which will facilitate to get information on what is happening in the US market and we can use such platforms to create awareness on India. - Shri Naresh Bhasin stated that the US is looking at alternate markets and India should capitalize on this. Another view of participants Leather News India August 2015 43

Events - The layout of the fair will be finalized after finalization of venue. - The PR activities for the event to be decided by a Committee comprising Shri Naresh Bhasin, Shri Asif Merchant, Shri N. Mohan, Shri Md. Sadiq and Shri Amit Chopra of Shoes and Accessories. Shri Asif Merchant and Shri Mohan to provide briefing on PR work to be undertaken by July 31, 2015 and engagement of an overseas Design Director. - Designers can bring in a mix of designs not confining to any particular season, as far as first edition of the Designer Fair is concerned. - Chemical Companies to be invited for the fair to showcase their designs. - There is no need to fix any norm that one designer should sell only one design to an exporter, as it is difficult to keep track on this. - Panel Convenors to provide details of regulations for the Designers (i.e. scope of work of Designers including brief on materials, product segment, seasons etc.,) to be invited to the Designer Fair by July 31, 2015. Panel Convenors to provide the final list of Designers by Sept. 30, 2015. CLE to write to Panel Convenors providing details like no. of designers to be invited per panel, package provided for designers etc., Sl Product Panel Conveyer Total no.of Designers to be invited 1 Leather Footwear Mr.N.Mohan 20 to 24 2 Leather Goods Mr.Nari Kalwani 8 to 10 3 Leather Garments Mr.Manoj Tuli 4 to 6 4 Footwear Mr.Sudhir 4 to 6 Components Rustogi 5 Non-Leather Footwear Mr.V.Noushad 8 to 10 6 Saddlery & Harness Mr.Taj Alam 2 to 3 7. Finished Leather Mr.Israr Ahmed 2 to 3 8 Fashion Gloves Mr.Patel Md.Yusuf 2 to 3 9 Industrial Gloves Mr. Vinit Khetan 2 to 3 Total 52 to 68 - Design Task Force can have its next meeting in the first week of Oct. 2015 to finalize the list of Designers to be invited for the Designers Fair. Deadline for confirming participation of Designers to be fixed at Oct. 31, 2015. Thereafter, the meeting ended with Vote of Thanks to the Chair Seizing the opportune moment of discussions on the 1st Designer s Fair to be organised by the Council for Leather Exports during February 2016 in Chennai to coincide with IILF 2016; CSIR-CLRI released the official MODEUROP Colour Card for the Autumn Winter 16/17 season. Another view of participants - Chairman, CLE to write- to institutions like FDDI/NIFT/ CLRI requesting them to be Co-Sponsors for the event. No fee to be charged for representatives of Institutions participating in the Designer Fair. A letter can also be sent to Secretary, Ministry of Textiles seeking Co-Sponsorship in respect of NIFT. Shri Israr Ahmed stated that sponsorship from overseas Trade Associations for sponsoring their Designers participation in the Designers Fair can be explored. In picture: Shri Naresh Bhasin, Chairman, Design Task Force & Regional Chairman (WR), Council for Leather Exports displaying the first copy of the official MODEUROP Colour Card for the Autumn Winter 16/17 season - The Venue of the fair will be a Five Star Hotel near Chennai Trade Centre. - CLE will provide list of fairs to be participated in India and Overseas for promote of the Designers Fair in these events. - CLE to write to overseas magazine requesting write-up on Designer Fair on Barter basis i.e. a Stand in Designer Fair in exchange for write-up. - Revised Target for Panel Convenors will be as follows, as per request made by some Product Panel Convenors 44 August 2015 Leather News India