Talent unveils at the 8th edition of ‘The Debut’ Grand Finale
by Wills Lifestyle
High on Style actor Soha Ali Khan felicitates India’s aspiring fashion designers at the finale ceremony
New Delhi, 28 March 2014
Wills Lifestyle takes forward its search for aspiring fashion talent with the 8th edition of ‘The Debut’, a unique initiative that recognizes India’s promising young designers in the fashion arena. Wills Lifestyle presented the Grand Finale of the 8th edition of ‘The Debut’, today in the capital at the ongoing Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week. Actor Soha Ali Khan was present on the occasion to felicitate the young designers at the splendid award ceremony.
Gourav Goel, Pearl Academy, New Delhi was declared as the winner of 8th edition of ‘The Debut who
received sponsored trip to UK for a befitting course at the London
School of Fashion. 16 finalists shortlisted at the regional rounds held
in Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai earlier this month, competed for the
coveted title.
Mr. Atul Chand, Divisional Chief Executive, ITC’s Lifestyle Retailing Business Division said, “The
Debut by Wills Lifestyle is a unique platform that nurtures and
recognises young talent in the field of fashion design. We are pleased
at the tremendous response received from the student community. This
initiative continues to provide encouragement to budding creative talent
and facilitates interface with the leading names of the Indian Fashion
fraternity. Year on year we have identified some of the best creative
young minds of this country and will continue in our endeavors to
highlight and bring this talent to the forefront.”
Present on the occasion, Soha Ali Khan said,
“I am really excited to be here today! The Debut by Wills Lifestyle is
an extremely wonderful initiative. It gives the young aspiring student
designers from all over India
an opportunity to showcase their capabilities in front of the
celebrated fashion specialists. I wish all the participants the very
best for future and hope through this unique program by Wills Lifestyle
many more such unseen talents are discovered!”
Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Sunil Sethi, President, FDCI said, “The
Debut’ is an extension of our partner Wills Lifestyle’s association
& commitment with India’s most prestigious fashion event ‘Wills
Lifestyle India Fashion Week’ that aims to encourage students of fashion
through showcasing, recognizing, & launching outstanding talent of tomorrow. We are delighted to support this platform.”
An eminent panel comprising of celebrated fashion designers Namrata Joshipura, Pankaj & Nidhi, Sartaj Singh Mehta, Creative Head, Wills Lifestyle and Dr. Vandana Bhandari, NIFT Dean judged
the Debut finale. The shortlisted candidates were judged on key
parameters of Creativity, Technicality and Commercial Viability.
This
year the contest received an overwhelming response with more than 360
online registrations and over 110 portfolios received from fashion
schools across the country including National Institute of Fashion
Technology (NIFT); National Institute of Design (NID); Pearl Academy of
Fashion (PAF); Symbiosis Institute of Design, Arch Academy of Fashion,
Northern India Institute of Fashion Technology (NIIFT) & JD
Institute of Fashion Technology.
Out
of the portfolios received, a separate jury further short-listed the
entries to 45 potential candidates, who presented their creations in
front of distinguished jury at the regional rounds. The further
shortlisted 16 candidates competed for the winner’s title at the finale
today.
List of finalists
1. Abhishek Kushwaha, NIFT Mumbai
2. Nsha Thakur, Pearl Academy, Noida
3. Kumar Samil Saurabh, NID
4. Tushar Koche, NIFT, Mumbai
5. Saurabh Kumar, NIFT, New Delhi
6. Stuti Kejriwal, NIFT, Kolkata
7. Saumya Singh, Pearl Academy, Noida
8. Monika Singh, NIFT, New Delhi
9. Bhumika Bhagchandrani, Pearl Academy, New Delhi
10. Gourav Goel, Pearl Academy, New Delhi
11. Dheeraj Kumar, Pearl Academy, Jaipur
12. Mehandee Dureja, Pearl Academy, New Delhi
13. Shivani Baghel, NIFT, Hyderabad
14. Madhavi Singh, NIFT, New Delhi
15. Gaurav Prajapeti, Pearl Academy, Chennai
16. Srishti Guptaroy, NIFT, New Delhi
About Wills Lifestyle
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