When the 25-year-old Maenka Gupta decided to attend the recently-concluded Lifestyle Asia exhibition, she was sure of the fact that her family members would end up calling her a shopping addict.
From designers and brand creations to crockery, and artificial jewellery that had come all the way from Pakistan, she knew she would be spoilt for choice. But things didn’t turn out as she had expected. “Each time there is an exhibition that puts Pakistani products on display, the interest and expectations amongst Indian clientele are enormous. But I was a little disappointed this time, as the prices at which the outfits are available are extremely high. Why would we buy a Pakistani suit for over Rs 2,000 when Delhi-ites have the option to buy branded ensembles in the same price range? But I still like the options available at Lifestyle Asia exhibition” she says.
For a Pakistan-based designer Sheikh Ahmad, Lifestyle Asia was an opportunity lost. “How would I feel if more than half of the material that I had got specially for Indian market remains unsold? While people came in huge numbers on the last day of the exhibition, our business in the first six days were almost negligible. Delhi's current weather condition was the key reason for this.”
When we approached Zeeshan Malik, he told us what went into costing of his products. “Before we travel to India, we do plan our costing. The cost at which we sell our products is inclusive of about 50% discount that we are expected to offer and our profit margin which varies from 10-15%. Going by my experience, Indian women are very good bargainers. Wohh bargain karke humse le lete hain. But we are happy that our products have been sold.”
Designer Meher was a bit disappointed with the attitude of the visitors. "If I show them an outfit worth Rs 4000 they ask me to sell it for just Rs 1000. People here don't know how to differentiate between the real and fake products. They don't know what pure cotton looks like."
The recently concluded Lifestyle Asia 2016 had a special emphasis on Pakistan and Indo western style. Launched by Ajay Nishad (member of parliament for Muzaffarpur) the exhibition showcased a variety of designer wears, jewellery, marbles, food and artworks. From the ghararas to shararas and Bundoo khan’s food, the exhibition jad several attraction for the visitors. Impressed with the Pakistani collection, Mr. Ajay Nishad said “Such exhibitions will help in boosting the relationship among these two countries.”
(Some names have been changed to maintain the designers' anonymity)
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