Pankaj-Nidhi set for London dreams

It is a proud moment for designer duo Pankaj and Nidhi Ahuja - they are set to represent the country at the final round of International Woolmark Prize award in London with their collection that epitomises true Indian craftsmanship with an essence of global appeal.

The designer will compete with five other selected designers from Australia, China, Belgium, Japan and the US at the final round that will happen at London Fashion Week Feb 16.

"The techniques and craftsmanship that we are going to showcase in London comes from India and also because India is known as the land of colours, so we have put in lot of colours. It's very global collection and is not customised to a particular country," Pankaj told IANS.

The designers have already planned their itineary and says the preparation is in full swing.

"We are just preparing our lookbook for the Woolmark competition. We are leaving for London Feb 14 and then we have got a full day of meeting hair and make-up stylists and working out for the fittings. We are very excited of representing India on such a big platform," added Pankaj.

Launched in Australia in 1954, the International Woolmark Prize nurtures emerging designers and highlights the diverse interpretations of Merino wool (a fibre that is incredibly easy-to-handle and versatile) within their collection.

The winner will get an amount of 100,000 Australian dollar along with an opportunity to be stocked in the most important boutiques around the globe including Harvey Nichols in London, Bergdorf Goodman in New York, 10 Corso Como in Milan, Joyce in China, David Jones in Sydney and Eickhoff Konigsallee in Germany.

Well-known names from the fashion and the retail industry Diane Von Furstenberg , co-chairman and founder of Diane von Furstenberg Studio LP, Donatella Versace, creative director and vice president of Gianni Versace S.p.A and Victoria Beckham will be in the judges panel.

The husband-wife duo feels that the platform has helped them in "brand building".

"We are feeling more nervous as we get closer to the day but the nervousness is coupled with excitement because of such an amazing opportunity. The platform is already helping me in brand building. The chance of sharing same frame with some of the amazing judges, models and designers is very exciting," said Pankaj.

"Winning is every designers' dream come true but the experience of being in their is itself amazing. I think we are winners already," he added.