The Export Promotion Council of Handicrafts (EPCH) is organising the 13th edition of the Indian Fashion Jewellery & Accessories Show(IFJAS) as a virtual fair from today until June 4, 2020. The fair is showcasing more than 200 member exporters featuring their products virtually. Fashion jewellery, semi-precious jewellery, stoles, scarves, shawls, handbags, clutch, purses, belts, wallets, neckties, beads, stones, crystal, hair accessories, fancy fashion footwear, tattoos and bindis are put on display by the participants.

 

Speaking on the show, Rakesh Kumar, Director General – EPCH said that the current Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in prolonged lockdowns and pushed major economies to the brink. "It has disrupted the global supply chains and international trade as the movement of people across borders has come to a screeching halt. This has not only adversely impacted the economies of the world but also has compelled the organisers of the fair exhibitions in the world to cancel their shows and look for alternatives to transact business," he said in a statement.

 

Due to the pandemic, the industry body also could not organise the 49th edition of the IHGF-Delhi Fair, which was scheduled to be held from April 15 – 19, 2020. During this time, EPCH engaged with member exporters by organising audio/video webinars and came up with the idea of virtual fairs for its member exporters. A series of webinars were conducted to apprise the members of the Council on the concept of virtual fairs and a complete handholding was done through a team of technical as well.

A vigorous publicity campaign was undertaken by EPCH to motivate the buyers world over to take part in the same via e-mailers as well as tele-calling. Apart from this, Indian missions and embassies have also been taken into the loop to disseminate the information to the buyers in their countries.

Craft demonstration, fashion shows and webinars are the key highlights of this virtual trade show.