“The proposed free trade agreement India and European Union (EU), is expected to increase leather and leather product exports. Europe currently accounts for 40 per cent of India’s leather export and it is expected to increase by at least 20 per cent, post implementation of the trade deal,” Ateequr Rahman, Chairman, Indian Fine Leather Manufacturers and Exporters Association (IFLMEA), said at a press conference.
IFLMEA is hosting two significant initiatives: a fashion show on 1 February and a brand symposium on 2 February, Rahman said.
The Leather Fashion Show 2026 is more than just a fashion event; it is a strategic showcase of India’s capabilities to the global community and the maturing Indian retail market, K R Vijayan, Convenor, Fashion Show and the current edition of the brand Symposium 26.
India is not merely a sourcing base but a design-driven partner aligned with international fashion trends, colour directions, material innovation, and global consumer aspirations. Indian manufacturers and designers are deeply engaged with international platforms, forecasting agencies, and global fashion calendars, he noted.
Kothari Industrial Corporation Ltd. (KICL) is the platinum sponsor for the fashion show, while Saba Group is the Gold sponsor and Micropak is the Silver sponsor.
The Leather Fashion Show 2026 & Industry Symposium is a major platform for the industries to showcase the India potential of Leather, footwear, and fashion manufacturing, also enabling the platform to connect manufacturers, brands, retailers, and global stakeholders, according to KICL.
KICL further said it remains committed to bolstering the leather ecosystem by supporting initiatives such as manufacturing quality and capacity building, skill development and industry–academia collaboration, and adoption of global quality standards and sustainable practices.
KICL said its participation reflects its long-term vision of enabling Indian leather and footwear manufacturing to compete and grow on the global stage.
