'This is the right time to tap the domestic market. Men's fashion market is so big and has so much potential. Hence our first aim is to focus on the domestic market and gradually move step by step,' Sethi told IANS.

Also this is the first time that designer Ravi Bajaj, who has been in this business for decades, is participating in any fashion week. Mumbai-based designer Narendra Kumar is also showcasing his clothes for the first time in an FDCI event.

'I see it as a great opportunity for menswear and designs and I thought it was the right time to showcase my collection,' said Bajaj, who specialises in men's clothes.

VHIMW will also sponsor a show by the FDCI for upcoming and promising designers titled 'Agents of Change'.

'This is the first time that we (FDCI) will sponsor designers for the fashion show. In this initiative we will highlight those young designers who show promise in making it big in this field and this will continue in the future VHIMW as well,' he said.

The show 'Agents of Change' will feature young designers Nitin Bal Chauhan, Samant Chauhan and Zubair Kirmani on the final day of the fashion event.

Sethi described VHIMW as also a platform for male models to remain in the fashion circuit.

'This is the first time that as many as 40 models will be walking the ramp which is indeed a big number. This will help them establish their visibility in the market and build up their portfolio,' said Sethi.

(Shilpa Raina can be contacted at shilpa.r@ians.in)