Grand stage for fashion designers becomes a no-show. That sums up the inauguration of the 15th edition of the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week. The first day’s events of the much-vaunted show had to be called off in New Delhi on Wednesday, as the organisers did not have clearance from the fire department.

"All shows have been cancelled keeping the safety of participants in mind. We have not been able to get the permission from the fire department. We are very sorry for the inconvenience cau­sed to all of you," Sunil Sethi, president, Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), told reporters.

"We have been organising this event for 11 years but nothing like this has ever happened. Today being a holiday, we have not been able to procure the NOC (no-objection certificate) from the fire department," Sethi added. He, however, refused to blame the fire department saying that the latter has always cooperated with FDCI. Some of the most happening designers — J J Valaya, Ritu Beri, Nida Mahmood and Satya Paul were scheduled to showcase their creations on Wednesday. The show was to kick off with Nida’s collection but was stopped by police officials as the organisers did not have necessary permits.

“FDCI authorities have not procured NOC on time from the fire department. That is why we cannot allow the show to happen,” a police official said.

Earlier, speaking to reporters, Nida Mahmood said, “I hope the show does not get cancelled and is only delayed. I have put a lot of effort into the grand show and I am very positive that it will take place”.

But that was not to be. Designers were furious over the poor management by the FDCI and termed the incident as unfortunate. Speaking to Financial Chronicle, Valaya said, “It’s unfortunate. Fashion Week brings national as well as international buyers at a single platform. This is a big opportunity for everyone. The Fashion Week not only gives young designers the opportunity to showcase their talent but also gets them recognition.” Rina Dhaka too descri­bed the incident as unfortunate for the fashion industry. “This is really sad that the Delhi government can bend all rules for the Commonwealth Games but has no will to encourage fashion indus­try,” Dh­aka said.

Puneet Nanda from Satya Paul said, “This is really sad that we put in so much effort, time and lakhs of rupees and this happens at the end. I have cancelled my show, which was scheduled to take place at 4:25 pm.”

Last year, the WIFW was held at Pragati Maidan but the venue was shifted this year to National Small Ind­ustries Corporation gro­u­n­ds in Okhla. The WIFW was slated to be a five-day extravaganza from March 24-28.