‘Nobody Offers Clothes Straight Off the Ramp,’ says Sunil Sethi On What Sets FMWW Apart 

In a country where weddings are not just ceremonies, but events layered with ritual, performance and aspiration. Here fashion continues to be central to the spectacle, and few understand the nuances of fashion in the wedding space like FDCI Chairman Sunil Sethi. Mr Sethi has been instrumental in shaping how India consumes luxury fashion—both at home and abroad. 

With the third edition of the FDCI Manifest Wedding Weekend (FMWW) just around the corner, Sethi lets us in on how FMWW isn’t just about scale given the roster of the best couturiers and legacy jewellery houses coming under one roof. It's about intent, experience and quality.  

In this candid conversation, Sethi opens up about what makes FMWW different—from how designers are chosen, to why the bride is now the most confident shopper in the room. He discusses the growing role of comfort in bridal styling, the rise of menswear and creating a true pan-India experience. 

As FMWW evolves, so does its footprint. This year, the event expands beyond couture to include curated picks in shoes, accessories, beauty, catering and even bespoke services like food and matchmaking. 

The interview reflects on the genesis of FMWW. With years of taking Indian fashion to global platforms, Sethi saw a vacuum in the domestic market—one that digital could not fill.  

In Conversation With Mr Sunil Sethi 

Manifest: Tell us about the vision behind curating the 3rd edition of FDCI Manifest Wedding Weekend?  

Sunil Sethi: “Few years ago, there were no wedding exhibitions at the level we showcase presently. There may have been Fly-by-night operators who came and went away... But, there as really nothing which was as luxurious as the FDCI Manifest Wedding Weekend. We want the essence of luxury, that is, exclusivity to come through. We were mindful of the fact that we did not want to have 20,000 customers but were happy to cater to a few thousands. Instead of having 70 stalls neck-to-neck, we wanted to create a big central area with ample space and stalls on all sides. In fact, after our first edition, customers came to us to say that FMWW catered to an internal standard and may I say, we ourselves felt very proud of what we presented.” 

M: You’ve been in this industry for over 25 years. How and when did the idea of this wedding exhibition come to you? 
SS: “Probably this grey hair gives it away — I’ve been in the industry a long time... I’ve been part of the fashion industry for 17 years now through FDCI, but even before that, for 7–8 years, I was taking Indian fashion, craft, textile, and lifestyle to some of the best stores in the world through India promotions. But every time customers wanted to buy ensembles, there wasn’t a clear answer for customers because not all designers had flagship stores. Many accessory brands weren’t easily accessible. E-commerce and social media have made a difference. But to see everyone in one place and be able to cover your favourites — that hadn’t happened before. There was an exhibition that used to happen, but it disappeared for four years. So, when there was nothing else happening, there was space. And as they say, if you're at the right place at the right time, that’s what matters. I believe strike the iron when it’s hot. That’s exactly what we did — many years ago, when we saw that gap, we decided to step in and make FMWW the biggest exhibition in the country. And you know, as they say that imitation is a form of flattery...I feel proud that once we came up with this luxurious exhibition, more have followed. Maybe in different cities, maybe in different formats — but we’re happy to inform that we took the lead.” 

M: What makes the FDCI Manifest Wedding Weekend a cut above the rest? 
SS: “The fact that we’re not taking just anyone — we haven’t even put out a single advertisement inviting participants. We haven’t actively reached out to the market. It’s entirely word of mouth, and that’s what sets it apart. We’re very strict in selecting who’s part of FMWW, and that’s key. Another unique aspect is that nobody else offers clothes straight off the ramp, available directly for brides, grooms, their families to come in, place orders, and give measurements. I don’t think it could get any better. We have more than 20 of India’s best designers under one roof. We’ve got at least three specialists in menswear, if not more. We’ve brought in jewellers from across the country. 

We’d love for people from across India to come... What’s important is how we’ve selected our jewellers. Instead of crowding the space with 15 or 20 names, we’ve picked representatives based on region — so when buyers come in, they get a curated showcase. We have a jeweller from Jaipur, another from Jodhpur, the best from Kolkata, top names from Hyderabad, and jewellers from Delhi. That’s the kind of thoughtful curation we’ve aimed for.” 

M: How would you describe the current Indian-wedding fashion landscape? 
SS: “I don’t believe the idea of the grand Indian wedding is over because weddings are still getting bigger and the concept has not diminished.  If not louder, they’re leaning into understated luxury. People are still spending a lot! I mean, what is the point of having FMWW if people want to have a quiet wedding [laughs]? However, a change I have noticed is that people are choosing to now dress more comfortably. Keeping that in mind, we have carved out a space for people who are looking to buy comfortable trousseau. You’ll find international brands showcasing shoes — from stilettos to pumps — that are wedding-appropriate. Earlier, the exhibition was mainly catering to brides and her troop, but we see many young men coming in to shop thoughtfully. While gowns have made a major entry, tuxedos too are coming in and menswear is growing. There’s also a shift in how decisions are made. The bride today is confident. She listens to her entourage — the mother, sister, mother-in-law — but ultimately makes the final choice herself. She may be told to wear fuchsia but picks gold or pink. That kind of clarity is refreshing.” 

M: How important is it for FMWW to put all corners of India together in an exhibit? 
SS: “Well, just before this, we are doing India Couture Week — so it’s about turning the spotlight on India. If we’re having people coming in from Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Delhi, then I think it’s important that our exhibition reflects that it’s not a region-specific Wedding Weekend. FDCI Manifest Wedding Weekend is about getting people from everywhere. For instance, I had already mentioned we are getting jewellers from across the country. But if someone has made a mark in the wedding space, we make sure that designer is very much present here. Also, may I say because there are many plans in the works, even though most things are finalised — we might put together a separate space to showcase who the best caterer is, the best wedding hair and make-up artist, wedding stylist and even photographers and choreographers!” 

M: What about international curations at the exhibit? 
SS: “I often say — if it isn't broke, why fix it? But the problem is,Yeh Dil Maange More. So now, whoever comes in wants something new. And this year, we have many new things in the pipeline. I’m going to surprise people with what’s coming — but I’ll give you a sneak peek. A new addition is the presence of international brands—could be the best shoemaker in the world or even the best furniture designer or even an haute jewellery expert from France. What we’re trying to do is build enough excitement for people to understand that while we do have our previous participants, we’ll also have lovely, new participants. Moreover, our older participants have been preparing for nearly six months...” 

M: What are some new things people can expect? 
SS: “Every day, we’ve been flooded by people asking, ‘When are you opening the registrations?’ and ‘When can we confirm bookings?’ The fact is, you’ll soon see that bookings are open. We are taking many people — but we are also selecting them carefully. Remember, this is a by-invitation-only event. However, if it’s by invitation and you’re on the list — and you bring your mom-in-law — we better not say no to her [laughs]! And if you bring your spouse, or your fiancée, we’ll welcome him with open arms. Because not only will you find the right thing — so will he.” 

Want to explore the best of couture, jewellery and all things wedding? Head to the FDCI Manifest Wedding Weekend this August 2–3, 2025, at the Taj Palace, New Delhi. Register here.