Fashion industry is full of big and brittle egos, but when it comes to criticism it looks like many designers are still not ok with this concept. Recently, designer Manav Gangwani, who had presented a glittering show studded with Bollywood stars at the Delhi Couture Week 2011, tweeted about a certain fashion editor, “I just wanna say, “A Failed Fashion Editor”, who stinks from her Arm-Pits & I guess never gone for a Pedicure: can't comment on Couture Week! I think she needs to stop accepting free Saris from a Kolkata based Designer & go for a Grooming Session & comeback after a Dettol Bath!”
Incidentally, Manav later clarified, “I said what I had to in my private space on a public platform. I believe in criticism and freedom of speech and everyone’s opinion. But, I do not allow anyone in my personal space and if someone does that I am not the one who will keep quiet.”
Manav’s reaction was controversial enough to generate some strong responses. Top notch couturier and well-known designer Tarun Tahiliani says, “I am so tired of this couturiers self important tweeting. Frankly, I don’t even care. Designers should take criticism in their stride, but as you know fashion fuels ego.”
Perhaps, some designers find it difficult to handle negative criticism. Sunil Sethi, President FDCI, recalls a shocking incident when he received a message from a top Mumbai-based designer, who was upset due to his criticism. He says, “A few days back I was speaking to a Mumbai-based designer who got offended because I criticised her work as a well-wisher. Egos are fragile in this industry and people don’t like to hear the blatant truth. In Manav’s case, I think he proved his mettle at the Couture Week and won accolades from so many fashion experts. I think he should take this with a pinch of salt and not react on it.”