THE HIGHLIGHTS OF NIFT PARTICIPATION IN TEXTILES INDIA:

• 1. The round table conference on “Size India”
• 2. Round table conference on: “Trends in Colors and Designs”
• 3. NIFT display in theme pavilion
• 4. NIFT pavilion
• 5. MoUs with 3 institutions in the areas of academic collaboration and business support
• 6. Provisioning of volunteers/liaison officers
• 7. Chaperons/ushers
• 8. Organisation of valedictory function

THE ROUND TABLE CONFERENCE ON “SIZE INDIA”

The roundtable was conceptualized to discuss the importance of anthropometric survey of India, deliberate on the international best practices of industry, academia and government, the challenges (conservative mindset) and possible solutions, technology and future trends. The international experts included Dr. Mike. Fralix, President, and CEO, [TC]2 and Mr Edward A. Gribbin, President, Alvanon, Inc. The national experts included Mr. Rakesh Biyani, CEO, Future Group, Mr. Nidhi Raj Product Head, Peter England, Madura Garments and Mr. Narendra Kumar, Designer & Creative Director, Amazon. Dr. Prabir Jana, Professor, NIFT introduced the Size India project and moderated the discussion in a lively manner to deliberate on several topical issues regarding Size survey in general and Size India project in specific.

"TRENDS IN COLORS AND DESIGNS : TRENDING THE FUTURE IN FASHION: VALUE CREATION FOR BUSINESS IN INDIA"

There were three speakers and a moderator for the panel:

• 1. Mr. Eric Duchamp, Worldwide CEO, Peclars
• 2. Ms. Feriel KAROUI, Strategic Planner & Trend Consultant, Promostyl
• 3. Dr Ajoy Sarkar, Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, NY
• 4. Prof. Dr. Shalini Sud, NIFT, India (Moderator)

The panel focused on engaging on the following questions:

• 1. How would trends in fashion impact brands in the immediate future?
• 2. What would constitute ‘core themes’ that will define directions?
• 3. How do these directions translate out for India in terms of prints, color palettes, fabrics (as a manufacturer for world market as well as a consumer)
• 4. What is the role of Eco- fashion and textiles in making fashion sustainable and how does this translate into design directions?
• 5. Defining ‘value’ through trend intelligence to stay ahead in business – directions for India The round table took questions from the participants on natural dyes, fibres, sustainability, design interpretations, branding Indian design and syncing academia industry practices.

THEME PAVILION:

The objective was to design the stall in mode of rediscovering culture and transforming fashion, which is the theme for the forthcoming International Conference being organised by NIFT in January 2018. Fashion education today, is focussed at cultural connect of the traditional textiles and craft, keeping this in mind the entire pavilion was designed. The colours of Aal (Red), Neel (Blue) and Beige (un bleach) was the colour theme chose for the exhibition. The stall showcased the graduation project of all the departments: Fashion Design, Knitwear Design, Textile Design, Leather Design, Fashion Communication and Accessory Design. Other corners of the stall highlighted NIFT’s focus on Craft Initiatives, Research and Development Initiatives and Blue gold (Indigo).

NIFT DISPLAY IN THEME PAVILION OF HMOT

For the area, given to NIFT in the main theme pavilion panel NIFT displayed two design collections of fashion design graduates. NIFT’s show reel/ presentation was screened on a LED TV behind the display.

PROVISIONING OF VOLUNTEERS/LIAISON OFFICERS:

The work of the volunteers for Textiles India 2017 was to assist in the organisational work including escort duty, ushering and assistance for the fashion shows and collateral events being organised for the event. NIFT campuses provided 60 students, around 40 faculty and 14 Alumni to the event for liaison and facilitation work. An assistance desk was set by NIFT at both the International and Domestic Ahmedabad airport for providing one stop support to all chief dignitaries and ambassadors travelling to Ahmedabad for the event. The students and faculty team provided ushering for the Country Sessions, State Sessions, Fashion show, Conferences and Round Tables held at Textile India 2017.

CHAPERONES/VOLUNTEERS:

NIFT provided Chaperones and Volunteers for the Embassy delegates, International and National CEOs, Country Groups and Speakers of Conferences. The volunteers got an opportunity to interact with around 25 to 30 of the top designers of the country, who participated in the show. They also got to interact with international experts in the fashion and clothing business. There were 24 round tables and 6 conferences organised as part of the event, which offered a rich learning experience for those who volunteered. As it was an international event, there were international buyers and sellers, plus experts on various aspects of textiles.