JD Institute Unveils Its Graduating Collection at iFestival 2024 with Leading Brands and Designers

New Delhi [India], August 20: iFestival 2024, held on August 9-10 at Delhi’s JLN Indoor Stadium, reached its creative zenith on August 10th with a spectacular showcase of student talent. This year’s theme, “Civilization Type 1,” challenged participants to envision a future where sustainability and innovation intersect, and the fashion design students rose to the occasion with breathtaking creations.

In a groundbreaking collaboration, reputed brands such as Meena Bazar, MADAME, Kazo, Rina Dhaka, Sonia Jetleey, and Roop Vatika, Samanth Chauhan and many more provided waste fabrics to the students. This initiative not only promoted sustainability but also pushed the boundaries of creative redesign. The students, tasked with studying these brands and creating mood boards based on the provided fabrics, demonstrated their ability to transform discarded materials into haute couture.

The runway showcased a diverse array of designs, each telling a unique story of sustainability and innovation:

1. Smriti Singh’s ‘The Midnight Bride’ Shines with Siddhant Fabrics

Smriti Singh (UGFD 2020 Batch) stunned the audience with the theme “The Midnight Bride,” a gown crafted from waste denim. Using an intricate fringing technique, she transformed the fabric provided by Siddhant into a masterpiece that celebrates individuality and sustainability.

2. Shaurya Verma’s ‘Tempest Tapestry’ Unveiled with Sonia Jetleey

Shaurya Verma (UGD 2020 Batch) presented the theme “Tempest Tapestry,” featuring a 3D floral pattern on the chest area. Working with fabric from Sonia Jetleey, Shaurya’s creation embodied the brand’s ethos of actualizing dreams through clothing.

3. Rohini Prasad’s ‘Rags to Riches’ Shines with Rina Dhaka Fabric Materials

Rohini Prasad (UGFD 2020 Batch) showcased the theme “Rags to Riches,” that brilliantly utilised ruffles and gatherings. Using materials from Rina Dhaka, Rohini successfully merged traditional Indian garments with modern fabrics.

4. Bhawya Suri’s ‘Love Story’ Showcases Samanth Chauhan’s Fabrics

Bhawya Suri (UGFD 2020 Batch) pushed boundaries with the theme “Love Story,” a menswear garment created from waste threads and raisin materials provided by Samanth Chauhan, a brand that incorporates signature Bhagalpuri silk and fine hand embroidery.

5. Umra Taqueer Elevates Khin Khawaab’s Brocade into ‘The Weaving Heritage’

Umra Taqueer (UGFD 2020 Batch) paid homage to traditional craftsmanship with “The Weaving Heritage.” Using fabric from Khin Khawaab, she created a garment featuring a striking brocade headgear, celebrating the beauty of handloom Banarasi silk.

6. Sneha Maheshwari’s ‘Harmony in Serenity’ Stuns with Kazo Fabrics

Sneha Maheshwari’s “Harmony in Serenity” theme transformed KAZO’s waste fabric into a sculptural piece adorned with ruffles, resembling a mythical creature and pushing the boundaries of high-street fashion.

7. Sejal Jain’s ‘Nazrana: The Gift of Tradition’ Celebrates Meena Bazar Textiles

Sejal Jain (UGFD 2020 Batch) presented the theme “NAZRANA: The Gift of Tradition,” a contemporary take on Indian ethnic wear. Using lace borders, brocades, and intricate embroidery from Meena Bazar, Sejal’s creation bridged the gap between tradition and modernity.

8. Neha Biswas Crafts ‘Tangled Threads’ with Anokerang Fabrics

Neha Biswas (UGFD 2020 Batch) showcased the theme “Tangled Threads,” an innovative design using tangled threads and lace borders from ANOKHERANG, demonstrating how chaos can be transformed into beauty.

9. Isha Khandwal’s ‘Radiant and Rebirth’ Shines with Roop Vatika

Isha Khandwal (UGFD 2020 Batch) unveiled the theme “Radiant and Rebirth,” a contemporary female outfit crafted from Roop Vatika’s traditional Indian brocade, beautifully balancing contemporary design with Indian craftsmanship.

10. Sneha Gupta’s ‘Fresh Out of Revival’ Showcases MADAME Fabrics

Sneha Gupta (UGFD 2020 Batch) presented the theme “Fresh Out of Revival,” a maximalist garment featuring print-on-print designs. Using fabric from MADAME, Sneha’s creation spoke to the young, fashion-conscious woman.

11. Kunal Negi’s ‘Timeless Elegance’ Featured Genes Lecoanet Hemant Fabrics

Kunal Negi (UGFD 2020 Batch) showcased the theme “Timeless Elegance,” a menswear collection featuring print-on-print attire created from waste fabric provided by Genes Lecoanet Hemant.

These creations not only showcased the students’ technical skills but also their ability to think critically about sustainability in fashion. By repurposing waste materials, they demonstrated that eco-consciousness and high fashion can coexist harmoniously.

Reflecting on the success of this initiative, Mr. Harsh Dalal, Director of JD Institute, stated, “Our JEDIIans have not just created fashion; they’ve crafted a vision for a sustainable future. By transforming waste from renowned brands into runway-worthy pieces, they’ve demonstrated that creativity knows no bounds and that sustainability is the true luxury of our times.”

Ms. Akshra Dalal, Director, added, “This showcase embodies our institute’s commitment to nurturing talent that is both innovative and responsible. Our students have proven that with the right skills and mindset, even discarded materials from top brands can be reimagined into high fashion. This is the kind of thinking that will drive the fashion industry forward.”

The success of iFestival 2024 underscores its dedication to nurturing talent and celebrating creativity. By integrating sustainability with high fashion, this year’s festival not only honoured tradition but also paved the way for future innovations in the fashion industry.