The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) organised the Curtain Raiser for the upcoming NIFT International Conference 2026 at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Mumbai. The event marked a key academic milestone as part of NIFT@40, celebrating four decades of excellence in fashion education.
Launch of NIFT International Conference 2026
The Curtain Raiser formally initiated the academic dialogue leading to the NIFT International Conference, scheduled for 22–23 January 2026. Positioned as the culminating academic event of the NIFT@40 celebrations, the conference reflects NIFT’s journey across fashion, design, technology, and management education over the last forty years.
Distinguished Speakers and Thought Leadership
The event featured eminent speakers, including Prof. Dr. Ajit Khare, Director, NIFT Mumbai, and Prof. Dr. Rupa Agarwal, Link-CAC and Conference Chair. Other speakers included Ms. Savitha Suri, textile researcher and author, Ms. Sulbha Jagat, Unit Leader Fashion Design at Istituto Marangoni, and Dr. Indrila Varma, NIFT alumna and paper presenter.
Research, Textiles, and Inclusive Design
Ms. Savitha Suri highlighted the importance of research and documentation in textiles and design. She emphasised preserving material knowledge while ensuring its relevance for future generations. Drawing from Mumbai’s textile history, she stressed inclusive design approaches that centre craftspeople, students, and informed consumers.
Global Perspectives on Design Education
Ms. Sulbha Jagat shared international insights into evolving design pedagogy and sustainability. She discussed zero-waste fashion as a core methodology inspired by traditional textiles. She also underlined inclusivity through responsible use of resources, tools, materials, time, and space. Additionally, she introduced the hands-on workshop she will lead during the conference.
Academic Research and Digital Transformation
Dr. Indrila Varma spoke on the role of academic research in shaping socially responsive design education. She highlighted how artificial intelligence, immersive media, digital fabrication, and platform-based creative economies are redefining expectations from design graduates. She also shared insights from her research paper focused on equity-driven design thinking.
Academic Patronage and Institutional Vision
The conference is held under the patronage of Prof. Dr. Sharmila Dua and Prof. Dr. Shudha Dingra. Prof. Dr. Sharmila Dua also serves as Senior Reviewer, reinforcing the conference’s academic rigour and peer-review standards.
NIFT@40 Academic and Industry Engagements
As part of the broader NIFT@40 initiatives, the Curtain Raiser aligned with NIFT’s year-long engagements. These include participation in Bharat Tex, industry-led curriculum reviews, craft and cluster initiatives such as Chhaap, and alumni-driven academic exchanges.
Setting the Stage for Global Academic Dialogue
Hosted at NGMA, the Curtain Raiser placed NIFT’s academic discourse within a rich cultural setting. The event successfully built momentum for the International Conference and reaffirmed NIFT’s role as a leading knowledge institution fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and global collaboration.
