Amongst the growing and the already existing fashion institutes, what sets the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) apart even today is its in-depth, comprehensive and diverse course offerings. Since its establishment under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India in 1986, NIFT has been the top choice of students aspiring to be a part of the textile and apparel industry. Students from across study levels, be it just after school or after graduation, anyone willing to get into the industry wishes to get that chance of getting enlightened at NIFT.
For instance, take the case of Kusha, now working with a reputed fashion brand- “I have always wanted to be a part of the fashion field. Until class XII, design was the area that had my interest, so I went on to appear for the NIFT’s B. Design entrance exam which was the only exam I appeared for. With a little change in thoughts, I opted for a general graduation and planned to pursue my interest of fashion in post graduation. Somehow, the management and the decision making aspect of fashion businesses had my attention and therefore after my research on what my next step should be I decided to appear for NIFT’s Masters entrance exam to pursue Masters of Fashion Management, and today I feel happy to have chosen that path. I feel content and accomplished; NIFT has prepared me just the right way to be able to fulfill the needs of this industry.”
Undoubtedly, NIFT has been and continues to be a leader in fashion education with the ability to integrate knowledge, traditional arts, contemporary thought, and academic freedom, innovations in design & technology and creative thinking to continuously upgrade its curriculum to address the changing needs of the industry. If we talk about the textile and the fashion industry, it majorly comprises of three domains- technology, design and management; NIFT ensures inclusive academic excellence and offers programmes in all the three domains across UG, PG and Doctorate levels.
Full-fledged Campuses
With its Pan India presence in 16 cities, NIFT attempts to give its students a rich learning experience wherein its physical environment reflects its academic value. All the campuses of NIFT offer students the freedom to explore, experimement and create. The institute provides state-of-the-art infrastructure and equipments necessary to impart both theoretical and practical training and hence striking just the right balance between the two.
NIFT considers information as the most important resource and to collect, combine and propogate, Resource Centres at NIFT are the appropriate platforms ultimately widening the student’s pool of knowledge. Computer labs equipped with e Macintosh work stations, Desktops, Plotters, Digitizers, Image Scanners, Wide Format Printers, Sound Mixers, Digital Cameras, etc. and Photography Labs equipped with suspended.
Elinchrom lights and motorized backdrops, various accessories like diffusing materials, extensions & radio triggers, Manfrotto tilt-pan tripods etc. just add on to the learning experience and ensures that theres no gap between the knowledge offered and knowledge demanded in the industry.
Also, programmes imparting knowledge in designing, production and technology incorporates applying and contextualizing concepts and processes of realizing garments, weaving, dyeing and printing etc. which is fulfilled by the campuses by offering specialised and fully-equipped labs for various techniques helping students develop an understanding of practical knowhow to realise their design potential to the fullest. Apart from the academic infrastructure, NIFT also provides esidential accommodation at most campuses with medical aid and counsellors on campus.
Industry Connect
NIFT ensures student interaction with the industry through various methods to develop and enhance academic, personal and professional competencies coupled with deeper understanding of the ethics and values that distinguish a good professional.
• Interaction with Industry leaders and alumni in the classroom
• Sponsored classroom projects
• Industry visits
• Exposure to exhibitions and fairs
• Internships
• Joint research endeavours
International Linkages
International collaborations at NIFT allow students to experience ‘study abroad’ options through exchange programmes. NIFT - Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), New York, USA strategic partnership allows select meritorious students from NIFT, a unique opportunity to obtain a Dual Degree from both NIFT and FIT.
Some of the other key institutes with whom NIFT has an association are ENSAIT, France; ESMOD, Germany; North Carolina State University, USA, The Savannah Collage of Art and Design; USA and many more.
Craft Cluster Initiative
To come out with graduates who are able to appreciate and promote the various crafts of India and stay connected at the grassroots level, has implemented a new Craft Cluster Initiative, which provides the students with continuous exposure to Indian culture and traditional handloom.
Such exposure and interactions provide a stronger rural connect and a greater understanding and appreciation of Indian culture and aesthetics to the young design professionals.
Major Recruiters at NIFT
The students at NIFT are motivated and mentored to take on the challenges and opportunities that await them in the industry. They go through a learning process that unfolds their r potential, develops skills and stimulating intellectual growth. The campus placements at NIFT witnesses participation of a number of prominent and renowned brands which provides a platform to the students of the UG and PG programme to realizes their ambitions an d dreams.
Some of the major recruiters in the different domains are:
- Design: Adidas, Amrapali, Fabindia, Tanishq, Swarowski, Pantaloons, United Colors of Benetton, Titan, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Levis, Myntra, Madura Garmnents, Rohit Bal, Manish Arora etc.
- Technology: Arvind Mills, Color Plus, Raymond, Flipkart, Orient Craft, Reliance Brands, Sabyasachi Couture, Silver Spark, Landmark Dubai, Shahi Exports etc.
- Management: Genesis, Luxury, Lacoste, Landmark, Snapdeal, Marks & Spencers, Nike, Shoppers Stop, Tommy Hilfiger, Welspun, Gucci, Givo, GAP, FCUK, Forever New, Future Group etc.
Star Alumni of NIFT
Designers
- Sabyasachi Mukherjee
- J. J. Valaya
- Manish Arora
- Gaurav Gupta
- Ritu Beri
- •Shivan Bhatia (Shivan & Naresh)
Holding Top Management Positions
- Sangeeta Dewan - Design Head, Tanishq
- Alpi Boylla - Senior Manager, Design Communication, FDCI
- Priyanka Misra - Fashion Director, Harper’s Bazaar, India
- Arpit Raizadai - Visual Merchandising Head, South India, PUMA
- Anupreet Bhui & Varun Wadhawan - Head Design, Levis, Hongkong
- Akshay Deep Singh - Head Design, Good Earth
- Nidhi Raj - Head Design, Peter England
- Vijay Chauhan - Country Head, Adidas, Indonesia
- Atul Ujagar - Country Manager, Nike
Teaching you In & Out of Fashion
NIFT will teach its students everything about fashion- fabrics, illustrations, patterns, aesthetic sense, styling, garment construction and so on. Leading in fashion education, NIFT has set the highest academic standards.
To meet the current and constantly changing trends and also to meet the future demands of the industry, NIFT reviews its curriculum regularly- as said by the Chairman, NIFT, “The newly introduced curriculum this year will inspire you to draw from our wonderful rich Indian heritage, arts and crafts and metamorphose the learnings to current trends and requirements of the industry. The project based courses focus on developing soft skills such as forging collaborations, negotiations, sensitivity and deep understanding of the arts, artisans, the environment and markets.”
So if you’re someone seeking a position in the textile and apparel industry, or are fascinated by work titles like stylist, jewellery designer, fashion merchandiser, fashion forecaster etc, get yourself preparing for the NIFT entrance next year and show the best of your creativity to the world.
