Graduation showcase highlights AI, sustainability and industry-linked fashion and textile projects
National Institute of Fashion Technology hosted its Graduation Showcase “Genesis 2026” on 22 May 2026, bringing together over 413 graduating students from six undergraduate and two postgraduate departments to present projects focused on fashion, textiles, technology, sustainability, and innovation.
The event was inaugurated by Vrunda Manohar Desai, who attended as Chief Guest. The programme began with the ceremonial lamp lighting and welcome address by Ajit Kumar Khare, who highlighted the institution’s focus on entrepreneurial, innovative, and technology-driven education aligned with evolving consumer trends.
Seminar Discusses AI and the Future of Indian Textiles
Addressing attendees during the seminar titled “Future of Indian Textile Industry in the Era of AI,” Vrunda Manohar Desai encouraged graduating students to contribute to the future growth of India’s textile sector.
The address highlighted the role of Artificial Intelligence as a support tool for creativity while emphasizing the importance of preserving India’s textile heritage and building globally recognized Indian brands. The session also referenced government initiatives including PLI schemes and the National Fibre Scheme, along with growing industry focus on sustainability, technical textiles, and circularity.
The seminar was organized in association with Suvin Expo LLP, which served as the knowledge partner. The discussion was moderated by Avinash Mayekar.
Panel speakers included:
- Kapil Pathare
- G. V. Aras
- Vijay Gotmare
- Shaligram
The panel discussion examined the impact of AI across textile manufacturing, retail, supply chain management, quality inspection, sustainability, and fashion forecasting. Speakers discussed areas including predictive analytics, inventory optimization, automated defect detection, digital twins, and sustainable manufacturing practices.
Student Showcases Highlight Industry Collaboration
As part of Genesis 2026, students from multiple departments presented projects developed in collaboration with fashion, retail, textile, and technology companies.
The Fashion Design Department presented “FASHIONOVA 2026,” featuring collections developed with brands including Tata Trent, BIBA, Skechers, and Myntra.
The Textile Design Department showcased “TANTU 2026,” with projects linked to organizations including Arvind, Raymond, Jaipur Rugs, Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, and Eka.
The Accessory Design Department organized “TAOCEAN 2026,” featuring projects in jewellery, footwear, furniture, UI/UX, and experiential design with collaborations involving Titan, boAt, Bluestone, Tata Power, and adidas.
The Master of Design Space Department presented “D.Dots 2026,” featuring interdisciplinary projects developed with Tata Consultancy Services, Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail Limited, and Lokus Design.
The Bachelor of Fashion Technology Department showcased “TECHNOVA 2026,” highlighting projects with GUESS, Reliance Brands, and Sidney Apparels LLC.
The Fashion Communication Department hosted “COMMUNIQUE 2026,” presenting projects in branding, AI-generated filmmaking, and digital storytelling with Reliance Retail, PUMA, Tata Cliq, Gozoop Group, and DDB Mudra.
The Knitwear Design Department showcased “KNITMODA 2026” in collaboration with Gokaldas Exports and Shahi Exports Pvt. Ltd..
The Department of Fashion Management Studies presented “The Bottomline,” featuring projects in e-commerce, retail, luxury fashion, supply chain management, and fashion technology. Students from the Master of Fashion Management programme collaborated with organizations including Zouk, Aza Fashions, Pantaloons, Flipkart, Zudio, and Westside.
Graduation Fashion Show Concludes Event
The showcase concluded with a graduation fashion show featuring final collections from students of the Fashion Design and Knitwear Design departments.
The collections explored themes including sustainability, heritage textiles, traditional crafts, and experimental techniques such as wool felting, weaving with new fibres, photo luminescent fabrics, computerized hand flat knitting, and unconventional silhouettes and textures.
According to NIFT Mumbai, Genesis 2026 marked the completion of the graduating batch’s academic journey while reinforcing the institute’s focus on innovation, industry collaboration, and future-ready fashion and textile education.
