JD Institute of Fashion Technology
Fashion Styling Jediiians at The Front Row Couture by Seema Kashyap

What can you do with just ₹500 and 90 minutes?

For the Fashion Styling students at JD Institute of Fashion Technology, the answer was: a whole lot of magic. This wasn’t just a college assignment—it was a test of creativity, speed, and street-smart sourcing, all under the keen eye of one of the industry’s finest—Seema Kashyap.

A Style Challenge with a Twist

On April 29, 2025, the vibrant lanes of Shahpur Jat buzzed with more than just everyday fashion chatter. JD Institute’s styling students arrived at The Front Row Couture, the boutique helmed by the internationally acclaimed designer Seema Kashyap. With over 15 years of experience in the fashion circuits of Australia and Europe, Kashyap is known for her signature style—an elegant blend of Western haute couture and Indian sensibilities.

To add to her legacy, Seema Kashyap has previously showcased her celebrated collection “She Walks in Beauty” at India Fashion Week London and closed the 5th season of Couture Runway Week in Delhi. Her boutique in Shahpur Jat is a hub of personalized luxury—making it the perfect setting for this styling face-off.

Behind the Challenge: Creative Direction Meets Real-World Hustle

The task was as thrilling as it was challenging. Each student selected a garment from Seema Kashyap’s collection and had to style it for a specific occasion. The twist? They were handed a strict budget of ₹500 and just 1.5 hours to bring their vision to life by sourcing accessories.

From Sarojini Nagar to South Extension, students dashed through Delhi’s bustling fashion markets, hunting for the right pieces—be it jewellery, hair extensions, trims, or makeup. Their goal: elevate the chosen outfit while sticking to the budget and the clock.

Once back, the students presented their complete look through a short 2-minute explanation. They spoke about the outfit choice, the target customer, the occasion they had styled for, and their total expenditure. Each presentation was judged on creativity, concept execution, sourcing strategy, and communication.

Lessons Beyond the Runway

More than just a styling contest, the event doubled as an intense learning module packed with practical insights. Students stepped out of their classrooms and into the gritty, fast-paced world of fashion professionals. Here’s what they walked away with:

• Budget Styling Mastery: Learning to create compelling looks with limited resources sharpened their styling instincts.

• Market Intelligence: Exploring local markets helped them understand sourcing, value-for-money, and quality evaluation firsthand.

• Creative Conceptualization: Crafting a styling story from scratch allowed them to express their individual design voice.

• Professional Communication: Delivering concise and compelling presentations prepared them for real client pitches.

• Industry Preparedness: Engaging with professionals and receiving direct feedback helped align their skills with real-world expectations.

This wasn’t just about fashion. It was about thinking fast, working smart, and staying original under pressure.

Big Wins, Bigger Opportunities

The challenge wasn’t just for praise—it came with high-stakes rewards. The top two performers earned a chance to assist in styling at the prestigious Delhi Times Fashion Week, side by side with Seema Kashyap herself. The first prize winner also received a coveted internship at The Front Row Couture, gaining direct mentorship from one of Delhi’s leading designers.

At JD Institute, Learning Doesn’t End in the Classroom—It Begins There

By turning challenges into real-world opportunities, we prepare our students to think on their feet, express their creativity under pressure, and collaborate with the best in the industry. If you’re looking for a place where your ideas can take shape beyond textbooks, JD Institute is where your Fashion Styling journey finds its direction.