JD Institute of Fashion Technology
JD Institute Students Volunteer at IFJAS 2025 with Studio Shikha Malik

Imagine learning about fashion not from slideshows or textbooks, but by standing beside a designer, welcoming international buyers, and curating a real-time booth at one of India’s most prestigious fashion trade fairs. That’s exactly what happened when students from JD Institute stepped into the vibrant world of Studio Shikha Malik at the Indian Fashion Jewellery & Accessories Show (IFJAS) 2025, held from 4th to 6th July at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida.

It was the 19th edition of IFJAS, a dynamic sourcing fair that brought together handcrafted excellence from across India and global fashion buyers under one roof. For students, it became a three-day crash course in the export fashion industry, and a chance to experience the pulse of professional fashion like never before.

A Booth That Became a Classroom

At the heart of the experience was Studio Shikha Malik, a designer brand renowned for fusing traditional Indian textiles with contemporary aesthetics. Led by Ms. Shikha Malik herself, the brand’s presence at IFJAS wasn’t just about showcasing products, it became a live, working classroom for the student volunteers.

From day one, the students got their hands busy setting up the booth. They didn’t just decorate; they visualized, arranged, and merchandised with purpose, ensuring every product spoke a story. Whether it was a handcrafted accessory or a delicate stole, each item had to capture the eye of discerning international buyers. It was here that students understood how visual presentation plays a key role in attracting attention in a bustling, competitive space.

More Than Just Standing Around

These weren’t passive volunteers. The students actively engaged with visiting buyers, taking notes, answering queries, and even helping coordinate conversations between designers and clients. They observed closely how products were introduced, how pricing discussions unfolded, and how every small detail, packaging, material explanation, cultural storytelling, added weight to the brand narrative.

The fast-paced environment of the trade fair also gave them exposure to export market dynamics. From catalog browsing to buyer preferences, the students soaked in real-world lessons in merchandising, trend curation, and international communication, things no classroom could fully replicate.

Learning from a Leader

One of the most impactful parts of the experience was being mentored directly by Ms. Shikha Malik, the founder and creative force behind her label. Known for her mastery in Indian handcrafted textiles, Ms. Malik took time to guide the students, offering insider knowledge about designing for export markets, handling client expectations, and the strategic thinking behind each collection.

For budding designers, it was like peeking into the playbook of a seasoned professional, something that will undoubtedly shape how they approach their future in fashion.

From Insight to Impact

By the end of the three days, these students had gained more than just experience, they had transformed. With fresh confidence, refined communication skills, and a deeper understanding of the global fashion trade, they left the event with a Certificate of Appreciation in hand, but far more value in their minds.

They now understand the behind-the-scenes hustle that makes a fashion business tick on an international scale, what it really takes to turn handcrafted Indian fashion into globally desired design.

Not Just a Moment—A Mindset Shift

This experience at IFJAS wasn’t just a three-day task, it was a turning point. It taught the students that fashion isn’t just about designing; it’s about understanding the buyer’s eye, the market’s language, and the power of authentic storytelling through product.

For those who dream of making their mark in global fashion, moments like these are stepping stones to becoming professionals who don’t just follow trends, but create them.

Let Fashion Be Your Passport

If you’re a student of design, don’t wait for opportunities to land in your lap, walk into them. Events like IFJAS aren’t just exhibitions; they’re global arenas where learning becomes living. So next time a chance arises to step out of the classroom and into the world, grab it. You never know how many borders your creativity can cross.