JD Institute of Fashion Technology
The 20th ANNUAL DESIGN AWARDS: Innovation and Vision Take Center Stage in JD Institute Guwahati

The pursuit of excellence and innovation culminated at the 20th edition Annual Design Awards (ADA), for JD Institute Guwahati, held at the CITY CENTER, GS ROAD, GUWAHATI, this November. This landmark event celebrated two decades of design education, transforming the venue into a dynamic showcase where students unveiled their final, industry-ready projects in both fashion and interior design. The atmosphere was charged with creative energy, collaboration, and a spirit of healthy competition, truly reflecting the transformative journey of the students.

Showcasing Vision: Fashion and Interior Design Narratives

The Annual Design Awards provided an essential platform for students to present their products and collections to a broad professional audience. This was far more than an exhibition; it was an exercise in creating a concept from initial ideation to the finished piece.

Fashion: Mastering the Runway Process

Students specializing in Fashion Design showcased cohesive collections that demonstrated mastery of the entire industry process. They were responsible for the full execution of the show, managing intricate sequences and coordinating the complex logistics of backstage operations.

Their work earned significant recognition, including one highly successful collection that secured the prestigious title of “Best Innovative Design” for two consecutive years, highlighting their ability to consistently deliver visionary, well-executed concepts. This practical exposure taught invaluable lessons in time management, process control, and the collaborative hustle required for large-scale fashion presentations.

Interior Design: Transforming Materials and Concepts

The Interior Design showcase focused heavily on sustainability, innovation, and thoughtful, responsible design. Students pushed creative boundaries by developing unique products that addressed modern environmental challenges and leveraged traditional craftsmanship.

Key concepts presented included:

MycoCore: An innovative product that focused on exploring sustainable materials, presenting an ecologically sound alternative for interior applications.

Eco Aura: An award-winning concept that successfully combined the values of nature and sustainability with a forward-thinking, futuristic design aesthetic.

Designs in this category demonstrated practical collaboration, with some students working directly with local weavers and carpenters to combine traditional skills with modern design thinking.

Industry Validation and Expert Collaboration

The integrity of the awards was ensured by a distinguished panel of judges, including the renowned architect and owner of “Akriti,” Ar. Ritul Sarma and Ar. Alpana Sarma, alongside Director Mr. Harsh Dalal from Delhi, and the Centre Directors of Guwahati, Ms. Ushmita Hazarika and Ms. Sumita Dey Deka.

The judges were particularly impressed by the interior students’ commitment to sustainability. Ar. Ritul Sarma specifically appreciated the efforts to transform the concept of ‘The Last Invention’ into meaningful and visionary design narratives. He highlighted two remarkable examples: the exploration of developing an acoustic panel with mushroom and the creation of a sustainable lamp using lemongrass, a natural insect repellent. This expert feedback validated the students’ innovative approach and focus on functional, eco-conscious materials.

The event’s success was also supported by key collaborations that enhance the students’ overall learning ecosystem:

Rajasthan Lime Udyog: This company actively promoted the exhibition and has, over time, hosted interior students for site visits to study their vast range of kitchen, bathroom, interior, and tile products.

Skytrack Group of Institute: As an event supporter, they previously contributed to the students’ holistic development by conducting professional makeup and grooming sessions, preparing them for public occasions and professional interviews.

Other critical event supporters included FINESSE Institute, HOTEL DAAYSCO, RENT & RIDE.COM, DELTA PUBLICITY, and GSR.

The Core Learning Experience

Participating in the Annual Design Awards was a complete learning experience that strengthened core professional skills. Students gained valuable knowledge through one-on-one interactions with judges, offering insights into real market expectations.

The process of taking a product from concept to final presentation taught essential lessons in teamwork, problem-solving, and aligning academic creativity with commercial viability. Winning recognition, even just being appreciated for one’s work, served as a powerful motivator, cementing confidence and inspiring students to pursue thoughtful, responsible design careers.

Setting the Benchmark for Future-Ready Design

The 20th Annual Design Awards underscored JD Institute’s Guwahati commitment to providing a platform where innovation is celebrated and sustainable practices are prioritized. By merging challenging design briefs with direct industry validation and mentorship, the institute ensures that its graduates are not merely skilled, but are visionary thinkers and creators.

The level of innovation showcased, from groundbreaking ethnic fabrics to pioneering sustainable furniture, confirms that JD Institute is actively preparing the next generation of designers to be leaders in the dynamic and evolving creative industry.