After a course of two years, on 7th April 2022, JD Institute of Fashion Technology came to its flair with the gala of their Theme Announcement. The venue was abuzz with students, faculty members, and invited guests from the industry. The event returned to its physical state after a gap of two years and it is needless to say, the JD team was brimming with excitement on the day. Jediiians couldn’t hold their elation and their speculations about the theme added to the aura of mystery surrounding the theme of 2022. 

As the gates were opened for the students, the organizers witnessed a heavy footfall in the venue. To match the level of excitement for the Jediiians, the JD team has set up a photo op corner. The section that was a masterpiece in itself soon caught everyone’s attention and as expected soon had a queue in front of it. When asked if they are looking forward to the theme, an exasperated chorus of “yes” echoed in the auditorium. 

The event started with the Theme Announcement movie that got the attention of the audience from the very first second. This was followed by a speech by Ms. Akshara Dalal, Executive Director of JD Institute of Fashion Technology. The theme of 2022 “Arrival” was introduced by her. Her presentation set the tone for the theme and gave the students an understanding of the various elements they need to focus on while designing their final presentation. Explaining the theme, Ms. Dalal largely talked about the growing significance of human-centric design and speculative design in the creative field. She further explained the trajectory of the theme giving our students an immense understanding of “arrival”. Her speech was followed by a presentation by Mr. Ankur Gulati, HOD Fashion Department which explained the parameters for the final jury and The Fashion Awards 2022. 

Coming to the eminent guests, Ms. Rina Dhaka, Mr. Hemant Sud, and Mr. Gaurav Jai Gupta explained their take on the theme of 2022 with a focus on their respective domains. These addresses by the guests helped our students understand the significance of the theme for both the fashion and interior design industries. Mr. Hemant Sud is one of India’s leading Interior Designers and Project Management Consultants for the last over three decades (since 1984), based in New Delhi. Being the founder of some esteemed organizations in the domain, and the Chairperson of IIID, Mr. Sud’s prowess in the field is unmatched. From academic to the editorial sphere, his expertise has made him a formidable name in the industry. Ms. Rina Dhaka is an ace designer and her’s is a renowned name in the Indian design fraternity. She has become an international figure with notable awards to her name. Her clients include Naomi Campbell, Martha Marzotto, Uma Thurman, Tara Palmer Tomlinson, Vittorio Radice, etc. Her association with various national and international design entities makes her an eminent personality in the creative industry. Mr. Gaurav Jai Gupta is the proud founder of the brand akaaro which is the continuously growing and evolving voice of contemporary fashion. His penchant for Indian textiles is well evident in the notions of his brainchild. The brand interprets Indian textile in a fresh, new contemporary manner by drawing inspiration, not from tradition, but from harmony and balance. akaaro has reimagined the heritage weaves to suit the modern mood.

Another highlight of the event was the felicitation of the guests by the directors of the institute. While concluding the Theme Announcement, Mr. Gulati announced the dates for the London Residential Program which added to the elation of the Jediiians. 

As we wrapped up the event, the Jediiians had already started brainstorming the action plan and the zeal for presenting the best work was well evident on their faces.