Fashion is an international and highly globalized industry, with clothing often designed in one country, manufactured in another, and sold worldwide. The fashion industry has long been one of the largest employers. However, by any measure, the clothing industry accounts for a significant share of world economic output. Fashion is big business, and it is ever-changing, versatile, creative. there are various types of opportunities—creative jobs in design and marketing; retail sales and buying positions; and corporate careers in finance, planning, and distribution. “With its rigorous hours, capricious culture and wobbly corporate ladder, the fashion industry is meant for dedicated persons Employers in the fashion industry seek individuals who possess the following skill sets: organized, open-minded, creative, assertive, thick-skinned, professional demeanour, and verbal and written communication,” says Prof. Himanshu Khatua, CEO, KIIT’s School of Fashion Technology (KSOFT).
KSOFT was incorporated in 2009 by educationist and entrepreneur Dr Achyuata Samanta to add a decorative feather to KIIT University. Initially having a four-year degree in Fashion Design, the institute introduced Textile Design as a specialization in 2015. “We envision to establish a centre of excellence and produce design professionals to lessen the gap between Industry and Academia, giving a new direction to Creativity and Sustainability in the Fashion and Textile World”, opines Prof. Himanshu. Equipped with WiFi and Internet Accessible Digital Projector in Classrooms, KSOFT also houses the CAD lab, Pattern making Laboratory, Garment Stitching Laboratory, Print Design Laboratories, Computer Embroidery Sample Tailor Machines, Dyeing Laboratories, Departmental & Central Library for online and Off-Line Research &Books Accessible to students.
Preparing students through advance online classes and expert webinars in relevant subjects just before the Pandemic Outbreak, KSOFT has proactively taken care of its students for higher education in foreign universities as well as be prepared as the situation changes in Fashion & Textile Industries in term of students engagement in tie-up with foreign Design Institutions for additional value addition in accessing online course as per Industry requirements as multi-skilled development. “We had prepared in advance online classes and experts webinars in relevant subjects even before the pandemic outbreak, which made it easier for us to cope with the lockdown and post-pandemic world”, says Prof. Himanshu.
The faculties of KSOFT are alumni of NIFT, NID & London School of Fashion, NIFD with Master in Design and Ph.D. in Design, SCM, Fashion Stylization, with 5-24 Years Industry & Academic Work Experiences & Research & Publication Activities. “Each Year All faculty members regularly undergone 15-30 days training in their Domain Area through Faculty Development Program ( FDP) organized by the University and in Relevant Industry, International Seminar /Conferences / Workshops. our faculty members are encouraged for Research Project /Research Publication etc., as per guidelines of UGC “, adds Prof. Himanshu.
Making Students Industry-Ready
Getting a foot in the door of the fashion industry may be daunting. It’s an extremely competitive world where cool creatives and sassy strategists have to work together to keep up with rapidly changing trends and a demanding audience who are spoilt for choice. That being said, fashion careers can be very alluring to young, inventive university graduates whose love for the fashion industry is only paralleled by their determination to leave their mark on it. In this article, you’ll learn how to get your stiletto-clad foot in the door. Various National Reputed Apparel & Textile Manufacturing Companies are Associated with Regular ON /OFF Campus and offering Job Placement to 70 % Students and rest 20% chosen higher study in Foreign Design Universities and 10% students opted for Startup of 2020 Graduates. “70 % students Graduating in 2021 offered Pre Placement Offer (PPO) in companies like KPR Apparel Group -Coimbatore, 20% -students have been offered as Internship cum Placement in Reliance Trends, ICONIC Retail Brands, TOMMY HILFIGER, ZARA Retail Ltd, FOREVER Retail Brands, Pantaloons Retail Brands ( ABFRL- Aditya Birla Group ), FBB Fashion Retail Brand (Future Group), BEST SELLERS Retail Brand, ARVIND MILLS. Etc”, says Prof Himanshu.
Fashion education is digitally growing to foster new skills: 3D virtual prototyping, sustainable development, future skills in the apparel industry. Like any other sector, Fashion Institutions capture the opportunity of digital learning, and edtech companies meet the challenges: increasing resilience, training faster and better, to bridge a gap of knowledge or learning new skills. “We are determined to create a center of excellence with qualitative education, creative exposure, state of the art research, conceptualization skills, and technical expertise, well-researched teaching methodology, industry linkages and intellectually stimulating cosmopolitan environment”, concludes Prof. Himanshu.