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Indian Fashion Academy: Inspiring the Glitz and Glamour of the Fashion World

Fashion is not just about clothing; it’s a powerful form of self-expression that reflects personal identity, cultural values, and societal trends. Over the years, fashion in India has evolved from traditional attire to a dynamic blend of indigenous craftsmanship and global influences. From bell-bottom pants in the ’70s to ripped jeans and vibrant kurtas in the present, the fashion choices of Indian men and women have continuously changed, mirroring shifts in social, economic, and cultural dynamics. The Indian textile industry, valued at approximately 108 billion dollars, is projected to reach 223 billion dollars by 2021, making it one of the most significant sectors in the country. To sustain this growth, India will require a vast number of trained professionals—an estimated 10 million workers—across various segments of the fashion and textile industry. However, meeting this demand requires more than just conventional educational approaches. It calls for a deep understanding of the diverse talent pools across the country and a commitment to making fashion education accessible to all.

One of the pioneers in this effort is Nitin Magar, the Founder and President of Maharashtra Kala Shikshan Prasarak Mandal (MKSPM), who recognized the gap in accessible fashion education and worked tirelessly to bridge it. In 2001, Magar established the Indian Fashion Academy (IFA) with a singular goal—to democratize fashion education and make it available to students from all walks of life, regardless of their background, language, or socio-economic status.

The Birth of IFA: Bridging the Gap in Fashion Education

India, a country with vast cultural diversity, is home to numerous regional languages and dialects. While fashion education in major cities has flourished, students from smaller towns and rural areas often find themselves excluded due to language barriers. Nitin Magar, recognizing this challenge, made it a priority to make fashion education accessible to students across Maharashtra and beyond, particularly in vernacular languages like Hindi and Marathi.

“When we established IFA, our focus was on providing education to all. Talent is everywhere, but many are not ready to join the fashion industry because of the language barrier. We started teaching fashion concepts in languages that our students could relate to, including Hindi and Marathi,” explains Magar.

This approach was groundbreaking. IFA became the first fashion institute in Maharashtra to offer a comprehensive fashion curriculum in Marathi and Hindi, opening doors for students who had been overlooked by traditional, English-medium fashion schools. By the time IFA had made a mark, it had become a versatile brand in training students for the fashion industry, attracting talent from all parts of the country. As demand grew and students from diverse linguistic backgrounds joined the academy, IFA expanded its curriculum to include English as a medium of instruction, ensuring it could cater to the evolving needs of its students.

The Evolution of IFA: A Holistic Approach to Fashion Education

Since its inception, IFA has evolved into a leading institution in India for comprehensive fashion education. The academy is accredited by City and Guilds, UK, a testament to the quality and international recognition of its programs. Today, IFA offers a wide range of courses across various fields, including fashion design, tailoring, beauty, and more. The institute's approach to education goes beyond just classroom learning; it aims to equip students with the practical skills they need to succeed in the dynamic fashion industry.

Industry-Oriented Curriculum

IFA’s curriculum is designed to be highly industry-relevant, blending both theory and practical training. The goal is to prepare students not just for exams but for real-world careers. One of the core courses offered at IFA is the Diploma in Fashion Designing, a comprehensive program that provides a deep dive into the workings of the fashion industry. This course offers a perfect mix of practical and theoretical modules, giving students a solid foundation in design theory, garment construction, fabric selection, and fashion history.

The curriculum is built with a focus on global industry demands, ensuring students understand international fashion trends and practices. “We want our students to have a global outlook,” says Magar, emphasizing the importance of exposing students to international standards and market dynamics. In addition to the diploma, IFA offers advanced programs such as the Advanced Diploma in Fashion and Textile Designing, which provides a deeper understanding of specialized areas like textile innovation, fashion merchandising, and fashion technology.

IFA’s teaching philosophy is built around small class sizes, ensuring that students get personalized attention from their instructors. Unlike other fashion schools that enroll large batches of students, IFA maintains an intimate learning environment where faculty can closely monitor each student’s progress and provide individual support. This focus on student-centric education has allowed IFA to build a reputation as one of the most respected institutions in the field of fashion education.

Practical Exposure and Industry Connections

Fashion is as much about creativity as it is about practicality. To succeed in the fashion industry, students must not only be able to design but also understand the business and operational aspects of the industry. This is where IFA excels, by providing students with ample opportunities for practical exposure.

One of the ways IFA connects students with the fashion industry is through workshops, competitions, and fashion carnivals. These events allow students to work on live projects, collaborate with industry professionals, and gain hands-on experience. Industry workshops give students a chance to engage with seasoned designers, stylists, and marketing professionals, providing them with invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities within the industry.

In addition to workshops, IFA organizes fashion shows, study tours, and jury meetings that provide students with real-world exposure. Students are encouraged to present their designs, attend fashion events, and even interact with celebrities from the fashion world who visit IFA to share their expertise. “The industry sessions are a key aspect of our training. We invite celebrities from the fashion world to teach students, offering them an opportunity to learn from real-life experiences,” adds Magar.

These activities are instrumental in shaping the students’ ideas, enhancing their creativity, and preparing them for the challenges of the fashion world. Moreover, IFA regularly conducts national and international internships, offering deserving students the opportunity to work with renowned designers and fashion houses. These internships are critical in shaping students’ careers and providing them with a network of industry connections.

Training the Next Generation of Fashion Professionals

At IFA, the focus is not just on providing a theoretical foundation in fashion design but on creating industry-ready professionals. This is why the academy goes beyond regular classroom learning and incorporates on-job training, giving students an opportunity to experience the nuances of working in a real-world setting.

IFA has taken the initiative to start its own costume designing department, where students can gain practical experience in costume design, working alongside industry professionals on actual projects. This department serves as a critical training ground for students who are eager to enter the fashion industry with a practical understanding of the job.

A Legacy of Success

The success of IFA is reflected in the achievements of its alumni. “Most of our students are enjoying successful and fulfilling careers in the fashion industry,” says Magar proudly. IFA’s alumni work in a variety of fields, including fashion design, fashion marketing, costume design, fashion journalism, and retail management. The academy has become synonymous with producing highly skilled professionals who are ready to take on the fashion world.

Today, with the influx of international luxury brands into India and the growing demand for fashion professionals across design, management, communication, and technology, IFA is well-positioned to meet the needs of the evolving fashion landscape. The fashion industry’s growing demand for qualified professionals has made institutes like IFA essential for nurturing the next generation of fashion leaders.