The term sustainability has emanated from a sense of being aware about the damage caused to the planet, dying grassroots crafts and the repercussions of human actions that has led to its degeneration. The trillion dollar fashion industry is among one of the many to have impacted the environment though use of chemicals, wastage and overconsumption of resources alongwith the exclusion of traditional arts and crafts that have robbed many of their livelihoods. Inorder to counter the negative impact caused by the fashion industry many a known and budding designers have adopted means to embrace a mindful approach towards design alongwith inclusion of crafts and talent at the grassroots level.

Change cannot be sudden and takes time and the changemakers in the fashion industry especially the ones who have adopted the sustainable route, possess the following traits to be a sustainable and conscious designer:

1) Curiosity towards a mindful way of conserving dwindling resources be it materials, traditional arts and crafts and a means to protect it.

2) Problem solving ability by finding sustainable material substitutes that do not damage the earth and ways to provide sustained livelihoods to grassroot artisans to protect traditional arts and crafts.

3) Recycling is very important as a lot of discarded fabrics and clothes tend to land up in landfills.

4) Upcycling provides ways to use discarded or unused materials to fashion out new products

5) Generate to find out if the garments can be constructed in a manner to reduce waste

6) Source/create Quality fabric that has a long life

7) Usage of less water and incorporation of natural dyes

8) Slow fashion models that are not season based and timeless pieces

9) Communication skills

10) They practice what they preach

11) Defend workers rights as creating sustainable and conscious clothing includes social aspects of production processes

As a design institute JD Institute of Fashion Technology believes in providing a holistic learning environment. The future fashion designers are nurtured by instilling in them a sense of awareness and inviting industry personnel who have imbibed the sustainable model. Apart from these practices the students are encouraged to include sustainable design methods in their design ideology.

The Diploma in Fashion Design is an intensive course that trains students to master the nuances of design in a systematic manner, as time is of primary essence. The fast track course encompasses a variety of topics from draping, pattern drafting to sewing, fashion forecasting, a peak into the works of international and national designers, fabric selection, history of costumes, industrial training, silhouettes of garments, principles of fashion etc. Apart from courses relevant content, JD believes in providing a 360 degree learning approach wherein talk sessions, seminars and workshops by industry personnel are organised for students. Theoretical classes are as much given importance as practical with a well-designed chemical laboratory, CAD lab, sewing and pattern drafting spaces. A well-stocked library further ensures that the students can access information for the purpose of reference and increase their knowledge. The students are also sent on field visits to gain first hand information.

The curriculum at JD Institute is constantly evolving and apart from these aforementioned subjects, students are constantly reminded about the impact of design on the environment and how they can be changemakers by enabling them to make smarter earth friendly choices. This is evident in the assignments and their work for various displays.

JD Annual Awards is another platform exclusively designed for the students who are on the cusp of completing their course to present their collections to an audience that includes key industry stalwarts. The students are encouraged to look beyond conventional design processes and include the three ethos of JD i.e. Sustainability, Innovation and Ethics. In the past our students have explored crafts and arts like Tikuli and Pithora, made natural dyes out of discarded flowers and metals, giving life to discarded handspun fibres and fabrics to name a few. The final collections to be presented have to go through a strict shortlisting process by the internal and external jury. The students are guided by their respective mentors during this journey that helps them to achieve and showcase their vision in the best possible way.

It has been a conscious endeavour by JD Institute of Fashion Technology to steer students towards creating responsible awareness among them about the impact of their choices on the environment.

Gain the maximum experience through a limited time by being a part of the Imagination Journey at JD Institute of Fashion Technology, South. Admissions for Diploma in Fashion Design for the academic year 2020-21 are now open. For more details kindly visit the website https://www.jdinstitute.edu.in/.

TRAITS TO BE A SUSTAINABLE AND CONSCIOUS DESIGNER