Garima Agarwal is a seasoned Fashion and Textile Design mentor with over 19 years of experience in academia and industry. Currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Fashion Design from Presidency University, Bangalore, she combines her strong academic foundation with practical expertise. Garima holds a degree in Fashion Integration from NIFT Gandhinagar and an MA in Garment Production and Export Management from the University of Rajasthan.

She has held key academic positions, including Academic Head at Atlas Skill Tech University and Assistant Professor at multiple institutions. Garima has contributed to curriculum development and has taught courses in Sustainable Systems, High-End Fashion Techniques, and Traditional Textiles. She is also the founder of FUTKER Design, an e-commerce brand, focusing on fabric selection and production management.

A proponent of sustainable design, Garima integrates Circular Economy principles into the fashion industry and has conducted workshops on Paper Folding, Hand-block printing, and Yarn Craft. She has mentored students for prestigious events like Lakme Fashion Week and Bangalore Fashion Week, cementing her role as a respected leader in design education and innovation.

Padma Raj Keshri is a seasoned expert in sustainability, with over a decade of experience in the fashion and textile industry. Known for his innovative approach and commitment to environmental responsibility, he has driven impactful projects in sustainable product development, supply chain transparency, traceability, and circularity.

A proud alumnus of some of India’s premier institutions, Padma holds an Executive MBA in Digital Transformation from IIM Indore, a Master’s in Design (Textiles) from NID Ahmedabad, and a Bachelor’s degree in Knitwear Design from NIFT Bengaluru. He also completed an international exchange program at the Swiss Textile College in Zurich, which broadened his perspective on global sustainability practices and trends.

Recognized for his design talent, Padma has won accolades at Lakme Fashion Week and the Wills Lifestyle Debut competition, showcasing his ability to blend creativity with purpose. His work has been further enriched by certifications in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, and UNEP Sustainable Fashion frameworks, underscoring his dedication to advancing responsible practices across the industry.

Padma’s expertise extends beyond industry roles to academia, where he actively contributes to the development of courses and research initiatives in sustainability. As a strong advocate for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), he has focused on aligning business practices with global objectives, particularly within sustainable supply chain management. His contributions are helping to shape the next generation of sustainable fashion professionals and drive meaningful change within the industry.

COMMUNICATION DESIGN & CONCEPT-COPYWRITING PROFESSIONAL FOR 15+ YEARS.

Groomed in Fine Arts, Copywriting & Applied Arts, John Henry’s journey into design began early. He pursued Design and Advertising in college following a convent school education in his hometown, setting the foundation for a career that started with his first role as a Graphic Designer in 2008. Rising through the ranks, John became a Creative Director, leading dynamic teams of Art Directors, Graphic Designers, Creative Copywriters, Illustrators, Colourists, Photographers, Product Designers, and Video Production Teams, with hands-on expertise in each of these domains.

A firm believer in purposeful, impactful design, he finds inspiration in crafting effective solutions that resonate. In 2023, he shared his expertise as a faculty member at Pearl Academy, training the next generation of creative professionals.

A professional Fashion, Design and Style Enthusiast; facilitating opportunities to employ knowledge and skill.

A proven expertise in Design in the areas of Fashion, Costumes, and Styling, and mentoring and working on Creative Projects for the last 17 years, becoming one of the only three Costume Directors to work on a Hollywood project.

Rahul Bhattacharya is an educationist, art historian, and experience designer currently anchoring and seeding a Communication Design Department as an Adjunct Faculty at Alliance University Bengaluru. Bhattacharya's career spans over two decades, during which he has held various academic positions, including the Head of the Department of MDes Integrated Programme and Assistant Director of the Department of Communication Design at the Unitedworld Institute of Design (UID). His leadership at UID has seen him design courses, curate workshops and coordinate significant events like the Ahmedabad Design Week. Previously he was an Associate Professor at the School of Visual Arts, World University of Design, where he taught subjects such as Art History, Aesthetics, and Visual Communication. His work is characterised by a commitment to interdisciplinary design and social impact, with an active passion for curriculum development and mentoring and developing intellectual property rights.

In addition to his academic roles, Bhattacharya has been instrumental in various public art initiatives. He co-founded the Kolkata International Performance Art Festival, which has become a vital platform for dialogue in South Asia. He was a key figure in the NINE Schools of Art collective, focusing on workshop-based teaching methods. His curatorial practice extends to community interventions and large-scale public art projects, reflecting his dedication to making art accessible and relevant to diverse audiences.

A prolific writer, Bhattacharya has contributed extensively to discussions on contemporary Indian art and interdisciplinary design. He has served as Managing Editor of Art & Deal Magazine, where he played a crucial role in repositioning the publication within the art community. His academic publications and presentations reflect a deep engagement with the evolving landscape of art and design in India.

His design practice includes consulting for small businesses on brand outreach and client experience enhancement, with a particular focus on integrating AI into design processes. His workshops on design thinking, storytelling, and art history demonstrate his holistic approach to education and practice, emphasizing the importance of context in design.

Currently, Bhattacharya is exploring alternative training methods for language models and the implications of AI on design practice, driven by his commitment to social and ecological sustainability. As a co-founder of dotai, he aims to customize AI user experiences for the Indian context, further bridging the gap between technology and human-centred design.

Meherr Kaur Sawhney is a visionary fashion designer with M.Design and B.Design degrees, known for her innovative and sustainable approach. Her research, including an article on Zero-Waste Pattern Cutting, highlights her commitment to sustainable practices. With a diverse portfolio, Meherr continues to challenge norms and make the unthinkable wearable.

Dr. Darshana Tailor is an esteemed international academic mentor specializing in interior design. With a career spanning various prestigious institutions, she brings her rich expertise in design theory, spatial aesthetics, and sustainable interior design. As an educator and mentor, Dr. Tailor has led numerous research projects and contributed extensively to advancing the field of interior design. Her work focuses on the intersection of cultural identity, modern living, and sustainable design practices.

Through her educational journey, Dr. Darshana Tailor has received numerous awards for her excellence in fashion and design. She served as a Career Guidance Counselor for Bombay Cambridge School from 2013 to 2018, helping students explore diverse career opportunities during their Annual Career Guidance Program. In 2014, she acted as one of the judges at the Annual Talent Show of Nagindas Khandelwal College of Commerce and Economics. A Certificate holder in Garment Manufacturing and Fashion Designing from the Maharashtra State Board of Vocational Education, she has also supervised and corrected board papers. In 2018, she showcased her skills by designing uniforms for Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.

Currently, Dr. Darshana Tailor teaches a variety of subjects including Fashion Theory, Design Thinking, Computers, History of Fashion, Fashion Psychology, Material Exploration, and Yarn Craft. She has spearheaded efforts to expand the curriculum, introduce new courses, and organize workshops tailored to diverse learning styles. As a mentor, she guides students through their courses and Annual Design Competitions, while also managing daily institute operations. Known for her warm and approachable demeanor, she fosters an environment where students feel free to explore and experiment, nurturing the next generation of successful designers.

Dharam Mentor is a seasoned Brand Strategist and Designer with over 20 years of experience in brand building. He holds a Master’s degree in Branding and a Postgraduate qualification in Design for Visual Communication from the University of the Arts London. Throughout his career, Dharam has collaborated with major global brands, including Coca-Cola and Unilever, to craft compelling brand stories. As an author and educator, he shares his expertise in Human-Centered Innovation: Design Thinking with MBA students, highlighting the vital role of a strong brand narrative in driving business success.

Sunil Dutta is an experienced Layout Artist and Final Layout Artist with 22 years in the industry. Over the years, he has worked with some of the most renowned animation studios worldwide, including DreamWorks Animation India, Animal Logic Studio in Sydney, Australia, WetaFX in Wellington, New Zealand, Iloura in Melbourne, Australia, Method Studio in Melbourne, Australia, Double Negative in London, UK, and Jellyfish Pictures in London, UK.

He holds a degree in Applied Art from the Government College of Art and Craft in Guwahati, Assam, as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Illustration from MS University in Baroda, Gujarat.

Dr. Rugmani Venkatadri is an accomplished design educator specializing in Costume and Fashion History, Traditional Textiles, and Craft Documentation. A passionate traveler, she blends cultural experiences from her journeys into her teaching, fostering deeper connections between heritage and modern design. Her dedication to preserving traditional crafts inspires students to celebrate and innovate cultural traditions.