Chitkara University Brings Industry Voices to Fashion Future Forward 2.0

The Department of Fashion Design at Chitkara Design School, Chitkara University, hosted Fashion Future Forward 2.0, bringing together professionals from the fashion industry to engage with students on current practices and emerging directions in design.

The event featured a panel comprising Amit Vijaya, Designer, Artist and Curator at Amrich; Anjali Patel Mehta, Founder and Creative Director at Verandah; Ankur Srivastava, Chief Merchandising Officer at Nicobar; Darshana Gajare, Head of Sustainability at Lakmé Fashion Week; and Vivek Karunakaran, Founder and Creative Head at his eponymous label. The speakers shared insights from their professional journeys, discussing both creative processes and the practical aspects of working in the fashion industry.

The session covered key themes such as sustainability, brand development, design innovation, and the role of storytelling in fashion. Students took part in interactive discussions, asking questions and reflecting on the challenges and opportunities within the field.

Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Pro Chancellor, Chitkara University, said, “Engagements of this nature help students understand the complexities of the fashion industry beyond the classroom. Exposure to diverse professional experiences enables them to approach design with greater awareness and responsibility.”

The event gave students an opportunity to connect their academic learning with industry perspectives, supporting critical thinking and a more informed approach to their creative work. It is part of the university’s continued efforts to integrate industry engagement into its design education.