In a remarkable achievement that underscores creative excellence and academic rigor, the ESEDS School of Design, a proud constituent of the Techno India University, secured First Prize in the Fashion Show Category at NIFT Spectrum 2026, under the conceptually rich theme “What If.”
Hosted by the esteemed National Institute of Fashion Technology, the event on 21st February 2026 brought together some of the most promising creative minds from across the country. Amidst intense competition and visionary showcases, ESEDS emerged victorious with a collection that blended philosophical depth with striking runway execution.
Concept: What If Progress Is an Illusion?
The award-winning collection posed a compelling question: What if progress is not protection—but the beginning of collapse?
Imagining a near future shaped by controlled systems and environmental decline, the collection examined how structures built to safeguard humanity may gradually evolve into mechanisms of restriction. Stability becomes rigidity. Communication weakens beneath the façade of order. Emotional distance deepens while the world appears structured and secure.
Simultaneously, nature responds—oceans rise, forests disappear, and pollution thickens the air. The crisis moves from external to internal, reshaping the human body itself. Mutation replaces natural evolution. Survival overtakes growth.
Rooted in the philosophy of Vilom — the coexistence of opposites — the collection explored the shadow beneath optimism, where growth transforms into containment, protection evolves into restriction, and freedom is reduced to survival. This layered narrative was translated into structured silhouettes symbolizing systemic rigidity, layered constructions reflecting emotional and environmental burden, controlled drapes expressing restrained movement, and intricate surface manipulations depicting mutation and containment. The collapse, as imagined by the designers, was not loud—it unfolded subtly beneath the illusion of advancement.
Leadership & Mentorship Reflections
The success of the collection was guided by strong academic mentorship and visionary leadership.
Aloke Kumar Singh, Director of ESEDS School of Design, remarked: “The collection stood out for its clarity of vision and innovative craftsmanship. The students successfully translated a complex idea into a compelling visual narrative. We are proud of their dedication and well-deserved success.”
Neil Andrew Robbinson, Director of ESEDS School of Design, added: “The students have demonstrated exceptional conceptual depth and maturity in execution. Their interpretation of ‘Vilom’ was thoughtful, relevant, and powerfully presented on the runway. This achievement reflects both creative courage and strong teamwork.”
Prity Mallick, HOD – Fashion Department, shared: “I am extremely proud of our students for their outstanding achievement. Their ability to translate a thought-provoking concept into a strong and cohesive runway presentation reflects both academic rigor and creative excellence. This win is a testament to their hard work and the department’s commitment to innovation.”
The collection was thoughtfully mentored by Srija Das, Faculty – Fashion Design Department, who reflected: “It was truly rewarding to mentor this group of students. Their dedication, openness to experimentation, and collaborative spirit made this journey meaningful. I’m proud that together we were able to achieve such a remarkable outcome.”
With visuals and music direction led by Akash Saha, the showcase evolved into a cohesive runway narrative where design, movement, and atmosphere worked in perfect synergy.
The Creative Force Behind the Collection
The conceptual and technical brilliance of the collection was shaped by Student Designers Sayantani Das, Caroline Chang, Anamika Majumder, Sayeli Ghosh, Debopriya Mishra, Aashia Jain, Preeti Dey, Subhashree Pradhan, and Swastika Sarkar. Their collaborative exploration of structure, form, and symbolism transformed abstract philosophy into a cohesive and powerful visual narrative.
Bringing the designs to life on The Ramp were Sampriti Daw, Anamika Majumder, Debopriya Mishra, Preeti Dey, Subhashree Pradhan, Suhani Hossain, Kritee Roy, Disha Hazra, and Shreya Datta, whose poised presence and expressive walk amplified the emotional intensity of the collection.
A Milestone for ESEDS & Techno India Group
This First Prize victory at NIFT Spectrum 2026 marks a defining milestone for ESEDS School of Design. Showcasing their work on a prestigious national platform, the students demonstrated that conceptual inquiry, research-driven design, and disciplined craftsmanship can command attention at the highest levels.
As an integral part of the Techno India University, ESEDS continues to cultivate designers who are intellectually aware, socially responsive, and technically refined. The institution’s approach encourages students to move beyond aesthetics and engage with ideas that challenge, question, and inspire.
At NIFT Spectrum 2026, ESEDS did not simply present garments—it presented conviction, philosophy, and a powerful vision of the future.
And that vision rightfully earned First Prize.