JD Institute of Fashion Technology Strengthens Global Design Education Network Through International Partnerships

Mumbai, 02 November 2026: JD Institute of Fashion Technology is strengthening the global dimension of design education in India through strategic international collaborations with the University of South Wales, NABA – Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti, the University for the Creative Arts, MYTH and Global Fashion Incubator (GFI). The partnerships aim to connect students with international academic institutions, creative communities and industry platforms, opening up opportunities for global learning, professional exposure and cross-border engagement.

The academic collaborations are designed to bring international perspectives and creative practices into the learning experience at JD Institute, enabling students to engage with global design ecosystems and understand evolving industry standards across markets. By building connections with established international institutions, JD Institute aims to create pathways for knowledge exchange, academic engagement and greater exposure to diverse approaches to fashion and design education.

Extending these opportunities beyond the classroom, the partnership with Global Fashion Incubator (GFI) will connect students with some of the world's most prominent fashion and design platforms. Through GFI's Global Intern programme, students will have opportunities to work behind the scenes at fashion shows and presentations during New York, London, Milan, Paris, Dubai and Tokyo Fashion Weeks, gaining first-hand exposure to international production environments, designers, industry professionals and the business of fashion.

Other GFI initiatives include Graduate Runway, which offers fashion design students and alumni a platform to showcase their capsule collections during Paris Fashion Week, and Global Design Immersion Programmes that provide exposure to leading international design events such as Milan Furniture Fair, Dubai Design Week, Paris Design Week and London Design Festival.

These initiatives are particularly relevant in an industry where design careers increasingly transcend geographical boundaries. Exposure to international markets, creative processes, professional networks and emerging design practices can help students build a broader understanding of the industry, develop global perspectives and prepare for opportunities across markets. For the wider design ecosystem, such collaborations also encourage cross-cultural exchange, international industry engagement and stronger connections between emerging Indian talent and global creative communities.

Commenting on the international collaborations, Rinesh Dalal, Director, JD Institute of Fashion Technology, said, “Design is a global industry, and education must prepare students for opportunities beyond geographical boundaries. Through these collaborations, we want to give our students access to international institutions, creative environments and industry platforms where they can learn, participate and showcase their capabilities. Our focus is on bridging the gap between classroom learning and global industry exposure, while creating pathways for the next generation of Indian designers to engage with the world.”

Commenting on the collaboration, Özgecan Üstgül, Founder and CEO of MYTH AI, said, “Students are the future of the design industry, and it is important to give them the space and support to explore new ideas and push creative boundaries. We are pleased to be part of JD Institute's journey and look forward to engaging with the next generation of designers as they develop their ideas and shape the future of the industry.”

Through these partnerships, JD Institute is looking to build an internationally connected design education ecosystem that combines academic engagement with practical industry experience. The initiative reflects its commitment to preparing students not just for the Indian design industry, but for a creative economy where global exposure, collaboration and cross-cultural understanding are increasingly important. It all started with a stepping stone built by Mr. Yogesh Dalal and Dr. Payal Dalal