NIIFT experts share challenges of creating an ensemble for specially-abled

Dr Poonam Thakur addresses the media, while Jashan Boparai and Somya (right) Thakur look on. 

Mohali: Northern India Institute of Fashion Technology (NIIFT) Mohali, in collaboration with ARZOE - a hallmark luxury brand, presented a specially designed wardrobe to Somya Thakur, who will represent India at the upcoming Miss Wheelchair World contest in Mexico soon. The experts of NIIFT also discussed the challenges they face while creating ensembles for specially-abled people.

Addressing the media at the campus here today, Dr. Poonam Aggarwal Thakur, Principal of NIIFT Mohali and Ludhiana, said, “NIIFT offers a specialized subject on designing for people with special needs, where students work extensively in the field of creating functional clothing by researching, developing and constructing garments for people with physical and mental disabilities. For years, people with disabilities and special needs have had to improvise as specific designing for them required an in-depth understanding of adaptive clothing.”

Fashion Designer Jashan Boparai from ARZOE, an alumnus of NIIFT 2003 Batch, said that designers play a significant role in giving solutions to unattended clothing problems of people with special needs and assured of her long-term association with NIIFT in the future also. She said that four outfits are being given to Somya, a western cocktail evening wear semi-formal for the presentation dinner, a western gown formal for the gala dinner, another traditional gala outfit representing the country, and a saree for her airport look. It is worth mentioning here that Jashan’s 70-year-old mother Kanwal Kaur has founded ARZOE.

Dr. Thakur added that NIIFT offers BSc in Fashion Design, Textile Design, and Knitwear Design; an MSc in Garment Manufacturing Technology, Fashion Marketing & Management, and a Master of Design in Fashion & Textiles - a 2-year course that immerses students in a research-based approach to design within the context of services and social innovation. The last date for NIIFT admissions is Oct 25.

Giving examples of unique designing for the specially-abled, she said that, in a dress for people affected by Cerebral Palsy who lose control over their hand coordination, one might need to replace the sleeve buttons with Velcro. Autistic kids with magnified sensitivity would require clothing free from scratchy tags and seams. Similarly, wheelchair-friendly jackets can have side openings and zip-on sleeves for easier dressing. A packed dress was also given to Somya, as we are not allowed to make the dresses public before the pageant.

Somya Thakur, who was present at the programme, said, “I am grateful to NIIFT and ARZOE for their kind gesture of creating a special wardrobe for my upcoming pageant.”

Sibin C, IAS, Secretary cum Director Industries & Commerce Punjab, and Director General NIIFT, said, “I appreciate MDes. Department at NIIFT for its great initiative. This institute has always been a pioneer in picking up social concepts and designing solutions. I wish them the Best of Luck.”

Vishav  Bandhu Monga, Joint Director, Policy Implementation unit Punjab and Director NIIFT, said, “With a strong research base, the students are doing exceptionally well and giving design solutions for the people with special needs.” Puneet Khokhar, Guest faculty, NIIFT was also present at the programme. BlogsWire