MUMBAI, July 24, 2026: The Mumbai edition of the highly anticipated JD Design Awards 2026, organized by the JD Institute of Fashion Technology, has successfully concluded. The four-day extravaganza served as a vibrant platform for creativity, innovation, and design excellence, drawing a massive crowd of students, industry leaders, buyers, and design enthusiasts to honor the work of tomorrow’s fashion pioneers.
Commercial Exposure and Industry Insights The event kicked off with the launch of “The Stock Room,” an interactive exhibit that proved to be a massive hit among visitors and buyers. The initiative provided young designers with a unique opportunity to sell their creations and gain firsthand experience navigating the commercial landscape of the fashion industry.
Adding star power and industry wisdom to the event, renowned designer and filmmaker Mozez Singh addressed the aspiring creators. Sharing insights from his own creative journey, Singh emphasized the importance of individuality. “Fashion helps you express yourself and figure out who you are,” he told the students, encouraging them to be unapologetically bold in their designs.
A Spectacular Fashion Finale Following a certificate felicitation ceremony on July 22 to honor outstanding student projects, the four-day celebration culminated on July 23 with a grand fashion show at St. Andrews Auditorium. Directed by internationally acclaimed fashion choreographer Marc Robinson, the finale was a visual treat.
The evening opened with keynote speeches from prominent industry figures. Celebrity fashion designer Juhi Shah, renowned for designing wedding ensembles for the Tendulkar family, noted, “Every month is a new season for fashion.” Sustainable entrepreneur and Founder of Jeevit, Henna Shah, also addressed the crowd, highlighting that “Entrepreneurship is all about innovation and accepting challenges.”
On the runway, finalist student designers presented 37 unique collections that brilliantly fused traditional Indian art and craft with contemporary silhouettes. Each collection masterfully integrated storytelling and craftsmanship, backed by industry sponsors and collaborations with Spotlight and Charter. In total, the JD Design Awards hosted 1,334 participants, significantly expanding the platform’s reach to bridge the gap between emerging designers and the established industry.
Leadership and Legacy The event was executed under the guidance of Mr. Yogesh Dalal, Trustee, and Dr. Payal Dalal, Director of JD Institute of Fashion Technology, whose ongoing vision continues to shape the next generation of Indian designers.
Reflecting on the success of the Mumbai edition, Mr. Rinesh Dalal, Director of JD Institute of Fashion Technology, shared his pride in the students’ accomplishments. “JD Design Awards is a celebration of our students’ creativity, passion, and journey as emerging designers,” he stated. “The Mumbai edition provided the opportunity to present months of hard work on a professional platform. Seeing them become confident young designers is immensely rewarding. My message to every aspiring designer is: enjoy the process, believe in your ideas, and never stop creating.”
For the past 27 years, the JD Design Awards has stood as a premier launchpad for emerging talent, offering them a space to showcase their skills, forge industry connections, and gain invaluable practical experience.
About JD Institute of Fashion Technology: Founded in 1988, JD Institute of Fashion Technology is one of India’s premier design education institutions, specializing in Fashion and Interior Design. Boasting a remarkable 99.67% placement record and 48 centers across India, the institute is celebrated for its industry-aligned curriculum and robust alumni network. JD Institute also operates internationally in Malaysia and Nepal, with current expansions underway in Dubai.
