The Higher Education Review

Late B. Vedhagiri, a PhD scholar, a Master degree holder in Economics, Management & Public Relations is also the Founder Chairman of BVG Educational Trust , Director of Indian Institute of Fashion Technology, conducting Skill Development Training Programs and the Chairman of IIFT College of Fashion. He was also a Rotarian past president of Rotary club and District Director of CSR.

Rajeswari Vedhagiri, Director

Rajeswari Vedhagiri, w/o late B. Vedhagiri, is a Master degree holder in Commerce (M.Com), Marketing Management (MMM) and a Fellow of Insurance Institute of India (FIII).

On 28 July 2010, an awe-inspiring stage was set in Bangalore for a record-breaking fashion extravaganza - Fashionite 2010. Prasad Bidapa, undoubtedly one of the most iconic fashion gurus of India, was busy on the back stage choreographing this mega show that featured 52 models and 542 ensembles. Using different fabrics like silk, cotton, satin and chiffon embellished with sequins and lace, there were styles for both men and women varying from formal party wear, trendy looks and soft flowing leisure garments in interesting shades of blue, green and coral. The themes varied from ecological to mythological, historical to contemporary. It was one of the biggest shows to be put together by a batch of graduating students. Now, Fashionite 2010 is in the Limca book of World Records for displaying most designs in a timeframe of 2 hr and 40 min.

Based in Bangalore, Indian Institute of Fashion Technology (IIFT) is known for such path breaking initiatives. Perhaps, that is the reason why IIFT is considered as one of best institutes in the country for aspiring fashion designers. “The core purpose of IIFT is to provide professional services associated with education and training in the field of Fashion Design and Designing Technology by adhering to international standards, which are reviewed continuously for improvement to accomplish consistent satisfaction. We instil

the real world and practical applications of education in those who have walked the halls of IIFT,” opines Rajeswari Vedhagiri, Director of IIFT, Chairperson of BVG Educational Trust and IIFT College of Fashion.

"IIFT is the only Fashion Institute that sends their students to fashion capital, Paris, for one-month internship and one-week trip during Paris Fashion week"

Established in 2001 by late B. Vedhagiri, an Ex-Serviceman who served in the Indian Air Force, IIFT has now evolved into a state of art, ultra-modern premier, multi-disciplinary training institute in the core areas of fashion and apparel technology and management. Approximately, over 3000 students have already graduated from IIFT and many of them are now working in attractive positions in the Fashion and Apparel Industry. Rajeswari Vedhagiri says, “Our training programs are tailor made to create Managerial and Executive level professionals for the Fashion and Apparel industry including the readymade Garment Factories.” Affiliated to Bangalore University, IIFT conducts B.Sc Fashion and Apparel Design. The institute also has collaborated with Karnataka State Women’s University to offer Master of Fashion Management (MFM) PG Diploma in Fashion Designing & Boutique Management and Diploma in Fashion Designing & Boutique Management.

One of the Most Preferred Choices for Fashion Designers

IIFT is the only Fashion Institute that sends their students to fashion capital, Paris, for one-month internship and one-week trip during Paris Fashion week. That means, being a student of IIFT is an opportunity to visit Paris during Paris Fashion Week and gain back stage experience of Paris Fashion Show. We have tied-up with leading design Academy in Paris. We send our students and faculties there for study internship, thus enhancing their knowledge. Teachers who visit Paris for Internship design the curriculum according to the Indian scenario and impart the same to students studying in IIFT,” shares Rajeswari Vedhagiri.

As fashion industry changes frequently with respect to trends, designs and patterns, IIFT has deployed a team of scholars who involves in updating the latest trends and includes the same in the curriculum, so that the students are up to date in their knowledge. All the faculty members of IIFT have postgraduate qualification including M.Sc., M.Phil in Fashion Designing,

Costume Designing, Textiles and MBA in Fashion. They publish papers and research articles on various topics related to the field of fashion. Rajeswari Vedhagiri claims, “We can proudly say that only IIFT has the maximum number of qualified teachers who are specialised in the field of Fashion in entire Bangalore. Our highly qualified teachers have produced university rank holders in undergraduate degree programme and gold medallists in Masters Degree twice.” IIFT utilises the services of distinguished eminent visiting faculties from the industry who takes classes for our Management students, thus imparting their knowledge and experience.

Creating a Wonderful Career

IIFT’s placement team plays a major role in being part of students’ life throughout their journey in in the institute. “As placement is the “key factor” or “end factor” in higher education of students, we take the for industrial visits to factories like Arvind Exports, Gokaldas Images, Gokaldas Exports, Central Silk Board, Boutiques, First Step Baby Wear and many more. We also involve students in market survey to gain end-to-end knowledge about fashion world,” explains Rajeswari Vedhagiri. Such Industrial visits and market surveys are value added learning method help students to have holistic learning and help students gain hands-on experience of how industry operations are executed.

IIFT students also undergo one month to six months internship, which helps them to gain hands-on experience about the actual working atmosphere, job descriptions and job profile available.
This has resulted in creating enviable placement figures. Today, IIFT students can be found in reputed organization including Shahi Exports, Gokaldas Images, Reliance Trends, Pantaloons, Myntra, Flipkart, Mom & Me, Snapdeal, Louis Philippe, Jockey, Levi’s, Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail, Arvind Lifestyle Brands and the list goes on. “In the coming year, we will be collaborating with more foreign institutes/academy, which will envisage faculty exchange programme on mutual interest and development. Ultimately, we resolve and dedicate ourselves to fulfil the vision of Founder Chairman and to keep the flag of IIFT flying higher and higher,” concludes Rajeswari Vedhagiri.