Noida
In a major step toward redefining fashion education in India, IMS Design and Innovation Academy (IMS-DIA), in collaboration with Medusa Fashion House, has announced the launch of the country’s first “Runway-to-Brand” intensive diploma programme. Designed as a three-month industry-integrated course, the programme aims to transform aspiring designers into global fashion entrepreneurs by bridging the gap between creativity and business execution.
Unlike conventional design programmes that primarily focus on theoretical knowledge and basic skill-building, this diploma has been conceptualized as a complete “execution ecosystem.” It enables participants to experience the entire journey of building a fashion brand—from conceptualisation and design to production, branding, and eventual launch. The programme will culminate with participants showcasing their signature outfits on an international platform such as London Fashion Week, providing them with unmatched global exposure.
Industry-Focused Learning with Global Exposure
Vice President of IMS Noida, Chirag Gupta, emphasized that the initiative goes beyond traditional education. He noted that the programme is not just about teaching design skills but about creating a real-world platform where designers can establish themselves globally. According to him, the vision behind the initiative is to nurture international-level fashion brands emerging from India.
The 12-week diploma is structured around four key pillars—technical construction, runway development, brand foundation, and commercialisation. Participants will receive hands-on training in advanced pattern making, draping, garment finishing, brand positioning, pricing strategies, and market-oriented planning. This holistic approach ensures that designers gain both creative and entrepreneurial competencies.
From Concept to Commercial Brand
A defining feature of the programme is its focus on outcomes. During the course, participants will develop a signature runway outfit along with a complete technical garment file, a well-defined brand identity, a comprehensive business strategy, and a professional digital lookbook. This ensures that by the end of the programme, each participant not only has a design portfolio but also a market-ready brand concept.
Selected participants will get the opportunity to present their work on international runways, which will significantly enhance their visibility and credibility in the global fashion industry. The exposure is expected to open doors to collaborations, partnerships, and industry recognition.
Strong Industry Collaboration
Sonal Jindal, Founder of Medusa Fashion House, described the collaboration as a significant step toward making Indian designers globally competitive. She highlighted that the programme integrates essential industry components such as professional photography, videography, international public relations, media exposure, and digital promotion.
By combining design, execution, and commercialisation on a single platform, the initiative aims to set new benchmarks in fashion education in India. It is designed to be result-oriented, focusing on reducing the gap between creative talent and commercial success.
Personalised Mentorship and Practical Training
Dean of IMS-DIA, Prof. (Dr.) M.K.V. Nair, underlined that the programme’s strength lies in its execution-driven approach. He explained that participants will not only learn design techniques but will also graduate with a fully developed brand and access to global opportunities.
To ensure quality training and personalised attention, the programme will have a limited batch size of 32 participants. This will allow for intensive mentoring, hands-on learning, and focused guidance throughout the course duration.
Integration with Academic Curriculum
In addition to the diploma programme, IMS-DIA plans to integrate this initiative into its Bachelor of Design curriculum. Under this framework, fourth-year students will have the opportunity to present their signature collections at London Fashion Week as part of the “DIA Collection.” This integration reflects the institution’s commitment to aligning academic learning with real-world industry exposure.
A New Benchmark in Fashion Education
The “Runway-to-Brand” diploma represents a significant shift in how fashion education is delivered in India. By offering a structured pathway from sketch to global showcase within just 90 days, the programme addresses a critical gap in the industry—equipping designers with both creative expertise and business acumen.
As the fashion industry continues to evolve in a highly competitive and globalised environment, such initiatives are expected to play a crucial role in preparing Indian designers for international success. The programme not only empowers participants with skills but also provides them with a platform to launch and scale their brands on a global stage.
