The Liva Protégé Textile Design Competition, a pioneering initiative by Birla Cellulose in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), culminated in a grand finale at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. This event celebrated the creativity and innovation of 15 student finalists from NIFT centres across India, who showcased their designs in three categories: Surface Design, Woven Design, and Print Design.

Liva Protégé is a premier fashion competition in India that provides a platform for young designers to showcase their creativity and gain recognition in the fashion industry. Under the mentorship of renowned designer Karishma Shahani Khan, the finalists placed sustainability at the heart of their creations. Their designs featured eco-friendly materials such as Livaeco fabrics and recycled yarns, employing zero waste techniques and deadstock materials. This initiative underscores Birla Cellulose’s commitment to promoting sustainable practices in the textile industry.

The esteemed jury panel included industry leaders Narendra Kumar, Ekta Saran, and Dr. Deepa Chandran, along with Ms. Anupama Mohan and Dr. Aspi Patel from the Birla Cellulose executive committee. They evaluated the finalists’ innovative works, focusing on creativity, sustainability, and design innovation. Senior leaders from Aditya Birla-Grasim Industries, including Manmohan Singh, Suraj Bahirwani, and Murugan Thenkondar, presented awards to the winners. Representing NIFT centres in Patna, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, the winners were recognized for their exceptional talent and awarded certificates, trophies, and cash prizes.

The event also featured an engaging speaker session, where industry leaders, including Karishma Shahani Khan, Surya Vallari (Chief Sustainability Officer, Birla Cellulose), and Prof. Dr. Sharmila Dua (Director, NIFT Mumbai), shared valuable insights on sustainability, innovation, and the importance of nurturing young talent in the textile industry.

Speaking about the competition, Manmohan Singh, Chief Marketing Officer at Birla Cellulose said, “The Liva Protégé Textile Design Competition exemplifies our dedication to fostering innovation and sustainability in the textile industry. It is inspiring to witness the talent and creativity of these young designers, who are paving the way for a more sustainable future. We are proud to support initiatives that celebrate creativity while promoting responsible design practices.”

Attended by prominent industry figures and NIFT officials, the event highlighted the transformative journey of Gen Next designers and reinforced the promising future of sustainable textile design.