The Liva Protégé Textiles 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. The event celebrated the creativity and innovation of 15 student finalists from NIFT centres across India, showcasing their designs in Surface Design, Woven Design, and Print Design categories.

Liva Protégé is a fashion competition in India that helps young designers showcase their creativity and get noticed in the fashion industry. Guided by renowned mentor and designer Karishma Shahani Khan, the students infused sustainability at the core of their creations. Their innovative designs utilized eco-friendly materials such as Livaeco fabrics and recycled yarns, employing zero-waste techniques and dead stock materials to craft their collections. This initiative reflects Birla Cellulose’s commitment to promoting sustainable practices within the textile industry.

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

The event featured an inspiring speaker session with industry leaders, including Karishma Shahani Khan, Chief Sustainability Officer at Birla Cellulose- Mr. Surya Vallari, and NIFT Mumbai Director- Prof. Dr. Sharmila Dua. They shared valuable insights on sustainability, innovation, and the importance of nurturing young talent in the textile industry.

Manmohan Singh, Chief Marketing Officer at Birla Cellulose, remarked, “The Liva Protégé Textiles Design Competition exemplifies our dedication to fostering innovation and sustainability in the textile industry. It’s incredible 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 not only celebrate creativity but also emphasize the importance of responsible design practices.”

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