Workshops on creative skills, sustainable design to be held till November 3
Lucknow: Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow campus, launched its seven-day Design Festival-2026 on Wednesday, bringing together fashion, fine arts, traditional crafts and contemporary design. Organised by the Amity School of Fashion Technology (ASFT) and the Amity School of Fine Arts (ASFA), the festival will run from October 28 to November 3, with a series of creative and skill-based workshops for students.
The festival was inaugurated by Prof. (Dr.) Kumkum Ray, director, Amity School of Languages; Prof. (Dr.) Manju Agrawal; Director, RACESPH Centre of Excellence for Happiness Researches and Prof. (Dr.) Pooja Verma, director, ASFT and ASFA, who lit the ceremonial lamp. The event is being organised under the guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Anil Vashisht, pro-vice chancellor, Amity University Lucknow campus.
Welcoming the guests, Prof. (Dr.) Pooja Verma said the festival offers students a platform to explore creativity and innovation while reconnecting with traditional crafts. She said a compelling creative work reflects not just artistic expression but also the journey and experiences of the artist behind it. She described the festival as a positive initiative to promote sustainability and design-led thinking.
Prof. (Dr.) Kumkum Ray said innovation and renovation were integral not only to art but also to life. Prof. (Dr.) Manju Agrawal highlighted the complementary relationship between art and technology, comparing it to the connection between the mind and the body. She said creativity could flourish only when the two worked in harmony.
The inaugural session featured a ramp walk by third-semester fashion design students of ASFT. The students showcased designer outfits created by reusing discarded and unwanted fabrics, demonstrating how waste materials could be transformed into contemporary fashion. Student models presented the outfits, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern design elements.
The festival also features workshops focused on creativity and skill development, along with an exhibition of handmade products that has received appreciation from students and visitors.
Dr. Lali Priya and Dr. Angad Kumar Verma, assistant professors at ASFT, are coordinating the Design Festival 2026.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=RtToJsBhYBatUrym&v=mOuYNSdhjHA&feature=youtu.be
