Lucknow – Exploring the transformative role of creative platforms in redesigning and reinterpreting traditional culture in contemporary contexts, the Amity School of Fine Arts and Amity School of Fashion Technology, Amity University Lucknow Campus, jointly organized an International Conference on “Couture as Canvas: Tradition Re-imagined Through Gen-Z Lenses” on March 25, 2026.
The conference commenced with the ceremonial lamp lighting by the Chief Guest, Mr. Yawar Ali Shah, Chief Executive Officer, AMA Herbals Private Limited, keynote speaker, Professor Rajan Shripad Fulari, Dean, School of Visual Arts, World University of Design, Wg. Cdr. (Retd.) Dr. Anil Kumar, Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor, Amity University and Professor Pooja Verma, Director, Amity School of Fine Arts and Amity School of Fashion Technology.
Professor (Dr.) Anil Vashisht, Pro Vice Chancellor, Amity University Lucknow Campus was also graced the inaugural session of the conference.
Welcoming the distinguished guests and participants, Professor Pooja Verma highlighted that the conference theme reflects the evolving dialogue between heritage and innovation. She emphasized that fashion has transcended its traditional role as mere attire to become a powerful medium of storytelling, identity, and artistic expression. “Couture as Canvas,” she noted, signifies how every fabric, silhouette, and design can narrate stories of culture, craftsmanship, and creativity.
Addressing the gathering, Wg. Cdr. (Retd.) Dr. Anil Kumar remarked that Gen-Z is emerging as a dynamic force in carrying forward traditions and values while reinterpreting them through contemporary perspectives. He expressed confidence that the conference would provide a vibrant platform for young minds to explore new concepts in design and digital arts.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Rajan Shripad Fulari shared insightful perspectives on traditional visual arts, stating that artistic expression goes beyond technique—it is deeply experiential. “A line is not merely drawn, it is felt; a texture is not just seen, it is remembered,” he said, adding that Gen-Z is engaging with traditional art forms through hybrid approaches that integrate craft with technology.
Chief Guest Yawar Ali Shah spoke about the importance of sustainable and natural couture, highlighting the environmental challenges posed by the textile industry. He underlined that while the fashion industry is rapidly evolving, promoting eco-friendly and traditional practices remains a challenge due to the slow and intricate nature of natural processes. He further added that when individual passion aligns collectively, it transforms into a mission—something that Gen-Z is increasingly embracing in the realm of sustainable fashion.
The conference also featured enriching sessions by Ritu Lal, Former Director, Apparel Training and Design Centre (ATDC), Noida, and Sadiq Raza, Founder of Fanash Design House, Kuwait, who shared their valuable insights on contemporary fashion practices.
The event included a poster presentation session, followed by parallel paper presentations conducted in both online and offline modes. The conference concluded with the distribution of prizes and certificates to participants.
The formal vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Priya Gupta, Senior Faculty, Amity School of Fashion Technology.
