Kollam, Apr.13, 2010

Now Kerala is readying for its very own dream fashion institute, the IFTK or Institute of Fashion Technology Kerala, modelled on the lines of the prestigious NIFT, National Institute of Fashion Technology, New Delhi. Set up over one and a half acres of land near Vellimon here, under the initiative of Centre for Continuing Education, it will function with technical support from NIFT which has a branch at Kannur. Noted architect Shanker of Habitat has been entrusted with the designing.

Chief minister VS Achuthanandan inaugurated the launch on April 5, 2010. Education minister MA Baby presided over the ceremony.Rs.372.71 lakhs has been sanctioned for implementing the first phase of the campus.

The courses that are in the offing are 1) Diploma (3 yrs) in fashion designing (qualification:plus two); 2) Post graduate diploma (2 yrs) in garment manufacture technology (qualification:degree); 3) Post graduate diploma (2 yrs) in fashion marketing & merchandising ( qualification:degree). These courses will cost around Rs.35,000/- per semester on an average. There will also be certificate courses in pattern making and portfolio management. The syllabus, training modules, lab/studio equipment and other facilities etc are being looked into and guided by NIFT. Students successfully clearing the courses will be given certificates and job placement by NIFT.