A two-day virtual Faculty Development Program (FDP) on ‘Fashion Design and Sustainability’ was held at FDDI, Kolkata on 23rd and 24th September 2024, Faculty Development Program.
This FDP which was coordinated by Ms. Basumitra Ghosh Mukherjee, Sr. Faculty - LLPD aimed at enhancing the knowledge and capabilities of faculty members, promoting a comprehensive understanding of sustainability and its application in academic and professional spheres.
The program was facilitated by Dr. Urmila Jha-Thakur, Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) in Environmental Planning and Management at the University of Liverpool, UK. Dr. Jha-Thakur, a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) with extensive experience in environmental planning and management, led the sessions, sharing her expertise on integrating sustainability into fashion and design education.
On 23rd September 2024 i.e. on the first day the topic of the session was ‘Introduction to Sustainable Development and Fashion, Design, and Sustainability’ during which Dr. Jha-Thakur introduced participants to the key principles of sustainable development and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting their impact on various aspects of society and the environment.
On 24th September 2024, i.e. on the second day of the FDP, the topic of the session was ‘Introduction to Circular Economy and Thinking of Circularity in Fashion & Design’ during which she delved into the concepts of the circular economy, explaining how it differs from the traditional linear model and its potential to transform the fashion and leather industry.
The use of digital technology ensured that the session which was attended by approximately 24 faculty members was engaging and accessible, with all participants actively involved. It provided a valuable opportunity for educators to deepen their understanding of sustainable development and circular economy concepts and to explore their practical application in the fields of fashion and design.