FDDI participated in the 37th India International Leather Fair (IILF-2024), which was held between 31st January to 3rd February 2024 at Chennai Trade Centre, Nandambakkam, Chennai.
The 37th IILF was inaugurated by Mrs. Supriya Sahu, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary to Environment, Climate Change and Forest Department, Government of Tamil Nadu in the august presence of Mr. Rajendra Kumar Jalan, Chairman, Council for Leather Exports (CLE), Mr. R Selvam, IAS, Executive Director, CLE, Mr. Mukhtarul Amin, Chairman and Managing Director, Superhouse Group, Mr. Sanjay Leekha, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Alpine Group along with the captains of Indian Leather Industry.
Over 400 companies from India and abroad, including about 100 exhibitors from overseas displayed their products that provided insight into latest innovations in the areas of technology and trends of leather & footwear industry. The fair had on display the entire range of products relating to leather industry from raw material to finished products and auxiliary products.
FDDI's participation in the event was marked by a prominent presence, featuring a well-designed Stall No. HCC 09-A at Convention Centre, that showcased the institute's diversifications and areas in Footwear, Leather Goods and Garment, Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising.
FDDI showcased Design collections made by students at various campuses which had been awarded at various national categories during the current semesters which included a diverse range of footwear, bags, garments products, including prototypes, samples, and finished goods, highlighting FDDI's design prowess and technical capabilities. The theme was focused on sustainable collection for the year 2024 at FDDI Stall.
The services of FDDI’s International Testing Centres (ITC) for supporting the footwear and leather industry were also provided to the perspective visitors. Information about the academic programmes of the FDDI which is having the status of ‘Institute of National Importance’ as per FDDI Act, 2017 was also provided to the students.
To explore potential collaboration opportunities during the fair, Mr. Pankaj Kumar Sinha, Managing Director (MD), FDDI had discussions with heads of various industries, institutions, and organizations within the leather, footwear, and allied industries on how FDDI could contribute through technology transfer, training programs, and consultancy support. He also attended the Invest India Round Table Conference at Tanjore Board Room, Hotel ITC Grand Chola on 01st February 2024.
During the fair, ‘Expert Talk’ was held by FDDI on 02nd February 2024 which garnered active participation from industry experts and students.
During the session on ‘Bio Mechanics – Future of Footwear’, Dr. Priyadharshini, Sr. Faculty provided an overview of biomechanics, explaining its significance in understanding the mechanical principles governing human movement and physiology. She discussed the role of biomechanics in footwear design, emphasizing the importance of designing shoes that enhance biomechanical efficiency and reduce the risk of injuries.
Mr. Anoop Singh Rana HoS, LGAD delivered a presentation focusing on sustainable design practices in the production and consumption of leather products. He discussed the environmental impact of conventional leather manufacturing processes and emphasized the need for adopting eco-friendly alternatives. He also highlighted FDDI's initiatives in promoting sustainable leather production and encouraged industry stakeholders to embrace responsible practices.
During the fair, CLE organized the 7th edition of ‘Designers Fair’ in which FDDI displayed a wide range of creations at its stand no.36. The stall was visited by popular overseas and Indian designers.
The ‘Designers Fair’ provide an opportunity to the Indian manufacturers and exporters of leather products and footwear to meet popular overseas and Indian designers and a chance to understand the latest trends, updates, gain insights, and build partnerships.
