From a family vision established in 1988 to a growing ecosystem of nine brands and a network of over 45,000 alumni, JD Institute marks a milestone shaped by generations of educators, students and industry voices.

Every creative journey begins with a willingness to imagine something different. For some, it becomes a career; for others, a lifelong pursuit of self-expression. At JD Institute of Fashion Technology, that journey has been unfolding for 38 years, shaped by a belief in creativity, experimentation and the power of education to help individuals discover their potential.

On October 13, 2026, the institute celebrated its 38th anniversary at Bombae Apartment Club in Mumbai, bringing together students, team members, educators and prominent voices from the creative industries. More than a celebration of longevity, the occasion reflected the people and ideas that have contributed to JD’s evolution since its founding in 1988.

A Legacy Built Across Generations

What began as a family-led vision has grown into an ecosystem of nine brands spanning education, industry, creativity, technology and community. As fashion and design continue to evolve, JD has adapted to emerging practices and technological advancements while remaining rooted in the principles that shaped its early years.

The institute’s journey has been guided by generations of the Dalal family, alongside educators, centre directors, students and alumni who have carried its creative spirit into the wider industry.

The anniversary brought this community together, with renowned fashion designer Archana Kochhar, legendary photographer Vikram Bawa, Paul David Martin, Sachin Pardeshi, Janhavi Patwardhan, Navnedhi Waddhwa, writer Sangeeta Wadhwani, entrepreneur Vinit Parikh, film producer Tushar Rothe and actor Alok Arora among the attendees.

Their presence offered students an opportunity to interact with established industry professionals, exchange perspectives and build connections beyond the classroom — a reminder that creative education extends well beyond textbooks and studio assignments.

Where Learning Meets Self-Expression

In an industry shaped by changing aesthetics, emerging technologies and evolving consumer expectations, design education must create room for curiosity as much as technical learning.

At JD, creativity and self-expression remain central to the educational experience. Students are encouraged to experiment, explore ideas and develop confidence in their individual approaches to design. Interaction and enjoyment also form part of this philosophy, allowing learners to discover their strengths while embracing the process of creating.

This emphasis on exploration reflects a wider understanding of what it takes to enter the creative industries. Beyond acquiring technical skills, aspiring designers need the confidence to articulate ideas, respond to change and develop a perspective of their own.

The institution continues to evolve under the guidance of Yogesh Dalal, Trustee, and Dr Payal Dalal, Director, JD Institute of Fashion Technology, while maintaining its focus on the next generation of creative talent.

38 Years, 45,000 Journeys and Counting

For Rinesh Dalal, Director of JD Institute of Fashion Technology, the anniversary is as much about the people behind the institution as it is about the milestone itself.

“Thirty-eight years of JD is a story of generations of students who came here with an ambition and went on to build their own journeys in the creative industry. What began with my grandfather Chandrakant Dalal’s and my parent’s vision has grown through the belief of our teachers, the trust of parents and the efforts of everyone who has been part of JD. A special thank you to all our Centre Directors for relentlessly working hard and ensuring the best education to students. As we celebrate this milestone, we also celebrate the people who have brought us here and the generations of creative talent who will take this journey forward,” he said.

The institute’s network of more than 45,000 graduates and alumni represents the reach of that journey. Each graduate carries a part of the JD experience into the creative industry, contributing to a broader community shaped by shared learning and individual ambition.

The Next Chapter of Creative Education

As JD Institute looks towards the future, its priorities remain centred on nurturing curiosity, encouraging creative expression and helping students develop confidence in their abilities.

The next phase will unfold in an industry where design increasingly intersects with technology, culture and new ways of thinking. For educational institutions, the challenge is to prepare students not simply for the roles that exist today, but for the possibilities that are still emerging.

Thirty-eight years after its beginnings, JD’s story continues through the students entering its classrooms, the educators guiding them and the alumni building careers of their own.

Ultimately, a creative institution’s legacy is measured not only in the years it has existed, but in the ideas it inspires and the people it empowers to bring those ideas to life.