Choosing the right design college is one of the most crucial decisions for any aspiring fashion and textile designer. With Delhi NCR being a thriving hub for design education, culture, and industry, it offers a fertile ground for budding designers to hone their skills, connect with creative minds, and establish a strong foundation in the fashion and textile world. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the top 8 fashion and textile design colleges in Delhi NCR—highlighting their unique offerings, curriculum strengths, and the kind of opportunities they bring to students.
While we aim to present an unbiased perspective, special emphasis is given to The Design Village (TDV), a standout institution that offers a future-forward, student-centric approach to design education.
- The Design Village (TDV), Noida
Located in the heart of Noida, The Design Village is more than just a design college—it is a transdisciplinary ecosystem that blends Indian context with global sensibilities. TDV offers B.Des and M.Des programmes in Fashion and Textile Design, curated for students who wish to shape the future of design through innovation, sustainability, and culture.
What Makes TDV Unique?
- Curriculum Designed for the Future: TDV’s curriculum blends design history, material explorations, sustainability, and market strategy—making it holistic and industry-ready.
- Transdisciplinary Learning: Students are encouraged to explore across domains such as graphic design, product design, and interaction design.
- International Collaborations: TDV has academic partnerships with design schools across Europe, enabling student exchange and joint projects.
- Hands-on Studio Practice: Emphasis on working in real-time studios and learning from industry mentors.
- Focus on Sustainability and Culture: Students explore ethical fashion, natural dyeing, and responsible sourcing as part of their coursework.
Facilities
- Industry-level textile labs and prototyping spaces
- Sustainable material library
- Active mentorship programmes with top designers
- Studio-style classrooms to promote collaborative learning
If you’re someone looking to study fashion and textile design in a dynamic, globally aligned setting, TDV offers the perfect blend of academic rigour and creative exploration.
- Indian Institute of Art & Design (IIAD), Delhi
Situated in Okhla, Delhi, IIAD offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in fashion design, in collaboration with Kingston University, London. It provides a British-style curriculum that fosters critical thinking and design experimentation.
Highlights
- Studio-based pedagogy
- Regular industry interactions and internships
- Focus on both Indian and international fashion markets
IIAD suits students who value structured Western education and strong academic mentorship.
- Pearl Academy, Delhi (West Campus & Noida)
Pearl Academy is one of the most recognised names in design education across India. Its campuses in Delhi offer undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional certificate programmes in Fashion Design and Textile Design.
What to Expect
- Trend forecasting and fashion styling labs
- Tie-ups with Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI)
- Strong placement support across luxury and fast-fashion sectors
Pearl is known for its robust fashion styling focus and consistent record in producing industry-ready professionals.
- World University of Design (WUD), Sonipat
Just off the Delhi border in Sonipat, WUD is a rising star in fashion education. The school offers B.Des and M.Des programmes in fashion design with electives in sustainable fashion and fashion communication.
Notable Features
- Interdisciplinary approach across fashion, visual arts, and communication
- Modern campus with well-equipped fashion labs
- Strong focus on entrepreneurship in fashion
WUD is ideal for students interested in blending fashion with business and sustainability.
- Unitedworld Institute of Design (UID), NCR Campus
UID, part of Karnavati University, has a growing reputation in design education. Their NCR centre provides strong academic grounding with real-world exposure.
Offerings
- Structured four-year B.Des in Fashion Design
- Emphasis on product and apparel innovation
- Opportunities for international exposure and internships
UID suits students aiming to build a technically sound and creatively fulfilling design career.
- National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Delhi
No list would be complete without mentioning NIFT Delhi, the pioneer in fashion education in India. It is a government-funded institution offering B.Des and M.F.Tech courses with a strong emphasis on industry linkage.
Why Choose NIFT?
- Legacy of excellence and alumni network
- Specialised courses in knitwear, leather, fashion tech, and fashion communication
- High employability and competitive entrance exam (NIFT)
NIFT is ideal for those who prefer a structured, prestigious, and exam-oriented route to fashion.
- JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi
JD Institute has been a longstanding institution offering diploma and degree courses in fashion design and textile design.
Highlights
- Skill-based learning approach
- Active alumni network in the fashion retail industry
- Short-term and long-term programmes
It’s suitable for students seeking flexible learning modules and hands-on project-based learning.
- Sushant School of Design, Gurgaon
Part of Ansal University, Sushant School of Design offers undergraduate design courses, including fashion and textile design.
What’s Special?
- Integration of fashion with architecture and lifestyle domains
- Strong mentor-led studios and research-oriented coursework
Students looking for a boutique experience in a serene campus environment will find this college a good fit.
Why TDV Stands Out Among Fashion and Textile Colleges
While all the institutions mentioned above offer strong foundations in fashion and textile education, TDV shines through its unique approach that integrates sustainability, culture, and innovation.
- It encourages students to craft their own design identity rather than follow trends.
- Offers flexibility in choosing projects across disciplines like interaction design, communication design, and more.
- Focuses not just on visual aesthetics but also on the social, ethical, and functional impact of fashion.
Moreover, TDV’s curriculum encourages students to immerse themselves in studio culture, hands-on prototyping, and storytelling through fabric and form. Topics covered include:
- Fashion Illustration and History
- Sustainable Textile Practices
- Indian Craft Traditions
- Future Materials and Design
- Fashion Marketing and Communication
- User-Centred and Ethical Design Thinking
Final Thoughts
Delhi NCR is home to some of India’s most forward-thinking design schools. Whether you prioritise global exposure, sustainability, or entrepreneurship, there’s a perfect fit for every student. That said, The Design Village (TDV) offers a rare blend of flexibility, mentorship, international collaboration, and deep contextual relevance that sets it apart.
For students passionate about shaping the future of fashion—not just participating in it—TDV provides a creative and academic ecosystem designed for the next generation of storytellers, innovators, and changemakers.
