Handloom and Textiles Seminar by Dr May Jacob
Handloom and Textile Seminar was hosted by Academy of design & Management under the guaidence of JD Institute of Fashion Technology Cochin on December 7, 2023. Dr. May Jacob, Director of Research and Project Development at Agronature, led the entire seminar. The insightful program covered a wide range of topics, leaving a lasting impression on students from the Fashion and Interior Design departments. Alna Vincent gave a warm welcome to the audience and thanked Dr. May Jacob for bringing her knowledge to the institute. Pratheeksha P.P. passionately expressed her gratitude.
Introduction to Handloom Textiles and Traceability: Dr. May kicked off the session by providing a thorough rundown of handloom textiles and outlining the distinguishing features that make them unique. She also stressed the significance of traceability in handloom products, stressing the importance of comprehending the origin and journey of each cloth.
The seminar then extended its focus to cooperatives operating in the handloom industry, with particular attention to Kerala, India. Dr. May highlighted the collaborative efforts made by these co-ops, illustrating the sense of community that powers the handloom sector in the area.
Dr. May Jacob addressed the difficulties faced by weavers by emphasizing the hardships and efforts of those engaged in handloom manufacture. The conference gave attendees a sobering look into the realities of the business, including the need for effective marketing and communication to promote handloom products and the preservation of traditional workmanship in the face of economic challenges. She discussed successful programs and underlined the role that responsible consumption has in preserving the handloom industry.
In order to reinforce the concepts that were taught, the students actively participated in an interactive exercise. Dr. May broke them into groups and handed them the tasks of building a brand, generating things, and designing a marketing strategy for handloom textiles. Students present their creative ideas at the end of the session, demonstrating their increased comprehension of the material.
The participants were drawn from a wide range of academic backgrounds, including second-year Interior Design students pursuing both BSc and MSc programs and students from all Fashion departments.The discussions were enhanced and a thorough understanding of handloom textiles was fostered by this multidisciplinary approach.
On behalf of the institute, Pratheeksha P.P. enthusiastically expressed gratitude. Both the kids’ active participation and Dr. May Jacob’s good insights were applauded. Pratheeksha highlighted the role that these kinds of events play in shaping students’ academic and professional paths.
Lastly, the Academy of design & Management under the guidance of JD Institute of Fashion Technology in Cochin hosted Dr. May Jacob’s lecture, which was a fascinating talk that enhanced students’ understanding of handloom fabrics and gave them useful insights through an interactive branding exercise. Creativity, awareness, and a deeper understanding for the intricate world of handlooming were all sparked by the event.
