Noida/Mar 25: Taking a significant step towards redefining fashion education, IMS Design and Innovation Academy (IMS-DIA), in collaboration with Medusa Fashion House, has launched India’s first “Runway-to-Brand” Intensive Diploma. The three-month, industry-integrated program aims to equip participants with the skills and exposure required to emerge as global fashion entrepreneurs.
According to the institute, the program departs from conventional classroom-based learning by offering a complete execution-driven ecosystem. It enables participants to move beyond design concepts and actually build, develop, and launch their own fashion brands. The journey culminates with the presentation of a signature outfit on an international runway platform such as London Fashion Week.
Designed as a high-impact and outcome-oriented initiative, the diploma focuses on bridging the gap between creativity and commercial viability. It provides a structured pathway that takes participants from initial sketches to the global stage within a span of just 90 days.
The initiative will also be integrated into the BDes Fashion Design program at IMS-DIA, where fourth-year participants will showcase their signature garments at London Fashion Week as part of a curated DIA Collection, thereby strengthening global exposure within the academic framework.
Speaking on the initiative, Vice President, IMS Noida, Chirag Gupta said that the program represents a shift in how fashion education is perceived and delivered in India. He noted that the institute is building a platform where participants not only learn but also create, present, and position themselves on international platforms, with a clear focus on developing fashion brands for global markets.
The 12-week diploma is structured around four core pillars—Technical Construction, Runway Development, Brand Foundation, and Commercialization. Participants will receive training in advanced pattern making, draping, couture finishing, textile understanding, concept development, storytelling, brand positioning, pricing, and market strategies.
Throughout the program, participants will develop a comprehensive fashion ecosystem that includes a signature runway outfit, a technical garment file with patterns and costing, a brand identity and business strategy, as well as a digital lookbook and pricing model. Selected participants will also have the opportunity to present their work on international runways, gaining valuable media visibility and access to global industry networks.
Sonal Jindal, Founder of Medusa Fashion House, emphasized that the collaboration aims to nurture a new generation of designers who are not only creatively strong but also globally relevant. She highlighted that the integration of technical excellence, brand thinking, and international exposure will enable participants to establish themselves beyond geographical boundaries.
Dean, IMS-DIA, Prof. (Dr.) M.K.V. Nair stated that the distinguishing feature of the program lies in its execution-led approach. He added that participants will graduate not just with designs, but with a fully developed brand, a market-ready product, and a clear pathway into the global fashion ecosystem.
With a limited intake of 32 participants, the program ensures personalized mentorship and intensive hands-on training. In addition to runway exposure, participants will benefit from professional photography and videography, international PR and media outreach, digital promotion, and interactions with global fashion stakeholders.
The institute believes that by integrating design, execution, and commercialization into a single framework, the initiative will set new benchmarks and position IMS-DIA at the forefront of a new era in fashion education in India.
