The merging of innovation, sustainability, and traditional craftsmanship in fashion was the topic of a recent nine-day study trip to India by the University of Haifa’s Fashion Design Department. Led by department head Rachel Getz Saloman and lecturer Tamara Efrat, the students engaged in a comprehensive program that included workshops, research, and creative collaborations.
Their course, “Fashion Studio–Craft Smart Technologies,” included this excursion as a component to investigate the fusion of traditional craft and modern design. This cross-cultural interaction was made possible by the Israeli Embassy in India, which emphasised the value of cooperation in the fashion and design industries.
Students collaborated with Delhi’s Instant Karma, a technology factory, during their stay. There, they developed clothing sets that blended handcrafted and technologically produced pieces while learning about sustainable design principles.
To further their knowledge of traditional textile techniques, the students also went to the JD Academy of Textiles and Fashion, where they took part in a batik workshop and attended lectures.
They also travelled to Jaipur, Rajasthan, where they participated in interactive workshops in block-printing, tie-dye, and embroidery techniques to learn more about the area’s rich textile tradition.
“India is a major source of inspiration for designers and artists because of its vibrant craft culture,” said Rachel Getz Saloman, who was excited about the partnership. She expressed gratitude to all of the partners for the chance and hoped that they would continue to work together in the future.
This cooperation, which aims to promote creativity and innovation through meaningful encounters, was highlighted by the Israel Embassy as evidence of the expanding cultural ties between India and Israel.
