Present : Ms. Padmapriya M. is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Fashion Technology (DFT) and holds the position of Campus Coordinator for DFT at NIFT Chennai. She also served as Unit In-Charge for CE & Diploma Programmes from 2016 to 2019 and as Student Development & Activity Coordinator (SDAC) from 2020 to 2023. She has 17 years of academic experience and 7 years of professional experience in fashion technology. She specializes in Apparel Product Development for woven and knitwear, with expertise in Pattern Making, Garment Construction, Pattern Engineering, Draping, Lingerie Garment Pattern Making, 2D Apparel CAD, 3D Body Scanning, 3D Apparel CAD, Garment Simulation, and Grading. She has been associated with NIFT Chennai since 2014. Her academic and professional practice focuses on integrating design and technology to enhance Apparel Product Development and digital garment technologies.

Her research interests include Apparel Product Development, Draping, Computer-Aided Pattern Development, Pattern Engineering, Garment Construction, 3D Garment Simulation, and Grading. She has expertise in industry-standard software, including Lectra, Gerber, Tukatech, Optitex, and CLO 3D. She coordinates and contributes to funded projects, industry training programmes, and government project initiatives. She successfully undertook and coordinated the Skill Development Project titled *Pattern Making & Garment Construction Training to Empower the Irular Tribes of Tamil Nadu, India*, sponsored by the Department of Tribal Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu. The project trained 50 tribal beneficiaries in Pattern Making and Garment Construction, thereby enhancing their employability and livelihood opportunities. She also coordinates a Customized Management Training Programme for Young Apparel Business Administrators of M/s OTTO Brand Private Limited, Chennai. She served as a faculty member in training programmes sponsored by the Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation (TNSDC), including the Bootcamp and Level-3 Project in Fashion Technology, where she delivered specialized training in Draping Techniques. She also trained participants in the Bootcamp Regional Training Project – Advanced Draping Training in the Department of Fashion Technology in preparation for the 48th WorldSkills Competition, scheduled to take place in Shanghai, China, from September 22–27, 2026. She has also contributed to industry projects and training initiatives associated with organizations and brands such as CIEL, Maybell, and Naidu Hall.

Ms. Padmapriya M. actively contributes to teaching, mentoring, academic development, industry engagement, and community-oriented skill development initiatives. She supports students in developing practical competencies in Pattern Making, Garment Construction, Computer-Aided Apparel Design, Grading, 3D Apparel CAD, and Garment Simulation. She is passionate about innovative Apparel Product Development and the application of digital technologies in fashion education and industry. She holds an MBA, a Master’s degree in Apparel Management, a Postgraduate Diploma in Computer-Aided Textile Manufacturing, and a three-year Graduate Diploma in Costume Designing and Dress Making. Through her continuing academic and professional engagement, she promotes the integration of design, technology, and industry practices in Fashion Technology education.