Dr. Afrose Fathima Farid is a Professor in the Department of Textile Design and Campus Academic Coordinator at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Kannur. She specializes in textile design, fashion education, sustainable textiles, textile technology, and design innovation, with over two decades of academic and professional experience. She holds a Ph.D. in Textiles and Clothing from the University of Madras, along with an M.Phil. and M.Sc. in the same discipline.
Ranitha Ramesh is an Assistant Professor in the Fashion Communication department at NIFT Kannur, where she teaches and conducts research in fashion styling, trend spotting and forecasting, craft, fashion culture, and costume studies. She joined NIFT in 2018 and is an alumna of the NIFT Kannur campus. She holds a Master’s in Design from NIFT, Kannur, and a B.Sc. in Fashion and Apparel Design from Acharya Institute of Graduate Studies, Bangalore University. Her professional experience includes bridalwear design, styling, and academic teaching.
Dr. Pravin Chavanis an Assistant Professor with the Department of Textile design, NIFT Kannur. He has completed his PhD in
functional modifications for speciality applications in textiles. Having more than 5 years of experience in research and development
which comprises, two years of TEQIP-INN project& more than 3.5 years of Industrial experience, where his key area is to develop
functional yarn from Man-made fibres such as fire retardant, Antimicrobial, UV protective properties & floor covering yarn. During
Ms. Tejeswinee K is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Fashion Communication at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Kannur. Her areas of expertise include AI in fashion, web design, UIUX, and design innovation and methodology. She brings over a decade of academic, research, and professional experience across computer science, technology, and design education. She holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering and a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering from Anna University.
Girinath Gopinath is an Assistant Professor at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Kannur, with expertise in textile and jewellery design, product design, craft development, illustration, and design education. He brings experience across academia, industry, and creative practice, with a focus on material exploration, Indian craft, visual language, and contemporary design. After working in the jewellery industry and establishing his design brand, Ingots, he joined NIFT as an Assistant Professor in Bengaluru in 2009 and subsequently moved to NIFT Kannur.
Mr.Sureshkumar Duraisamy is an Associate Professor, currently in Knitwear Design department. He joined as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Fashion Technology in the year 2009. He is specialized in teaching subjects like Fibers, Weaving, Knitting, Dyeing, Printing, Finishing, Operation Research, Apparel Manufacturing, Textile Testing, etc.
Dr. Sunny Bairisal is an Assistant Professor and Centre Coordinator at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Kannur, specializing in Design Thinking, Design Research Methodology, Art and Design Aesthetics, and Design for Sustainability. He holds a PhD in Empirical Studies in Aesthetics Responses from IIT Delhi, a Master of Design from IISc Bangalore, and a background in Industrial Production Engineering.
T. Pugazhenthi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Textile Design and serves as IT In-Charge at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Kannur. He specializes in textile printing, weaving, dobby and jacquard weaving, CAD, and computer applications in textiles. He has extensive academic and professional experience in textile technology, design, and information technology. He earned a Master’s degree in Computer Applications with specialization in Textile Technology and joined NIFT in 2005.

This project focused on improving assortment planning for newly opened Rare Rabbit large-format stores by identifying planning gaps and reducing dependence on subjective decision-making. Analysis of AW25 and SS25 data revealed 8,332 units of inventory mismatch worth approximately ₹2.08 crore, caused by under-dispatching high-performing categories and over-dispatching low-performing ones.

This project aimed to enhance merchandising efficiency and reduce sampling lead time at Shahi Exports by identifying process inefficiencies. Key issues included lack of real-time sample tracking, sample mishandling, repeated revisions, limited SOP awareness, and inefficient workflows. These factors caused delays, rework, and reduced operational effectiveness.