Leather designing is a new career field and different from fashion designing

Students pursuing a degree in Leather Designing can use their creativity in leather industry

With the demand of leather goods increasing at a global level, a specialised course in Leather Goods and Accessories Designing is making students stand out in a creative world.

Much against the misconception, Leather Designing is different from Fashion Designing, and students who pursue Bachelors course get a hands-on training in making of leather accessories and garments.

"Students get a detailed insight of the industry that is niche and has specific requirement of employees. Students make regular visit to the tanneries to learn about different type of cuts, functioning of machines and its components, computer software. This enhances their knowledge of leather and equips them with digital knowledge. Sound technical knowledge gives student an upper hand and they can become trendsetter by putting their creativity to use," says Abhishek, senior faculty at FDDI School of Leather Goods and Accessories Design, Noida.

A four-year programme comprises of eight semesters and is focused on concept building in the area of leather goods and accessories design and manufacturing technology. "Students are offered specialisation in Designing, Production and Merchandising," he adds.

A third year students of FDDI, Noida, Shubangi Saxena, said, "I was always keen to pursue a career in a creative field so a course in leather designing was apt. In last three years, I have been trained to make different types of bags, garments and belts."

After pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate course in leather designing, one can take up jobs as a production analyst, merchandiser, and designer and also work with internationally known brands such as Prada, Gucci and Zara provided one has exceptional creativity and aesthetic sense.

Alumni speak

I belong to Kanpur, famous for leather industry. Since childhood, I was fascinated by leather but couldn't convince my parents to take a course in this. My parents wanted me to pursue BBA, but I wasn't satisfied, so after my graduation I decided to pursue a master's degree in footwear designing. Now I am working with Nappa Dori, which is Indian leather luxury brand where I work as a merchandiser.

Mradul Gupta, Merchandiser, Nappa Dori