The International Apparel Federation ((IAF) and the International Foundation of Fashion Technology Institutes (IFFTI) will join forces to better connect business and education in the fashion sector.

IAF Secretary General Han Bekke and IFFTI Secretary Commodore Vijay Chaturvedi  have signed a memorandum of cooperation in Tokyo, where IFFTI is holding its 16th annual conference.

Valuable exchange

“The IAF-IFFTI  link should be a valuable exchange platform for demands from the fashion industry to education and vice versa, helping each other’s members with a clear vision of current and future needs,” said Han Bekke. “The exchange of information should form a part of the solution of major challenges faced by the industry.”

Vijay Chaturvedi also said he believes that the linkage of IAF’s and IFFTI’s international networks should potentially provide practical value for all of our members.

IAF’s education committee of representatives from the industry  is chaired by Souraya Bouwmans, Dean of Amsterdam Fashion Institute, who is also member of the Executive Committee of IFFTI.

IAF’s awards programme

Both institutes agreed to closely work together in IAF’s awards programme. IFFTI members will promote the opportunity of participating in the IAF student award to the foundation’s graduating students. They will enter the competition with their graduation work in the categories design, product development and branding. The prize will be a half year fully paid internship at a fashion company.

Secondly, they will join forces in organising the IAF designer award. IFFTI members will invite alumni to apply for the award and to nominate one designer with a maximum of five years of professional experience.

The winner of the IAF Designer Award is given a fully paid visit to the IAF World Fashion Convention the next year. There, the winner can present his or her winning collection on the catwalk.

Supporting industry

The IAF is the leading federation for apparel manufacturers, their associations, apparel retailers and the supporting industry. IAF’s membership now includes apparel associations from nearly 60 countries representing over 200,000 companies.

IFFTI is an international body comprising of leading international fashion universities and schools focused on helping its members in upgrading their programs, assist in bringing about sharp professionalism in the structure and operation of the fashion industry in their respective countries. Presently IFFTI comprises 45 institutions from 23 countries around the world.

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