
Diya Thakur
Footwear Design and Development Institute
I’m Diya Thakur, a final-year Bachelor of Design student specialising in Leather Lifestyle and Product Design at FDD (an institute of national importance under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry). My creative journey is grounded in hands-on experience—from leather tannery training in a Kolkata tannery to crafting finished leather pieces. I am passionate about elevating leather through sustainable practices, material innovation, and cultural storytelling. During my internships at ICH Creative India’s leading trend forecasting agency and Nykaa India's biggest beauty retailer, I explored the nexus of fashion, design, trend forecasting, and consumer behaviour. These experiences refined my understanding of leather as a dynamic narrative medium, where craftsmanship, cultural identity, and modern aesthetics converge. Through this competition, I am excited to challenge conventional perceptions of leather, experimenting with contemporary designs and eco-conscious techniques. I aim to create designs that resonate emotionally, communicate stories, and redefine luxury with responsibility.