Goa, India – On the evening of May 30th, 2025 at Panjim Gymkhana, with a spectacular celebration of design, culture, and creativity, once again, JD Design Awards is honoured to serve as the launchpad for the budding designers of JD School of Design, powered by JD Institute of Fashion Technology, providing them a prestigious platform to share their vision, voice, and creativity with the world. The event brought together visionaries, innovators, and storytellers for a day that redefined the boundaries of fashion and interior design. This edition invited audiences to slow down and reflect on identity, heritage, and the planet through fashion.
The runway presented 14 remarkable final-year fashion collections, each one a powerful narrative in fabric. Beyond the runway, the event also featured a dynamic interior design exhibit, showcasing thought-provoking spatial solutions developed by final-year interior design students. These exhibits highlighted sustainable living, biophilic design, cultural preservation, and future-forward spatial narratives. Two standout projects from the interior design department received top honours: The Best Design of the Year Award went to Naomi Anna Cardozo for Scentorium: Perfume Museum, a groundbreaking sensory experience that reimagines the museum as a place of connection, emotion, and stillness. The Best Concept of the Year Award was awarded to Maegan Cressie D’Costa for Workspace in Interior, a modern co-working space, seamlessly merging the raw strength of industrial design with the restorative qualities of nature.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Nealesh Dalal, Founder of JD School of Design, said: “What we witnessed tonight was more than fashion—it was a statement of who we are and who we can become. These young designers are the storytellers of tomorrow. Their work shows us that creativity, when rooted in culture and consciousness, has the power to influence not just style but society. JD Design Awards is proud to be their launchpad.” From the most awaited fashion show, taking top honours this year was Callista Pereira’s “Threads of Legacy,” which won the Conscious Craft Award (Thoughtful, wearable and ethical production). Taysha Althea Pereira received the Stitch and Form Award for her compelling collection “The Alchemy of Chaos”.
Ayushka Kote received The Beyond Gender Collection Award (For dismantling traditional norms) for her collection “Ornate Solace,” Sarveksha Mansingh Rane was awarded The Formless Design Award (Fluid, boundary-defying silhouettes) for “Sculpted Senses,” Mahek Shaikh won The Unconventional Avant-Garde Award for “Full Moon Party,” Sanjana Gurav took home the Best Pret-a-Porter Designer Award for “Aeternum,” Janice Marissa Botelho claimed The Experimental Textile Award (Best use of unusual materials) for “Aurora Terra,” Wekhrolou Kapfo earned The Heritage Reborn Award (Best modern twist on cultural attire) for “Victorian Era Reimagined,” Mehal Ramchandra Parab was honoured with the prestigious Golden Needle Award for “Divine Aura,” reflecting excellence in technique and vision. Other featured collections were– “The Garasia Edit” by Bhavanakumari A.C. – A vibrant resort wear tribute to Rajasthan’s Garasia tribe.
“Instrumental Vogue” by Sheryl Fernandes – Eco-conscious fashion inspired by extinct birds and the call for change. “Broken is Beautiful” by Minaz Shaikh – Streetwear and Kintsugi come together in appreciation of defect and strength. “Discordant Harmony” by Beverly Almeida – Dual reversible clothing that reconciles duality and Gen-Z appeal. Clynne Morgan Jorge – “The Wedding That Never Happened” – A strong statement on queer love and lost narratives. JD Design Awards, Goa, was honoured to host an esteemed panel of special guests whose contributions to education, art, community development, and innovation continue to shape the future of Goa.
Among the distinguished attendees were Vijay Sardesai – MLA, a Prominent political leader, Goa Forward Party and Current MLA of Fatorda constituency, renowned artist Mr. Subodh Kerkar, celebrated for his contributions to promoting Goan identity through art, Mr. Manharish Salelkar, a forward-thinker in the realm of technology and innovation, Mr. Praful Makwana, a Fashion Entrepreneur and social media influencer, Dr. Niyan Marchon – Program director, Doctorate of Higher Education, Goa State Higher Education Council and Mr. Yogesh Dalal – Trustee, JD Educational Trust, a committed patron of design education.
Their presence brought great prestige to the event, inspiring students and guests alike. All the collections and projects showcased a sense of design being both art and activism, strong, aware, and emotionally awakening. JD Design Awards 2025 was not just a show—it was an experience of narrative sewn with tact, cultural introspection, and innovation. With the support of our esteemed partners, The House of Samsara, Nirvana, Big Banyan, Roulette, Niko Photoworld and The Style. World, the event welcomed top figures in the design community, fashion press, and talent spotters, who declared the showcase “a revelation” and “a defining moment for new-age Indian design.” As India’s next wave of designers took a bow, the JD Design Awards 2025 reminded everyone present: the future of fashion isn’t about trends—it’s about purpose, people, and a pause that counts.
