Graduate Diploma in Fashion Designing & Management
One year, full-time. Design the garment, then learn the business that carries it to a customer.
- 1 year
- Full-time
- 10+2 / PUC / equivalent
- Shivamogga, Karnataka
- 20 November 2026
- 9 per batch
- ₹90,000
For students who want to enter fashion after 10+2 and learn both the creative and the technical side of it.
The year is built so that the most important subjects sit together: illustration, fabric, pattern making, garment construction and surface ornamentation on one side; trend forecasting, merchandising, product knowledge and brand marketing on the other.
Designers can work for fashion houses and retail brands, or for themselves. Online retail and sustainable practice have opened more routes than there were a decade ago. The programme prepares you for that range.
You have finished 10+2, PUC or an equivalent.
You already draw, stitch, style or alter clothes, or you want to.
You want to be making real garments within the year.
Not sure yet? Ask a question or visit the studio first.
Seven subjects, one collection
Fashion designing
- Introduction to fashion design
- Shading and colour theory
- Flat sketches and fashion-figure proportion
- Fashion textures and illustration
- Application of design
- Empathy in designing
- Design collection process and development
Draping
- Foundation and history of draping
- Empathy in design
- Application of design through draping
Pattern making and garment construction
- Foundation: tools and paper manipulation
- Pattern-making techniques
- Fabric manipulation and small patterns
- Pattern making
- Garment construction
- Empathy in design
Textile science
- Textile fibres
- Yarns and threads
- Woven and non-woven fabric
- Classification and characteristics of knits
- Fabric finishing processes
- Introduction and techniques of dyeing
Surface ornamentation
- Foundation stitches and hand embroidery
- Regional embroidery
- Folk arts of India
- Final product
Computer-aided design
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Illustrator for fashion
- Richpeace CAD
Fashion merchandising and management
- Apparel and fashion management
- Merchandising and sourcing
- Costing
- Organisational structure of the apparel industry
- Retailing and visual merchandising
Learning goes beyond the classroom. Through the year you turn ideas into practical designs and professional projects.
Mood board
Visual concepts
Fashion illustrations
Original sketches
Fabric journal
A collection exploring textiles, textures and materials
Pattern drafting
Patterns developed through technical design skills
Constructed garments
Outfits created through cutting, stitching and garment construction
Draping projects
Garments developed by draping fabric on the form
Capsule collection
A coordinated collection reflecting your own design identity
Digital portfolio
A professional presentation of your creative work
Fashion brand concept
Your own brand identity, combining creativity and entrepreneurship
Student work from this programme
All work
- Fashion designer
- Fashion stylist
- Fashion entrepreneur
- Fashion illustrator
- Textile designer
- Fashion merchandiser
- Costume designer
- Pattern maker
- Fashion content creator
- Boutique owner
Around the classroom
- Sutradhar 2026, the KIDAT fashion show, on Sunday 25 October 2026.
- Fabric sourcing, with Dr Seema, on 22 November 2026.
- Career choice and placement guidance. Content required: what placement guidance includes
- Industrial visits. Content required: where students have visited
Open to anyone who has finished 10+2, PUC or an equivalent.
Apply online or visit the campus in Shivamogga.
What is fashion designing?
Fashion designing is the practice of creating garments and accessories: researching, sketching, choosing fabric, making patterns, constructing the piece and presenting it. At KIDAT it also includes the business side, from costing to merchandising.
Who can join the course?
Anyone who has completed 10+2, PUC or an equivalent and wants to make clothes seriously. An interest in fashion matters more than marks.
Can I join after 10th or 12th?
The Graduate Diploma takes students after 12th or PUC. If you have finished 10th, speak to admissions about the right time to join.
Do I need drawing or stitching skills to join?
No. Drawing, pattern making and stitching are taught from the foundation. Curiosity and patience are what you bring.
How long is the course?
One year, full-time, Monday to Friday. The course is valid for one year from the date of the first payment.
What will I learn?
Seven subjects: fashion designing, draping, pattern making and garment construction, textile science, surface ornamentation, computer-aided design, and fashion merchandising and management.
Is fashion designing a good career?
It opens ten paths listed above, from designer and stylist to merchandiser and boutique owner, and the skills transfer to running your own label.
Is fashion designing only for girls?
No. The industry, and the KIDAT studio, are open to everyone.
Will I get practical training?
Yes. Most of the year is spent making: studio sessions, live projects, seminars, industry visits and the Sutradhar runway.
How do I apply?
Apply online through this website or visit the campus in Shivamogga. Admissions calls you back within three working hours.
What is the fee for the Graduate Diploma?
₹90,000 in total, paid in three parts: ₹10,000 at registration, ₹40,000 on orientation day and ₹40,000 within four months of the first payment. Fees are not refundable once paid.
Is there an entrance exam?
No entrance test is part of the admission steps. Admission is through an application, a personal counselling conversation and a review of documents.
When does the next batch start?
The next batch starts on 20 November 2026. Each batch has nine seats.
Where is KIDAT?
At 60 Feet Road, Vinoba Nagara, Shivamogga, Karnataka 577204. The studio is open Monday to Friday, 10 am to 6 pm.
Three ways forward. Pick the smallest one.
Ask
Send one question. No forms beyond your name and number, and no commitment.
Visit
See the studio, watch a class, meet the faculty. Bring a parent.
Apply
Three fields to begin. Nine seats in each batch.