Mumbai, 03rd, November, 2026: Whistling Woods International’s (WWI) School of Fashion & Costume Design took centre stage at Bombay Times Fashion Week with ‘Unbound’, a bold runway showcase exploring the future of fashion.
Created to challenge traditional tailoring, ‘Unbound’ explores the meeting point of cultural heritage, kinetic technology, mythology and abstract art. Through extensive original research, students drew inspiration from classical temple rituals, Mumbai’s iconic Art Deco architecture, and the raw aesthetics of motorsport, industrial metal and auto-rickshaw subcultures.
Taking wearable art beyond the boundaries of traditional fabrics, the institute collaborated with Thakur College of Engineering and Technology (TCET) as a technology partner for this collection. The cross-disciplinary partnership brought engineering into fashion construction through dynamic rotating panels, kinetic mechanisms, integrated LED lighting, 3D printing and non-textile materials.
Actor and filmmaker Shreyas Talpade walked the ramp as the collection’s showstopper, reflecting the students’ innovative spirit and attention to structural craftsmanship. The presentation concluded with WWI leaders joining the runway, including Founder & Chairman Subhash Ghai, President Meghna Ghai Puri, Director of Academics Rahul Puri, and Head of the School of Fashion & Costume Design Jewellyn Alvares.
Appreciating the students’ creativity and dedication, Meghna Ghai Puri, President of Whistling Woods International, said, “It is wonderful to see our students bring Unbound to a platform like Bombay Times Fashion Week. At Whistling Woods International, we encourage our students to experiment, think beyond conventions, and develop their own creative voices. Opportunities like these allow them to take their learning beyond the classroom, gain industry exposure, and grow in confidence as they prepare for their professional journeys. We are proud to see them push boundaries and bring their ideas to life.”
The curriculum entails more such opportunities for aspiring designers who are ready to challenge convention. It combines graded runway showcases, practical internships and masterclasses with industry experts. The students gain access to advanced garment-construction labs, textile studios, digital fabrication facilities and research-led libraries. One-on-one mentorship helps students build portfolios for careers with high-fashion houses, in global retail and cinema costume design, or for launching their own labels.
