Jodhpur: In the corridors of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Jodhpur, creativity weaves seamlessly with purpose. Amongst the many proud displays adorning its campus stands a jersey that has stirred excitement far beyond fashion circles — that of IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals.
The jersey, now part of NIFT Jodhpur’s curated showcase, is a testament to the institute’s growing footprint in national design projects. From creating uniforms for Marshals in the new Parliament building to designing jerseys for cricket’s celebrated team, the institute’s contributions reflect an evolving narrative — where design meets identity and culture.
“We are proud to have been part of these iconic projects,” said NIFT Jodhpur Director G H S Prasad. “While the uniform for Marshals in Parliament brought in a sense of Indianness to the system, the Rajasthan Royals jersey has been widely spoken about in fashion, media, and cricketing circles.”
The project came to NIFT Jodhpur through a direct approach by the Rajasthan Royals management, who wanted a jersey that not only embodied the team’s spirit but also carried a touch of Rajasthan’s heritage.
“They wanted NIFT to be part of the creative process,” recalled Dr Aditi Mertia, Assistant Professor at NIFT Jodhpur. “They gave us broad ideas — one of them related to the Vijay Stambh (Victory Tower) of Chittorgarh — and asked us to work around that theme.”
A team of 10–11 students and three faculty members, including Dr Aditi, Dr Ruchi and Shweta took on the challenge. Over several months, creativity met precision as the group went through around 100 design iterations to arrive at the final look.
“The process was intense,” Dr Mertia shared with a smile. “We had continuous meetings, frequent reviews, and their team even visited our campus to check samples. It took nearly three to four months of collaborative effort to finalise everything, including the players’ kits.”
While some faculty members followed cricket closely, others approached it purely as a design challenge — blending the aesthetics of sport, regional culture, and contemporary fashion.
The final jersey, marked by subtle references to Rajasthan’s heritage and vibrant hues synonymous with the Royals, now occupies a proud spot at the institute — symbolising not just teamwork and design excellence, but also NIFT Jodhpur’s growing influence in shaping national identities through fabric and form.
