Kolkata Design Fest ’25, a lively three-day celebration of design, sustainability, and innovation, was successfully held from May 22–24, 2025, at Techno India University’s School of the Future in partnership with Make Calcutta Relevant Again. The festival, which was spread across several locations, united hundreds of professionals, students, and design enthusiasts while showcasing the transformational potential of imagination and forward-thinking ideas.

The ESEDS Campus hosted the festival’s opening day on May 22, 2025, with a focus on innovation and sustainability. Interactive workshops on crochet, printmaking, and digital illustration were scheduled after a fashion and interior design masterclass and design competition. Throughout the day, attendees also looked at a student showcase of print works and a carefully chosen photo art exhibition. A spectacular fashion show showcasing upcycled couture and a fun disco night organised by the student council marked the evening’s conclusion and set the festive tone for the days to come.

The emphasis switched to École Intuit Lab on May 23, 2025, where participants engaged in stimulating design contests that addressed social and environmental issues. These included designing powerful posters focused on pressing global issues, reimagining sustainable packaging for eco-conscious brands, and collaborating with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to create a billboard for climate action. The day ended with the opening of Prophecy: Echoes of the Future, the school’s yearly student exhibition, with guests to consider the future of design through a multisensory experience that combined light, sound, and visual storytelling.

The festival came to a stirring close on the last day, which was held at Techno India University. The Association of Designers of India (ADI) organised the day’s masterclasses and keynote addresses, and renowned designer Ms. Shilpi Chauhan Chakraborty led a special typography masterclass. The evolution and cultural influence of typography in design communication were thoroughly examined during her session. A final fashion show by ESEDS students showcasing innovative, sustainable design techniques and a grand prize distribution ceremony honouring the winners of the competitions held over the first two days marked the festival’s conclusion.

Sristi Barai got first place, followed by Devangshi Samata and Debaisharjya Narayan Deb, who came in first and second, respectively. All three of them received an iPad, a gorgeous memento, and a goodie bag.

Kolkata Design Fest ’25 was a historic occasion that highlighted how creativity can lead to significant change and elevated the voices of up-and-coming designers. It made a significant impact on the city’s innovation and cultural landscape by skillfully bridging traditional and modern design narratives.

Priyanka Dutta