The Naturally Inspiring Seminar held at the Hall of Harmony, Nehru Centre, Mumbai, created an enriching experience for aspiring designers and textile engineering students by spotlighting the boundless possibilities of Merino wool. Organized as part of a global educational initiative, the seminar offered insightful discussions, knowledge sharing, and real-world perspectives on wool’s versatility, sustainability, and future role in the fashion and textile industries.
The event, attended by over 150 students and faculty members from six prestigious design and textile institutions in Mumbai, forms part of a broader international series hosted in countries such as Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and India. These seminars aim to bridge the gap between academia and industry by showcasing innovations and encouraging the next generation of textile professionals.
At the core of the Mumbai seminar were presentations that introduced participants to wool-focused learning platforms, such as the Woolmark Learning Center, the Woolmark Performance Challenge, and The Wool Lab—digital resources that provide students and educators with accessible knowledge on wool applications, trends, and innovation.
The seminar’s central attraction was the inspirational sessions led by two industry stalwarts:
VIKRAM MAHALDAR
- Mr. Vikram Mahaldar, Chief Business Officer at Raymond Lifestyle Ltd, and
Pravin Dhake
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Mr. Pravin Dhake, Founder of Athlos, a pioneering sustainable activewear brand.
Raymond’s Wool Legacy and Innovation
Mr. Mahaldar gave a comprehensive presentation on Raymond’s 100-year journey, tracing its rise from a textile startup in 1925 to becoming India’s leading suiting brand with a 60% market share. Today, Raymond is the world’s largest integrated manufacturer of worsted wool and wool-blend fabrics, producing over 40 million meters annually. His talk emphasized the company’s vast design archive, rich product palette, and commitment to heritage craftsmanship.
He also shared insights into Raymond’s forward-thinking retail strategy, which integrates Artificial Intelligence and digital technologies to stay ahead of fashion trends. Highlighting the importance of real-world exposure for students, he extended an invitation to aspiring professionals to join internship programs at Raymond, fostering learning through hands-on experience in fabric development and retail.
Wool in Activewear: Athlos’ Sustainable Vision
Contrasting Raymond’s legacy was Pravin Dhake’s entrepreneurial journey with Athlos, a contemporary activewear brand that utilizes Merino wool, Tencel, and recycled nylon in its performance apparel. He demonstrated how wool is increasingly finding its place in circular knit T-shirts, leggings, and base layers designed for cycling, running, and hiking—showing its adaptability beyond traditional uses. His presentation resonated with students interested in sustainability, sportswear, and textile innovation.
Seminar Session Highlights:
The 120-minute interactive session included:
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An introduction to Woolmark’s global initiatives and educational programs.
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A deep dive into the technical versatility of wool by Jyotiranjan Parida, Technical Manager at TWC.
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Entrepreneurial insights from Pravin Dhake on building a brand with wool-based activewear.
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An in-depth presentation titled “Wool That Made India Feel” by Vikram Mahaldar, showcasing Raymond’s product evolution and support for new talent.
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An open discussion and Q&A session, encouraging students to interact and clarify their ideas with industry leaders.
A Fusion of Tradition, Innovation & Future Talent
The seminar brilliantly balanced heritage and innovation, offering students a glimpse into the evolution of wool—from suiting legacy to sustainable performance wear. The event not only educated but empowered students to see wool as a modern, functional, and sustainable fiber, adaptable to diverse markets.
Industry & Academia Unite
Among the key figures present were:
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Kaushik Chowdhury, Business Development Manager, TWC
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Amar Sukhwal, Product & Design Head, Raymond Lifestyle Ltd
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Jyotiranjan Parida, Technical Manager, TWC
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Padmaja Mohanty, Trade & Education Coordinator, TWC
The seminar concluded with snapshots and networking, celebrating a successful exchange of knowledge between academia and the textile industry.
