A "Graveyard shift inspired by the architecture that surrounds the dead; the rebellious culture of a Brooklyn street; the search of the perfect niwa (garden slug) borrowed from the Japanese courtyard; the power play that revolves around two strong colours like in a chess board; and the aftermath of a 'Sunset by the Hoogly' — these were just some of the "fresh themes" from the collection of the first batch in Knitwear Design from National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) on 20 May 2007.

Said Sanjay Gupta, chairperson of Fashion and Textile at NIFT, "This was a special year for NIFT as for the first time, a batch has graduated in the newly-introduced knitwear course. This is also the first batch to graduate with a degree. NIFT had been conducting only diploma courses till last year."

As their designs hit the ramp, all 18 students from the batch took their bows as models followed behind, showcasing a plethora of knitted garments. Knitting, preceived as otherwise international segment, is now emerging growth market in India.

Speaking about her collection, student Riddhi Mapxenkar, one of the winners said, " I have emulated the minimalist well stiched style of my mentor Naredra Kumar. I have used knitting through the plating method, extending the otherwise sporty look to a classic one."

Then there were others who preferred to set their own trends like Arathi Anna Cherian. Her garments saw long tees with pockets, teamed with Indian Salwars, She said, " I think such a garment has a huge potential as a new garment category. "

Shakti Tripathi, who won the award for the best thematic collection added, " I have crafted silence through shades of black and white." The show primarily stressed on how the knitwear collection could be used for an entire women's clothing, complete with styling. This was also the first time that student's work was carrried out in collabration with the textile industry, with students working 22 weeks with various textile and fashion companies across the country.

This also was an attempt from NIFT to ensure that industry trained fashion professionals with academic experience were pushed into the industry. I B Peerzada, director of NIFT, who presented the awards, said. "The fashion industry's overwhelming support will help the degree holders to hold their own in this growing segment."

While Birla cellulose was the title sponsor for the event, the students also got working support from companies like Raymonds, Van Heusen Woman, Provogue, Lee, Araiya.