LAHORE: Exhibition featuring final year projects and thesis of students of Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design (PIFD) kicked off on Wednesday at the PIFD Campus. Renowned artist and professor Salima Hashmi, Textile Institute of Pakistan President Hamayun Zafar, PIFD former principal Abbas Akhtar and Vice Chancellor Prof Hina Tayyaba were present on the occasion. As many as 168 students from six departments of the institute displayed their final year projects/thesis. PIFD currently has seven departments working under four schools/faculties; Department of Fashion Design, Department of Fashion Marketing and Merchandising, Department of Textile Design, Department of Gems and Jewellery Design, Department of Furniture Design and Manufacture, Department of Leather Accessories and Footwear, and Department of Ceramic Design and Glassware. The students of fashion design developed a collection of five garments each, based on individual themes. The collection made by the students was a testimony to the great efforts made by them, from design to technical realisation of the garments, which was evident in their final presentation. The Department of Fashion Marketing and Merchandising consisted of 18 students this year. The work presented by the students was diverse in nature, which was not only related to the corporate world but also captured the essence of the academic programme. The Department of Textile Design comprised of 26 students. All students branched out into either apparel or home textiles for their final thesis, where they incorporated different textile techniques like weaving, knitting, printing and embroidery to develop their final products. The Department of Furniture Design and Manufacture exhibited the work of 16 students from its graduating class. The thesis involved a lot of exploration of innovative materials used in the final products by the students keeping in mind the requirement of the consumer and industry. The gems and jewellery design students showcased a collection of six pieces. The collection was handcrafted by the students with dedication, from the initial design concept to final manufacturing of the finished pieces. The Department of Leather Accessories and Footwear presented thesis work of 23 students who made a collection five products each, which were not only creative but practical as well. While addressing the media, PIFD Vice Chancellor Prof Hina Tayyaba said, “I congratulate all the students for displaying their thesis work successfully. These students have worked extremely hard and I wish them best of luck for their future. I appreciate the great effort made by the course coordinators, faculty members and support staff. I hope that these graduates, who are entering the global market with fresh ideas, will contribute in the future development of our economy.” Salima Hashmi on the occasion said that the students have put an untiring effort under the guidance of faculty. The thesis display would remain open for public until June 7.