Kathmandu: Prime International Fashion Institute (PIFI) has officially begun operations in Kathmandu, introducing a new platform focused on practical, creative and industry-oriented fashion education.
Located at USM Complex in Hattisar, PIFI has been established by fashion designer Rajesh Dhakhwa, who has been active in Nepal’s fashion industry for nearly three decades. The institute combines Dhakhwa’s more than 28 years of professional experience with Prime College’s over 25 years of academic experience.
The institute aims to bridge the gap between classroom-based fashion education and the realities of the fashion industry. Its programmes are designed to provide students with practical exposure to fashion design, production and the business side of the industry while encouraging creativity and entrepreneurship.
International Pathway to Bangkok
One of the key features of PIFI is its international academic pathway. Students who complete the institute’s initial three-month programme will have the opportunity to pursue further studies at Bunka Fashion School in Bangkok, Thailand.
Dhakhwa is the founding chairman of Fashion Designers Center Nepal (FDC Nepal) and serves as the official representative and programme coordinator of Bunka Fashion School in Nepal.
Bunka Fashion School in Bangkok is associated with the renowned Bunka Fashion College, established in Japan in 1923. The Bangkok institution is described as Bunka’s first chain fashion school in Southeast Asia.
The international connection is expected to give Nepali students greater exposure to international fashion education, practices and networks, while creating a pathway for those interested in developing professional careers in the fashion industry.
Connecting Creativity with the Fashion Industry
According to Dhakhwa, fashion education should go beyond learning design concepts and should connect creativity with the practical aspects of design, production and the market.
“Fashion education should connect creativity with the real world of design, production and the market,” Dhakhwa said. “Through PIFI, young people will be able to understand the fashion industry through education and practice and build their own identity as designers.”
With its focus on practical learning and international exposure, PIFI aims to contribute to the development of a more industry-connected fashion education ecosystem in Nepal.