Under the MoU, the partners propose to establish a vocational design training programme in Tamil Nadu, with plans to explore additional campuses in other parts of the country, subject to statutory and regulatory approvals.
The proposed institution will focus on footwear design, leather goods, and accessories (both leather and non-leather) with curricula closely aligned to international trends, evolving consumer preferences and real-world industry requirements. The programme will be developed through active collaboration with industry, ensuring that design education remains market-relevant, applied and outcome-oriented.
As part of the collaboration, Arsutoria will bring its academic frameworks, contemporary curricula and international best practices, rooted in its globally respected and practice-led design education model. KICL will leverage its infrastructure, manufacturing ecosystem and execution capabilities to integrate classroom learning with live industry exposure.
By building a strong pipeline of industry-ready designers, the initiative aims to strengthen India’s export competitiveness, support design-driven manufacturing, and position the country as a credible global hub for creative industries.
“We have collaborated with Indian institutions in the past, but this is the first time Arsutoria will be directly present in India through such a comprehensive partnership,” said Matteo Pesca, Managing Director, Arsutoria.
“We are co-creating the curriculum with industry in mind, offering both short-term and long-term programmes, starting with six-month courses that deliver immediate impact,” he added.
“Design is no longer an aesthetic add-on; it is the language through which brands compete globally,” said Jinnah Rafiq Ahmed, Executive Chairman, KICL.
“As trade barriers fall and products become comparable on cost and quality, design becomes the true differentiator. This collaboration with Arsutoria is about embedding global design thinking into India’s manufacturing and export ecosystem,” he said.
“With the FTA and emerging bilateral trade agreements opening up global markets, access alone will not guarantee success,” said N Mohan, Director and CEO, KICL.
“Design-led products that resonate with international consumers will define winners in this new trade regime. Our focus is to align design education directly with market realities, so Indian products compete on desirability, not just price,” he said.
