In an engaging and insightful session, Twinkle Khanna interacted with aspiring designers at NIF Global Mumbai, offering a rare blend of creativity, honesty, and real-world perspective. The event, held at the institute’s Andheri Platinum Centre campus, brought together students from fashion, interior, and spatial design disciplines for a meaningful exchange of ideas.
The visit began with a walkthrough of student-led design installations. Twinkle explored a range of projects that reflected innovation and storytelling across disciplines. A standout moment was “The Design Banter Show,” an interactive segment where students engaged her in candid conversations on trends, personal expression, and the evolving nature of design.
Drawing from her diverse journey as a columnist, author, and interior design enthusiast, Twinkle emphasised the importance of balancing creativity with functionality. She noted that while art allows for complete freedom, design must ultimately serve a purpose. Referencing artistic expression, she remarked that breaking rules may work in art, but in interiors, usability and comfort remain essential.
Her responses during the Q and A session were both practical and relatable. Speaking about home design, she highlighted the importance of space and adaptability, adding a touch of humour by noting that one often needs room to accommodate different facets of personality. Her ability to simplify complex ideas resonated strongly with the students.
Twinkle also addressed the growing influence of social media on design choices. She cautioned against designing purely for visual appeal, especially for platforms like Instagram. According to her, aesthetics without comfort or practicality can lead to poor design decisions. She stressed that true luxury lies in usability and user experience, not just appearance.
On professional ethics, she encouraged students to prioritise merit and clarity in their decisions. She pointed out that personal relationships should not influence professional choices, reinforcing the need for honesty and competence in the industry.
A key highlight of her talk was her perspective on artificial intelligence. While acknowledging its growing presence, she reminded students that AI is merely a tool. Creativity, she said, must remain deeply human. Authenticity, emotion, and individuality are qualities that machines cannot replicate.
Vivek Gautam, Director of the institute, expressed appreciation for the session, stating that such interactions provide students with valuable industry exposure and practical understanding beyond classroom learning.
The visit reinforced the institute’s commitment to nurturing future-ready designers. By connecting students with industry voices like Twinkle Khanna, it continues to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application.
