IIS University Students Shine on Global Stage with Revolutionary Sustainable Jewellery at Miss Eco International
In a remarkable display of innovation, sustainability, and artistic prowess, students from IIS (Deemed to be) University have captivated international audiences with their groundbreaking eco-friendly jewellery collection. Designed from an ingenious array of recycled and upcycled materials, these unique pieces were showcased at the prestigious 7th Miss Eco International beauty pageant, held in Egypt from March 18, 2021, to April 4, 2021. This monumental achievement not only highlighted the immense talent within the university’s Department of Jewellery Designing and Technology but also underscored a profound commitment to environmental consciousness and sustainable fashion practices on a global platform.
The collection, a true testament to responsible design, utilized a diverse range of scrap materials, transforming what would otherwise be waste into captivating works of art. From discarded medicinal scrapes and used pipes to ordinary beads and metal fragments, the students meticulously crafted an entire line of jewellery that challenged conventional notions of luxury and beauty. Central to their showcase, and a special point of attraction, was an extraordinary headgear intricately fashioned from syringes and medicine wrappers, thoughtfully dedicated to the tireless “Corona warriors”—the frontline medical professionals whose sacrifices have defined the recent pandemic. This poignant tribute resonated deeply with audiences and judges alike, adding a layer of profound social commentary to their artistic endeavor.
The brilliant minds behind this visionary project were Samriddhi Jain, Nandini Soni, and Aastha Jain, all talented students from the Department of Jewellery Designing and Technology at IIS Deemed University. Under the expert guidance and unwavering support of Dr. Neeru Jain, Head of the Department, and Ms. Swati Phophalia, Additional Head for Designing, these students meticulously developed a collection that embodied both unique aesthetic designs and a strong ethical message. Their participation as representatives for “Eco India” meant crafting exquisite jewellery pieces for every single round of the demanding international pageant, a feat that required immense creativity, technical skill, and dedication to their sustainable vision.
Dr. Neeru Jain, a pioneer in promoting eco-fashion within academic circles, emphasized the critical importance of their work: “Our students are actively engaged in creating sustainable eco-fashion jewellery, utilizing a wide spectrum of scrap materials such as fabric, leather, plastic, electronic waste, crockery, and many more. This approach is not merely an academic exercise; it directly addresses the urgent needs and growing demands of the contemporary industry for responsible and environmentally conscious production.” This statement highlights the university’s forward-thinking curriculum, which prepares students not just for design excellence but also for leadership in ethical and sustainable practices.
Miss Eco International stands as a globally recognized beauty pageant with a mission far exceeding typical beauty competitions. It brings together representatives from approximately 65 countries across the globe, including Ukraine, Costa Rica, Brazil, Poland, India, Singapore, Finland, the UK, and Korea, all united by the overarching objective of fostering a better, more eco-friendly planet. The pageant’s core mission is unequivocally clear: “to promote the importance of saving our planet environmentally, in addition to marketing tourism across the world.” It serves as a powerful platform for advocating environmental awareness, conservation, and sustainable development. Within this impactful framework, the “Eco-India” category provided the perfect stage for the IIS University students to present their unique headgear, a piece that powerfully articulated their commitment to both social cause and environmental responsibility.
The headgear, which garnered immense attention and admiration, was a masterpiece of upcycled design and heartfelt symbolism. Samriddhi Jain, one of the brilliant student designers, elaborated on its intricate construction: “The headgear was meticulously crafted from various forms of medicinal waste, specifically utilizing discarded medicine wrappers, intravenous drip pipes, and used syringes. We then carefully beautified these repurposed materials with strategically placed precious and semi-precious stones, elevating its aesthetic appeal.” This ingenious blend of discarded medical supplies with valuable gemstones created a stunning visual contrast and a compelling narrative. Further enhancing its patriotic significance, the headgear was designed to subtly evoke the vibrant hues of the Indian tricolor, making it a proud emblem of both national identity and a global commitment to healthcare heroes.
Beyond the iconic headgear, the students designed a comprehensive collection that adorned Miss Eco India, Harshita Bhambhani, throughout her journey in the pageant. Nandini Soni shared insights into their extensive work: “We were tasked with designing jewellery for all the competitive rounds, ensuring each piece complemented the attire and theme, and was proudly worn by our ECO INDIAN PAGEANT QUEEN, Harshita Bhambhani.” Harshita, hailing from Jaipur, represented India with grace and distinction, making it to the highly coveted Top 20 in the United Nations Project Miss Eco International 2021 in Egypt. Her achievement marked a significant milestone, as she became the first Indian contestant to be ranked among the top 20 in this prestigious international beauty pageant, a testament not only to her individual talent but also to the exceptional quality and innovative design of the jewellery she showcased.
The creation of such an extensive and diverse collection demanded a mastery of various jewellery-making techniques. Aastha Jain shed light on the technical aspects of their work, explaining the sophisticated processes involved: “We employed a variety of traditional and contemporary techniques, including precise manufacturing processes, intricate beading, vibrant enameling, and delicate filigree work, all to bring our collection to life.” The successful application of these diverse skills underscored the rigorous training and comprehensive education provided by IIS University’s Department of Jewellery Designing and Technology. For the students, presenting their collection on such an international stage, representing “Eco India,” was not just a competition but a moment of immense national and personal pride, validating years of hard work and creative exploration. Their ability to fuse complex craftsmanship with a profound message of sustainability truly set their work apart.
The overarching objective of Miss Eco International deeply resonated with the students’ creative philosophy: to foster global awareness and inspire collective action towards making Earth a truly eco-friendly planet. This vision ensures that our precious planet remains habitable and thriving for countless generations to come, promoting a legacy of environmental stewardship. The students’ collection served as a powerful visual communication of this critical message, demonstrating how art and design can be leveraged to advocate for urgent global causes. Their work highlighted that sustainability does not mean sacrificing beauty or creativity, but rather enhancing it through responsible innovation.
Beyond the acclaimed headgear, the students also presented a stunning array of complementary pieces. Aastha Jain mentioned, “In addition to the headgear, we showcased a beautiful necklace and matching earrings. While the headgear received special appreciation from the discerning judges for its concept and execution, the entire collection was loved by everyone for its aesthetic appeal and innovative use of materials.” This comprehensive display solidified their reputation not just as designers of a single standout piece, but as creators of a cohesive, impactful, and globally resonant sustainable jewellery line.
This extraordinary achievement did not go unnoticed by the leadership of IIS (Deemed to be) University. Dr. Ashok Gupta, the esteemed Chancellor, and Dr. Raakhi Gupta, the diligent Registrar of the university, extended their heartfelt congratulations to the students. Their recognition celebrated not only the individual success of Samriddhi Jain, Nandini Soni, and Aastha Jain but also acknowledged the university’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, sustainability, and global engagement. This event served as a powerful testament to IIS University’s dedication to nurturing talent that contributes meaningfully to both the creative industries and critical environmental discourse, truly preparing students to become changemakers in a rapidly evolving world.