A venture by AAR Institute · Professional Plus⁺ Programme

Design skills alone don’t pay the bills.

The Professional Plus⁺ Programme fixes both sides — a complete fashion design education plus a specialization in Fashion Retail or Boutique Management. In 12 months you graduate employable twice over: the designer brands want, and the person who knows how fashion actually makes money.

12 months₹1,35,000 +1 SpecializationStarts end of July 2026Chennai · ECR
Akshara Reddy, Chairperson of Align Institute of Design Akshara ReddyChairperson
We hear this every day

Two things nobody tells you about a fashion career.

The hard truth

Design skills alone don’t pay the bills

Great design with zero business sense is a talented person who stays broke. This programme trains both halves — how to create, and how fashion actually makes money.

The dream

I can picture my boutique — not how to run it

The name board, the racks, the customers — you can see it all. We add the missing half: a dedicated retail & boutique specialization that turns the picture into a plan.

The Plus⁺, explained

One programme. Two ways to get paid.

Alongside full design training, you choose one business specialization — the edge that makes you employable well beyond the sketchbook.

Option 1

Fashion Retail Management

Understand how fashion sells — merchandising, store operations, buying and the numbers behind the racks. Walk onto any retail floor and lead it.

OR
Option 2

Boutique Management

Run your own label end to end — sourcing, pricing, inventory, customers and growth. Turn your boutique dream into a business you own.

The 12-month build

From your first sketch to a career-ready portfolio.

Six modules, one clear path — the design craft first, then the business that pays for it.

01

Design Fundamentals

Colour, silhouette, fabric and the language of design.

02

Illustration & Creative Expression

Sketch, render and bring your ideas to life on paper.

03

Pattern Making & Garment Construction

Draft precise patterns, then cut, stitch and finish real garments.

04

Fashion Trends & Industry Insights

Read the market, forecast trends and design what actually sells.

05

Retail & Boutique Management

The business of fashion — operations, merchandising and customers.

06

Portfolio & Career Preparation

Build a standout portfolio and get interview-ready.

The twelve-month shift

Walk in with talent. Walk out employable twice over.

You walk in

Real talent, half the picture.

A love for fashion and genuine creative skill — but no idea how the money and the business side of it actually works.

You walk out

A designer and a manager.

The designer brands want to hire, and the person who can run a retail floor or your own boutique. Employable twice over.

Programme at a glance

Everything you need to know, up front.

Duration
12 months
Fee
₹1,35,000
Commences
End of July 2026
Specialization
Retail or Boutique
Level
All levels welcome
Campus
East Coast Road
Why Align

Built for careers, not just certificates.

Global Exposure

International collaborations that widen your horizon well beyond the classroom.

Industry Experts

Learn directly from working professionals and hands-on mentors.

Practical Excellence

Real garments, real industry exposure — skill you can show, not just describe.

Career Success

Portfolio development and career guidance built right into the programme.

Where fashion meets future
A designer who understands the business is unstoppable. That’s exactly who we build here.
Akshara Reddy · Chairperson
Professional Plus⁺ Programme · 2026

One programme. One fee. Everything included.

Professional Plus⁺ Programme
12 Months · Design + business specialization
₹1,35,000All-inclusive
  • Full fashion design training
  • Illustration & creative expression
  • Pattern making & garment construction
  • Fashion trends & industry insights
  • +1 Specialization (Retail or Boutique)
  • Portfolio, career prep & certificate
Classes commence end of July 2026 · Limited seats · Admissions open
Apply today
Admissions open

Start your fashion journey today.

Apply for the Professional Plus⁺ Programme

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