Amar Mithapalli

Mr Amar Mithapalli is an academician, researcher, fashion designer, stylist, and creative director with over two decades of experience at the intersection of design education, industry practice, and cultural heritage. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor at the Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID), Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune. His research and creative practice focus on craft heritage, cultural sustainability, fashion innovation, consumer behaviour, indigenous knowledge systems, and traditional Indian handicrafts. Through his scholarly work, he explores how design can catalyse the preservation of cultural identity while addressing contemporary social and environmental challenges. He has authored and co-authored numerous research publications, book chapters, and books, including the co-edited volume Scenes of Artistry: Stories of Indian Handicrafts, Tradition, and Innovation. Before joining Symbiosis, Mr Mithapalli served as Head of Fashion Design at MIT ID Avantika University, where he played a pivotal role in establishing and shaping the School of Fashion. His industry engagement includes serving as a stylist for Anurag Gupta at Lakmé Fashion Week, leading design collaborations, and founding Feronia Fashion Night, India’s pioneering androgynous fashion platform promoting diversity, inclusion, and creative expression. recognised for his contributions to education and design, Mr Mithapalli continues to bridge academia, industry, and community engagement through research, mentorship, innovation, and the promotion of sustainable and culturally rooted design practices.