Risha Roy, Associate Professor and Lead, Sustainable Fashion and Textile Design, brings over 15 years of diverse experience to her role at Anant. Her journey spans academia, social design and entrepreneurship, which has enriched her understanding of the multifaceted landscape of design. 

Her research delves into the sustainable consumption patterns and attitudes towards repurposing among specific age groups in targeted locations, particularly in the traditional practices in India’s fashion and textiles sector. The research also contributes to the revival of repairing and repurposing culture, essential for sustainable development.

Risha is also involved in case studies on women entrepreneurs working in the field of slow fashion. Her research traces the evolution of sustainable practices within supply chains that establish thriving sustainable businesses. Through these case studies, she aims to shed light on the transformative potential of sustainable entrepreneurship in driving positive change within the fashion industry.

At Anant, Risha has played a crucial role in the creation and successful launch of an innovative undergraduate programme in Sustainable Fashion and Textile Design. The courses she undertakes include Sustainable Soft Material, Ethics of Fashion and Fair-Trade Practices, Dress and Textile: Repair and Mending, Garment Construction, Surface Developments Print and Weave, Portfolio Development and Design Projects. 

Since joining Anant in 2019, Risha has been dedicated to bringing innovation to design education. She has developed experimental teaching methods and innovative pedagogy, resulting in a dynamic learning environment for her students. Her transdisciplinary approach enables her to work seamlessly across various departments, providing an enriched educational experience for both graduate and postgraduate students.

Moreover, she has emphasised the significance of research as a crucial component of academic careers to her students.

A Fashion Design and Information Technology graduate from the National Institute of Fashion Technology, New Delhi, Risha also holds a Master’s Degree in Textile Design from the National Institute of Design Ahmedabad. Currently, she is pursuing her PhD with a focus on revitalising the vanishing sustainable textile heritage within craft communities, while also fostering a pathway towards a globally sustainable concept.

Before joining Anant, Risha has held positions at institutions such as Karnavati University (UID) and Nirma University, where she served as an Assistant Professor. Her commitment to education goes beyond traditional boundaries, as evident in her role as a Visiting Faculty at MRID-Baroda and Somiya Kala Vidya, Bhuj.

As an empanelled Designer with the Development Commissioner of Handicraft, Government of India, Risha has been a catalyst for change in the social design sector. Over a decade, she has conducted numerous design workshops, empowering artisans across Gujarat. Her work, for both international and domestic fashion and textile projects, reflects a deep commitment to grassroots empowerment and sustainable development.

Beyond academia, Risha loves to explore cooking styles and cuisines. She is an amateur photographer and a voracious reader. She also loves collecting artefacts from the various places that she visits during her travels.