LCF alum Adityakumar Shrimali’s Braille-integrated textiles work honoured with PIEoneer International Alum of the Year Award
- Written byS Cheevers
- Published date 01 October 2025
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London College of Fashion (LCF), UAL alum, Adityakumar Shrimali, recently won the PIEoneer Awards 2025 International Alum of the Year award for his work with Loomlight Designs, which creates Braille-integrated textiles to support visually impaired communities and advance inclusive, sustainable design.
At LCF, Adityakumar studied MA Fashion Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and his continued work combines heritage crafts with accessibility, showcasing social impact through design.
Congratulations on being named the PIEoneer Awards 2025 International Alum of the Year! Can you tell us a bit about the award?
Thank you. It is truly an Honor to be recognized with this award. The PIE is a renowned and influential voice in the field of international education. It is a UK-based organisation with a global network of contributors. The PIE connects institutions, professionals and businesses that support aspiring students who choose to study abroad each year.
As part of their mission, The PIE also celebrates individuals who have made a meaningful difference in international education. The International Alum of the Year award is given to former international students who have not only benefited from their study abroad experience but have also gone on to create a significant impact, whether at their university, in their professional field, or within the communities they live and work in.
What does this recognition mean to you personally and professionally?
This recognition is not just mine; it belongs to everyone who has supported and encouraged me along the way: my parents, friends, teachers, and mentors, whether directly or indirectly. Their belief in me has been a constant source of strength, and I truly see this award as a shared achievement.
On a personal level, it is deeply motivating. It encourages me to continue striving in my work and reminds me of how far I’ve come. Growing up in a small village in Gujarat, India, I could never have imagined standing on such a global platform. To me, this award reflects the transformative power of education and the opportunities it creates for people everywhere.
Professionally, this award is both a privilege and a responsibility. I see this recognition as encouragement to keep learning, questioning, and contributing, while reminding me that growth in this field is a lifelong journey.
You were also the recipient of UAL’s International Scholarship, in partnership with International Student House (ISH). How did the scholarship support you throughout your undergraduate studies?
Yes, I was awarded the Tara Nirula International Students House (ISH) and LCF Graduate Scholarship, which is offered to just 1 student from India across a range of courses at LCF. Receiving this scholarship was truly one of the greatest achievements of my life. Without it, studying in London would not have been possible, it was my only pathway to pursue higher education abroad.
Thankfully, it happened, and it opened the doors to so many incredible opportunities. Everything I have achieved since then has been built on that foundation. Beyond academics, the scholarship shaped my perspective, expanded my global network, and inspired me to give back to my community, showing that dreams are possible with the right support and determination.
Studying abroad on a scholarship was not just the fulfillment of my personal dream, it became a beacon of hope for my entire community. When I returned home with my degree, I realised it wasn’t just mine; it belonged to everyone who had believed in me.
Tell us about your LCF journey, what inspires you and any challenges you faced.
My journey at LCF was truly transformative, though it came with its share of challenges. Coming to LCF was eye-opening, there was so much to learn and absorb, socially, culturally, and academically. Adjusting to a completely new environment required patience and resilience, but it also made the journey incredibly rewarding.
What makes this journey especially memorable is that it marked my first-ever flight from Ahmedabad to London, a leap into the unknown. I arrived full of excitement, curiosity, and a bit of apprehension, stepping into a new chapter.
Despite the course being 1 year, it was intensive and full of learning. I was inspired every day by the creativity around me, the diverse perspectives of my peers, and the encouragement of mentors who pushed me to explore new ideas. Every challenge taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of embracing new experiences, making this journey one I will always cherish.
What are you working on now? Do you have any long-term goals?
At the moment, I am focused on my project Loomlight, and actively exploring potential collaborations to scale it and expand its impact across various aspects. It’s an exciting phase of experimentation and learning, as I work on turning ideas into tangible outcomes.
As for long-term goals, I do not want to chase the future; I want to focus on being fully present in the process, letting each step teach me, inspire me, and connect me to something larger than myself. Ultimately, the aim is to create work that resonates, transforms, and brings light, not just to my life, but to others’, in ways that are authentic and meaningful.
What advice would you give to current students?
Based on my understanding and experiences, I would say that intelligence and capabilities are important, but not enough - there must also be discipline and joy in creating something beautiful. My motivation is driven by the belief that design should not exclude but empower. Therefore, it’s also important to recognise that everyone has something unique to offer, regardless of religion, gender, race, caste, or class, so we should respect everyone and their stories.
Time flows like a river and moves quickly, so try to live in the present and cherish every moment of your university journey. Enjoy the process, the learning, and the people you meet along the way; it’s these experiences that truly shape you.
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