New Delhi: The third edition of North East India Fashion Week – The Khadi Movement flagged off at Itanagar’s Nyokum Lapang Field on 10th November 2017. The three-day fashion extravaganza, scheduled to conclude on 12th November, was organized in association with Arunachal Government and Arunachal Tourism. This was the third edition of the event and the show not only attracted the local designers and talent but also international designers like Joseph Aloysius Montelibano from Philippines flied down to Arunanchal to showcase his collection.
NEIFW, the brainchild of Yana Nagoba, was conceptualized to inspire and encourage the upcoming handicraft the region’s artisans and designers who work exclusively to promote northeastern fabrics and culture.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of North East India Fashion Week, Fashion Designer and Founder of Yana in Style, Yana said, “Handlooms and pure weaves are in trend globally, people do give the due respect to organic colors ,natural fabrics and the efforts and talent that goes into creating these designs. Northeast has never had dearth of handlooms, and after years of weaving magic in their looms, the weavers, and their artifacts are gradually becoming crucial elements in fashion.”
“Through North East India Fashion Week, we aim to bring recognition to the ‘magicians’ behind the loom. We, along with our partner NGOs, aim to train and market the weavers and designers from the region, and through sustained skill development, capacity building, cluster development initiatives help build a brand of their own”, she adds.
For three days NEIFW presented a wholesome combination of designers, as well as promising weavers from across the northeastern region. The show left the audience enthralled as the models sashayed the ramp adorning brilliantly coloured and uniquely designed collections made out of indigenous fabrics.
Come of the line–up of the weavers who presented their collections were , Hill Miri Nyishi weaver Ratan Yak from Arunachal Pradesh; Karbi weaver Roselyn Tokbipi from Assam; Manipuri weaver Koijam Mantri Meitei from Manipur; Mizo weaver David Zorinpuia from Mizoram; Monpa weaver Rinchin Drema from Arunachal Pradesh; Mishmi weaver, Banilu Ngadong from Arunachal Pradesh; Dimasa, Angami weaver Thekrunei-U Shuya from Nagaland; Adi weaver Potal Perme Tayeng from Arunachal Pradesh and Fulu Rani Debbarma from Tripura.
“I am very happy to be a part of the North East India Fashion Week as the designs and fabrics being displayed at the event were traditional.I learnt a lot by interacting with the local weavers and designers. It was a knowledge and talent exchange program for us. I am happy that Yana has been able to provide these indigenous weavers and designers a platform to showcase their talent and tradition,” said fashion designer Joseph Aloysius Montelibano.
Apart from the fashion show, there were spectacular performances of Guru Rewben Mashangva and Saka Mashangva; Apatani Folk Dance by Parii Bagoteam from Hong Village; singer Dapi Tashi and Monpa Folk Dance by Mon Dirang Lhaksom team, showcased the myriad colours of the region and made it an evening to be remembered from a long time.