Third edition of North East India Fashion Week takes place in Itanagar

By

Isabelle Crossley

Published
Nov 14, 2017

The third edition of North East India Fashion Week took place from November 10 to 12 in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, as part of the Kadhi Movement campaign.

The three day fashion event included runway shows where designers were given the opportunity to showcase their designs, many taking inspiration from the cultural heritage of the region. Held at Nyokum Field in Itanagar, the  event also featured a variety of traditional music and dance performances from singer Simanta Shekhar as well as Guru Rewben Mashangva and Saka Mashangva, the Parii Bago team, and Dapi Tashi amongst others.

Designers who took part in the fashion show from Arunachal Pradesh itself include Tasso Lily Kago, Dolly Moyong, SalishaYedi Bam, and the jewellery designer Renu Logum. Designers from other regions were also welcome and Rohila Engtipi from Assam, Vanshala Mishra from Delhi, Joy Moirangmayum and Thokchom Rameshwor Singh from Manipur, Lalthbiki from Mizoram, and Menty Jamir from Nagaland participated.

The fashion event was organised in part in order to promote the Khadi Movement which seeks to raise awareness about handloom textiles and encourage their use. Handloom textiles are more sustainable than mass produced, unnatural fibres and also create jobs in rural areas. This is also in line with the government’s “Make in India” campaign which has also been promoting handwoven textiles in the fashion industry.

Although traditional textiles are worn less and less by younger generations, many designers are exploring their rich heritage and creating new designs that incorporate them which is causing a new increase in popularity.