North East India Fashion Week presents over 30 local designers

The sixth edition of North East India Fashion Week showcased over 30 local designers in Arunachal Pradesh. The fashion week took place at Koro Happa in Jollang and was designed to celebrate and showcase the work of artisans and bring North East Indian culture to global audiences. 

The fashion week was organised by One Arunachal and focused on handloom traditional and fusion wear, the organisers announced on Facebook. The event welcomed Tripura minister Bikash Debbarma as a guest of honour along with Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu who both attended the inauguration ceremony.
 
“Gratitude to Hon’ble Bikash Debbarma ji. Minister of Tribal Welfare Handloom, Handicrafts and Sericulture and Statistics in Government of Tripura,” announced North East India Fashion Week on Facebook. “We NEIFW team are extremely grateful to you for the support and encouragement extended to us for conducting the sixth North East India Fashion Week – The artisans movement. Your support has encouraged us to take the artisans movement forward with greater efficiency and productivity.”

Runway shows included a presentation by Assam-based Dimasa weaver Ritu Daulagaphu which championed handloom with a bright colour palette. Other designers who participated in the fashion week included Metam Veo, Neeta Sidisow, Hibu Ollo Budhi, Leeza Bagra, and design duo Nang Watika Mantaw and Nang Wenika Namchoom among others. 
 
“Through North East India Fashion Week- The Artisans Movement, we strive to identify artisan role models, boost self-esteem within the artisan community, advocate for their skills, and offer a platform to showcase their unique talents,” said One Arunachal’s chairman Joram Tat about the aim if the event, Lokmat Times reported. “With the valuable support of our NGO, we are committed to training and promoting the weavers and designers from the region through ongoing skill development and capacity building. This endeavour aims to enhance employability, secure better livelihoods, dignify labor, and establish a brand presence with global market connections.”