Winds of change for North East

 

Bengaluru-based designer and hair and makeup artiste, Robert Naorem who has been relentlessly working, explains, “The general perception that people have is that we just drink and party all the time. Even when we’re looking for accommodation in Bengaluru, they look at us with raised eyebrows. But we are actually very diligent. Look at the many hospitality services thriving here because of us. I’m promoting my state and showcasing my culture through our clothes. Being a designer myself, I believe that our handlooms have a history to be showcased to the world. We’re known to wear only skimpy party clothes, but not many people are aware of our traditional textiles. I created a collection for Bangalore Fashion Week and the recently concluded Mysore Fashion Week, with one celebrity wearing a traditional outfit from the North East. Our culture and traditions are very unique. In the fashion show at MFW, last week, models carried placards that asked everyone to pray for North East.”

 

Considering how fashion is a powerful tool to send a strong message out, Robert is organising a fashion show for flood victims in north east India in the city soon. “I’m getting designers Mantri Meitei and Ranjita from the North East for a showcasing next week. We need peace, support and with the right guidance we can go a long way. I’ve designed collections from handlooms made by the Meitei community in Manipuri style.” Ranjeeta Nongthomban, a designer who is also doing her bit, adds, “Not many can differentiate from our different styles as they think we’re all the same, due to our eyes. Also the common perception is that we’re all just party animals. I’m promoting our traditional culture and supporting the flood victims, since the news sections haven’t highlighted it. We’re making a larger section aware. My handcrafted designs from Manipur include wrap-arounds called phanek and enathi which is a dupatta with a blouse.”

 

A lot of city celebrities are also coming out for the cause. “At the recent fashion week, actress Sanjjanaa walked the ramp for this cause. Also, Mary Kom is also helping and I will be styling her. Ragini Dwivedi has worn my traditional outfits to endorse the cause, besides Noyonita Lodh who wore the Manipuri traditional outfit for me at the Kerala Fashion Week, Mr India Prateek Jain, Achala Sachdev, Mansi, Tanvi, Shobita and Parvathy Omanakuttan are promoting this cause,” says a determined Robert. Sanjjanaa avers, “I totally support my friends from the North East as they are very talented and I think it’s a step in the right direction.”