By Nawaz Yasin Islam
SHILLONG: Using textures and ethnic accessories to introduce the world to the rich Khasi culture has been the persistent attempt of Daniel Syiem, a prominent Fashion Designer hailing from Shillong.
Daniel draws deep inspiration from his roots in the North-East of India as he gears to present his latest collection, Ryndia at the Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2013, which will be held at the Grand Hyatt, Mumbai, on March 25.
Weaving traditional clothing with ethnicity has been the trademark of Daniel who believes in fashion with a cause and is devoted to promoting indigenous fabric. Translating his cultural values of simplicity, love of nature and a deep-rooted pride in tradition he aims at bringing apparel in natural drapes, hand-woven fabric with effortless styling.
Traditional roots are very important for this Khasi designer who uses culture as a background for his creations.
His creations include women’s wear, wedding gowns and uniforms to costumes. Daniel, who has no formal course for designing except for a deep passion, has converted designing into a full time profession.
It is worth bringing to notice that Daniel has been actively involved in promoting the Khasi fabric, ‘Ryndia’, and he has also helped form a society called ‘Weaves’ which protects and promotes indigenous fabrics of Meghalaya. The Eri worms which produce the famous Assam silk are known in the Khasi-Jaintia Hills as Niang Ryndia.
In his latest collection to be presented on March 25, Daniel has taken the daily wear outfit of the Khasis – the jainsem and the humble jainkyrshah as creative inspirations and flawlessly translated that fluidity into beautiful and classy shift dresses, clean-cut long dresses, fitted sarongs, wrap around tops and flare bottom pants.
The versatile fabric, also called Ryndia allows the wearer to be at ease at hot, humid travel spots as well as relaxed in the air-conditioned comfort of resorts.
With minimal use of fasteners and a completely natural, chemical free fabric, Daniel’s collection uses International styling to create outfits that remain stunning sans any compromise on the fabric feel.
It may be mentioned that Syiem has been behind the opening of the first fashion house of the State, ‘The Daniel Syiem’s Ethnic Fashion House’ which is a joint venture of two people, Daniel Syiem (Fashion Designer) and Janessaline Pyngrope (Project Manager,B-ABLE).