By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma has urged the designers who had come from all across the country to attend the fashion week here to take advantage of the potential possessed by Meghalaya in the sericulture and weaving sector taking into account that over 50 per cent of the weavers in the country are from the Northeastern region.
Speaking on the final day of the first-ever Shillong Fashion Week on Saturday night at the North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) convention centre, Dr Sangma said that an event such as this showcases the wealth of Meghalaya that can be utilized to create newer trends and is also an attempt to create a link between the poor farmers who are engaged in sericulture farming, weavers and the fashion industry of the country.
Dr Sangma also mentioned that over 200 weavers of the State were brought to be a part of this event, in order to have a firsthand experience and also to explore the possibilities that lay ahead for their products through such a link with the fashion industry.
He also said that the event is only going to get bigger in years to come.
The Chief Minister also congratulated the Department of Sericulture and Weaving who sponsored the event organised by The Closet Fashion Organization and praised their credible step in making the event a grand success.
Also present at the event was world renowned designer Rohit Bal who said, “Most big things start in small way, but I think this is something big.”
The week-long event witnessed the display of designs created by noted designers not only from the North Eastern region but also from different parts of the country such as Kolkata and New Delhi.
Meanwhile, the first edition of the Shillong Fashion Week has turned out to be a boon for local talents who were looking for a chance to showcase their creative skills to the fashion enthusiasts across the globe.
Approving the event, Senti Nongrum, a designer from Meghalaya, said: “It is a very good base for young designers like me who will take time to get their first break into major fashion weeks. It has given me an opportunity to showcase my designs to the world.”
Elizabeth Marbaniang, another designer, presented their traditional attire on the ramp with a little modern twist. She thanked the organisers of the event for giving preference to northeast designers over established names.
From established designers like Nachiket Barve, Raakesh Agravwal, Anand Bhushan to local talents like Bung Keisham, Senti Nongrum, Heritage Mizoram, Magic N and Sophia M Sangma, the fashion gala had the mix of both the world. (With inputs from IANS)