Using textures and ethnic accessories to introduce the world to the rich Khasi culture, fabrics by
Shillong based designer has taken the fashion world by storm.
By Nawaz Yasin Islam
SHILLONG: Debutant who stole the show from the prominent. This is what can rightfully be said about Meghalaya’s very own Daniel Syiem whose persistent efforts have been in putting Shillong in the fashion map of the world. In his debut show at the Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) Summer Resort 2013, held at Grand Hyatt, Mumbai on March 25, Daniel brought forth, elegant organic garments to the world with his wonderful ethnic collection.
Day 4 of Lakme Fashion Week was dominated by the fluidic and pristine display of Indian textiles, appeal of which was enhanced by the ‘ethnicity woven indigenous fabric’ designs of Daniel which forms the basis of his intriguing line. Traditional roots are very important for this Khasi designer who uses culture as a background for his creations. Daniel’s debut fashion outing was a 100 per cent organic collection in off white, beige and dull gold colour story. “I have used Ryndia, a heritage fabric sourced from the Ri-Bhoi district and focussed on keeping the styling simple as simplicity can only enhance the
beauty of a woman,” Daniel asserts.
Blending in modern trends with hand woven fabrics, the range was perfectly and fashionably interesting for the viewers. The use of traditional craft with western shapes added to the international appeal of the garments, while clean cuts and simple styling further highlighted the appeal of the clothes. Draped togas in swirling volumes, cascades for tunics over wide trousers, one shoulder dresses, halters with long slit skirts and wrap blouses in enchanting shades of ivory and beige silk were on display for some exhilarating viewing pleasure. Some of his clothes also had gold muga silk border.
As proclaimed by many Mumbai dailies, Daniel’s debut collection didn’t, for once, seem like one. The designer used just two colours — the off white of Ryndia and dull gold to create fabulous flowy dresses for the modern woman. A touch of gold muga silk border added elegance and superiority to the collection. There was a lot of Grecian influence with toga-like dresses sent down the ramp. Inspired by the traditional garments of the Khasis, the jainsem and jainkirsha, he put together a collection with well structured separates like tops with obi belts, skirts with slits and relaxed bottom wear.
An interesting facet of Daniels collection was that most of them stayed away from using fasteners (zippers, buttons etc) of any kind and instead, made use of detailed knotted fabric on the shoulders, bows etc. The colour palette was neutral, off white and dull gold that enhanced the drapes and styling.
Daniel’s collection has been developed with the unidirectional focus being on organic fabric right from the yarn stage in order to manipulate its properties. Competing against the finest Indian fabrics and weaves, Ryndia managed to sweep people off the floor with the charismatic merging of it along with Western silhouettes structured (palazzo pants) and de-constructed wrap dresses.
Daniel’s designs made for a great showcase of stylish relaxed wear, living up to the expectations of some prominent names in the arena.
The future plans are promising enough. Daniel and his fashion house is all set to go a long way with the constructive support that he receives from Janessaline Pyngrope who is the Business Head and manages all the administrative affairs including show selection and Nisha Upreti who is their Consultant and has been very instrumental in bringing out their Brochure, Look Book and Visiting cards. Born in Shillong, Nisha has now shifted base to Mumbai. 
“The Lakme Fashion Week has been a big stepping stone and we will now focus on upscaling our productions and look at participating in the Wills India Fashion Week,” Janessaline said. She is also determined to take Daniel’s creations to the International arena. “Our future plans involve making this global. We are looking to take part in the London Fashion Week as well as in Milan and New York,” she said.
A great show and a terrific display of creativity left an impression that is bound to linger for a long time. Taking a bow with model Manasvi Mamgai at the end of his show, Daniel admitted that the response to his collection was overwhelming. A perfect applaud to aspirations well defined.
If ‘pristine’ is what you are aiming for, emulate Daniel’s style and create a wardrobe with off whites and gold that would come to use when you’re lounging around. Accessorise the look with jute bags and chappals, statement earrings and neckpieces in gold, as he did.
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