By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 16: The 19th edition of the North East India Festival, held at the Istanbul, Turkey, showcased the contemporary artistry of the region.
Among the highlights was the celebrated designer Daniel Syiem, whose Ethnic Fashion House was one of the standout participants.
At the event, Syiem presented his new collection titled Ryndia Chronicles, drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of the fabric’s off-white color, enhanced by intricate detailing made with actual cocoons.
The collection was met with widespread acclaim. “This was one of the best shows of my career,” Syiem said. “Everyone from Meghalaya worked as a team to create an impact, and the response from the audience and buyers was overwhelming,” he added.
One of the most memorable moments for Syiem was a compliment from an American diplomat in the audience. “He told me he had a very different perspective of India before, but seeing my work completely changed that view,” said Syiem.
The North East India Festival, organised by the North East Institute of Fashion Technology (NEIFT) and supported by the Government of India and several other stakeholders, has been a platform for promoting the region’s culture, art, music, and textiles.
This year’s edition was significant, highlighting the strong friendship between India and Turkey. The event also had prominent attendees from Meghalaya, including Director of Tourism Cyril Diengdoh, designer Moryca Marak from Garo Hills, model Tanvi Marak, and singer Lily Sawian.
Despite the global recognition, Syiem acknowledged that Ryndia is not a fabric that can be mass-produced. ” This is something we have to accept,” he remarked. “But that doesn’t diminish its value, it only enhances the importance of preserving this heritage and maintaining the artisanal quality of the work.”
In addition to elevating Ryndia on international stages, Syiem’s work has had a profound impact on local communities.
“We encourage to sustain their lifestyles as artisans by creating income-earning opportunities for them,” said Syiem, emphasizing the importance of preserving indigenous lifestyles through sustainable fashion practices.
Over the years, the Ethnic Fashion House has collaborated with several villages, including Umtmang and Byrsit.