Shillong’s 1st Fashion Week’ in Oct

The first ever fashion week in Meghalaya was announced recently. Designers Jenjum Gadi, Anand Bhushan, Gaurav & Ritika, Sophia M Sangma, along with officials from the Directorate of Sericulture and Weaving were present at the announcement. The exclusive event ‘Shillong Fashion Week’ (SFW) is scheduled on October 19 and 20, 2012 and is initiated by the State of Meghalaya under the leadership of the Chief Minister, Mukul Sangma. Some of the other participating designers are Elizabeth Marbaniang, Heritage Mizoram, Amoii, Bung By Bung, Rapbor, Magic-N and Latynrai, all regional designers from the Northeast.

Commenting on the initiative B C H Hajong, Joint Director for Directorate of Sericulture & weaving said, “Fashion is something which has always been an integral part of life. It gives us a unique style for expressing our moods & life. We are very proud and excited to host such a glamorous event. This initiative aims to raise awareness on fashion and current trends among the people of Meghalaya and neighbouring states.”

Adds Julie Deb, Co-founder of Shillong Fashion Week, “This first of its kind fashion event will be a big platform for local designers and models to showcase their talent. It’s an initiative to get Meghalaya recognised as a fashion city. We are all set for a successful show and there are many more to come.”

The aim is to promote Shillong, as the next fashion hub of the Northeast and to promote fashion business in the region. This fashion fiesta unlocks new opportunities for national designers and encourages local designers to enhance their creativity. The event also provides a great platform to promote the rich tribal textile since day one of SFW is going to be celebrated as ‘Day of the Tribes’. This event is an initiative to put Meghalaya’s rich art, culture, textile through a mainstream fashion show format.

The fashion extravaganza will showcase the creations of popular designers such as Jenjum Gadi, Anand Bhushan, Gaurav and Ritika, Nachiket Barve and Dev R Nil. Most of the participating designers have already been a part of the prestigious Wills Lifestyle India and Lakme Fashion weeks earlier, and have gained a lot of recognition for their designs.