North east design fest held in Delhi

The "north east design fest", which showcased the creativity of budding fashion designers of the region, was recently held recently in Delhi.

The four-day-long fest also showcased the works of designers, performing artists, artisans, craftsmen and weavers.

The main idea behind the event was to promote budding designers, artisans and weavers of the region. The event was organized by the North East Institute of Fashion Technology (NEIFT) with the support of Ministry of MSME, Ministry of Home Affairs - departments of Handloom and Textiles of governments of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh in association with Select Citywalk.

During the event, a Sattriya Dance was performed by Sanjukta Barooah from Assam.

"We are not just here to promote fashion and glamour but to promote our culture, tradition, textile, talents, designers, models. So people have a notion about northeast being disturbed area, and lot of things, which is very sad. When we come to mainstream a fashion world people can see what is happening it's not what to see they should understand that Northeast is also talented in a large manner. So we are trying to bring them closer," said Vikram Rai Medhi, event director.

Artisans from different parts of the region showcased a variety of products like handlooms, artificial jewellery, decorative items and cultural artifacts. Many visitors appreciated their products.

"It is a good opportunity and good initiative that they have taken up here to showcase our talent or work what we do, and let people know, so it's very important," said Manichalai, a participant.

"People come and appreciate it and they think that it's very uncommon out here, especially in Delhi, so we have a good response," added Momang, participant, Arunachal Pradesh.

During the event, talented designers presented traditional designs blended with contemporary styles. Models sashayed down the ramp in creations of designers from the Northeast. Accessories like headgears, exotic ornaments, and silk with traditional motifs in western silhouettes added to their charm.

Bollywood stars Minisha Lamba and Sonal Chauhan walked the ramp in support of the effort.

"As far as the fashion is concerned Northeast has very less expo so it's a great thing that textile Ministry is doing to promote designers, culture from the Northeast because we are so rich out here and we country itself do not know the beauty lies hidden in the corner part of our country," said Minisha Lamba.

During the event, a Rock band "Featherhead" from the Northeast, performed a fusion of folk and rock music. Another band, "Minutes of Decay", whose members are three sisters, also entertained the crowd.

"This is a great event; even in the future they should organize more. We had great fun performing here, and we had good crowd, so it's amazing," added Singchon Muivah, Bass Guitarist, Minutes of Decay.

People of Delhi got an opportunity to see the work of talented young designers. Such events create bridges of understanding between the Northeast and rest of the country.