Manushi dazzles as showstopper for MFE
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, October 16 2022:
Miss World 2017 Manushi Chiliar attended the grand finale of Manipur Fashion Extravaganza-2022 (MFE), which was organised to celebrate five years of Robert Naorem brand and Robert Naorem Studio and Academy, as its showstopper at Hotel Imphal here on Sunday.
Organised with the objective of highlighting and honouring the culture and craftsmanship of Manipur, the fashion event also saw participation from up-and-coming designer Arbin Tonjam, state jewellery brands Radhamani Jewellery and Muhindro Jewellery, each showcasing their collections and designs.
Many differently-abled models walked the ramp to emphasise the inclusiveness and accessibility of the Robert Naorem brand.
Renowned film actresses Bala Hijam, Soma Laishram and Biju Ningombam along with Miss India World 2021 Manasa Varanasi walked as showstoppers of the show, while Miss World 2017 Manushi Chillar walked the ramp as the show stopper for the grand finale.
During the event, skilled weavers of the handloom industry were also felicitated, while American Oncology Institute launched a cancer detection brassiere as part of the Pink Ribbon Campaign for cancer awareness.
Speaking as the chief guest, Textile Commerce and Industry minister Nemcha Kipgen lauded Robert Naorem for showcasing Manipur's handloom and textiles in a fashionable way through the show.
It is due to the contribution of a talented designer like him that we were able to see former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen and various others donning the traditional dresses of Manipur on social media platforms, and also the participation of Miss World Manushi Chillar in a fashion show in Imphal, Nemcha said.
She continued that fashion could be considered as a part of life, serving as one of the indicators of our identity to others.
Fashion will continue to exist as long as humankind continues to exist, she stated.
Meanwhile, speaking to media persons prior to the show, Manushi Chillar noted that the northeastern states including Manipur are highly fashionable, and as such, she has no fashion tips to give.
Rather, she is excited to take some tips from" the people of the state, the model remarked candidly.
She further said that as the northeastern states have their own unique cultures, it is time for Manipur to showcase its cultural wealth all over the world such as the cloth made from Iyong (traditional loom) and its craftsmanship in jewellery.
Manushi then shared her joyous experience of wearing the traditional dress of Manipur, adding that people nowadays prefer handmade cloths and jewellery more than the machine-made ones.
Thus, this will serve as an opportunity to improve the economy of the state; she said and expressed her appreciation of the women entrepreneurs of Manipur, especially in the handloom and textile sectors.
She also mentioned about the inclusion of differently-abled models in the show and the launch of the cancer detection brassiere, which would help in early detection of breast cancer.
The fashion event was also attended by Indian Fashion Awards founder Sanjay Nigam and North East Institute of Fashion Technology founder Vikram Rai Medhi as dignitaries.