3rd Manipur fashion extravaganza on the card
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 01 2015: One of the most high profile fashion events of North East India, Manipur Fashion Extravaganza is all set to highlight the rich traditional textiles of Manipur handloom industry in the month of May stated Robert Naorem, the organizer of the show in a press meet held today at Classic Hotel.

Former Miss World Parvathy Omnakuttan, who was also present at the press meet said that the third edition of the fashion extravaganza would surely promote the rich traditional handloom textiles and fabrics of Manipur to the whole country.

She added that the rest of the country hardly knows the existence of such traditions and customs and this gap can be bridged by the planned fashion extravaganza.

Robert Naorem and Parvathy Omnakuttan addressing the media

Manipur Creations along with Robert Naorem, one of the prominent fashion designers of Manipur, is organizing the fashion extravaganza.

Robert Naorem said that the third edition of the show has been focused more on the handloom products and promoting the weavers of the State.

He added that other prominent figures in the fashion industry such as Aslam Khan (Mumbai), Jayanti Balla (Karnataka), Ashikur Rehman (Bangladesh) and Arshi Jamal (Lucknow) would use the handloom fabrics of Manipur and produce new products which will help in setting up a market for such products.

This would give an opportunity to the weavers of Manipur to raise their products to a higher standard.

About 12 to 15 professional models of the country including locals would walk the ramp in the third edition of the Manipur Fashion Extravaganza.

Celebrity stars and Miss India would walk as show stoppers of the show.

Parvathy Omnakuttan added that the entire North East India has varied tribal traditions and cultures which can be compared to those of Africa.

"If the Africans can promote their tribal culture through fashion and various other means, why not we do the same with what we have", she said.

She said that job opportunities could be created if such shows are organised regularly in addition to setting up a vibrant fashion industry in the State.

Moreover if the Government puts in a little more effort and provide a helping hand to the industry, many youth can have a career here at home, she added.