All posts filed under: FASHION

Discover Local Fashion

RootsandLeisure_Lusano_ss18 2

Fashion Designer Lusano Zakiesato Gives a Modern Twist to Naga Traditional Symbols with Her Spring Summer Collection 2018

Published by Roots & Leisure

No doubt that Northeast India has some of the most creative talents and yet, the most intriguing part is their originality – so pure and raw – and often tells a story that is deeply linked to their roots, that they are most proud of. This storytelling coupled with unique designs that makes your heart flutter and inspires you enough to wear their creations – or create one of your own – with your own story weaved into them. These are the things that has a strong presence in this Spring Summer 2018 collection by Lusano Zakiesato, a fashion designer from Nagaland. This petite designer has come a long way since her first collection in 2014. “My latest  collection is a modern take on Nagaland inspired details on everyday comfortable casuals for summers” says the designer. Here she showcases her SS18 collection, that brings to life an intricate dream that can only be made in the local heaven of Nagaland. “I’ve been studying and seeing some amazing traditional inspired designs created by our very own local designers from …

RootsandLeosure_Fashion_WorkingFolk

Here’s What Fashionable Working Professionals Wear in Nagaland

Published by Tiarenla

In Nagaland, in fact in most parts of North East India, “Fashion” is as trendy as it can get in an average person’s regular life. People out here are impeccably dressed – not just on occasions, but almost every day. For young and old alike, looking good is a prerogative, and sensible dressing aesthetics come naturally. In the spirit of celebrating good taste and our mission to give a glimpse into the local life – untouched and true, our latest contributor Tiarenla curates her most stylish friends to give us a taste of what Fashion means to working folks in Nagaland.  Sashila Ozükum | Administrator, Hope Academy, Dimapur Sashila’s style (photo above) is simple, elegant and classy. She believes that the way we dress says a lot about us. “I would like to come across as a smart, confident woman and my style helps me put that across. Workwear for me is semi formal attire – comprising mainly of dresses and skirts. I don’t have a particular place that I shop from, or favourite brands as such; however, I am biased …

Young Mom from Nagaland is Trending on Instagram with Her Stylish Traditional Looks | A Chat with “Mekhala Mama”

Published by Roots & Leisure

If you’re following North East Indian fashion on Instagram, chances are you’ve come across “Mekhla Mama” and her super stylish traditional outfits that command attention. At first, we were delighted by her strong sense of individual style. However, as we continued to see her consistently striking looks, our fascination grew and turned to curiosity about the person behind the avatar. We couldn’t help but wonder where she gets her inspiration from, as each style exuded a level of consistency and authenticity that must stem from a personal motivation.  So here we are, chatting up with the lady herself to know all about the person behind the face, and to dig deeper into the message she is trying to convey through her “Mekhala Mama” avatar. R&L: Could you share a bit about yourself and what you do? Mekhala Mama:  My name is Theyie Keditsu and I was born and brought up in Kohima, Nagaland. I currently teach at Kohima College, Department of English. This will be my 12th year of teaching college. I’ve taught in Pfütsero …

RootsandLeisure_ShibenShisang

Meet the Sister Duo Founders of Local Fashion Brand “Shipen-Shisang” from Nagaland

Published by Roots & Leisure

Introducing the sister duo from Nagaland who founded ‘Shipen-Shisang,’ a collaborative fashion production house that has taken the local fashion scene by storm. Their entrepreneurial journey started in August 2017 in a small Northeastern Indian town, driven by their admiration for handiwork and the dignity of labor. The sisters’ profound understanding of their brand’s worth identifies a need for simple yet uniquely cool and comforting designs in the Indian fashion market. We chat with the founders of ‘Shipen Shisang’ Tutu (L) and Asang (R) R&L: Hi Tuti & Asang, thanks for chatting with us! Please introduce yourself to our readers. Titu & Asang: We were born and brought up in Dimapur, and our native village is Longsa, located in Nagaland’s Mokokchung district. Our design inspirations stem from observing and interacting with everyday people, which is reflected in our classic yet versatile designs suitable for both daily wear and special occasions. “At Shipen-Shisang, we believe that fashion is a powerful form of self-expression that represents one’s beliefs and identity. Comfort and trends are important, but we also …

RootsandLeisure_Faces_HornbillFestival2017

Fashionable People Spotted at the Hornbill Festival 2017 in Nagaland

Published by Imtee Jamir

The Hornbill Festival 2017 kicked off on the 1st of Dec in Kisama, Nagaland – officially welcoming the festive season! Amidst the excitement of the festival goers, the stall operators, the dancers and the tourists from all over the world, we spotted some really well-dressed people in the crowd – making the festival even more colourful!  Check out these fashionable locals spotted at the Hornbill Festival 2017!

RootsandLeisure_FashionDesigner_Zimik

How This Young Designer from Ukhrul Is Breaking Through The Clutter In The Fashion Realm | Easternlight Zimik

Published by Imtee Jamir

  “It is said that a person’s personality is reflected through the clothes they wear and that it depicts your true self. Each piece of a clothing has its own story to tell. As a person we wear a different face every day, wherever you go you are a different person and the clothes you wear tell a different story, the real story.” ~Fierce Berry Easternlight Zimik is a fashion designer, illustrator and print designer who draws inspiration from music, poetry and Japanese holistic fashion. Zimik graduated from NIFT, New Delhi and aims to create a voice through his designs where concept meets commercial value. He is currently working as a head designer for a brand called ZINGRIN in Delhi. Tell us a little about yourself. Hi ! I am Easternlight Zimik from Ukhrul, Manipur. I am working as fashion designer, fashion illustrator and print designer. I am in my mid-twenties. I did my graduation from Delhi University and fashion designing at NIFT Delhi. I am currently based in New Delhi working as a head designer for the brand, ZINGRIN. Besides …

Lusano Zakiesato from Nagaland is the Fashion Designer of your Dreams

Published by Roots & Leisure

Lusano of ‘Lusano Designs’ has come a long way since she started her label in 2014. Her first international show, a bridal show, was held in Abu Dhabi in  2016. She was also selected to showcase her designs for IRW India Runway Week season 3 under the IFFD ( Indian Federation of Fashion Design Council). Today we have chat with her to know more about how it all started. R&L: Hi Lusano, please introduce yourself to our readers. Lusano: Born and brought in Nagaland, I completed my schooling in Delhi and then went on to finish my fashion designing course from INIFD (International Institute of Fashion Design), Delhi. After that, I signed up for an additional month of pattern-making course as I am fascinated with how the details of patterns can change the whole garment. R&L: What are the key inspirations behind your designs? Lusano: I started working on my brand collection (well actually just ‘my collection’ since I didn’t plan on a ‘Brand’ yet ) in my final year at INFID. At that time, …

RootsandLeisure_Fashion_ZiroMusicFestival

Spotting Fashion at the Ziro Festival of Music 2017

Published by Pooja Ghose

The  Ziro Festival of Music that happens every year in Arunachal Pradesh is one of the most popular music festivals in India. It’s mainly known for three things : Music, The Location (the scenic beauty of Ziro guys!) and the Fashion. It’s a beautiful coming together of musical talents from across the country and beyond – and lovers of Music, Nature, Travel and of course Fashion! Can we call it the Coachella of India already? Here’s a snapshot of the sartorial sightings from the festival that was held from 28th Sept to 1st Oct 2017. Yanam from Arunachal wore a self-made floral dress over a black knitted top – completing the look with black sneakers. “I have been attending the Ziro Festival of Music for 4 consecutive years now. This year, I decided to spend some time exploring the vicinity areas – including the paddy fields and bamboo groves, before making my way to the festival site. I chose to wear a self-made floral dress with a knitted top to keep me warm and sneakers to make sure …

RootsandLeisure_KinihoClothing

Sustainable Fashion from Meghalaya | Meet Iba Mallai of KINIHO Clothing

Published by Shiori Chan

Scudding through the abode of clouds, comes Iba Mallai and her line of clothing, Kiniho- sown in tradition and sewed in heritage, the fabrics are a manifestation of earth and art, of passion and fashion but most importantly, of roots and responsibility. Born to a middle class family in Diwon, Meghalaya, Iba, a fashion enthusiast is a serious and a driven entrepreneur. As she labours to get her label going, she hasn’t forgotten that the only push ahead, comes with strengthening community development. Hi Iba! Tell us something about yourself My name is Iba Mallai. I graduated in BBM and completed my Fashion designing course from JD Institute of Fashion and Technology Bangalore. I am constantly enamoured by exquisite colours, traditions and art forms. My deep rooted love for nature and growing up in a community that weaves and dyes their own fabrics has triggered me to re define that Fashion is not only about wearing trendy clothes but also wearing responsibility in the heart. Responsibility to preserve our heritage and basic ethics of sustainable responsibility. …

Shoe Designer – Kaka Sumi, Tells us the Story Behind his New Collection

Published by Roots & Leisure

The discovery of an artist is undeniably a fulfilling and enriching journey. Each artist possesses a unique and captivating story that adds depth and significance to their art. While the craft itself may not be entirely novel, it is the artist’s personal journey that imbues their work with distinctiveness. Therefore, it is always enthralling to delve into their world and share their narratives. Recently, we had the pleasure of meeting Kaka Sumi, an exceptional shoe designer hailing from Nagaland. Kaka has just unveiled his latest collection of men’s sandals, now available at Roots & Leisure Marketplace (see details below). During our conversation, we explored Kaka’s unwavering passion for shoes and delved into the inspirations behind his new collection. R&L: Hi Kaka! We love what you are wearing – especially your sandals! Tell us a little bit about yourself.  Kaka: Hey thank you! These are Kaka Sumi sandals 🙂 So glad to be having this conversation with the R&L team. Ok as an introduction, I am a 28-year-old shoe designer who has had a lifelong obsession …