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

“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.

Photo: Easternlight Zimik

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 that I freelance as well. My dream is to start my own label some day.

Introduce us to your work. What got you started?

I don’t really know how to explain and how to begin to introduce you to my world. It may sound cliché, but I don’t know when and how I started designing but I know for a fact that it never was something that I dreamt of. I believe it all happened because of God’s grace. I have found peace and solace in what I do and I can’t be any happier. I think and I know that if I work hard, I will go places.

‘Experiment on traditional textile of Tangkhul nagas of Manipur’ by Easternlight Zimik

ZINGRIN designs by @easternlight_zimik

What initially sparked your interest in this field?

Growing up in Ukhrul, the usual route that most students took was to clear the civil service exams and work for the government. Not many people worked in a creative field. With the blessing of my family and relatives, I came to Delhi in 2009 and joined Delhi University. However, I slowly started to have different interests in many fields and decided to explore other options in 2012. I appeared for the NIFT entrance exam and got through! And the rest, as they say, is history!

“I clearly remember this one incident that inspired me was a piece written about Atsu Sekhose in a Vogue magazine in 2012. I googled him and discovered that he was a Naga and I said to myself, if he could do it, I can too.”

Sketch to sample process by Easternlight Zimik

Print design by @easternlight_zimik

S a m p l e//17 Indian textiles by @easternlight_zimik

What is your creative philosophy and where do you take inspiration from?

I am always inspired by music. Music is like my savior and I don’t want to imagine my life without music. I am completely hooked to Atticus, Rupi Kaur, Lang Leav and the list goes on. I am also inspired by traditional clothes and textile but with my experience in one project, I understood and realised that using traditional textile or technique is not as simple and easy at all and without careful consideration, it can turn out to be very cliché and funny.

I really believe in the philosophy of taking a holistic approach. Sometimes in my mind I wish everyone understood what goes behind in making one basic garment and what the implication of that causes to the environment and resources. I really admire the Japanese approach to fashion and their holistic approach on all fields is deeply admirable.

Fashion illustration by Easternlight Zimik

What do you hope people take away from your designs?

I want my designs to tell a story and be able to make people think and interpret them when they look at a piece of clothing I’ve created.

“I continue to learn and want to be able to have my own voice, not only in a conceptual way, but to be able to incorporate concept with commercial value.”

I like originality and I’m proud of my creations.

Ready to wear collection for ZINGRIN Store in New Delhi. Available at Khan Market store, New Delhi

Projectne1: Exploring Tangkhul Naga textiles by Easternlight Zimik

Can you single out an item from your work which you are particularly proud of?

There are a couple actually. My first final year collection called Ode to Tarung was one of my proudest moments. I did not even have a penny in my pocket and making the collection was a real struggle. Also, along with that, winning the AIR FRANCE MANISH ARORA PARIS and working with him for his MANISH ARORA PARIS S/S16 collection was one of the best moments of my life. It was a surreal experience. Working with Atsu Sekhose was also motivating and encouraging. Finally, showcasing my work at DESTINATION NORTH EAST in Delhi in Pragati Maidan was fun and nerve wrecking because the entire collection was made in 2 weeks.

‘Ode to Tarung’ by Easternlight Zimik

A/W2016 Fashion illustration by @easternlight_zimik for Atsu Sekhose

Tell us about your latest venture.

I am currently working on samples for S/S18 collection for ZINGRIN and I’m preparing for a show at ASEAN SUMMIT18 which is to be held in Delhi on 18 Jan 2018. I am so thrilled and eagerly looking forward to the show!