Meet Mhiesi, a talented fashion designer from Dimapur whose passion for fashion has led him to turn his childhood dreams into a reality. With a degree in fashion design under his belt, Mhiesi now freelances as a fashion designer during the week, working with various export houses to develop new collections for international brands. On the weekends, he channels his creativity into building his own brand, ‘pfe.’

Growing up, Mhiesi was surrounded by garment-making and fashion inspiration. His earliest memory of fashion was watching his mother sew clothes and weave intricate patterns on her loin loom. “Fashion has always been an important part of my family; almost everyone knows how to sew clothes. I used to wake up early in the morning just to catch the FTV specials and get a backstage glimpse of the designers and models,” he recalls

We chat with Mhiesi to talk about his journey – from early fashion memories to challenges he has faced as a young designer, and his most current passion of building his own brand ‘pfe’

• R&L: Hi Mhiesi, please introduce yourself to our readers. 

Mhiesi: Hi Roots & Leisure Team!! Thank you so much for having me. My name is Mhiesi Meyase and I am a young fashion designer originally from Dimapur, Nagaland. Currently, I reside in Jaipur, Rajasthan, and work as a freelance fashion designer.

“During the week, I divide my time between various export houses where I mostly develop new collections for international brands. I work extensively for Turkey, Brazil, and Spain.

On weekends, I focus on my own brand, which I started in 2022 called ‘pfe’. My passion for fashion and childhood memories, particularly of making baby doll dresses inspire my designs. I create only one-of-a-kind pieces using my limited resources and time.”

I experiment with designs to find my own niche and style. Ultimately, I want to scale up my brand and provide employment opportunities to talented local artisans back home.

• R&L: Tell us about your upbringing in Nagaland, how it has influenced you, and your work as a fashion designer.

Mhiesi: I was born and brought up in Dimapur, Nagaland. We are a big family of 6 – mum, dad, and 3 older siblings. I had a wonderful childhood, and at an early age, I knew I wanted to be a fashion designer and work in the creative field. My family was very supportive. Growing up, fashion has always been in my surroundings; almost everyone in our family knows how to sew clothes.

“The earliest memory of fashion I remember was watching my mother sewing clothes and weaving on her loin loom creating intricate patterns. Waking up early in the morning just to watch FTV specials for the backstage exclusive interview of the designers and models.”

Cutting out all the pictures from Atsu Sekhose‘s latest collection that was printed on Nagaland post which I still have btw 🤭 All these things have really influenced me and motivated me on my journey to becoming a fashion designer

• R&L: You have two recent collections: the ‘1991 Cross-Stitch Collection’ and your latest one, the ‘Bapfhü S23 Collection.’ What was the inspiration behind these collections, and how do they reflect your personal style?

Mhiesi: My ‘1991 Cross Stitch Collection‘ was inspired by mom’s beautiful cross-stitch floral embroidery from 1991, which still hangs on our wall to this day. The collection is a tribute to my mum and that iconic frame. I named each garment after someone I love.

“For example, the Soren Embroidered Dress is named after my mum, Sorenbeni, while the Rino Top is named after my sister, Arieno. The Ano Ruffle Short is inspired by my sister Meno, and the Andre Snow Dress is named after someone I love and look up to.”

“My ‘1991 Cross Stitch Collection‘ was inspired by mom’s beautiful cross-stitch floral embroidery from 1991, which still hangs on our wall to this day.”

As for my latest collection, the ‘Bapfü Collection S23,’ Bapfü means orchid in the Angami dialect. The collection was inspired by orchids which I saw blooming everywhere, on a trip to Bangkok. Those visuals brought back fond childhood memories. The collection is bright, reflecting the colors of the purple-yellow orchid. I mainly took inspiration from two of the most common orchids in Nagaland: the Kopou orchid and the Yellow dendrobium orchid.

“The ‘Bapfü Collection S23,’ Bapfü means orchid in the Angami dialect. It was mainly inspired by two of the most common orchids in Nagaland: the Kopou orchid and the Yellow dendrobium orchid.”

• R&L: As a young Naga pursuing a career in fashion design, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them? Who has been your biggest source of inspiration and support during your journey?

Mhiesi: It can be expensive to pursue a fashion degree, so that was an initial worry. But thankfully, my family was supportive throughout my journey both financially and morally.

The second challenge I faced was starting a brand. As a designer, I knew what I wanted to create but I lacked the resources and knowledge in areas like sales, marketing, production etc. But I have come to realize the importance of seeking help from others. I have a strong support system in my family and close friends, who have been a constant source of encouragement.

• R&L: What do you hope to convey through your art, and how do you see your designs making an impact in the fashion industry?

Mhiesi: I hope to convey my story and my background (Naga roots) to a wider audience through my clothing. I would also like to bring fresh perspectives to the fashion industry – especially in areas of upcycling and sustainability.

• R&L: Finally, as someone who is constantly creating and experimenting with new designs, what do you do
  to stay creatively inspired?And if you could design a piece for anyone in the world, who would it be and what would it look like?

Mhiesi: I find inspiration in everything and anything, from the smallest crack on a wall to the color of the corroding metal. Fashion, for me, is a means of communicating my emotions, life experiences, and reflections of my surroundings.

“I would love to create a design for super model Vittoria Ceretti. It will be a voluminous dress with layers of organza/ silk with Naga motifs and the silhouette inspired by old babydoll dresses.”

We hope that Mhiesi’s story has left you feeling as inspired as we are. Mhiesi’s dedication and hard work in pursuing his passion are truly inspiring. We can’t wait to see where his talent takes him next. If you have a story that you would like to contribute, please write to us at info@rootsandleisure.com.