Manipur designer Robert Naorem showcases State’s textiles at Milan fashion event

Manipur fashion designer Robert Naorem showcased the State’s handloom and textile traditions at an international fashion event in Milan, Italy, on Sunday, September 20.

The showcase was held at the Meliá Milano Hotel as part of an event featuring 27 shows by designers from different countries. Naorem opened the sequence of shows, placing Manipur’s textiles at the centre of the international presentation.

A total of 22 models walked the runway in Naorem’s creations featuring textiles produced in Manipur. The collection brought together traditional Manipuri textiles and contemporary designs conceptualised and created by the designer.

The Milan showcase also marked 10 years since the official launch of Naorem’s label. Over the past decade, he has worked to promote Manipur’s handloom, textiles and craftsmanship to audiences outside the State.

The showcase was organised in collaboration with the Department of Sericulture, Government of Manipur, with support from Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh. The event was organised by Prasanna and New Stars and brought together designers and fashion professionals from countries including Italy, Germany, Kazakhstan and the UK.

This was not Naorem’s first presentation in Italy. Milan has previously provided him a platform to present Manipur’s textile traditions to international audiences.

The event brought together fashion personalities, industry professionals and audiences from Italy and other countries. The presentation provided an international platform for Manipuri textiles and highlighted their use in contemporary fashion.

The Milan showcase was part of Naorem’s continuing efforts to promote Manipur’s handloom and textile traditions through international fashion platforms.