Itanagar: The picturesque Koro Happa River Island in Jollang near Itanagar witnessed the grand opening of the sixth edition of NorthEast India Fashion Week (NEIFW) – The Artisans Movement on Saturday.
The event, graced by Chief Minister Pema Khandu as the chief guest, MLA Techi Kaso and Tripura Minister Bikash Debbarma as the guest of honor, unfolded as a mesmerizing showcase of captivating designs, setting the stage for a three-day extravaganza celebrating fashion and cultural diversity.
Organized by One Arunachal, an NGO committed to promoting awareness and preserving the traditional and cultural essence of Arunachal Pradesh, the festival is poised to highlight the rich heritage of the region.
NEIFW chief executive officer, Yana Ngoba Chakpu, revealed that over 30 designers and artisans are slated to present their creations during the festival.
The fashion sequence on November 20 will commence with a special showcase by Gleam Dive, featuring designs from Arunachal Pradesh, followed by Assam’s Dimasa weaver Ritu Daulagaphu.
The event promises a diverse lineup, including designer Metam Veo, a performance by folk musician Warklung Phu Ningding from Karbi Anglong, and a sequence by Sawabalambi featuring specially-abled artisans and weavers during Warklung Phu Ningding’s second song.
The evening will feature talents such as designer Neeta Sidisow, Apatani folk singer Tapi Uka, and designer Hibu Ollo Budhi, along with the designer-duo Nang Watika Mantaw and Nang Wenika Namchoom showcasing Khamti weaves, followed by Leeza Bagra.
A captivating performance by Arunachal Idol-fame singer Markio Tanaldo will lead up to the grand finale by designer Rupa Rebe, where Rubaru Mr India and Mr Arunachal 2023 will take center stage as showstoppers.
Ngoba’s flagship event serves as a platform for conducting pilot studies aimed at enhancing the inclusion, empowerment, and quality of life of artisans and weavers in northeast India. The three-day event will commemorate the movement and showcase the diverse talents of artisans from the region.
One Arunachal chairman, Joram Tat, emphasized the organization’s commitment to identifying artisan role models, boosting self-esteem within the artisan community, advocating for their skills, and offering a platform to showcase their unique talents.
“With the valuable support of our NGO, we are committed to training and promoting weavers and designers from the region through ongoing skill development and capacity building. This endeavor seeks to enhance employability, secure better livelihoods, dignify labor, and establish a brand presence with global market connections,” he said.
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