Renowned Manipuri fashion designer and handloom entrepreneur Robert Naorem has once again presented India’s rich textile heritage on the world stage. Showing his new collection in a luxury fashion show in Milan, Italy, Naorem presented Manipur’s rich cultural identity and craftsmanship leaving an unforgettable impression on the international audience.
Manipur’s Textile Heritage on an International Platform
The event, organized by ETv Italy at Melia Hotel, brought together ten designers from ten nations, hence establishing an international platform of creative excellence. With social and economic issues facing Manipur, Naorem’s representation was a loud statement of the state’s textile industry’s strength, creativity, and heritage.
His collection, titled “Manipur,” did justice to the region’s handiwork by featuring:
✔ Manipur state emblem
✔ Intricate patterns of indigenous birds, animals, and flowers
✔ Meitei traditional scripts
✔ Hand-spun silk cloth, a signature of Manipur’s weaving culture
Through the blending of age-old weaving and modern design, Naorem projected Manipuri handloom on the international scene without losing its place of origin.
A Fusion of Traditional and Modern Fashion
One of the showstoppers of Naorem’s Milan show was the effortless blend of traditional Manipuri wear with contemporary silhouettes.
His collection featured:
✨ Ancient Manipuri clothing that respected tradition
✨ Sarees reimagined for international demand
✨ Western silhouettes crafted in Manipuri handloom fabrics
With an understated color palette of black, cream, and ivory, Naorem’s collection walked the middle path between heritage and modernity, satisfying vintage enthusiasts and fashionistas alike.
A Cultural Spectacle on the Catwalk
To add cultural relevance to the event, 15 professional models strutted down the ramp along with Manipuri artist Suchitra Wangkhem. An intimate performance by Manipuri folk singer Mangka was also included in the program, which added cultural relevance to the show.
Sustainability & Ethical Fashion Under the Spotlight
Besides style, Naorem’s collection highlighted the importance of sustainable and ethical fashion. His collection revolved around:
Promoting traditional handloom weaving and empowering the weavers
Using natural and eco-friendly fabric for a sustainable fashion revolution
Creating employment opportunities for local Manipuri weavers
A Big Success for Manipur’s Textile Industry
By taking Manipur’s handloom industry to the global stage, Naorem has drawn global attention to the craftsmanship of the producers of refrigerated trucks. His achievement in Milan fashion show is a yardstick for India’s Northeast and paves the way for more artisans and designers to showcase themselves on the world stage.
With this acknowledgment, the traditional weaver community of Manipur is poised to bloom, marking a new beginning for India’s Northeast textile heritage.
