Traditional Rongmei Naga attire and Manipur’s handloom heritage were showcased at the 31st Admiralty Needle International Fashion, Art and Design Festival held in St. Petersburg, Russia, from October 19 to 23, through Delhi Fashion Week’s International Reinvent Northeast Season 9.
The initiative was led by Delhi Fashion Club chairman and VOY Media & Events director Harshit Dhingaun, who also served as international fashion director and show director, and jury member for the festival’s designer competition.
In a press release, the showcase highlighted the cultural identity and traditional craftsmanship of Northeast India, with Rongmei Naga attire receiving international exposure as part of the region’s diverse indigenous heritage. The presentation aimed to promote awareness of the Rongmei Naga community’s distinctive traditional clothing and cultural identity among international audiences.
Manipur’s handloom tradition was represented through “Threads of Manipur – A Legacy of Heritage & Elegance”, a collection by Lairenlakpam Lily Chanu of Shiroi Lily Closet, Imphal. Inspired by the state’s cultural identity and the Shiroi Lily of Ukhrul district, the collection presented traditional textiles in a contemporary fashion setting.
The programme also featured a masterclass on Meghalaya’s indigenous Ryndia, or Eri silk, at Saint Petersburg State University of Industrial Technologies and Design. Titled “India: The Land of Diversity, Ryndia – The Fabric of Peace”, the session introduced participants to the textile’s cultural significance and its relevance to sustainable design.
The initiative received moral support from the Meghalaya Textile Department, with advisory support from Fredrick Roy, IAS.
Dhingaun said the initiative aimed to bring Northeast India’s indigenous textiles, designers and cultural traditions to international platforms, while creating opportunities for wider recognition and cultural exchange. He said the presentation of Manipur’s handlooms and Rongmei Naga attire, alongside the Ryndia silk masterclass, reflected the region’s diverse cultural identity. According to the organisers, International Reinvent Northeast seeks to connect traditional craftsmanship with contemporary fashion and international audiences through designer collaborations and educational programmes. The St. Petersburg event brought together Manipur’s handlooms, Rongmei Naga traditional attire and Meghalaya’s Ryndia silk, highlighting Northeast India’s cultural diversity and creating opportunities for future creative collaborations.
