What drew you to become a Fashion Designer?
It has always been my dream to do something for my motherland, Manipur. The women weavers and hand loom textiles of my state remain unnoticed by the rest of the global fashion world. That has inspired me to work closely with the weavers to bring out new and innovative designs, and to promote them on the global fashion platform. As a designer, this has been a dream for a very long time.
Why was it important to you to offer a sustainable, responsible, eco fashion line and how do you incorporate ideals such a zero waste into your work?
Global warming has been one of the problems of human existence. It is responsibility of every single person to contribute towards environmental issues and I belief in not wasting product, so try to use and incorporate all my fabric. The fabrics I choose can also be re-designed and used in many different ways.
Where do you find inspiration for new work?
I work closely with my people, my culture and my tradition. I also work closely with all of the weavers who inspire me to create new designs and new products, increasing the demand for hand loom product. Raising the demand for these woven goods supports the hard work of the weavers, as selling the fabrics they create is their livelihood and their means of survival.
What materials do you work with organic, reclaimed, extras?
I work mostly on organic silk and cotton, adding a a touch of glamour here and there to make the garment look like a designer wear which helps adapt my designs to current fashion trends.
What are the biggest challenges faced as a sustainable designer?
Recreating and redesigning a product or a design into a new design is one of the biggest tasks I face. Re-dying while and also maintaining the quality of the original fabric is challenging.
How do you help customers understand the higher cost of sustainable garments where they are so inundated with sweat shop produced cheap merchandise?
I let them know the fabrics are expensive because it takes a long time to weave them and a lot of hard work by the weavers . I also explain my work is very labor intensive as it takes many processes to re-dye, to re-make and to make sure the garments I produce are up to the highest standards for my customers.
What can we look forward to seeing on the runway at Eco Fashion Week Australia 2018?
A complete unique form of dressing style featuring the beauty of the hand loom and textiles created by the weavers of Manipur.
How do you incorporate sustainable living in other areas of your life?
I always try my best to embrace Zero waste in every part of my life. I also try to re-cycle and re-use as much as possible whatever I use in my daily life.
Anything else readers would like you to know?
More than just design, my work is about the emotions, the traditions, the culture, and the beauty of the weavers hand loom textiles from the small state Manipur in the corner of India.
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