Sinlung /
19 April 2013

Foreign Models' Ffirst Foray Into Manipur Fashion Scene

By K Sarojkumar Sharma

Imphal, Apr 19
: Ten professional models from Russia, Brazil, Moldova and Ukraine are all set to walk the ramp in Imphal for the first time on April 27, giving a new dimension to fashion industry of strife-torn Manipur.

Under the banner 'Elegance of the Indigenous- A Showcase of Manipur Ethnic Attires', the models will walk the ramp in different Manipuri ethnic designs by eminent designers of the state.

"The foreign models - six from Russia, one each from Moldova and Brazil and two from Ukraine - have already given their consent to coming to Imphal. We have also conducted their audition in New Delhi recently," said Khoisnam Nishikanta Singh, choreographer and event director of the gala event.

Indian authorities have already cleared visas for the 10 foreign models. The models now don't require the Protected Area Permit (PAP) for visiting the state as the Centre has lifted it from Manipur in 2011.

"The models are currently staying in New Delhi as they have already obtained a three-month visa from the Indian authorities through a fashion agency based in the national capital," said Nishikanta .

Nishikanta, who choreographed over 50 fashion parades across the country, including Delhi and Mumbai, said the models would perform with six selective Manipuri models in the event to be held at Bheigyachandra Open Air Theatre (Boat) at the historic palace compound in the heart of Imphal.

The primary objective of the event, he said, is to focus on ushering in peace through diversity. "We hope that showcasing traditional Manipuri attire with ethnic patterns and textures during the show will attract national and foreign buyers in the near future," he said. He added that foreign models will land in Imphal on April 25.

On the eve of the event, the models would be taken to various historic and tourist spots where they can have a glimpse of Manipuri culture and tradition, said the young choreographer .

There will be four rounds in the event being organized by Imphal-based 'Blue Wings' and sponsored by Manipur Development Society (MDS) and Manipur Skill Development Society (MSDS) with support from Manipur tourism department.

The opening round will showcase the natural charms of different communities of the state through their ethnic attires which the models will wear.

"We have been trying to organize this event since the last couple of years and now it's nearly a dream come true as all concerned - models, related government and private agencies - have extended help to our sincere endeavour," said Nishikanta, who hails from Imphal West.

To make the event more meaningful and elegant, various ethnic Manipuri fabric patterns collected from different Meitei and tribal villages across the state, would be used by the designers, he added.

Models from other parts of India also come down to Imphal occasionally and walk the ramp popularizing the traditional attires of Manipuri women. The latest show christened "Manipur Fashion Extravaganza" was held in Hotel Imphal on January 6 this year. Gorgeous models from Mumbai, Bangalore and Hyderabad added a new dimension to the gala event.

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