Syiem unveils his collection ‘ShaKiLum’ at Lakme Fashion Week

SHILLONG, FEB 14: Daniel Syiem, the Co-founder of Daniel Syiem’s Ethnic Fashion House unveiled his collection entitled “ShaKiLum” at the Sustainable Fashion Day at Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2018.

The collection which was inspired by the beautiful landscape of Meghalaya was made entirely of Ryndia –a hand woven Eri silk from Ri-Bhoi District. His collection was part of an initiative by IMG Reliance to promote and showcase North-eastern fabrics and designs. The show called NorthEast Mojo had 5 Designers representing different states in the North-east showcasing textiles from the different states. The show was preceded by a dialogue between the United Nations and the North-east designers on driving more business to the North Eastern states without obliterating its fragile ecosystem. Yuri Afanasiev, resident coordinator United Nations in India, spoke about the goal of the UN in India to create supply chains that benefit North Eastern states to improve their quality of life and economy. Designers spoke about the challenges they face while producing in the different states of the North East—lack of raw materials, political unrest, the need to implement region specific government schemes to help with grants, were some of issues that were brought up.

The Show by Daniel Syiem, the Creative Head & Lead Designer of the label Daniel Syiem was supported by RJ Foundation, a CSR initiative of CMJ Breweries. Shri Rohit Jain, Chairman of RJ Foundation takes immense pride in associating with Daniel Syiem in promoting the usage of organic fabrics that preserve the hand-weaving traditions of the indigenous weaver tribes that reside in the villages of Meghalaya especially the Ri-Bhoi District of Meghalaya which focuses on usage of fabrics like Ryndia (heritage fabric hand-woven by local weavers of Meghalaya). It is an endeavour by both of them to help bring to light, the handlooms and textiles of the State and use the natural processes that sustain eco- systems and encourages recycling and minimal wastage which has for long been lingering in the dark, as well as, increase the potential of the weaving industry in the State to the outside world. RJ Foundation, which is committed to the socio upliftment of the villages across the State, has an exclusive long-term association with Daniel Syiem with plans to take the label and the weaving community of Meghalaya into bigger markets in India and abroad.

The collection was also supported by the North Eastern Council (NEC) that funds various projects in the North–east through concerted efforts in helping individuals and organisations in the promotion of indigenous industries.

By Our Reporter