Shillong, Sept 11: The Villa Necchi Campiglio, Milan was transformed into a miniature Northeast India on September 9 night. Hosted by the North East Institute of Fashion Technology (NEIFT) in collaboration with the Consulate General of India in Milan, the event saw the participation of dignitaries, diplomats, fashion icons, and academics. NEIFT CEO Vikram Rai Medhi and Consul General of Milan, Ajungla Jamir, led the festivities.
The highlight of the evening was a fashion show featuring eight talented designers from North East- Robert Naorem, Daniel Syiem, Priyanka D Patwari, Barsha Phukan, Escape Engmoia, Pella, Kashmiri, and Huangpi Gogoi.
The display featured top international models from Milan’s fashion industry alongside models representing the North East.
The festival didn’t stop at fashion; it showcased the rich cultural tapestry of the North East. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), presented various forms of folk dances from the Northeastern region. Upcoming artist Aaryaman from Assam enchanted the audience with his songs. Nagaland Tourism and Meghalaya Tourism captivated the international audience with captivating tourism videos, aimed at enticing European travelers to explore these beautiful Northeastern states.
The event saw a remarkable lineup of dignitaries, including Luca Bernardo, Councilor of the Municipality of Milan and Vice President of the Anti-Mafia Commission of Italy; Sabrina Pane, Deputy Prefect of Milan; Denise Mutton, Deputy Commissioner of Police, and several Consul Generals from countries such as South Korea, Japan, Croatia, Brazil, and the Bahamas. Notably, UP Singh, Former Secretary Textiles & Jal Shakti, Govt. of India, and Frederick Roy Kharkongor, Commissioner Secretary Art & Culture, Govt. of Meghalaya, graced the occasion.
Representatives from diplomatic corps, including the United States of America, United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, Austria, and Poland, added an international flair to the event. Fashion luminaries from prestigious houses like Gucci, Prada, Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Valentino, Versace, and Giorgio Armani attended in large numbers, showcasing the event’s global significance. Distinguished design faculties and academicians from Lombardy’s renowned universities also participated.
The event was made possible with the support of associates, including the Ministry of DoNER, North Eastern Council, Ministry of Textiles, Meghalaya Tourism, Nagaland Tourism, Office of DC Handicrafts, KVIC, Oil India Ltd., NeDFi, NEHHDC, Silk Mark, and the ICCR. Rai Medhi announced at the finale that the festival would continue its journey to various countries to shine a spotlight on North East India’s rich heritage and creativity.
