SHILLONG:
Daniel Syiem, a renowned fashion designer and co-founder of Shillong’s first fashion house, Daniel Syiem’s Ethnic Fashion House (DSEFH), presented his collection titled ‘The Orchid’s Tale’ in the 17th Edition of the North East India Festival, which recently took place in Milan, Italy, showcasing the vibrant and diverse fashion of North East India.
Organised by the Consulate General of India, Milan, Italy, and the North East Institute of Fashion Technology (NEIFT), this event brought together eight talented designers, each representing one of the eight states in North East India, including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura.
One of the standout designers at the event was Syiem who in collaboration with Janessaline Mary Pyngrope, under the aegis of Meghalaya Institute of Entrepreneurship (MIE), Government of Meghalaya, presented his collection which, beautifully showcased the traditional costumes of Meghalaya’s main tribes—the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo—followed by a modern interpretation of these traditional fabrics.
Syiem’s collection was met with enthusiasm and applause for its emphasis on slow fashion and the incorporation of heritage fabrics into contemporary designs. The showcase highlighted the ‘Dakmanda’ fabric of the Garo tribe, the ‘Thoh sa ru’ of the Jaintia tribe, and the rustic ‘Ryndia’ of the Khasi tribe, creating a stunning contrast of colour, texture, and design.
Inspired by Meghalaya’s exquisite orchids, the collection celebrated the state’s natural beauty, culture, traditions, and artistry through sustainable fabrics. It encouraged people to embrace garments with stories, sustainability, and the exotic beauty of diverse cultures. The collection featured statement pieces such as kimono-style jackets and structured tops, all adorned with tribal accessories.
This collection not only showcased Daniel Syiem’s evolution as a designer but also reflected his 25-plus years of expertise in the fashion industry. It championed the cause of preserving and highlighting Meghalaya’s heritage fabrics while promoting sustainability and slow fashion.
Daniel Syiem is a prominent fashion designer from North East India, known for his global presence at fashion events in London, New York, Rome, Bangkok, and more. His work is deeply rooted in his culture, traditions, and his home state of Meghalaya, with a vision to introduce North East India’s rich heritage to the world. His efforts have received recognition and support from the Meghalaya Institute of Entrepreneurship (MIE) and the Government of Meghalaya, allowing him to represent his state as a cultural and fashion ambassador on the global stage.
