- Jenny Thingshung
EKHON|UKHRUL: Acclaimed Tangkhul designer Easternlight Zimik unveiled his highly anticipated third collection, ‘DEAR SPRING’, in an intimate showcase at Pasei Bookstore, Hamleikhong, Hungpung, Ukhrul district, on Monday. The exclusive event drew a distinguished guest list, including Ukhrul DC Zuringla Kengoo, Tangkhul Shanao Long President Thingreiphy Lunghar, and Dr. Sinalei Khayi, among others, who gathered to witness the designer’s latest creative endeavor.
Speaking on the occasion, Ukhrul DC Zuringla Kengoo congratulated Easternlight Zimik for his wonderful performance and said that she’s proud to be part of a community that celebrates creativity, beauty, and value. She appealed the people to focus on uplifting each other, transforming flaws into opportunities for growth, and showcasing our unique beauty, making our land a land of glory.
Easternlight Zimik, a visionary designer, is set to revolutionize traditional weaving techniques and transform them into a modern fashion brand. In just a year and a half, Easternlight Zimik’s brand EAST has achieved unprecedented success, surpassed expectations and garnering widespread acclaim from across the country.
The DEAR SPRING collection, comprising 15 vibrant designs, captures the essence of Spring’s diverse colors. Although its March launch was delayed due to unforeseen circumstances, the eventual showcase left attendees mesmerized by the intricate details and visionary representation of Spring. Each piece stands out with its distinct placement, color palette, and overall aesthetic, showcasing the designer’s unique perspective.
Later at the Q&A session, the 32-year-old designer credited the skilled weavers as the true force behind his creative vision, saying, “Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t have brought my designs to life without the expertise and dedication of these talented weavers.”
A key aspect of his mission is to empower and recognize the invaluable contributions of weavers, who are often underappreciated in the community. Currently, he has created a sustainable livelihood for 7 full-time weavers and partnering with few others on a freelance basis, providing them with opportunities for growth and prosperity.
On criticism, Easternlight Zimik shared an experience from his initial days when he was told by an elder that he is compromising the Tangkhul traditional attire. But rather than taking offense, Zimik saw it as a positive sign that his work was sparking meaningful conversation. Adding that if his designs resonate with people and authentically represent Tangkhul identity, why can’t they be considered a modern interpretation of Tangkhul kashan, he questioned.
He expressed concern that the traditional Kashan from various villages have become indistinguishable, with identical motifs, designs and colors. He suggested that villages can create unique motifs by drawing inspiration from the rich storytelling heritage. For instance, the simple yet meaningful dots in his design represent the stars in the night sky, demonstrating how everyday elements can be reimagined into distinctive cultural symbols.
Dr. Achan Mungleng, an anthropologist, praised Easternlight Zimik’s creative endeavor, noting that his designs known for its lightness and ease will be particularly useful for individuals like herself who attend events as resource persons and obliged to wear traditional attire. She appreciated the neutral tone of EAST’s textile design, which will blend in with other cultures. However, she also pointed out the high cost of the designs and suggested exploring ways to make them more affordable and accessible to a wider audience.
Despite self-funding his venture and navigating numerous obstacles, including sourcing raw materials and relying on unreliable courier services, Easternlight Zimik remains resolute in his pursuit, undeterred by the challenges and committed to pushing forward. His current focus is on acquiring machinery to increase production capacity and reduce costs, making his clothing line more accessible and affordable for the wider population.
