Aneeth Arora—To Wear or Not To Wear...

Recently I have become familiarized with Indian designer Aneeth Arora, who is one of the favorite designers, of Imcha Imchen from Nagaland.

Imcha writes, “I think she [Aneeth] truly represents the country and the Indian aesthetics. The Italians seem to like her precision to detail! She is such an inspiration!”

Aneeth’s label is called “péro,” which is the word for ‘to wear’ in the Marwari language—the language spoken in Rājasthān, the largest state in India.

Aneeth’s particular emphasis is on simple clothing that draws from indigenous skills and ancient traditions.

Her inspirations derive from the local styles across the most remote regions, which Aneeth adapts to the tastes of the modern man.

In the photo, Indian model Sahil Shroff is wearing a péro creation.

Sahil is one of the leading models in India who will be joing Bollywood shortly.

Sahil maintains his chiseled body through swimming, running, and Taekwondo, as well as a healthy diet of fruit, vegetables, yogurt, rice, and fish.

In the coming weeks, I hope to bring you more on this resourceful designer, Aneeth Arora.

Check out the styles here.

Photo Courtesy Imcha Imchen, Copyright péro.

Imcha Imchen—the Green Menswear Designer from Nagaland

“COLOR is inspiring. But I do not let it define ME or where I come from.” Imcha Imchen

Imcha Imchen is a native of Nagaland, a hill state in northeastern India that borders Assam, Manipur, and Burma. He grew up in the tiny town of Medziphema.

Imcha graduated in Environmental Science from St. Joseph’s College of Arts and Science in Bangalore. He is also a graduate of the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad, India, where he studied Design and Merchandising.

Now, combining his two degrees, Imcha is contending for the environment with his latest collection in a campaign called “Do You Know When the River Has Run Dry.” The title was taken from the debut album of Naga singer/songwriter and dear friend, Senti Toy.

The campaign was shot in the Dzukou Valley, in an effort to preserve and conserve the nature and wildlife of Nagaland and implement sustainable tourism. Nagaland abounds in flora and fauna with tropical evergreen forests.

Photo of Ben Jamir by Rokovor Vihienuo Copyright Imcha Imchen.

An Interview with Naga Designer Imcha Imchen

Based in Ahmedabad, India, Imcha Imchen is a designer from Nagaland who made his debut as a Gen Next designer at the Spring/Summer 2009 Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai on October 2008.

The silhouettes in 2009 autumn/winter collection entitled Mangko Akir drew inspiration from the drapes of the mekhela (or sarong), the loin cloth, and the sash, which were used by various Naga tribes.

After writing my first article on Imcha entitled From Nagaland: Menswear with Imcha Imchen, I sent the young an email with several interview questions. Despite his current travels and busy schedule, Imcha responded immediately:

Where were you born and raised, Imcha?
I was born in Mokokchung, Nagaland, but I was raised in a small town called Medziphema, also in Nagaland.

Tell me a bit about your studies...
I obtained a degree in Science with Chemistry, Zoology and Environmental Science. Then, I took a different turn and went to the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad where I studied Apparel Design and Merchandising.

What are the major inspirations of your creations?
Tribal folklore and textiles.

How would you describe the men's fashion scene in India?
The fashion Scene in India is booming. The first mens fashion week was held just a while back, and it just proves how serious a market it has become, even though men seem to be more conservative or less fashion conscious than their female counterparts.

Thank you, Imcha, for taking time out of your busy schedule to respond! I wish you the greatest success!

Photo Copyright Imcha Imchen.

From Nagaland: Menswear with Imcha Imchen

Hand-woven textiles; traditional dying techniques; and arts, crafts, and natural colors from the tribal world—welcome to the stylish realm of Imcha Imchen.

Imcha Imchen is a native of Nagaland, a hill state of northeastern India that borders Assam, Manipur, and Burma.

One of the smallest Indian states with only 2 million inhabitants, Nagaland is home to 14 Naga tribes, each of which boasts its own woven designs and colors.

Utilizing organic cottons and silks with vegetable dyes, Imcha draws heavily on the woven jackets, pleated shirts, loin wraps, fabric shoes, and armlets of his native land.

The 2010 spring summer collection collection "How Many Stories Do You Read on My Face" drew particular inspiration from a valiant headhunter and represents to today’s new generation the concepts of power and status.

Imcha graduated from the Naitonal Institute of Design in Ahmedabad and recently exhibited at Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai.



Photo & slideshow 2010 s/s collection Copyright Imcha Imchen.