
Reimagining Tradition Zimik and Longchar’s Mekhela Makeover Label
Mekhela, the traditional wrap from Northeast India, is having a moment. Thanks to designers like Easternlight Zimik and Moala Longchar, this classic garment is stepping into the spotlight with a whole new vibe. Picture bold colors, modern motifs, and enough edge to catch the eye of even the most style-savvy crowd. What was once considered an outfit for cultural events is now turning heads on city streets and beyond.
Easternlight Zimik, a NIFT Delhi graduate, found his creative calling back home in the misty hills of Ukhrul, Manipur. After making a name for himself in the fashion industry, Zimik launched East, a label that breathes new life into the kashan, the Tangkhul Naga community’s traditional wrap. His designs feature sleek geometric patterns, chic fringes, and metallic accents that give the mekhela a fashionable twist. Not just about looks, Zimik’s wraps come with functional updates like belts and pockets, making them as practical as they are stylish.
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Across the Northeast, other labels are also remixing the mekhela. Designers are experimenting with colors, motifs, and textures, reinventing the garment for a younger audience. Longchar’s label Kintem, for instance, brings fresh energy to the mekhela with innovative designs using handloom and loinloom textiles. These revamped versions are turning the mekhela into a statement piece that fits seamlessly into modern wardrobes.
Social media is buzzing with the mekhela’s comeback, and millennials and Gen Z are here for it. Influencers are embracing these wraps, flaunting them at events and on international trips. It’s not just the younger crowd; older fashionistas are also loving the new designs, appreciating the blend of comfort and style that the modern mekhela offers.
While the mekhela’s popularity is on the rise, it still has room to grow. To truly make its mark as a staple in Indian fashion, the mekhela needs more visibility on runways and in major retail spaces. The work of designers like Zimik and Longchar is paving the way, and with the right push, the mekhela could soon be a global fashion phenomenon.
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