It’s not just two pieces of cloth but much more than that. It embraces the feminine, sensual female form and proudly shows the humility and modesty of the womenfolk in Meghalaya.
Elizabeth Marbaniang recently had her photo-shoot in Meghalaya.
Pnar Jainsem 2 (Jaintia Hills), Model – Anniesha Mawrie
Each and every piece of cloth during the photo-shoot had its own and unique language. It was not just the flamboyant location or the use of professional working women as models that made this shoot unique.
It was Elizabeth Marbaniang’s raw ability to use and understand the cutting of the material and her instinctive ability to cater to her client that made this photo shoot truly one of a kind.
Pnar Jainsem 1 (Jaintia Hills), Model – Martina Lamare
Whether it’s the blue colour contemporary Jainsem, the Khasi Bridal Wear or the white colour Jainsem with green embroidery prints for the Pnar community in Jaintia Hills, she has a style truly blended with the heart of Meghalaya.
Her clothes are designed for all types of women, be it house wives, students or working professionals. She wants to showcase the female physique and personality, and she enjoys communicating them through her styles.
Khasi Jainsem 2, Model – Ricadeimaya Majaw
The fashion rules are not important, ‘it’s the clients that matter’ she points out.
She draws her inspiration from noted Indian fashion icons like Sabyasachi, Manish Malhotra and JJ Valaya.
Khasi contemporary Jainsem , Model – Ricadeimaya Majaw
She loves trekking and yoga, and believes that it helps refresh your mind and soul.
Her boutique, “JONGPHI”, means it’s yours. It Echoes her passion and interest. The boutique bamboo flooring and green pattern walls;gives the illusion of a bamboo forest.It’s her humble background that comes forth. If you visit any Khasi home and you will feel like you are a member of the family.
Khasi Bridal Wear 2, Model – Anniesha Mawrie
Being a single mother, she has learned to survive and support her sons. The support of her parents has pushed her to be an entrepreneur and for running a successful design studio.
Shillong is known as the trend hub of the North East.The young and old alike are well versed with the latest styles and are willing to experiment.
Khasi Bridal Wear 1, Model – Anniesha Mawrie,
According to her, the fashion industry is growing not only in Shillong but all over the North East and people are becoming more conscious about their looks.
Elizabeth was invited and featured in 2012 Shillong Fashion Week. This provided her with a platform to work together with other famous designers from India.
However, at the moment she is not doing any shows, as she feels that there are many upcoming designers out there who need an opportunity to get exposure. She mentors a lot of young talented designers who are willing to work and show interest. She teaches them everything from basic tailoring to running a floor.
Khasi contemporary Jainsem 1a, Model – Martina Lamare
For her,it’s not her media image that matters but the satisfaction of a happy client.She believes in the ideology she gathered from an article written in Vogue by Sabyasachi “You may be a good designer but if you are not good in marketing, there’s no point.” She adds, “If you can’t sell the product and you have fashion shows, you are just stagnant and there is no growth”
“It’s all about time management and determination.” She said. It is very important to make sure that there is a smile on your face and that you deliver happiness to the clients.”
Oneday she dreams to retire in the countryside surrounded by the lush green nature and of running a farmhouse.
Picture courtesy : Chandan P Bharali, OneWorldNews
