Sonam Kapoor wore clothes by Easternlight Zimik at East in Ukhrul. Meet the designer behind the brand

For Manipur-based designer Easternlight Zimik, this week has been a momentous one. Actress Sonam Kapoor wore a Kashan or traditional north-east wraparound-inspired set from her label, East, for a dinner held at her residence. Sharing pictures of the actor in his creation, which brings the craft of the Tangkhul Naga community into the spotlight, the designer described the day as ‘truly remarkable’.

Based in Ukhrul, Manipur, Easternlight, a NIFT Delhi graduate, launched her brand about two years ago after working with Indian designers including Gaurav Gupta and Manish Arora.

He says, “I am from the North-East and most of the time, we are not represented properly and our stories are not shared. Even in fashion, this is true. For me, identity is very important and that is one of the reasons why I started my brand, which supports the traditional weaving skills of the artisans here.”

Model East by Easternlight Zimik | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

East’s collections highlight traditional north-east wraparounds or kashans as well as shawls and stoles, symbolizing backstrap or lone loom weaving. “It takes a lot of time and multiple weavers work on the same garment,” says Easternlight. “I work with a team of 10 weavers and what I currently incorporate into East’s garments is my take on this traditional weave.”

From her new Patron collection, Sonam wore an Akha set consisting of a wrap-style top tied at the back and worn over a black shirt with a maroon and black Kashan skirt. Like their previous four collections, the Patrons collection is extremely personal to Easternlight, and also holds a special significance. He says, “This collection is a tribute to the people who inspire me and who have played an important role in my journey so far.” Earlier this month, the Patron collection was showcased in Seoul, South Korea.

Sonam Kapoor wore Akha set from Patron’s collection. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

While the focus is on taking Tangkhul crafts to a wider audience and empowering the artisans in Ukhrul, Easternlight also explains how they work on making these garments relevant and practical for the wider market.

“From small details like adding darts, belts or even pockets, these practicalities are encouraged especially among the younger generation. While my customer base spans people of all ages, the younger generation in particular has been very welcoming. For example, they wear Kashan to the office, or even when they travel and style it with shirts, T-shirts and sneakers,” he says.

EasternLight has been inundated with questions after the brand’s big fashion moment with Sonam. “I am overwhelmed but also happy with all the inquiries we are getting not only from my customer base here in the North-East, but from across the country,” he says.

With each new collection, the designer says he understands fashion more and for him it’s all about identity. He says, “It will always be about who you are. That was my starting point, and I will remain East champion.”

Easternlight Zimik by East, available on eastdesignstudio.com