Young Naga designer to represent India in New York Fashion Week

Dimapur, Nov 2 (ANI): The northeast, which has over the years produced many talents, has added another feather to its cap through Ikali Sukhalu, who has got a chance to represent India at a fashion show in New York next year

Twenty- six-year-old Sukhalu, a resident of Dimapur, is overjoyed to have got the opportunity to showcase her designs at New York, and is working hard to make an impact at the global stage.

The talented young designer is going to represent India along with two others at the Couture Fashion Week to be held in New York in February 2014. She got the chance after winning the Best designer title at the Northeast India Academy of Performing Arts Award this year.

Sukhalu, who prefers a fusion of modern and Naga ethnic wears, also plans to start her own collection in Nagaland.

"I plan to come home and start my own label. I am trying to hire people to work for me. I am looking forward to have my own label and running a business from home, from Nagaland. I was previously based in Mumbai, but now I have decided to move back home, to my roots and start out from here," said Sukhalu

The talented designer used to work in Mumbai and has participated in various fashion shows across the country. She has also designed for numerous shows and magazines. Ikali's inclination towards fashion goes back to her childhood days when she used to design dresses for her dolls.

With support from her parents, she has been striving hard to make a mark as a designer, in spite of facing many difficulties like finding good quality material and workers in the state.

"We are very glad and happy that she got this opportunity. We thank god for that and I really hope that she can make the best of the opportunity that has been given to her. And I pray and I hope that through this others will hear the name of Nagas," said her mother.

Sukhalu wants to give a contemporary touch to the rich traditional Naga fabrics through her designs. Her success story will motivate many youngsters interested in taking up the profession, to work hard. (ANI)