Made In Nagaland

From home textiles to jewellery, clothing, and more, here are the 10 Naga craft brands you need to know. By Sohini Dey

- Sohini Dey

Nagaland is a sum of many parts-shaped by the lives, traditions, and shared histories of different tribes, all of which are vividly expressed in the state's crafts and textiles. Now, a new generation of designers and entrepreneurs in the capital, Kohima, and Dimapur is contemporizing this craft heritage. Here are 10 fashion, home textile, and jewellery labels showcasing made-in Nagaland designs to a global audience.

HEIRLOOM NAGA

Be it a Hollywood film or a Christian Louboutin-designed luxury hotel, an Heirloom Naga product is at home anywhere in the world. Founded in 1993 by Jesmina Zeliang, it is among Nagaland's most wellknown textile labels, expanding over the years from home linen to, recently, tapestries for art galleries. Last year, the Heirloom Naga Centre opened in Dimapur, complete with a store, studio, eatery, and even a guest house, hoping to become a go-to space for creative collaboration across the state and beyond. heirloomnagacentre.com

WOVEN THREADS

Minimalist, experimental designs with abstract and deconstructed patterns, and texture play define Margaret Zinyü's decadeold label. Each collection of mekhalas, apparel, home goods, and accessories is based on extensive sampling of indigenous textiles and incorporates handwoven cotton and natural dyes. "We work with women artisans, who play multiple roles in their lives, and we pay attention to their needs," says Zinyü, who also helms Yarn Shop, a concept store for natural fibres, in Kohima. woventhreads.in

RUNWAY INDIA