HIMALAYAN ETHNIC LEPCHA FASHION EXHIBITION FINALE ON SATURDAY

GANGTOK, 09 Nov: Convener of the Himalayan Ethnic Lepcha Fashion event 2012, Tshering Wangdi Lepcha informed today that the finale of the grand event showcasing traditional Lepcha outfits and incorporations of new designs is scheduled for Saturday at Manan Kendra. The function starts 4 PM.
Speaking to media persons here at the Press Club of Sikkim today, Tshering Lepcha stated that the final round of selections before the finale was held at Kalimpong on 08 September where participants from 39 villages across Sikkim and West Bengal showcased their new concepts and designs on Lepcha traditional outfits.
He added that 11 designers have been shortlisted for the final event tomorrow, each of whom will showcase 3 designs each. A total of 33 designs will be presented by local models at the show which will have former Indian football captain, Bhaichung Bhutia as special guest. It may be informed here that the ace footballer is also the brand ambassador for the event.
Speaker, Sikkim Legislative Assembly, KT Gyaltsen who is also the chief patron of the event will be present as the chief guest. The event is being jointly supported by Sikkim Lepcha Youth Association and Lepcha Youth Association of West Bengal.
“We have held the preliminary round for the event in different parts of the region including Kalimpong which saw huge participation. It is encouraging to see that there are so many aspiring designers who want to work on traditional dresses and develop a styling sense that goes with the present fashion trends. The objective of the event is to promote tradition and also give a platform to the local designers in the field of fashion”, expressed Tshering Lepcha.
The Himalayan Ethnic Lepcha Fashion event is being coordinated by Phurbu D Lepcha who was also present for the press meet during which she informed that the majority of designers who had been shortlisted for the grand event tomorrow were untrained in this field.
“Most of the designers are doing this for the first time and the designs that have been selected by the panel of judges at Kalimpong are just amazing. It is heartening to see that such raw talent exists in our region,” she told media persons today.
The organizers of the event also inform that there will be a Lepcha cultural extravaganza with a musical programme for the guests at the event tomorrow. A food stall displaying traditional foods of the indigenous tribe will also be set-up at the venue.
It was also informed that the Himalayan Ethnic Fashion event will also be held in the near future that will highlight not only the Lepcha tribe but other ethnic communities within Sikkim and other regions along the Himalayan belt including the NE states and Leh-Ladakh. Future programmes include a fashion show in Kolkata and participation at the Darjeeling Tea festival.