Hill wonders  The rich and variegated heritage of the colourful Dimasa people of North Cachar Hills came alive in a unique fashion show last Sunday (September 28). Conceptualized by Guwahati’s leading fashion house Kreative People and organized in association with the North Cachar Hills Autonomous District Council at Royal Regency at Bamunimaidam, the show was in fact a fresh whiff of air true to its title: ‘Breeze — From the Hills’. It saw designer Prasantt Ghosh unveil his latest creations that reflected the colourful Dimasa designs and motifs. Some top models from the Northeast, including Femina Miss India finalist Sujata Das, Miss Tilottama winner Priyanka and Sabasini, walked the ramp donning these visual and aesthetic delights to mesmerize a packed house. Then there was the superb Muga collection by the fashion designer that added glitz to the show. It also saw a talented bunch of students from JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Guwahati centre showcase their creative potential, while emerging designer Shreya Singh came up with an inspiring dress collection that had a mix of red and black shades. The show was beautifully anchored by Queen Hazarika. Coinciding with the fashion show, a special exhibition of Dimasa dress and other materials was also organized at Pragjyotika, Ambari which was inaugurated by Assamese cine artiste Barasharani Bishaya.

Glamour stage  Come November 22, the stage will be set for the third edition of the Darpan Mrs India Northeast beauty contest. The venue will be the Pragjyoti ITA Cultural Complex at Machkhowa, Guwahati. It’s a unique beauty event that explores the talent of the women of the northeastern region, giving them a platform to showcase their potentials in the glamour world as well. In fact, the first edition of the beauty pageant, organized by Darpan, a Guwahati-based leading chain of beauty and design academy in the region, in 2006 was a huge success, and over the years, it has become a most sought after event in the packed calendar of beauty and allied contests held in the Northeast. And everyone waits eagerly to watch the winners as it could be their daughter, daughter-in-law or even someone’s mother. Last year, Maneesha Rajput, a squadron leader in Indian Air Force, who represented Meghalaya walked away with the coveted crown, while Diana, also representing Meghalaya, won the runner-up title. Established in 2002, Darpan is today a familiar brand in the Northeast, rendering its service to the people of the region with sophisticated equipment and trained personnel as also acquainting them with the latest trends in the world of glamour and fashion.

Simanta / Mridumoloy