The 21-year-old talented Achunbo Zeliang, one of the Zeliang community’s first Fashion Designers is a force to be reckoned with! He was adjudged the best designer during LNKR and was also one of the official designers during The Color Trophy show. His proudest moment was designing the wardrobe for PURPLE FUSION’s vocalist for the band’s first music video, which was presented on VH1, a feat for any designer.
Eastern Mirror: Where did your love for fashion come from and why did you choose to become a fashion designer?
Achunbo Zeliang: Well since during my childhood I was very keen into fashion. I never thought I would become a Fashion Designer despite being a lover of Fashion. It was after I started sketching pieces for my family and myself that I knew what I was meant to do. Being the only and first Fashion Designer from my community (Zeliang) I pushed myself and I’m trying to motivate more of my people to join the fashion industry.
Eastern Mirror: What excites you about Naga fashion?
Achunbo Zeliang: It depends, if you are talking about Nagas and fashion trends then I find we have a thing for fashion and of course this excites and encourages me. Naga fashion and culture by its nature has great enthusiasm for varied artistic expressions as it comes in numerous forms, i.e. handicrafts, music, ornamentals, and most importantly fashion. There is uniqueness in every tribe’s fashion and this very richness has limitless scope and potential for every artist who wants who wants to explore their creativeness and combine and experiment modern styles with traditional ones.
Eastern Mirror: Do you prefer designing lines for male or females? Why?
Achunbo Zeliang: I prefer both when it comes to designing as I am unisex fashion designer. I believe that only one gender can’t be into fashion and no rules and restrictions for fashion could be seen in glamour world
Eastern Mirror: What designs are you most happy with?
Achunbo Zeliang: I give more importance to ready-to-wear garments, which are not too colourful rather than costumes.
Eastern Mirror: What were your first fashion inspirations. Are you drawn by any fashion designers?
Achunbo Zeliang: I took my first inspiration from Italian designs, Greek styles and Egyptians times. Yes someone who is very classic in his designs, who is none other than Valentino Garavani.
Eastern Mirror: Naga’s are crazy fashion followers especially girls. Do you have any advice you would like to offer?
Achunbo Zeliang: There is no doubt about the fact that Naga girls are stylish.
Some pointers are - to understand what color combinations work together and complements their skin tone.
Also many of the girls have their notion that fashion is all about showing off their flesh and when they over do their appearance end up looking trashy.
Fashionable and stylish people always know what to wear according to the environment and personality.
Which incident has been the most memorable for you so far in your career?
It was back in the year 2014 when I was called to design for the ‘Purple Fusion’ band’s vocalist Lamstala, for their new music video album ‘Ho Hey you came along ‘ with another Dimapur based Fashion Designer, where that very video flashed out in VH1.
What’s your style signature? And one trend that’s big this season.
My style is impulsive.
This season, there are many trends that one can go for. You can experiment with quirky prints, florals, midi skirts ,suede skirts, fringe ,crochets, flared pants and denim.
