Asa Kazingmei is a young fashion designer from Ukhrul, Manipur. He says he came to Mumbai with dreams in his eyes to make it big in the fashion industry.

After completing a one year IMB professional course from INIFD (International Institute of Fashion Design), Mumbai, he worked under various designers. His exact words to describe that experience were, “hard work & toil”.

Asa will debut as one of the 7 Gen Next Designers selected by Lakme out of more than 250 applicants from all over the world. It is no mean feat for this platform has been pivotal in nurturing some of the leading names in the industry like Prashant Verma, Masaba Gupta, Nachiket Barve, Rahul Mishra, Vineet Bahl and Rimzim Dadu to name a few.

We can already see his dreams unfolding and we wish him the best.

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GS: Tell us a little about yourself.
Asa: Edgy, nonconformist, contemporary yet grounded in tradition, versatile and one who keeps pushing boundaries to search his limits.

For whom a substrate is neither silk nor leather but a canvas to reflect his expression.

GS: When did you realize you wanted to become a fashion designer?

Asa: Being from North East and growing up watching Korean movies inspired me to take up Fashion Designing.

GS: What was the first article of clothing you ever designed?

Asa:  A  jacket and a trouser for myself.

Above: Asa wearing some of his own designs

GS: Describe the general process you go through to design and realize a piece of clothing.

Asa: Silhouette, fabric, finish and the tailoring plays a very important role for the success of a collection and these are the main factors which I pay the attention to.

GS: How long does it usually take you to construct a piece?

Asa: Depends on the silhouette and the style besides the detailing and the finish required for a garment.

GS: What do you believe makes a quality article of clothing?

Asa: A well-tailored garment with an excellent finish.

GS: Where do you get your inspiration?

Asa: Immortal or never dying as the name suggests is the theme of my line which is dedicated to the never dying art form of our nation. My theme revolves around the mesmerizing beauty of Northeast and its hand woven textiles. My line is developed with the help of hand woven fabrics but in a very contemporary style for today’s women ageing between twenties to forties or may be more if the physical aspects allows.

The diamond motifs which I have incorporated in my designs are mostly found in each and every art piece, yes an art piece because of its immortal beauty and finesse. Every piece has a story behind it, the motifs depicting the bravery of the soldiers and the shawls are draped by the superior head of the family.

This collection is an ode to people of Northeast and to showcase their craftsmanship by molding their weaves into a contemporary creation.

GS: Does your work reflect your personal fashion taste?

Asa: Yes it does.

GS: Can you describe your style?

Asa: My style is very contemporary and edgy.

GS: What was your reaction on being selected for the LFW- Next Gen Show?

Asa: It was like dream come true as I have been waiting for this opportunity for long but had never thought that I would get selected in my first attempt though I was quite confident of my designs.

It is a life time opportunity for a beginner like me be able to showcase my collection on such a big platform like Lakme Fashion Week.

Above: Asa at LFW fittings

Photo Credit: Asa Kazingmei, Lakme Fashion Week Facebook

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