Robert Naorem to Showcase Manipur’s Textile Heritage on the Milan Fashion Stage
IMPHAL/UKHRUL, September 2026: Manipur’s rich handloom and textile traditions are set to receive an international spotlight as fashion designer Robert Naorem presents a collection rooted in the state’s textiles and craftsmanship at a major fashion event in Milan, Italy, on September 20, 2026.
The showcase, held at the Meliá Milano Hotel, features 27 fashion shows by designers from different parts of the world. Naorem’s presentation includes 22 models showcasing contemporary creations developed using textiles produced in Manipur.
The Milan appearance also marks an important milestone for the designer, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the official launch of the Robert Naorem label. Over the past decade, Naorem has focused on bringing Manipur’s handloom traditions, indigenous textiles and craftsmanship to wider national and international audiences.
Bringing Manipuri Textiles to Global Fashion
The showcase has been organised in collaboration with the Department of Sericulture, Government of Manipur, with support from Manipur Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh. The collection has been conceptualised and created by Naorem, with a strong emphasis on textiles produced within the state.
Rather than presenting traditional textiles solely as cultural artefacts, the Milan collection places them within a contemporary fashion context. Through silhouettes, styling and modern design interpretation, the showcase aims to demonstrate how Manipuri textiles can be integrated into international fashion.
Naorem has also been selected to open the sequence of shows, giving Manipur’s textile traditions an early position in the international fashion programme.
The event, organised by Prasanna and New Stars, brings together designers and fashion professionals from several countries, including Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom and Kazakhstan.
A Decade of Promoting Manipur’s Textile Identity
The Milan presentation comes as Robert Naorem completes a decade since the launch of his label. Throughout this period, his work has centred on creating greater visibility for Manipur’s traditional textiles and craftsmanship through contemporary fashion.
Milan is also a familiar international platform for Naorem. The Italian fashion capital has previously provided opportunities for him to present Manipuri textiles and design traditions to audiences outside India.
The latest showcase therefore represents both a continuation of that international engagement and a new opportunity to connect Manipur’s textile ecosystem with the global fashion community.
From Heritage to Contemporary Fashion
International fashion platforms can provide traditional textile sectors with opportunities beyond conventional exhibitions and trade fairs. While trade events allow buyers and industry representatives to examine fabrics, the runway presents textiles through finished garments and contemporary design.
For Manipur’s handloom sector, such exposure can help demonstrate the versatility of its textiles to designers, fashion professionals and international audiences. It also creates a platform for conversations around design collaborations, sourcing and the broader commercial potential of traditional fabrics.
The Milan presentation is expected to bring together fashion personalities, industry professionals and an international audience, potentially creating new avenues for collaboration involving Manipuri textiles and craftsmanship.
Highlighting Global Potential
By taking Manipur-produced textiles to Milan, Naorem is continuing his effort to position the state’s handloom and textile traditions within a global fashion conversation.
The showcase highlights how indigenous textiles can move beyond traditional markets and be interpreted through contemporary design while retaining their cultural identity. For Manipur’s textile and craft sector, the Milan runway represents another opportunity to increase international visibility and demonstrate the creative and commercial possibilities of its textile heritage.
As the Robert Naorem label marks its 10-year journey, the Milan presentation adds another chapter to the designer’s continuing effort to place Manipur’s textiles, craftsmanship and design identity on international fashion platforms.
