Fashion can always be a powerful tool for self -expression and social comments that are complex social norms. Meet Mangtin Kilong, a designer from Tanganfa village in Manipur, who believes that fashion is not just a passion, but also a way to tell the history of their community and their struggle. Speaking to us, he talks about his journey, the inspiration and the problems he encountered, starting his brand, Nina Mangsi.
Fashionable tribute
Mangtinlen created an outfit that was a tribute to his community. It featured the names of people who lost their lives in the ethnic rebellion. Blue lines on black clothing is a traditional mourning (pon doom). The burnt patches are carefully built into the design, imagining devastation and destruction, while red threads and beads (Kiba) are woven throughout the body, like blood lines on clothing, embodying the lost life, which took me 96 hours. This design combines resourcefulness with deep symbolism.
Its brand brought distinctive designs and basic messages. But what distinguishes it is its commitment to use fashion as a platform to increase social issues. “As a closed and stick to the roots, I encountered some criticism from the public, claiming that I say the values of traditional chassis and our traditional patterns. But my idea was always promoting my identity using our beautiful traditional projects, but in modern fashionable clothes,” he shares.
Early inspiration and design
He began his brand to pay respect for his nephew Nina, whose life was sacrificed against the background of the conflict and promoting the artistry of his people. All his projects are also made by hand from resources at his disposal. “When I move forward, I want to keep his memory alive through his projects and demonstrate the love he had to our culture. I also want to call on the closest designers not to look at things that tend to, but use their infinite creativity for their designs. New ideas, ”the Mangag reminds.
Growing up in a distant village (ThongKanphai) in the area of the Kangpokpi, Manipur, his journey to the fashion industry was difficult. However, his love for fashion and design was obvious from young years, because he learned everything.
Fashion for the case
Despite financial restrictions and limited opportunities, he insisted using his creativity to develop outfits for special cases and functions, which made him and keep up with trends. “I launched my brand in July 2024 without the original capital. A few of my neighbors donated me a few pieces because I wanted to make a video in social media,” he recalls.
Not having proper preparation and less without the availability of materials, it was difficult to keep up with the requirements and make the product perfect for customers. “I wanted to use my talent as a designer to promote my community in the world and use fashion as a voice towards atrocities.
The ultimate goal of Mangtinlen is to expand its brand by continuing to promote the legacy of its community. “I try to create projects every three months, and I do it. From the facilitating business of social media, I believe that creativity and perseverance can overcome geographical restrictions,” he says.
