This fashion story is not of glitz and glamour, but an inspiring one that shows how hard work and determination can take you far ahead in life. Till New York and London to be precise. Maybe there is some glitz and glamour involved after all. Also, this incredible designer believes in making substantial contributions to families and the community at large. Say hello to the evolving fashion industry of Nagaland!
[caption id="attachment_213052" align="alignnone" width="619"]
Liyingbeni Odyuo[/caption]
Changing the fashion scene in Nagaland is designer Liyingbeni Odyuo who not only has her own apparel brand ‘Liying’, but is supplying to stores in Nagaland and Shillong. You can find ‘Liying’ collections at Fusion Store, Dimapur and Kapraa at Kohima and Brands on Sale by A.I Ventures, Shillong. Her niche is ready-to-wear Men’s wear, Women’s wear, Occasion wear, and also Bridal wear. Her work experience, 8 years designing for big brands like Zara, Mango, Gap etc can be noticed in her apparels which are trendy and affordably priced. Trendy, wearable, comfortable, and good quality is her hallmark.
[caption id="attachment_213053" align="alignnone" width="201"]
‘Liying’ Men’s Wear[/caption]
Every story begins from childhood and Liyingbeni’s is one that is filled with extraordinary ones. When kids her age were fumbling with crayons and fruit charts, she had already learnt how to sew, crochet and knit. She put the skills to good use by designing clothes for her Barbie dolls. And to make the clothes, she would go to the local tailors and pick up whatever leftover scraps she could get her hands on. In high school, without any formal training yet, she was already taking orders and creating beautiful clothes.
Summing up her early beginnings, she states that she is immensely grateful to God. “I say this because I don’t remember a time when I was not designing and tailoring garments. If not this, I don’t know anything else, so I feel God chose this for me. I’ve made a lot of sacrifices in my life. When my friends were out having fun, as youngsters do, I was working non-stop. I’ve seen my parents struggle to put us to where we are today. And today I have lots to thank God for,” she adds.
When it was time for her to decide where to enroll for College, fate again straightaway led her to YWCA, Delhi in 2004 where she undertook a Diploma in Fashion Technology. After completing the course, she found that employers wanted to hire designers from prestigious fashion institutes. But again, her proficiency in her craft was undeniable and she soon landed her first job. There has been no turning back since then.
In eight years, she worked with Sewa International, Neelkamal Exports, Samson Garment Orient Craft Limited, Richa Global Pvt. Ltd. Then, in 2012, she was approached by home grown fashion brand, The Connect Studio (TCS), where she worked as Head Designer. After a brief stint, somehow she found herself at home and continuing to find herself full of orders. With one tailor, she started her home based unit in 2014 which ultimately resulted in her own apparel brand.
Beyond her craft, Liyingbeni’s work ethos and philanthropic nature is also commendable. She strives to give employment to those really in need and encourages the young people to actually work hard and realize their dreams. “I believe in working hard and my studio doors are always open to those looking to gain employment as long as they are honest, hardworking and committed,” she says. “In fact, I dream of a work culture in Nagaland where multitude of people are coming out from big offices and factories after a hard day’s work, happy and content.” And she is one hard working person who spends close to 13 hours a day in her studio. Her reputation for delivering orders on time is what her clients appreciate the most.
