Mayek Naibi Couture: Traditional Meets Modern at JD Design Awards | JD Institute

Mayek Naibi Couture by Niruka Wangkhem reimagines the traditional Meitei Phanek Mayek Naibi as a contemporary luxury couture collection while preserving its Manipuri cultural heritage. Presented at the JD Design Awards 2026 (JDDA 2026), the collection brings together cultural preservation, craftsmanship, sustainability and contemporary fashion. Inspired by Manipur's heritage, the collection develops motifs inspired by Sangai, Shirui Lily, Nura Khudonglei, Kombirei and Kwaklei, translated through zari and silk-floss embroidery on flowing muga silk. Luxury detailing with Swarovski crystals, freshwater pearls and gold seed beads, along with handcrafted bamboo and water-rush handbags, creates a refined fusion of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary couture. 👗 Collection Details Designer: Niruka Wangkhem Programme: MSc FDM Collection: Mayek Naibi Couture Institution: JD School of Design (JDSD) Category: Fashion Design / Couture Theme: Cultural Heritage, Craft, Sustainability & Contemporary Couture ✨ Design Concept The collection draws from the Meitei Phanek Mayek Naibi, celebrating Manipuri identity and textile heritage while introducing contemporary couture techniques. It combines: Heritage-inspired motifs Muga silk and indigenous textiles Traditional embroidery Zari and silk-floss detailing Luxury embellishment Contemporary silhouettes Sustainable handcrafted accessories 🧵 Materials & Colours Fabrics: Muga silk, cotton and silk blend, raw silk and organza Colours: Pink, Blue, Lavender, Yellow and White 🎨 Design Process & Challenges The collection involved challenges in developing authentic new motifs, executing intricate embroidery on the Mayek Naibi fabric, sourcing skilled artisans and managing delays in receiving embroidered fabric from Manipur. The designer also personally stitched the blouse after difficulty finding suitable artisans and faced a serious sewing-needle injury that required surgery, temporarily interrupting the design process. 🏆 JD Design Awards 2026 Through Mayek Naibi Couture, Niruka Wangkhem presents Manipuri textile and craft heritage through a contemporary couture perspective, creating a dialogue between tradition, innovation, sustainability and modern fashion. Watch the video to discover the inspiration and craftsmanship behind the collection. 🔗 Explore More JD Design Awards Website: https://www.jddesignawards.com/ Collection Page – Mayek Naibi Couture: https://www.jddesignawards.com/mayek-... Instagram:   / jddesignawards   Facebook:   / jddesignawards   #JDDesignAwards #JDDA2026 #JDDA #MayekNaibiCouture #NirukaWangkhem