Woven Stories of the Past – My Journey with the Shaphee Lanphee”

Hi, I’m Mansi — a designer, an explorer of heritage, and someone who believes that fashion is far more than fabric. It’s history, identity, and emotion — all woven together. Recently, I found myself deeply immersed in the world of Shaphee Lanphee, an exquisite and sacred textile tradition from the state of Manipur, India. This board is more than a project — it’s a personal reflection of the journey I took through its legacy.

🌿 A Textile Whispering Ancient Stories

The Shaphee Lanphee isn’t just cloth — it is history you can wear. Worn by royals and warriors, each symbol has meaning. Tigers for strength. Elephants for grandeur. Stars, the moon, flora and fauna — each motif carries a spiritual and cultural tale. I felt like a storyteller, carefully weaving together tales of pride and protection.

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✨ The Art of Embroidery and Weaving

What drew me in most was the dual craft of weaving and embroidery. Every pattern is handwoven, every thread intentionally embroidered with symbolic meaning. I incorporated a woven swatch onto my board — feeling the roughness and richness of the fabric reminded me how deeply connected craft is to land, to time, and to people.

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🎨 Color Palette from the Soul of the Land

I selected colors inspired by nature and tradition: red for power, yellow for blessings, green for earth, black for strength, and white for peace. These threads, placed beside natural basketry, created harmony — a visual reminder that everything in traditional design has a purpose.

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🌾 A Culture on the Verge of Extinction

Some traditions are disappearing — fading like forgotten songs. That’s why I highlighted ‘extinct’ sections, including rare attire and accessories no longer in regular use. It was my way of saying: this matters. Let’s not lose it.

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👗 From Tribe to Trend — My Interpretation

Designing the illustrated outfit at the bottom was the most exciting part. I didn’t want to modernize it just for the sake of fashion. I wanted to honor the roots while making it wearable for today. The final look combines traditional motifs and materials with a contemporary silhouette — a perfect balance between culture and couture.

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🧺 Accessories That Speak

The handmade jewelry and basketry added texture to my board and to the story. Each item — from heavy beads to natural fibers — represents more than just decoration. They reflect tribal wisdom, nature’s bounty, and personal pride.

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🌺 Why This Matters to Me

As a designer, I believe we hold a responsibility — to protect and promote dying crafts. Working on this board was emotional and enlightening. I didn’t just research — I listened, I learned, and I connected with artisans through their work.

💬 Final Thought

The Shaphee Lanphee taught me something priceless: fashion isn’t just about trend. It’s about legacy. Let’s choose stories over styles. Let’s wear wisdom.