In an era where fast fashion and fleeting trends dominate, Khumanthem stands as a quiet rebellion, an ode to the richness of tradition and the enduring power of indigenous craftsmanship. Founded in 2014, Khumanthem is a sustainable fashion brand rooted in the timeless beauty of North-East India’s handloom heritage. At its heart lies a deep respect for culture and storytelling, with each piece crafted not just as attire but as an artifactbearing the spirit of a place, a people, and a memory.
The brand’s design philosophy is deeply intertwined with the cultural fabric of Manipur and the broader North-Eastern region. Khumanthem celebrates rare, handwoven textilescrafted using traditional looms, local natural fibers, and ancestral weaving techniques. These fabrics are known for their intricate motifs, symbolic patterns, and organic textures that echo centuries of artistry. The brand works closely with artisan communities, ensuring each piece is produced in small batches, embracing slow fashion over mass production. Every garment is one-of-a-kind, rich in emotion and identity, and made to be passed down, not tossed aside.
At the core of Khumanthem is a desire to connectthe artisan to the wearer, heritage to the modern world, and tradition to transformation. Founded by designer Richana Khumanthem, who hails from Imphal, Manipur, and is deeply influenced by her cultural upbringing, the brand reflects her commitment to preserving and promoting the rich textile traditions of her homeland. Rather than treating fashion as mere ornamentation, the brand sees it as a medium to preserve culture and build conscious relationships. Its collections are a dialogue between ancient artistry and contemporary silhouettes, carefully balancing elegance with emotion.
