AIZAWL: In Mizo culture, “Vakiria” traditionally refers to the headgear worn by Mizo women.
Today, however, the term has evolved to represent Mizoram’s largest clothing brand, Vakiria, an online retailer offering a blend of western and traditional attire for both men and women.
The brand was founded in 2005 by Lalsangzeli, a high-secondary school teacher, who discovered her passion for fashion design. Together with her sisters, Laldingsangi and Lalrinpuii, she left her teaching job to start Vakiria.
Vakiria’s workforce is predominantly female, with women making up 95% of the 300 employees.
These women work as fashion designers, tailors, handloom experts, and management staff, embodying the brand’s commitment to female empowerment.
“From the beginning, we focused on employing women,” explains Lalsangzeli.
Originally launched under the name “Computerised Embroidery”, Vakiria was the first brand in Mizoram to introduce computerised embroidery apparel.
The founders believe that fashion offers a unique form of empowerment, especially for women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, who due to traditional beliefs, are often led to accept male superiority.
“We want to show them that not everything is controlled by men,” she adds.
One such empowered employee is Baby Lalduhawmi, who began as a seamstress at the Vakiria Apparel and Garment Making Centre.
“Vakiria gave me the chance to develop my talent and earn money, which helps my family back in my village,” Lalduhawmi shares.
A major turning point for Vakiria was the introduction of bridal fashion design shortly after its launch.
“We started offering wedding gowns for sale and rent, which was a novel concept at the time,” says Laldingsangi.
This diversification helped the brand gain traction in a market dominated by foreign clothing brands, despite the challenges of establishing a local brand in fashion-crazy Mizoram.
In 2010, Vakiria expanded its influence by founding the Vakiria Institute of Fashion Technology (VIFT).
The institute offers a one-year diploma course and has become a leading fashion school in the northeastern state.
VIFT also hosts “Fashion Fusion,” an annual event where students display their designs, making it one of Mizoram’s premier fashion shows.
Vakiria continues to innovate, recently venturing into sports clothing and securing deals with several Mizoram Premier League clubs.
“In Mizo tradition, wearing a Vakiria headgear instils confidence. We want our products to have the same effect, making people feel more confident,” says Lalsangzeli.
Through its focus on female empowerment and innovative fashion solutions, Vakiria has not only transformed the clothing industry in Mizoram but also made significant strides in changing societal norms.
