Robert Naorem

Robert Naorem is an Indian fashion entrepreneur, designer and makeup artist from Manipur, India. He is known for his contribution towards the handloom and textile of Manipur.^[1][2]

Robert Naorem
Kalki Koechlin with Naorem in 2017
Born	(1986-05-15) 15 May 1986 (age 39)
Nationality	Indian
Alma mater	Surana College, Don Bosco School, Sri Bhagawan Mahaveer Jain College
Occupation(s)	Fashion Designer and Makeup Artist
Parent(s)	Naorem Dijamani Singh and Th. Rekha Devi
Family	Sarita Naorem(sister), Sharmila Naorem (sister)

Early life and education

Robert Naorem was born on 15 May 1986 to Th. Rekha Devi at Singjamei, Chongthang Leikai. At the age of 7, he relocated to his current home in wangjing Leikai, Imphal. After completing his schooling at Don Bosco School, Chingmeirong, Robert left for Bangalore to join Surana College. In Bangalore, he met people from fashion industry and he had his first exposure to the world of fashion. Although Robert pursued further studies, gaining an MPhil degree in Clinical Psychology later he opt for the career line of makeup artist cum fashion designer.^[3]

Early career

Lack of support from his family Robert not able to gain any formal training in makeup and designing, however, he practices makeup and designing in a small salon in Bangalore.

Career

Makeup artist

In 2011 Robert got an opportunity as a Makeup Director of Blenders Pride Bangalore fashion week. After that he has worked with Bollywood celebrities, fashion, sportsperson and celebrity makeup partner of Femina Miss India.^[4][5]

Career as a designer

Robert's debut show was the launch of a Tata motors car in the Taj hotel, Bangalore. His designs contribution improves the heritage of Manipur's fashion.^[6]

Fusion work on Manipuri traditional handloom clothing

Robert stay in touch with his hometown which has enabled him to bring back the Manipuri ethnic weaves into fashion. Robert's national and international fashion shows are booming for exhibiting fusion work on traditional Manipuri outfits.^[7]

Achievements

• Manipur Fashion Extravaganza at Hotel Imphal, Imphal on 6 January 2013. The model turned choreographer, Achla Sachdev was looking glorious in the traditional bridal outfit, designed by Robert.^[8]
• Organized Third Manipur Fashion Extravaganza in 2015 in Manipur.^[9]
• Organized Kanglei Fashion Extravaganza in September 2015 in the capital city of Karnataka, Bangalore.^[10]
• Showcased "Weaving the designs" in New Delhi in December 2015 in celebrating the northeast Fashion show.^[11]
• Manipur Fashion Extravaganza on 11 January 2014, at the 1st Manipur Rifles Ground, Imphal.^[12]
• The India Fashion Week held in London,^[13] Olympia in November 2017.^[14]
• Organized NINGTHAM CHAREI 2017 at Imphal Hotel, Imphal, Manipur.^[15][16]
• Showcased the collections at Milan Style Walk organized by Europe Indian Fashion Council in June 2017.^[17]

Awards

• International iconic award on 15 October 2017 (Handloom & textile of India) by Gold Tower group & foundation.^[18]
• Robert honoured with Global Warming Award in May 2014 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
• Earned "the most inspirational designer of 2017" award for showcasing his collections at India Fashion Week London.^[19]
• Best international designer India , at international fashion week Milan , Italy 2019