Marrying the elegance of Manipur’s timeless craftsmanship with the boldness of contemporary design, 11 Tareng is a luxury fashion label that seamlessly intertwines heritage and haute couture. Founded by Reena Ahanthem and Jayshree Koijam, this brand celebrates the cultural richness of the Imphal Valley while redefining luxury through innovative artistry. ‘11 Tareng brings the exquisite craft of Manipur to the world, allowing people to experience and connect with its beauty,’ says co-founder Reena.
Weaving Stories of Tradition and Modernity
For centuries, Manipur’s crafts have remained an underappreciated gem in India’s textile heritage. But with 11 Tareng, the spotlight is firmly on the region’s priced Khurkul silk. Traditionally used for dhotis and the traditional ‘phanek’ (a wraparound), this luxurious fabric has been reimagined into contemporary silhouettes like lehengas, suits, and skirts.
Image Source: Instagram/11tareng
‘What drew us to this fabric was the weight and texture of the material used for the men’s dhoti. We were fascinated by how it draped, how it caught colour, and its overall feel. After several trials with dyeing and testing for colour leakage, we created our first piece—a simple pink lehenga. We didn’t even know how the embroidery would turn out, but the result was stunning. The fall of the fabric, the richness of the colour, and the way it shimmered was more beautiful than we had imagined,' adds Jayshree.
A Brand with a Vision
In just a few years, 11 Tareng has gone from crafting its first piece to making waves in the bridal and bridesmaid markets. Their creations are proving that Manipur’s textiles are more than just regional treasures—they are true collectables. That said, both Reena and Jayshree regard their love for Manipuri crafts at the epicentre of what they do. ‘Jayshree and I have always been deeply connected to our roots and culture, no matter where life has taken us. Despite studying and living in different corners of the world, we’ve remained closely tied to our heritage. The traditional attire, especially from Manipur, continues to hold immense significance for us. We still wear it daily and whenever we’re in Manipur, it’s an important part of our lives,’ adds Reena.
Image Source: Instagram/11tareng
Looking ahead, the brand is committed to exploring one craft at a time. For the next few years, our focus will be on one craft at a time. We believe in truly exploring and perfecting each craft before moving on to the next. Our primary goal is to introduce and showcase the beauty of Khurkul silk to the world, allowing people to feel and experience its unique elegance. Once we have established this, we may expand the brand to include other crafts,’ explains Jayshree
Why It Matters
At its core, 11 Tareng is not just about fashion; it’s a movement to preserve cultural heritage, empower artisans, and innovate responsibly. By transforming an ancient craft into a modern luxury brand, 11 Tareng has made Manipur synonymous with Khurkul silk—not just as a raw material but as an embodiment of artistry and heritage.
Image Source: Instagram/11tareng
With plans to expand into diverse women’s wear and explore new applications for Khurkul silk, 11 Tareng is on a mission to share Manipur’s cultural narrative with the world. Every piece is a testament to the rich traditions of the region and a celebration of fearless femininity.
So the next time you wear a piece from 11 Tareng, know that you’re not just donning couture—you’re embracing a story stitched with tradition and innovation. Who says luxury can’t be rooted in heritage and draped in culture?