Shillong’s vibrant hills have long been a cradle of creativity, and one individual who has stitched his name into the fabric of its fashion scene is Alan Andrew Wankhar, the proud founder of Alan Wankhar Designs. Recognised recently with the prestigious Rotary Club award for fashion design, his journey is an inspiring tale of passion, perseverance, and self-discovery.
Alan, who hails from Shillong, possesses an educational background in B. Com and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management. However, his heart was always drawn to aesthetics and beauty. From an early age, he was captivated by the glamour of shows like Miss India, Miss World, and Miss Universe, marvelling at the stunning dresses and artistic setups.
What began as admiration soon turned into experimentation at family gatherings, where his designs for decorations and dresses received immense praise. In 1996, Alan’s talent took a professional turn when a family member requested him to design dresses for four flower girls.
The positive reception of his work encouraged him further, and a year later, he designed his first wedding gown, which the bride continues to cherish as a timeless keepsake. This success laid the foundation for his journey into the world of fashion.
Alan describes his design philosophy as “comfortable and exclusively tailored for each client”. He believes in enhancing a client’s desires based on their body structure, ensuring satisfaction every time. His ability to create designs that resonate with clients’ preferences has earned him a loyal following, with many trusting him as their exclusive designer.
Despite his success, Alan’s journey was not without challenges. As a self-taught designer in an era devoid of modern resources, he faced significant hurdles. Yet, his determination to perfect his craft saw him learning through trial and error, even dismantling old garments to understand patterns. Reflecting on his journey, Alan says, “Fashion designing for me was purely a hobby,” but his passion eventually evolved into a thriving profession.
After 28 years in the field, Alan’s success is reflected not only in his clients’ satisfaction but also in the accolades he has received. He’s particularly proud of his role as a mentor, having guided many budding designers over the last 15 years. His designs, which have reached destinations like Australia, America, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland, showcase the potential of Meghalaya’s fashion scene on a global scale.
Alan sees Meghalaya as a “fashion hub” and encourages young designers to embrace the opportunities the state offers. “The younger generation should take a chance and make use of this bliss,” he advises. He also believes in tapping into the local market’s potential by offering services like custom fittings for imported ready-made garments, an area where local designers can excel.
Looking ahead, Alan is keenly aware of the competition from international markets. However, he sees an opportunity in providing high-quality local alternatives and repair services for ill-fitting imported clothes. His philosophy remains rooted in quality, creativity, and client satisfaction.
Beyond fashion, Alan’s love for crafting goes beyond garments. Since childhood, he has been creating decorative items, from paper flowers to Christmas stars. These early experiences with design shaped his creative instincts, which today manifest in every dress he makes.
Alan Andrew Wankhar’s story is not just about fashion; it’s about turning passion into a legacy. As he continues to inspire and nurture future designers, Shillong can proudly celebrate one of its own as a symbol of creativity and resilience.
