It’s hard to keep track of the many evolutions fashion undergoes, but there is one fashion trend that seems to outlast all the others.
This trend is the customized t-shirt. These custom shirts get in touch with the creativity hidden inside its designer.
So, allow us to introduce you to one such designer:
Growing up in a lower middle-class family, Alemsunep Lemtur, like many, was presented with very limited choices in exploring oneself and in pursuing his own goals. But, with sheer determination, perseverance and hard-work, Sunep, overcame his hurdles. And today, he contentedly runs his business of selling customized Tee-Shirts under the brand name, ‘Lemtur A.S Tees,’ in Dimapur.
Hailing from Longmisa Village, Alemsunep Lemtur, initially took an interest in ‘colors’ during his school days in Mokokchung. Having discovered his passion for art during his senior secondary years, he embarked on a journey to improve his skills as a painter and as an artist. Gradually, he was artistically inclined that steered him towards starting his customized t-shirts trade.
After overcoming innumerable trials and tribulations, Sunep, relocated his business from Mokokchung to the commercial city, Dimapur, in search of a wider market. Today, his work has managed to capture the attention of neighboring states like Meghalaya, Mizoram & Arunachal Pradesh.
Sticking close to his roots, an appealing and distinctive feature about Sunep’s work is his traditional and cultural art motifs which he imprints on the T-shirts. Executing his belief that real beauty is in our tradition, his goal, according to him, is to send out a message that “our forefathers were not just great head hunters, but very artistic too.”
“I just think that our forefathers did not have the privilege of modern gadgets, otherwise, they had the best skillsmanship,” he expressed profoundly. Sunep mostly customizes his T-shirts with the traditional head gears, spears, shawls and necklaces and so forth.
Speaking about his contemporaries, Sunep believes that ‘Customers are the kings,’ and he believes in their perceptions. He also humbly expresses his gratitude to be a part of the race. “I don’t see myself as superior to anyone, rather I just want to work on expanding my business with newer visions,” he explained.
Rating the success of his business, he says that it is still in the ‘growing stage,’ yet, he is optimistic that he can achieve greater heights if it is the ‘will of God’.
Sharing his views about entrepreneurship, he urged the Nagas to be ‘trend setters’ rather than being ‘trend followers,’ and that, they need to support each other in every possible way.
He further added that respect is gained by achievements accomplished through hard work and sheer determination, and called upon people to pursue their dreams and aspirations by setting new trends. “Better start your new trend,” he concluded.
You can avail his work by reaching out to him through facebook @Suneperlemtur, or DM @lemtur_a.s_tees (instagram)