Imphal, Nov. 12: Manipur's ethnicwear is set for a global tag.

Imphal-based stylist and fashion designer Robert Naorem today announced the opening of an e-retail outlet, Our City Market, at Nagamapal here.

"Anyone from any corner of the globe can make demands on my collections online. Manipur's unique and exotic ethnic apparels attracted interest during my shows in India and abroad," Robert said.

Well-known in India and abroad among fashion personalities, Robert is a designer, make-up artist and stylist, who has organised more than 100 fashion extravangazas.

He has worked with top models and filmstars of the country and brought the models, including those from abroad, to Imphal to promote Manipur's fabrics and designs.

So far he has been working on introducing the state's handloom products by creating modern and trendy attire both for men and women.

His next venture is a trip to the US in May next year to organise another fashion extravaganza with focus on Manipur's ethnic fabrics and designs.

"My work in the beauty industry is not only for creating attires but mainly for promoting our handloom products and making collections that can find buyers in India and abroad. My aim is to develop our handloom sector and find jobs for our weavers, who are toiling but not earning enough. Now I will concentrate on this area," Robert said.

The online retailer plans to sell both men's and women's trendy collections with focus on Manipur's unique designs and patterns to complement the global fashion trend.

Robert teamed up with eight of his friends to open the online shop, which is also selling household items and groceries.

When he goes to the US he will be taking men's shirts made of Manipur's Rani fee and Wangkhei fee, the traditional fabric worn by women in Manipur.

Robert hopes to find a market, having gained experience at fashion parades in Bangkok, Singapore, Bhutan, Dubai, Istanbul and other places.

"My dream is to take Manipuri handloom to the forefront of the world's fashion circuit so that our weavers can benefit. My vision is to sell our handloom products outside the country. I want to contribute something in bringing change for the better in the Manipuri society," Robert said.

His outlet will sell attire for both men and women in the next couple of weeks.