When heritage meets high fashion, magic happens. And designer Hannah Khiangte from Aizawl, Mizoram, is leading that magic with unapologetic pride. Known for her distinctive work with the traditional puan – a handwoven textile central to Mizo identity, Khiangte has spent over a decade transforming age-old craftsmanship into contemporary couture. Her latest creation, designed with Bollywood icon Kareena Kapoor Khan in mind, is a perfect blend of cultural reverence and modern rebellion.
Launched in 2013, Hannah Khiangte’s eponymous label has always been rooted in purpose. She works closely with women artisans across Mizoram, not just to preserve weaving traditions, but to evolve them – bringing the stories, techniques, and motifs of the puan to the global fashion conversation. Every piece she creates is a tribute to the hands that wove it and the culture that birthed it.
This particular look, seen on Kareena at the Bulgari Eden: The Garden of Wonders launch, is no exception. Drawing deep inspiration from the traditional puan, the garment honours the textile’s symbolic essence – worn during Mizo celebrations, the puan represents community, womanhood, and generational pride. But rather than keep it confined to the past, Khiangte gives it a dramatic, runway-worthy spin. Think: androgynous tailoring meets punk-era boldness. The silhouette feels sharp and empowered, with exaggerated shoulders and structured layering that recall rebellious ’80s glam. Yet, it stays grounded in craft, with the familiar horizontal bands and geometric motifs of the puan woven with precision and care.
Speaking about Kareena’s look, film’s producer and her stylist Rhea Kapoor shared exclusive insights on Instagram. “We wanted something rooted in Indian culture but styled in a way that feels fresh, edgy, and fashion-forward,” they explained. “Hannah’s reinterpretation of the puan was exactly what we were looking for. The look was strong, feminine, and completely original -just like Kareena.”
In a world where fast fashion dominates, Hannah Khiangte’s work reminds us of what truly matters: garments with meaning, made slowly and proudly. Her collaboration with Kareena Kapoor isn’t just a fashion moment – it’s a cultural milestone. One that says: Indian textiles aren’t just historical artefacts – they’re powerful, living art. And the world is finally watching.
