Created by Canva: images retrieved from Tbsnews, Prothom Alo, Dhakatribune
Fashion has emerged as a dynamic and influential force in the vibrant fabric of Bangladesh’s cultural landscape, with designers leading the way in this creative evolution. As Bangladesh continues to make its mark on the global stage, the roles of designers in the country’s fashion industry are of great importance and influence. In addition to aesthetics, these designers work as cultural stewards, innovators, entrepreneurs, and sustainability advocates. In this blog, we will examine the multifaceted roles of designers in Bangladesh, revealing how they shape the fashion world and the country’s cultural identity and economic landscape.
Unleashing the Fashion Mavericks!
Maheen Khan’s Artistic Legacy
Designers are at the fashion industry’s core, responsible for creating unique and innovative clothing and accessories. Bangladeshi artists often draw inspiration from the country’s rich cultural heritage. They incorporate traditional elements and handicrafts into their designs, helping to preserve and promote Bangladeshi culture through fashion.
Image retrieved from The Business Standard
In 2022, Maheen Khan paid tribute to the majestic silks of Bangladesh. She has created a market for apparel with patterns that are unique to a particular area. As the designer quoted, “It is challenging to persuade people to recognize the true beauty that classic designs contain because everyone adores embellished patterns. But I’m confident that this collection will show how adaptable our conventional designs can be.”
Image: retrieved from the Daily Star
Sustainable Fashion
“Bibi Russell’s roles in sustainability“
Designers are promoting ethical and environmentally friendly production practices in a nation noted for its considerable contribution to the global textile and apparel sector. Many Bangladeshi fashion designers have taken the lead in advancing ethical and ecological fashion methods. Fashion designers like Bibi Russel, encourage the use of natural handcrafted textiles and abide by fair trade agreements. The “gamchha collection” is a mere example of sustainable fashion.
Image created by Canva, pictures retrieved from Pinterest, Saayaa, In style-m , Wrapped Dreams
Giving life to local textiles……
Designers frequently use locally produced fabrics since Bangladesh is well-known for its textile industry. This encourages the usage of materials made in Bangladesh and supports the textile industry, which helps the sector expand overall.
Images created by Canva, retrieved from The Daily Star, Global Village Gifts
BIBI PRODUCTIONS supports the growth of regional communities, the preservation of traditional weaving methods, and rural artisans. They support fair trade agreements, promote handcrafted natural textiles, provide employment opportunities, and support children’s education. Bibi Russell works with artisans to establish contracts, guarantee the production of local ingredients, and provide equitable compensation. After gaining security, she encourages artisans to send their kids to school while emphasizing the advantages of education for localities. The result of this endeavor has been a rise in student enrolment.
Crafting Sucess!
Designers like Sabah Khan launched her clothing line, “Sabah Khan“, by promoting entrepreneurship in the fashion industry. As a fashion designer and entrepreneur, Sabah Khan has led the way in developing creative fashion by combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. She is very enthusiastic about her work and values craftsmanship as art. She has continued to influence the future of fashion through her inspiring leadership and commitment to establishing an inclusive fashion industry.
Image: created by Canva, retrieved from Sabah Khan
To summarize, Bangladeshi fashion designers play multiple roles that go beyond designing clothes. They are cultural custodians, innovators, sustainability advocates, entrepreneurs, and ambassadors of Bangladeshi fashion around the world. Their contributions are vital in shaping fashion policy and moving the industry forward.
Resources:
Maisha Tarannum Iqbal, November 19, 2022, The Daily Star, Maheen Khan’s tribute to the majestic silks of Bangladesh https://www.thedailystar.net/life-living/fashion-beauty/news/maheen-khans-tribute-the-majestic-silks-bangladesh-3173636
Anon, bipiz.erg, BIBI PRODUCTIONS: supports craftspeople in building a better future through fashion https://www.bipiz.org/en/csr-best-practices/bibi-productions-support-craftspeople-in-building-a-better-future-through-fashion.html
Saionee Chakraborty, June 4, 2019, The telegraph online, Bibi Russell: The fashion queen of gamchha, https://www.telegraphindia.com/culture/bibi-russell-the-fashion-queen-of-gamchha/cid/1688280
Saudia Afrin, August 9, 2019, DhakaTribune, Uplifting Artisans https://www.dhakatribune.com/magazine/avenue-t/184511/uplifting-artisans