Photo: Mumit M.

Fashion in its core is individualistic. It is a projection of perception that is moulded by traditions, culture and heritage, alongside individual taste. Hence, fashion can be seen as a pathway from the past to the present, a continuous wave of reinterpretation and congregation of historical, traditional and cultural significance. British Council took the initiative to demonstrate this idea by introducing an international exhibition in Bangladesh. On January 28, 2012, 'Reconstruction: Cultural Heritage and the Making of Contemporary Fashion' was inaugurated at the National Museum. Information and Cultural Affairs Minister Abul Kalam Azad graced the event as chief guest. The exhibition will continue till February 11.
The exhibition displays the works of seven renowned UK-based designers who skilfully demonstrate their takes on culture and heritage in a contemporary setting to create clothes with narratives, along with three eminent local designers. International names like Vivienne Westwood, Marios Schwab, Paul Smith, Sophia Kokosolaki, Osman Yousefzada, Peter Jensen and Hussein Chalayan are participating in the exhibition. The local names include Ruby Ghuznavi, Monjulika Chakma and Emdad Haque, who have already won international accolades for their breakthrough works.
The exhibition also flaunts the age-old collection of clothing carried by the museum itself that very aptly outlines the history of our country in terms of fabric production and the extravagance of the royalty during their reigns. The idea is to give the visitors an insight into the rich cultural and historical background of fashion in Bangladesh and present it in a way that can be passed on to the next generation.
The works at the exhibition are snapshots of the influence of tradition and culture on modern fashion existing in two different parts of the world. They tell you stories that draw references from diverse sources like religion, architecture, indigenous crafts, cultural heritage and new technology. The exhibition started in Kazakhstan with a plan to tour Russia, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India.
Alongside the exhibition, there will also be a seminar on Fashion Journalism's Global Trend, a three-day workshop for fashion journalists, several talks and seminars with local designers and stakeholders, and a fashion show displaying the works of the three local designers on cultural heritage.