The journey of fashion is a long one. An arduous and a treacherous path has been treaded upon by our fashion designers to reach this point of glory and success that today marks Bangladesh's fashion culture.
It is not just a matter of beauty now, fashion -- the word on the street is that it is the thing that sets you apart from the crowd. Although we have taken baby steps at a time, today the scene boasts something different altogether. Names such as Bibiana, Rang, Chondon and Mayasir have become household names.
Among the fashion conscious men and women of the 21st century, fashionable clothes and accessories are a staple. To expedite this growth in the fashion industry, some of the biggest names in our industry have come together to launch the Fashion Design Council of Bangladesh (FDCB).
The event was held in the premises of the Bengal Foundation at Dhanmondi. And in the soft light of dusk, and the cool spring breeze, eminent faces of the industry were seen exchanging pleasantries, but even in the little nuances of warm greetings there was a clear determination on their faces.
The FDCB is headed by fashion designer Maheen Khan, popular for her design house Mayasir, along with equally renowned board members Emdad Hoque, Mumu Maria, Chondona Dewan, Lipi Khandaker, Biplob Shaha, and Shaibal Shaha.
It is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to coordinate and cooperate with various ministries responsible for handling finances and cultural affairs which will be a guiding framework for this council. Along with this the FDCB aims to incorporate all the distinguished designers and fashion houses in this novel endeavour.
The FDCB seeks to promote Bangladeshi culture and fashion internationally, creating a market for our "deshi" products. Along with that Maheen Khan also talks of setting up a research and resource center that will archive old fashion cultures and traditions of Bangladesh and act as a guideline for up and coming designers.
Designer Mumu Maria urged young designers to join the growing fashion troops while Chondona Dewan emphasised the importance of accessorising. Biplob Shaha urged the media -- both print and electronic -- to showcase the fashion industry in a positive light and Lipi Khandaker addressed the history and culture of Jamdani, nakshi kantha and other cherished traditions of Bengal. Shaibal Shaha focused on the need for globalisation where local products are highlighted and a market is created for these products whilst Emdad Hoque briefly explained the need for FDCB.
There are also talks of a Bangladesh Fashion Week in the coming years. The FDCB starts its journey with a promise of improving the fashion industry and bridging the gap among designers ensuring increased exposure to new and emerging trends.