Abdullah Al Mamun
To ornate the 50 years of Bangladesh’s independence, a pompous fashion show titled ‘Magical Threads’ has been staged jointly by iconic fashion designer Bibi Russell and House of Ahmed, depicting the craftsmanship of local artisans at Radisson Blue Water Garden on Friday.
Minister of Foreign Affairs AK Abdul Momen and international affairs adviser to the Prime Minister Gowher Rizvi took the chair of special guests with Ambassadors, High Commissioners and others.
AK Abdul Momen applauded the organizers to stage such a glamorous event after long, mentioning the collective initiatives taken by the government to inhibit the Covid-19 pandemic. He welcomed Bibi Russell as well, the award winning fashion designer and UNESCO goodwill ambassador artist for peace, for making a comeback to Bangladesh after a decade with her sublime fashion show.
“Apart from agriculture, it’s the textile and particularly the RMG- which has kept the economy afloat even during global economic meltdowns. At present, Bangladesh ranks second in the world as the largest apparel producers with a $20 billion in which 80% is earned by exporting goods.”, Foreign Minister said in his inaugural speech, adding that the magical life of living become very real in the world of thread and needle for a Bangladeshi.
“No wonder, we have been promoting the concept of culture of peace, to create a mindset of tolerance and respect for others irrespective of color, ethnicity, race and religion.”, he added mentioning vision 2021 already been achieved and now we have vision 2041 ahead to emerge as a developed nation led by PM Sheikh Hasina, following the footsteps of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu.
Gowher Rizvi, then praised all the organizers to arrange such a wonderful event and greeted Bibi Russel for her unfolding of ethnic clothes which represent tales and traditions of our country with a colorful vibe.
In the hour-long fashion show, models in ramp walks showed fabrics of versatile designs and colors. Bibi Russell presented her traditional works of ‘Gamcha’ featured dresses. Later, House of Ahmed came on stage with their ethnic, trendy and colorful hand woven fabrics.
“Threads are magical, intertwined with one another by crafts people and it can sustain economic survival through creativity”, said Bibi, founder of Bibi Production adding that her work represents how outstanding creativity and designs by these magic threads can uplift poverty with dignity to boost the dying industry. “I am committed to preserve the heritage of my country, foster creativity, provide employment opportunities, empower women and contribute towards the eradication of poverty.”, she embellished to her speech.
“We celebrate 50 years of Bangladesh filled with vibrant and enriched history, tradition and modernity, and the best form of art to express it fully is the hand woven tales of our Bangladeshi artisans”, said Ahmed Tuhin Reza, founder of House of Ahmed.
“We wanted to create a niche of ethnic wear, worthy of competing with international markets and it gives our artisans equal exposures as clothes made in Bangladesh have a special appeal to the fashion lovers around the world”, he added.
Managing Director of Mutual Trust Bank Hedayet Ullah Ron, Marketing Head of Unilever Bangladesh Afzal Hossain spoke among other runaway partners including Radisson Blu, FB Footwear and Farzana Shakil at the event.