Go Modish With Source

A big bunch of us Bangladeshis may identify ourselves as chic, preferring to stay updated with the latest global trends; on the other hand we may also have a sweet spot for our native clothing not willing to compromise on the sturdy connection that we feel for the ethnic culture. How do we deal with the tight spot? It doesn't feel fair when we drape ourselves in foreign material, when there are so many beautiful national products lying out and about. Is there ever a midway? Yes, thanks to modern designers and the invention of a term such as 'fusion wear,' we are now able to experience the best of both the worlds.

In comes a fashion house like Source and designer like Nashra Shakhawat, with her impeccable set of trendy blends. Shakhawat is a local designer with a global mindset strongly believing that fashion can be local, trendy, functional and above all, comfortable.   

Shakhawat loves to give catchy names to her creations; she calls her exclusive fusion sari - the Sundarban sari. As the name suggests it is dedicated to the famous UNESCO world heritage site. From the first look the exclusive invent may seem a bit 'over the top,' but the true meaning behind the bright colours slowly seeps in; the green foliage and blue waters are apparent in the design. Energetic picture of a tiger makes the sari lively and vivid. Whatever the occasion, if you wear a piece like that, be sure that you'd turn countless heads.

If you are feeling a bit more feisty than usual, then the designer has special kurtis and leggings with innovative dragon imprints. However cheesy it may sound, the complete looks are definitely chic and spirited. If dragons and mythical creatures are not your thing - may be you can talk to the designer, customise, and make your own zipper kurtis with local jamdani motifs and something more traditional.

Then there are some who like to play with colours, cuts, and dots. For them Nashra Shakhawat has kurtis in bright colours, a dash of sequins and modern motifs in sync with the intense colours. Modish and extravagant, these kurtis can be sported for picnics, high-tea parties or any vibrant, daytime occasions. 

If you have always loved ripped pants, sporty or striped leggings and halter neck tops, then Shakhawat has a solution for you. She has rugged jeans kurtis paired with revolutionary and modern leggings in perfect combinations with the top.

Everyone has at least one cape in their wardrobe, but it must be trendy and chic and not the age old drifter style and the designer has a whole collection dedicated to capes. The capes can be easily combined with long, A-line skirts, jeans and even capri pants. Whatever the occasion, the sequinned and more gorgeous capes are definitely meant for night occasions whilst the simpler versions are meant as regular wears and day time parties.

If you always thought kurtis were just a passing trend which you wouldn't like to explore and that kameez were and would always be the classic dress style, then Nashra Shakhawat will not disappoint you either. She has an entire collection dedicated to just modern kameezes with unique imprints and exclusive pants.

The motifs that the designer uses on her materials are almost always 'deshi,' by which it means you'd probably see a lot of Bengali alphabets, animals, fish and flowers on the dresses.

Her designs are unique and she doesn't think twice before saying, "The prints are unique and developed in sync with the thoughts and feelings of the times we live in; which are sometimes imaginative and playful." 

All the fabrics at Nashra Shakhawat's outlet 'Source' is selected for the Bangladeshi climate and developed keeping a busy lifestyle in mind; where people look good while being comfortable on the go.

– LS Desk

PHOTO: SAZZAD IBNE SAYED

MODEL: RISILA, JOLY

WARDROBE: SOURCE BY NASHRA SHAKHAWAT

MAKE-UP: FARZANA SHAKIL'S MAKEOVER SALON

ADDRESS: SOURCE - Pink City Shopping Mall, (8th floor), Rd 103, Plot 15 Block – CEN (C)

Gulshan Avenue