Magical Threads Runway 2021
To narrate untold stories woven painstakingly but silently upon majestic tapestries, Magical Threads Runway 2021, an iconic fashion show, unfolded in all the colours of Bengal on 5 March, Friday, at Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden. Headlining this elegant affair of threads and clothes was the iconic collaboration between global fashion designer Bibi Russell, and the ethnic atelier that is the talk of the town, House of Ahmed.
"After more than a decade, I'm doing a fashion show in Bangladesh. Through Magical Threads, I would like to show the magic and the incredible work of Bengali artisans. It's amazing how one thread can be intertwined with another to create outstanding designs through creativity. It's this creativity that can sustain economic survival and uplift poverty with dignity," proclaims Bibi Russell.
"My collection not only highlights the culture and the beautiful melodies of Bengal but also the joy of villagers. They're my evergreen inspiration. Fashion for development is an accurate description of my work, as all of my outfits are beautifully hand-made by skilled craftsmen whose art is unfortunately on the decline in an impoverished country. And, so, saving the craftspeople and helping to revive their dreams is what I'm committed to do. I want to preserve the heritage of my country, foster creativity, provide employment opportunities, empower women and contribute towards the eradication of poverty," envisions Bibi.
Gowher Rizvi - International Affairs Advisor to the Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs - AK Abdul Momen stood proud of Bibi's efforts while serving as the chief guests of the event, amongst more foreign dignitaries and ambassadors. Magical Threads was inaugurated by Momen, who mused, "When I was preparing myself for this evening show of glitter and glamour, I was thinking of the stories we weave with threads and needles. Stories of men and women, stories of love and war, lived and imagined. Who knows how to differentiate between what is real and what is not when we are dealing with magic?"
And so, in a bid to witness the enchanting magic of woven stories without ever being able to truly comprehend them, Bibi's designs, finally, took over the stage in a whirlwind of reds and greens. You'd agree that the colour combo is a true nod to the national flag of Bangladesh, historic salutation to our nation by Bibi. Bohemian-styled, ethnic garments reminiscent of Bengal's women painted the perfect portrait of the era of Bangladeshi singer extraordinaire, Abdul Jabbar. Bibi's very own fabric bum bags, garments fashioned into interesting drapes and dangling silver jewelry amplifying all the noise in the house completed her signature style.
House of Ahmed was up next. Coming out with guns blazing, the ethnic couture brand featured an extensive array of panjabis and traditional wear fit for any occasion of the calendar! House of Ahmed's signature white panjabi with zardosi collar was the focus of the evening, alongside more designs in muslin and premium embroideries for sherwanis, kablis and pagris. Designs for women shined in stark contrasting colours, top-of-the-line raw silks, zardosi on muslin, heavy karchupi and organza. Bridal couture was what stole the show for House of Ahmed's collection as they displayed all that they have to offer in a vibrant red sari with intense zardosi work with badla detailing.
Perhaps what stood out most amid the fashion and the clothes were the simple and yet baroque hairstyles donned by her models: middle-partitioned, neat buns adorned with beautifully red roses, courtesy of Sunsilk, a household name in hair care and hair beauty in Bangladesh. Sunsilk's association with Bibi Russell's show drove on a singular agenda above all else, that is, to depict the changes in hair styles over the past half century in Bangladesh, a treat in itself!
More partners of the show were yet another luminary in the beauty world, Farzana Shakil, Enchanted Décor, Viral Shield Masks, Mutual Trust Bank and FB Footwear, not to mention Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden.
Photo: House of Ahmed