The prince of bespoke styling

Zabin Iqbal felt a passion for styling from a young age. But he didn't have the courage to pursue his dreams until much later. In 2012, only after completing a diploma in Fashion Designing did Zabin realise that he was finally on the right track. And when this realisation set in, there was no turning back for the designer. First, he experimented with blouses, which are an essential complement of the beautiful sari. "I personally believe that every Bengali belle looks their best in a sari and when that sari is complemented with a perfectly tailored blouse, any look is enhanced by a thousand times," the designer said.

And right he was, because appreciation of his designing skills soon spread like wildfire and in no time at all, there were many women queuing up to get a blouse stitched by Zabin Iqbal himself.

"It's not always about the thread-work, the intricacies of the embroidery or the embellishments, sometimes it's just about complementary cuts. I feel that if a blouse fits perfectly, then no matter what the external design, it will look great on the wearer," said Iqbal.

Iqbal's creativity didn't stop there, because soon after, he began experimenting with cocktail dresses, gowns and even lehengas and shararas. "Designing cocktail dresses are a favourite because they are mostly unavailable in Dhaka and hence, experimentation is easier. There's little chance that someone else will copy my designs," said the designer.

Discussing cocktail dresses, the inevitable question emerged; whether cocktail dresses are even popular.

To this question, Iqbal laughed out in amusement, "What do you think the beautiful people wear at the numerous soirees, kitties and night parties in tinsel town. Some wear sari, but what about the others? Of course, cocktail dresses are popular in Dhaka! I even have NRBs living abroad that order cocktail dresses from me," said the designer.

Besides being a bespoke designer, crafting the perfect dress for his muse, Zabin Iqbal has also heavily invested his time to 'styling,' especially for renowned magazines, dailies, and tabloids.

"Styling is in my blood. If I am not making something, I am choreographing or styling. This is my life," disclosed Iqbal.

I know, I am already a fan; however, to all the others who wish to know him more, message Zabin Iqbal on his official Facebook and Instagram page.

Till then, happy shopping! Oops shouldn't I say tailoring, instead…?

Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed

Model: Arpita

Make-up: Hossen

Photo: Zabin Iqbal

Model: Shirin Akhter Shela

Make-up: Noyon Ahamed

Wardrobe: Zabin Iqbal