What's hot in leather
Who would have thought that one of the hottest trends of this summer would be leather? Even though leather jackets are a big no-no because of the scorching heat, thanks to dozens of online stores and even more outlets located all over Dhaka, leather accessories and shoes are still very much in for this summer. And with Eid just a few weeks away, a visit to the classic Bata is a must for shoppers everywhere.
Bata along with competing giants Apex and Bay Emporium, have their own sections of leather accessories and shoes. So what leather goodies can you get for yourself that won't have you melting away from heat? Here is a look at what's cool in leather for Eid this summer!
Bags: At the very top of the list are the leather bags made by footwear giant, Bata. Bata's collection of handbags is smartly constructed with many well thought-out features. From trendy and hip to smart and simple, there are many types and unique patterns that one can choose from. That, coupled with contrast stitching and cleverly located pockets, makes Bata's leather collection definitely worth checking out.
Shoes: Bata has dozens of different styles and designs of leather footwear. You can get fisherman sandals that have a centre strap running up the foot from the toe. You can also go with the range sports sandals which have more rugged thread patterns on them. Bata also has many different types of leather shoes --both formal and casual-- that you can choose from. For Apex enthusiasts, on the other hand, the leather casual flat slipper as well as some of the Venturini leather collection can be worth a look. Other local producers like Fortuna, Picard, Crescent, and Leatherex, among others, all have outlets in the capital.
Belts: For belts, Bata's classics go great with casual wear. The buckles are easy to manouevre and are not over the top. If you are looking to be a little more adventurous, you can try out Apex's Venturini leather belts too. There are many colours available including blue, olive and turquoise that you can pair with your choice of patterns such as printed or smooth.
Wallets: Leather wallets are a classic. Some of the best selling accessories from some of the biggest stores in Dhaka are leather wallets. Both Bata and Apex have some really nice designs that will definitely suit your wallet needs. Aarong also has a range of well-stitched leather wallets, which come in different shades of tan, black, brown and even olive and patterned. Most of these can easily support the dozens of cards and receipts that you will have saved up.
Sunglasses: Leather shoes and bags are not the only things that you can get for yourself this summer. You can upgrade those traditional sunglasses that you have, with some unconventional leather frames. You can find some leather frames in New Market and Dhaka College so set the trend with some next level sunglasses and let the sun bounce off that slick leather frame!
Phone covers: iPhones need some leather love too. Deck out your ordinary iPhone with a leather cover. You can even give it a cool nickname and call it iPants. If you look hard enough, you will find some unique leather covers at your typical phone cover shops.
Also, thanks to the thriving local leather-goods export market, there are two or more hubs of leather workshops even inside Dhaka, where you can customise all of your leather items, and even have many made-to order. Some of these are in Old Dhaka, Moneshwar Road near Jhigatola, and Hajaribagh. So go check out these leather products and accessories and take your summer outfit to the next level!
By Naveed Naushad
Photo: LS Archive/Sazzad Ibne Sayed
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