The New Nation - Internet Edition

Sheikh Arif Bulbon

Country's trendy, inventive and unique fashion house Sadakalo organised an enormous fashion show titled 'Fashion for Bangladesh' at the Ballroom of the Pan Pacific Sonargaon on April 5. This was the first ever in the country to present an annual fashion show to show the latest trends in the Bangladeshi fashion market as well as provide an important platform for upcoming new designers where they can learn more about style at the top level and ideas for success.

Warid Telecom sponsored the fashion show and renowned beautician Farzana Shakil assisted the show.

The venue of the show was abuzz with much vim and vigour as the who's who in the media world arrived in style. Familiar faces from the television, music and fashion industry attended the event. The event showcased the collections of the country's prominent designers Bibi Russell, Shahrukh Amin, Emdad Haque, Roxana Mariam Salam and Kuhu. All of them presented interesting innovations to the classic combination of black and white.

Sadakalo took the initiative to hold the show so that the fashion enthusiasts can keep up with the current trends.

The fashion show started with a presentation that went over the creation and journey of Sadakalo. The programme was dedicated to those who fought for the language movement, including Abdul Matin, Roushan Ara, Gaziul Hoq and Halima Khatun. Sadakalo paid tribute not only to Amar Ekushey but also to other national occasions like Independence Day, Victory Day and Pahela Boishakh.

The fashion house Sadakalo started its journey in October 2002 with the opening of its first branch at Rifles Square in Dhanmondi. The outlet has been working with themed concepts for at least four years now, involving magician Jewel Aich, actresses Shampa Reza and Tomalika, singer Jewel and celebrity couple Aly Zaker and Sara Zaker. The innovative designs in black and white soon became popular. Sadakalo went on to open three more outlets at Banani, Bailey Road and Gulshan Avenue in Dhaka.

A display of Bibi Russell's collections kicked off the show. Pertinently named 'Ma,' the collection was a tribute to her mother who passed away recently.

The models walked the ramp to the songs of artistes Iffat Ara Dewan, Abbasuddin and Nilufar Yasmin.

The designs were unusual combos and mixing western skirts and tops with Jodhpur's and adding a black silk tie to the collection of a sari-clad model. When the seasoned designer was called on stage she said, "I'm privileged to be a part of this arrangement. I want to thank Tahsina Shahin and Syed Md Azharul Haque Azad of Sadakalo for supporting designer like us and our works."

The exotic 'Swetoshyam' - designed by Sharukh Amin, followed designer Bibi Russell's collection. It was a mix of outfits, which were traditionally Mughal with others were clearly influenced by 1940' European style.

The audience greeted the models with a round of applause as they presented the beautiful creations by the designer like 'Eso Shyamolo Sundoro,' 'Ek Paye Nupur Tomar' and 'Purano Sei Diner Kotha' played in the background.

Designer and Director of Banglar Mela Emdad Haque stunned all by his collection 'Sondhya.' It was clearly traditional using handloom fabrics like Jamdani. The models displayed his creations by Swajeeb and Sumi.

Roxana Mariam Salam was next in queue presented a unique collection 'Boishakher Chhowa' where the models walked the ramp, dressed in attires that varied from 'Kameez' with pants to skirts and jackets. She described as one of the most qualified designers in the industry and presented a line of Islamic garb with the theme 'Boishakher Chhowa,' which appeared to merely add 'Hijaab,' a simple headscarf, to clean-lined outfits that veer between Asian and western, with straight pants and 'Kurtas.'

It is mentioned that these designs appeared the most practical for everyday use as well as comfortable for everyone, quite different from the Islamic garb normally seen.

Artist and designer Kuhu ended the evening with hand-painted silks and careful use of flowing fabrics. Her 'wearable art' line titled 'Rowdra Chhaya.' The concept of the collection was the relationship between light and shade, glimmer and gloom. Those had black and white with an eye-catching touch of red. Models of Kuhu wore red shoes, red lipstick and red tips.

With this show, Sadakalo hopes that it would make a bridge between Bangladeshi fashion and professionals from other sectors.