Arka Fashion Week (AFW) 2024 was a vibrant celebration of Bangladeshi fashion, held from June 13 to June 16 at the Aloki Convention Center in Dhaka. This second season built on the success of its inaugural event, drawing an enthusiastic crowd, particularly among the youth, and showcasing the innovative spirit of local designers.
A Hub of Fashion and Creativity
The event transformed the Aloki Convention Center into a bustling hub of fashion and creativity. AFW 2024 featured a wide range of activities, including fashion shows, a marketplace, and seminars, all aimed at celebrating the new age of Bangladeshi fashion. Asad Sattar, the visionary behind AFW and founder of Arka Studio, emphasized the event’s mission to democratize fashion and bring underrepresented talents into the spotlight.
Showcasing Local Talent
The fashion week kicked off with the Tangail tant exhibition curated by Jewel A Rob, celebrating traditional Bangladeshi weaving. This exhibition was just the beginning of a series of showcases that highlighted both established and emerging designers. The Face of Bangladesh competition, organized by the Azra Mahmood Talent Camp, introduced new faces to the fashion industry.
Student designers also had their moment in the spotlight, presenting contemporary designs that incorporated traditional textiles. Esteemed designers like Bibi Russell showcased collections that seamlessly blended timeless elegance with modern aesthetics, while brands like Aranya emphasized sustainability with garments dyed in organic colors.
On the third day of fashion shows, the most spectacular showcase was by Taan. Inspired by the Bauls of Bangladesh, Tanha Sheikh’s “Spiritual Threads” collection explored themes of soulful connection and self-discovery. The collection featured fluid lines crafted from fabric cords, natural fabrics like khadi and deshi silk, and earthy tones that reflected a deep connection with nature. “Spiritual Threads” aimed to push the boundaries of gender and societal expectations, presenting a haute couture exploration of spiritual growth.
As Tanha Sheikh stated: “Spiritual Threads is not just fashion; it’s a wearable art collection urging a journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth”
Seminars and Performances
In addition to fashion shows, AFW 2024 included seminars on critical industry topics, such as the future of Bangladesh’s garment industry and the integration of traditional and contemporary practices. These sessions provided valuable insights and fostered discussions among industry professionals.
The event also featured live performances from local bands like Karnival, Firoze Jong, and Indalo, adding a musical dimension to the fashion festivities and creating a lively, engaging atmosphere for attendees.
A Platform for Innovation: The Marketplace
One of the standout features of AFW 2024 was the interactive “Design Lab,” where attendees could create their designs using various techniques like block printing and appliqué. This space, along with the curated “Marketplace,” offered a dynamic environment for fashion enthusiasts to explore and purchase unique pieces).
The Marketplace provided a platform for new-age fashion designers and brands to showcase their work. Over 50 entrepreneurs and brands participated, presenting a diverse array of fashion, accessories, and fashion-related products. This included Western, fusion, traditional, sustainable, artistic, and unique clothes and accessories. The Marketplace allowed attendees to engage directly with designers, purchase exclusive items, and experience the creativity and craftsmanship of Bangladeshi fashion firsthand.
AFW 2024 concluded with a showcase of collections from brands such as Glee, Chaap, and Daania, each contributing to the diverse narrative of Bangladeshi fashion. The event highlighted the country’s potential to make a significant impact on the global fashion stage.
As AFW continues to grow, it promises to bring even more exciting innovations and opportunities for local designers, further solidifying its role as a catalyst for change in the Bangladeshi fashion industry.
