How a South Asian Icon Opened Her First International Flagship in Bangladesh
Last week, Maria B—one of South Asia’s most influential fashion houses—made a landmark entry into Bangladesh with the opening of its first international flagship store at Centre Point Mall, Dhaka, marking not only a commercial milestone but a cultural moment of shared identity and creative exchange.
Founded in 1999 by fashion designer Maria Butt, Maria B has grown from a single outlet and small stitching unit into one of Pakistan’s most respected lifestyle brands, known for its blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design. The label’s success spans unstitched collections, luxury pret, formal wear, mbasics, perfumes, and handcrafted jewelry, supported by an extensive retail network and a strong online presence.
A Flagship Launch with Heart
The launch event at Centre Point Mall was attended by a vibrant mix of fashion professionals, social influencers, media representatives, and enthusiastic customers. The atmosphere was celebratory—filled with admiration for the brand and excitement for its future in Bangladesh.
At the heart of the event was Maria B herself, present to inaugurate her first-ever international store. Reflecting on the moment, she shared a deeply personal connection to the country and its people:
“Can’t tell you I get emotional because I am an emotional person, but it’s like a homecoming. It’s like my own people, my own family and especially these two girls Farhana and Fahima. They like my sisters now… I have realised that we have similar food, similar language. We have the same DNA… This is how beautiful this country and the connection is… I wanted to build on that and tell Bangladesh how much I love everything. This is like a home now.” (quote provided by user)
Maria B’s words capture the spirit of her brand’s expansion— not just a commercial venture, but a heartfelt cultural connection.
Celebrating Shared Values
During the event, Maria B also mentioned her intent to train with local partners and bring learnings back to her team in Pakistan, reflecting a commitment to collaborative exchange rather than a one-way entry. She emphasised that the similarities in culture, language, and lifestyle between Bangladesh and Pakistan give her brand a sense of belonging here, enabling a natural fit for her fashion philosophy.
When asked about differences in design or adaptation, she noted with a smile that aside from certain seasonal fabrics like velvet, there’s little she feels compelled to change—underscoring a belief that regional tastes and sensibilities align closely.
What’s In the Store
The Dhaka flagship showcases a comprehensive range of Maria B collections:
- Unstitched luxury fabrics and embroidered textiles
- Luxury Pret and Formal Wear suitable for festive and everyday occasions
- Mbasics and casual wear
- Perfumes and handcrafted jewelry
The store aims to offer Bangladeshi shoppers an elevated fashion experience—one that blends the brand’s signature Eastern aesthetic with modern sophistication.
More Than Retail: A Story of Cultural Bonds
Industry observers see this move as more than a retail expansion. Maria B’s Dhaka store is widely interpreted as a symbol of creative and cultural collaboration across South Asia, cementing connections between fashion industries in neighbouring countries. Analysts note that the launch could encourage further cross-border partnerships and strengthen fashion trade ties within the region.
Representatives from Closet Social Bangladesh, the local partner facilitating the launch, praised the overwhelming support from customers and the fashion community, calling the moment a celebration of shared artistic spirit and mutual appreciation.
Looking Forward
With its first international flagship now open, Maria B’s journey in Bangladesh has only just begun. The brand’s focus on craftsmanship, cultural resonance, and personal connection—echoed by Maria’s own sentiments—suggests a thoughtful approach to growth that goes beyond mere commerce.
As the doors of Centre Point Mall opened, they ushered in not just a new store, but a promise of ongoing engagement, dialogue, and fashion that speaks to the heart of regional unity.
