BeDeshi – putting Bengali fashion on the global map

Bengali fashion is a treasure trove of great outfit designs, styles, and fabrics that are unique and comfortable, and we Bengalis take pride in seeing our local garments being highlighted in the global arena, more so in the world of fashion.

Bringing Bengali fashion to the limelight, Tasmit Afiyat Arny, Founder and CEO of Stride, brought to reality her vision of sharing Bangladeshi culture through the lens of her fashion line on 21 July 2023, with support from the Qatar Foundation and the Embassy of Bangladesh. 

The title of the show – BeDeshi – was a play on words in two languages, which is an indication towards being a foreigner and also a strong message to be authentic to one's roots.

Photo: Tahreem M Nazmur

"Although the Bangladesh garment industry is massive, it does not get as much attention in the global fashion scene as it should. Taking this into consideration, I decided to showcase Bengali fashion on a global platform," stated Arny.  

All of the outfits were designed by Arny and from her own fashion house — Stride. The purpose of the fashion show was to educate the broader global audience about Bangladeshi fashion and show a walking depiction of our culture. Not only that, but the weather in Qatar is similar to that of Bangladesh, so it was brought to their attention how our fabric is suitable and comfortable for everyday wear.  

Photo: Tahreem M Nazmur

The one-of-a-kind fashion show had models walking the runaway from diverse backgrounds including Qatari, Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Indian, and African nationalities, strutting Avant Garde outfits in front of American, British, and Bangladeshi diplomats, the Bangladeshi community, and individuals from the Qatari fashion industry.

The fashion show was a means to educate the audience about our local culture and fabric — and this was beautifully done. The materials used to make the outfits included jamdani, nakshi kantha, Rajshahi silk, gamchha, and taant. Printed garments told the stories of history and featured historical figures such as prints of newspapers, Ahsan Manzil, and war martyrs. 

Photo: Tahreem M Nazmur

The line-up had both bridal and casual wear on display. Some noteworthy outfits include a bridal skirt made from rikshaw plastic, a wedding gown made of jamdani, face-printed cardigans, gamchha two-piece and blazer, and silk gowns. There was an attire for every occasion, from casual daywear to shimmery evening gowns. 

Apart from these, every model flashed a sunglass that was hand-painted with bright patterns and murals we see in rikshaws. Each guest also received a Bangladeshi souvenir, which was a bookmark made from our local materials. The numerous textures and vibrant shades in the attires truly depicted the vivacity of our culture. 

Photo: Tahreem M Nazmur

This fashion show was made possible with the support of Gulf Bangladesh Business Association, Abdul Matin Social Welfare Foundation, Green Red Studios Event, and Rosher Hari and was anchored by Maphuza Akter and Ayesha Hamid. BeDeshi was truly a magnificent portrayal of our local fashion scene on the global platform.