"Short and sweet," is perhaps the only phrase appropriate in describing winter in Bangladesh. After months of constant heat and humidity winter brings a delicate balance of crisp air and soft sunlight, just cold enough to warrant layering. And layering, dear fashion lovers, is where the magic happens.
With winter festivities in full swing, is it time to rethink our wardrobe? What do we sacrifice this time: warmth or style? Well, with the right set of choices, would say, neither!
Winter weddings, for instance, are a spectacle of grandeur, complete with shimmering sarees, lehengas, and traditional panjabi sets. But amid the heavy silks and chiffons, there is a need for something fresh and functional that neither makes you look like a wrapped bundle nor leaves you to shiver in the cold.
That is why the fashion world is giving your casual jackets a cultural makeover. Gone are the days when bundling up for a winter wedding meant throwing on a mismatched shawl or a bulky sweater. After all, why brace for the cold when you can ace it in style?
The most recent buzz is the art of blending Western aesthetics with the rich heritage of Bangladeshi craftsmanship. Leather jackets adorned with patchwork of Jamdani weaves, Benarasi patterns, and intricate motifs add a pleasant burst of colours to match the festive feel of upcoming weddings, barbeque parties and of course, the New Year's.
Designer Azim Uddula shares fondly about his journey, "There's always a certain sense of love and freedom that comes from working with local patterns, but Western wear doesn't really allow that. For me, it took a good amount of struggle to put this concept into motion, but the results were equally rewarding."
No outfit alone can complete your look, so you must accessorise. When it comes to accessories, do not be afraid to play. For a casual evening, chunky scarves in bold colours and textures can add a cosy yet polished finish to your look.
And let's not forget jewellery! Studs or short dangling earrings are all the craze in these days of minimal fashion. Bring out the layered necklaces that are usually too much to go with your summer outfits and pair them with your favourite overcoat or jacket.
Winter is not just about weddings, after all. For casual outings, oversized leather jackets with colourful patchwork are perfect for pairing with skinny jeans and combat boots. For a softer vibe, try a fitted jacket, layered over a short dress, and skinny jeans.
For men, winter is the best time to bring out the dapper look. You can experiment with bomber jackets featuring subtle accents and patterns. If you are ready to rock it with traditional wear, go for plain panjabis or kurtas and pair them with chinos and sneakers for a look that's effortlessly cool yet distinctly Bangladeshi.
And there you have it! The absolutely perfect winter is one that will let you enjoy the chill and the charm of winter effortlessly. With fashion brands redefining the jacket game, you no longer have to choose between staying warm and looking good.
So this season, don't settle for the ordinary. Step it up with jackets that fuse comfort, tradition and trend. After all, life is too short (just like our winters) to wear boring outfits.
Photo: Kaushik Iqbal
Models: Jessia Islam, MD Elias, Azraf, Progga Islam, Protity, and Joy
Designer: Azim Uddula
Wardrobe: AZ Clothing
Makeup and Hair: Sumon Rahat
Location: Chois Korean Restaurant and Café
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