Mahmudul Hasan Mukul is one of the up and coming fashion designer and stylist who graduated in Fashion Designing from Pearl Fashion Institute. He has worked with many known brands of the country such as Ecstasy, Aarong, etc. Star Showbiz sits down with Mukul to discuss the general fashion industry in our country and what can be done to help it stand out on its own.

Of all the houses that you have worked with, which one did you like the most?

I have worked with Ecstasy as a stylist for the last 6 years. I have also worked with Aarong for this year's Eid ul Fitr as a stylist for their Eid photo-shoot. I have also worked with Sailor and Amber. Come to think of it, I believe I have worked with almost everyone. Looking back, if I had to pick out which houses I was pleased to work with, then I have to say working with Ecstasy and Aarong. I have also worked as fashion director on some TVCs for Robi's Jamdani and Pakij Alamgir, directed by Amitabh Reza, as well as a TVC for Oxy, directed by Bipul. 

Our fashion industry doesn't have an identity of their own. Why do you think that is?

This is because our industry is heavily influenced by Pakistani and Indian trends. The market also has their heart set on fashion set in those two countries. It's not like that our designers cant step out of this trend. It's just that they do not like to take the risk that comes from creating something bespoke. 

Why aren't there any proper events for fashion like Fashion Week and so on in Bangladesh?

In my opinion, one of the problems is that designers here haven't been able to create a brand value. Another problem is that we don't have a fashion council, not to mention that there isn't really any unity among designers here. There is also a lack of support for this industry. Things like fabric, needle and many other basic items need to be imported. There is also no proper design institute in this country. 

What initiatives are required to start the ball rolling on things like a Fashion Week?

First and foremost, the designers here need to unite. The current industry is filled with designers who either cater to an exclusive clientele or to the mass public. What we need is a mixture of both their approaches and that would appeal to a wider audience and draw in international attention and investment. 

By Intisab Shahriyar