Friday, March 29, 2024

Branding Chittagong 2011

Limelight on Tribal Lifestyles
The Branding Chittagong 2011 event was organized on 12 February 2011 by theDesigners’ Forum, a coalition of Chittagong based designers. With a spectacular fashion show, painting expo, musical evening and traditional cuisine, it was a night that celebrated Chittagong in all its colour, diversity and glory. The event, organized at the gymnasium of MA Aziz Stadium of the port city, had a special emphasis on lifestyles of tribal and ethnic groups who call Chittagong their home.
The Branding Chittagong 2011 event was organized on 12 February 2011 by the Designers’ Forum, a coalition of Chittagong based designers. Acting upon a media invitation from the organizers, I travelled to Chittagong and was put up at Hotel Al Faisal a rather dirgelike hotel which offers low comfort and substandard amenities. My spirits were immediately dampened as my mind automatically drew a connection between the quality of accommodation and the worth of the show I had gone there to attend. But, I couldn’t be more wrong! What awaited me and hundreds of other locales and out-of-towners was a feast for the eyes, ears and taste buds! With a spectacular fashion show, painting expo, musical evening and traditional cuisine, “Branding Chittagong 2011” was a night that celebrated Chittagong in all its colour, diversity and glory.
On the evening of the 12th as I entered the hall, the stage was already set and last minute sound checks were underway. Before the main event, artists were painting different kinds of subjects live for the audience to walk by and see. This kept the arrivers busy with something to observe whilst the stage show was being finalized. The programme started with famous media personality Afjal Hossain introducing the sequence of the event and sharing slight banter with the members of the audience. Following his co-hosts request, he even tried speaking in the local Chittagonian dialect! Although, he only managed to say ‘gom asi’ (I am well). The show was soon underway with the designers’ work being canvassed on the catwalk one by one. The choreography, by Ronu, was seamless and very well executed. The audience simply could not take their eyes off the stage. The brilliance of colours and the contours of the designer wears were astoundingly beautiful.
The designs did not stop at simply at colours and patterns; they transcended the obvious by delving deep into the heart of tribal cultures of the Garo, the Chakma, the Marma and other ethnic communities. Various attires and makeup mimicked various activities of these tribes, such as hunting, scavenging, working on tea estates with a baby on their back, etc. From ethnic brides to the tribal bourgeoisie and from dresses with Western influence to those authentic accessories, the designers’ left very little from which they did not gather inspiration. It was a tremendous experience for the audience, especially for those like me, who, despite having a Chittagonian origin, know very little about its local indigenous cultures.
Rowshan Ara Chowdhury, President of the Designers’ Forum conveyed her heartfelt gratitude to Emdad Haque, the architect and the director of the event ‘Branding Chittagong’. She added that tribal cultures and traditions can be protected if they are adopted in fashion trends. She also thanked Kanis Almas and Persona (beauty partner of the event) for her contribution. The best to conserve is to find reasons to use them, and remember them through practice. Ahmed Nawaz serves as he Chief Advisor to the Designers’ Forum and Subrata Barua Ronny serves as its Advisor. Different members of the organizing cast and designers handed over crests to special and chief guests, some of whom had travelled from Dhaka to attend the show. Crests were handed over to Sultana Kamal, GM Quader (MP), Bibi Russell, Afjal Hossain, Kanis Almas Khan, Emdad Haque and Shoeb Faruquee.
Sultana Kamal, human rights activist and politician, said, “Although I was born and brought up in Dhaka, when Emdad asked me to be a part of this event, I immediately went back to my childhood in my mind to the time when I used to visit Chittagong almost every year to visit my grandmother. After all, Chittagong is where my father was born. I am very thankful to be here, it is as if I have found my roots once again; it is as if I have found myself again one who belongs to Chittagong.”
Minister GM Quader gave a passionate speech at the occasion. He said that there are unique features to almost every aspect of life of tribal people of Chittagong. There is a lot we can learn from them, and a lot they can contribute to our ways of life. He added that Chittagong’s colloquial language is not like that of other parts of Bangladesh, it is truly unique and almost undecipherable by those who are were not brought up in Chittagong. He said, “People of Chittagong really love their origins. People of other districts love being transferred to Dhaka, but not people of Chittagong. Most of them prefer living right here. This is a tremendous asset we all have.” He quoted Socrates, saying that the most important knowledge is to know oneself, and he believed that programmes such as Branding Chittagong is beginning to do just that. He believes that Chittagong has a lot to offer to not only the rest of Bangladesh, but to the global markets as well.
Bibi Russell, renowned designer, spoke at the event as well and informed the audience how close her bond with Chittagong really is. Although her parents come from other parts of Bangladesh, she was born in Chittagong, and she never forgets to mention that when people ask where her hometown is. She said, “I don’t know if such unity exists amongst designers of Dhaka City, at least I have never known of an event this big jointly organized by designers of Dhaka. I am extremely happy that designers of Chittagong are so united!” She congratulated the organizers and designers for their work and ended her speech expressing her respect to the language martyrs of Bangladesh, without whom, our very mother tongue would have been lost, let alone lifestyles and traditions of ethnic groups.
After the intermission in which the crests were awarded and speeches were made, the fashion show took off again. Three hours seemed to tick away in minutes as the audience scanned a few dozen designs one after another at the event. The fashion show ended with a short tribute to the Language Martyrs of Bangladesh and the audience stood up in their honour; it was followed by a musical evening and dinner, which again added to both the variety and the splendor of the event.

 

Courtesy of The Daily Star

Related News

Erica Robin says she will wear a burkini amid backlash

The ‘Miss Universe Pakistan’ declares she will wear a burkini amid criticism. Entertainment Desk : dhakamirror.com Erica Robin is set to represent Pakistan at the 72nd Global Miss Universe Pageant, which stands as one of the longest-running beauty contests. Pakistan’s first-ever representative at the Miss Universe pageant has vowed to be “an ambassador for peace ... Read more

Transgender woman Marina Machete crowned Miss Portugal for first time

Entertainment Desk : dhakamirror.com A transgender woman Marina Machete was crowned Miss Universe Portugal 2023 on Thursday, October 5 in Borba, District of Évora. She will compete with another transgender contestant for the Miss Universe title in El Salvador, according to Portuguese media. Machete shared on social media before securing the title, “Proud to be ... Read more

Bibi Russell’s fundraiser show delights audiences in Dhaka

Entertainment Desk : dhakamirror.com Internationally acclaimed fashion designer Bibi Russell’s fashion show to raise fund for the medical mission enthralled the audience at Aloki on the capital’s Tejgaon-Gulshan Link Road on Friday evening. Dhaka audience witnessed the first ever ‘Blue Wrap Project Runway-Bangladesh’, jointly organised by Rotary Club of Dhaka Pathfinders and the Partners for ... Read more

Rikkie Valerie Koll makes history by becoming the first ever transgender woman to win Miss Netherlands

Entertainment Desk : dhakamirror.com Rikkie Valerie Kollé has been named Miss Netherlands 2023, on July 8, becoming the first transgender woman to take the title, according to multiple outlets. The 22-year-old was crowned with a tiara by her predecessor, Ona Moody and reigning Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel from the US, at the AFAS Theater in ... Read more

Miss Universe 2023 contestants who’ve been selected so far

Entertainment Desk : dhakamirror.com The next Miss Universe pageant, to be held in El Salvador later this year, will be historic in many ways. For the first time, married women and mothers are allowed to participate in the 72nd edition of the annual beauty pageant. The rule change announced last year represents one of the ... Read more

Alia Bhatt becomes Gucci’s first Indian global ambassador

Entertainment Desk : dhakamirror.com Ever since Alia Bhatt made her Met Gala debut this year, she has been dominating the headlines. Bhatt has added another feather to her shining cap. The 30-year-old actress has become the first Indian global ambassador for the luxury fashion brand Gucci. Not only this, but she will make her first ... Read more

Alia Bhatt Dons Claudia Schiffer’s Chanel Bridal Look At MET Gala 2023; Here’s Why-

Entertainment Desk : dhakamirror.com Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt made her MET Gala debut last night at the 2023 edition of the prestigious fashion event. The actress was seen spreading glamour in a white Chanel bridal look on the floor, leaving everyone stunned. She then took to her social media handle to tell the story behind ... Read more

Arab designer Rami Al Ali presents latest line at New York Bridal Fashion Week

Entertainment Desk : dhakamirror.com Exploring the themes of feminity and modernity with his latest collection ‘White 5’, Rami Al Ali, yet again brings a fresh perspective to wedding wear at the New York Bridal Fashion Week. The Dubai-based couturier’s new drop features 12 wedding dresses that explore themes of femininity and modernity. Establishing a collection ... Read more

Miss USA R’Bonney Gabriel won Miss Universe 2022

Entertainment Desk : dhakamirror.com Miss Universe 2022 was announced on Sunday, and American R’Bonney Gabriel took home the crown. Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu of India crowned Gabriel at a glamorous event held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Gabriel, who is a fashion designer and a model, also made history ... Read more

Jasmin Selberg of Germany crowned Miss International 2022

Entertainment Desk : dhakamirror.com German contestant Jasmin Selberg won the title of Miss International 2022 on Tuesday, December 13 at the Tokyo, Japan finals. Jasmin is the fourth German to win the crown, and she beat out 65 other contestants to do so. Jasmin took over the title from Bint Sireethorn Leearamwat, Miss International 2019, ... Read more

Miss World Bangladesh starts after a break of two years

Entertainment Desk : dhakamirror.com Miss World Bangladesh returns after two years. Miss World Bangladesh will represent the country at Miss World pageant central stage. Omicon Entertainment is the competition’s official franchise and Asiatic is the organizing partner. The organizers announced the competition specifics at a news conference. Sara Zaker and Sadia Islam Mou will judge ... Read more

‘Cartier’ names Deepika Padukone as its brand ambassador

French luxury brand ‘Cartier’ has just announced the Indian actress as its newest ambassador Entertainment Desk : dhakamirror.com Multiple-award winning Indian actress, producer, philanthropist, and entrepreneur, Deepika Padukone has been announced as Cartier’s newest brand ambassador. The French luxury brand shared the news that they are delighted to welcome Indian actress and producer Deepika Padukone ... Read more

Miss Universe 2022 to be held in New Orleans next year

Entertainment Desk : dhakamirror.com On January 14, 2023, more than 90 women will vie for the title of Miss Universe at the Ernest N Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. They will compete in various categories, including evening gown and swimwear. They will also take part in an in-depth interview session. The organization said earlier ... Read more

Tashnuva becomes first Bangladeshi trans-woman to walk on NY Fashion Week ramp

Bangladeshi transgender woman Tashnuva Anan Shishir walked the ramp at the New York Fashion Week on Saturday (12 February). She became the first Bangladeshi transgender women to participate in the prestigious semi-annual fashion event. Shishir confirmed the news in a facebook post. ‘…I am grateful to all of my audience, good wishers, friends and family ... Read more

In a first, Dubai to host Miss Universe UAE Beauty Pageant

Dubai is all set to host its first-ever the glittering and glamour-filled Miss Universe UAE beauty pageant in November, with the winner heading for the global event in Israel in December, organizers announced on Thursday during a press conference at the Armani Hotel in Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. The glamourous beauty pageant is set to take ... Read more

Daraz Fashion Week 2021 is live

The country’s largest online marketplace, Daraz Bangladesh, will begin the Live Phase of Daraz Fashion Week 2021 on Thursday, and it will continue till October 13, 2021, said a press release. The exclusive event comes bearing discounts and offers, providing the fashion enthusiasts with the opportunity to shop at their heart’s content. Under the Daraz

Samia wins the beauty pageant

Lux-Channel-i Superstar Samia wins the beauty pageant Samia Sayeed, from Comilla, had been announced the winner of Lux-Channel-i Superstar Contest at the grand finale held on Friday at the Bangabandhu International Convention Centre. Prasun Azad, from Mymensingh, became the first runner up while Samiha Hossain Khan, from Pabna, became the second runner up of the Lux-Channel-i ... Read more

Ahang – a new approach to traditional fashion

Feature Ahang – a new approach to traditional fashion To fashion connoisseurs, Ahang is a name that does not need any introduction. The fashion house, with its unique offerings, is a well known house of quality fashion wear. Let it be fashion for men, women, or even children, Ahang has always something for everyone. Since ... Read more

Pippa Middleton: Queen of the Booty!

Her royal hotness. Lord of the arse-tocracy. Queen of the booty. She may be a commoner and not a Duchess like sister Kate, but ever since April, Pippa Middleton has become the style princess of the UK and beyond. Thanks to a form-fitting Alexander McQueen maid-of-honor gown, Pippa’s captivated couture critics, workout fanatics and plastic ... Read more

Hasin tops ‘Veet-Channel i Top Model 2011’

Hasin Rowshan Jahan, an honours student of the Department ofHistory of Dhaka University, has won the country’s first and only female modelhunt contest ‘Veet-Channel i Top Model 2011’ award. She was declared as the top model after performing in thecolourful grand finale of the contest, which was held at a city hotel onTuesday night. Sanzida ... Read more