Paris is Coming to Town!
Dhaka may have
become the city of never-ending excitement for the wrong reasons.
Fashion is the last thing on the weary Dhakaite's mind at a time of such
uncertainty. But the early part of February promises to wow the city's
fashionistas in the most dramatic way. On February 9 and 10 the ballroom
of Sonargaon Hotel will be turned into an avante garde Parisian catwalk
where gorgeous international and local models will strut around in the
most exquisite designs created by ten internationally famed French and
four of the most renowned Bangladeshi designers. The French designers
are John Galliano, Kenzo Takada, Jean-Charles de Castalbajac, Jean-Louis
Scherrer, Carven, Pascal Giacomini, Eymeric Francois, Groupe Chanel,
Georges Chakra and Loewe. The two-day fashion extravaganza includes
fashion shows, gourmet dinner and lunch, a closing dinner and a party to
end the event. But what is most important is that all the proceeds of
the event will go to care, Bangladesh, a charity organisation.
That's not all. To make the event
even more prestigious, the President of Care France Vicomtesse Marina de
Brantes and Vice President of Care International as well as famous
French actress Cyrielle Claire who is the spokesperson of Care France,
will be flown in to the city. Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty will also
be present at the event.
Organising the logistics of such a
grand event is quite a challenge says Elisabeth Yearbury, former
Commercial Attaché of the French Embassy and now an event organiser with
a penchant for fashion. “When you are talking about haute couture
nothing can be done without the approval of the designers and it is a
real challenge to meet the standards that they expect”. The designers
for instance are categorical about layout of the catwalk and lighting
arrangements (no one except the models should be under spotlights) Which
is why a French team of six experts will be flown in to ensure that the
fashion shows go according to the specifications of the designers. They
include two arts directors, a choreographer, collection manager, sound
and light engineers. Emirates will fly in the exclusive designs all the
way from Paris.
This
is not the first time that the French fashion houses have come to
Dhaka, although nothing of such a grand scale has ever taken place. In
March 2002, the French Trade Commission organised a fashion show that
brought to Dhaka an haute coutre fashion collection of over 100 garments
and the event was completely booked-out. MRS Syndicate, a sister
concern of Impress Group, will present this year's fashion gala which is
supported by the French Embassy. Chanel I is the media partner of the
event.
But this is intended to be more than
just a fashion event. Yearbury insists that this is a great opportunity
for Bangladesh to show off its own fashion. The four local designers at
the show Aneela Haque, Bibi Russell, Kuhu and Rina Latif, have been
recognised abroad for their innovative, exclusive, creations, especially
those made from local fabrics.
Local textiles, says Yearbury, is an
area that needs to be highlighted. “Designers are always looking for
new kinds of fabrics and Bangladesh has wonderful silks, Jamdani, khadi
etc.” Yearbury, who has been in the country for around five years, says
that if Indian fabrics can be made popular internationally why not
Bangladeshi fabrics.
The forthcoming event will also give
a chance to new talents to showcase their designs alongside the
internationally known names. Four local design schools have been invited
to show the work of their best students. “ We asked the students to
create designs made from material present in the country” says Yearbury.
“We were stunned. They were so good. I am really looking forward to
seeing how my French partners respond when they see them”.
Yearbury's enthusiasm about
Bangladesh is quite obvious. According to her all the people from the
French side, the designers and the organisers in particular, have shown
great interest in projecting a positive image of Bangladesh. Shaon,
former Miss Bangladesh and a model who has found a place in
international catwalks, has been chosen as the local model. “She is
beautiful and has such a lovely personality”, says Yearbury. She admits
that it has been quite a mission trying to organise such an exclusive
event. “It is hard work but I work with great people,” says Yearbury who
believes there are many things Bangladesh possesses that can put it on
the map.
-Aasha M. Amin
-Aasha M. Amin
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