"Bibi Russel Shows Gamcha Collection At Kolkata Fashion Week"

This is the first time that I am showing my work in India Fashion Week and I am absolutely thrilled to show in Kolkata Fashion Week. This year has been declared the Year of Natural Fibre, which I am extremely excited about. For the last 15 years, I have been working hard with our weavers and craftspeople to promote our natural fibres. I am doubly honoured, as a Bengali, to participate in the Kolkata Fashion Week, where the focus is on our magical weaves.

I get inspiration for my designs from the people of Bangladesh and the beautiful colours which can be found here, especially in the villages. I also gain a lot of inspiration from going to the villages and seeing the weavers and craftspeople at work.

All my fabrics are hand-woven, and natural. I do not use synthetic materials. The fabrics I use are Khadi, Cotton, Silk, Gamcha, Jute yarn fabric, Tribal fabrics, recycle fabrics and of course the legendary Jamdani, which was once worn only in the royal courts and is still the most highly valued fabric of the country.

All my accessories are made from natural sources, terracotta, water hyacinth, palm leave, wood, silk yarn, jute, cotton yarn and rickshaw art. Everything has been specially design for the show.

We need to catch sustainable national and the International market, where all the hard work of the weavers will be valued. This will be possible when we showcase the rich history and tradition of handloom, with our designer creating diversity in colours and style. We do have a long history of vibrant colours and weaves, woven with completely natural fibre and we do need the world to see that.
My collection dedicated to our incredible weavers and their magical work.

“When people see my collection” Bibi says, “I want them to understand and appreciate all the work and effort that has gone into them. I want to preserve the heritage of my country, foster creativity, provide employment opportunities, empower woman and contribute towards the eradication of poverty. That’s what I am committed to do.” -Bibi

Showing for the first time in an Indian fashion week, Bibi Russell is iconic for her elevation of the gamcha into the world of international haute couture.

Gracing the International ramp in the late 70s and early 80s, she now works to establish a cause that is much closer to her heart: the plight of the hand woven textile industries and its workers in her native Bangladesh.