When do you think about Eid or Puja what comes first in your mind? Isn’t it about your dress up and makeover! Yes, it’s all about fashion. Nowadays, our clothes are more or less festival based.

Now if we are talking about fashion, we should know it’s all begun with “Nipun”, in 1973, officially a fashion industry in Bangladesh. The next milestone was “Aarong”, founded in 1978. Basically, our industry is based on festivals. The fashion houses make the most money during Eid-ul-Fitr, Durga Puja. The rest is during the Pohela Boishak, Falgun, Valentine’s day. In every festive season, this fashion trend changes. As many trends emerge, every designer tries to grab attention with his unique works.

Now if we look back the past two years we can get a clear picture of how these trends changed.

Female friends out shopping together

In 2018. Loose pants, loose trousers, side-striped trousers paired up with regular T-Shirt was enough for men to create a trendy and casual look. Hawaiian shirts, bowling shirts in pastels, and of course long blazer significantly reminded us about 50s’ style. For women, heavy abaya style dress or salwar suit flared shararas, embellished bottom, cigarette pants were trendy. Young ones preferred light color with a natural look. Again, the color blocking techniques really boomed that year. There were three ways: monochromatic (one color throughout the entire outfit in different shades), separate (contrasting colors mixed garments), and stand-alone (one color-blocked garment). 2018 was full of dramas for makeup. Black eyeliner took a dramatic turn, just trace it around both eyeliners, wing it out at a dramatic angle. The cat’s-eye flick got a new look. In 2018, metallic makeup in all shades was very trendy.

But those trends had to change in 2019. We can see changes in the pattern of the garments. Animal motifs were hugely used in pants, jackets, bags, scarfs, and so on. Patchwork was highly recommended. It was used in jumpsuits, pants, and more. As colorful as it is creative. Different types of shoulders were seen like puff shoulders. Dazzling bright colors and prominent bold patterns were really mind-blowing. Abstract prints were also popular and loved by young girls. The neon display was also on the rise with appealing hue and simple block prints. Girls were very fascinated about the different cut of a blouse like sleeveless, high collar, boat neck, Koli cut, choli cut, contrast blouse, etc. The young generation was much interested in local fabrics. Bold colors for makeup were used in 2019. Pink eyeshadow had gotten softer in tone and formula, making it easier to wear. It was more haphazard, messy-but-cool looking undone-but-done, far from perfect makeup is a thing.

In 2020, this pandemic situation, our fashion industry is highly affected. Still, we are trying to go with the flow. In this Eid, printed lawn dress, embroidered chiffon, or printed silk were preferable. For pants, fringe trouser pants, cigarette pants, bell bottoms, tulip pants, pencil pants were highly demanded. Kurtis with floral motif or shirts; asymmetrical design, digital mixed prints, silk tunic were chosen by young girls. Slim fit Punjabi with Islamic motif, sleeve & button plate with separate fabrics were seen. This year cool and deep dyeing shirts are classy as check shirts. For a casual look, jeans or trousers with combo patches, T-Shirt or shoulder tape two pockets shirts pair up with light color loafers/snicker/chinos are perfect. Polka dot, geometric pattern is trendy this year. Easy, breezy, and breathable handloom fabrics are suitable for this festive season. Handloom fabrics dyed with organic vegetable-based dyes are used which have been ethically sourced, last much longer, they are eco-friendly and comfortable. Soft lightweight kurtas, saris salwar kameez earthy shades of indigo, mustard, fawn, terracotta, and henna are more preferable. For makeup, this year all you need to do is line your lower lashes with either the same color or lighter shade than the one of the top. Forget a bold red lip, rather go for a bright pink lipstick. Matte will be much convenient than a creamy one. Animal paint on your eyelashes will create a super creative and cool look.

So, this is about our fashion trends which changed gradually. As we wear yellow in Falgun, red in valentine’s, colorful and vibrant something in Eid or puja, so the fashion changes. In so many years our style, choice, trends changed in many ways and hopefully, it will keep changing.

What more can I say, for me – Fashion is a festival in its own way.

Ria Debnath                                                                                                 

Department of Textile Fashion and Design,                                                                  Bangladesh University of Textiles,
Id: 2019-1-6-001