Envisioning to democratise fashion in Bangladesh, the third edition of Arka Fashion Week will return at its iconic venue Aloki in the capital’s Tejgaon, all set to be held from January 16 to 19.
Last year, Arka Fashion Week, held from June 13 to 16, 2024, made a significant impact and captivated the city with unparalleled energy and creativity.
Drawing a remarkable footfall of over 20,000 attendees, it became a magnet for the youth and celebrated fashion's transformative power.
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Reaffirming its commitment to equitable opportunities for designers and brands of all kinds, Arka Collective and Arka Studio are once again gearing up for the third edition of this mega rendezvous of fashion, and a press conference held on Sunday provided details about the upcoming fashion week.
Asad Sattar, the founder of Arka Fashion Week; and organising committee members including the country’s renowned model-choreographer Azra Mahmud and senior fashion journalist Sheikh Saifur Rahman briefed the journalists about the upcoming edition.
In his welcoming remarks, Sheikh Saifur Rahman shared insights into the continuity of Arka Fashion Week and the specifics of this year's event.
Asad Sattar elaborated on the details of the event, emphasizing its tradition of introducing new elements each year.
‘Masterclass’ on different topics is one such new feature this year, and over the four days, each day will feature a unique theme, except for the first day, which will not host any shows.
Azra Mahmud provided details about the fashion shows and other key aspects of the event. During the Q&A session, she addressed this year’s model selection process, explaining that over 600 applications had been received from which 100 candidates were shortlisted for auditions, and 25 models were ultimately selected.
She noted that this year’s lineup includes not only new faces but also returning models from last year and some of the country’s top models.
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She added that many of the models have already been doing exceptional work and Asad Sattar echoed this sentiment, pointing out that several models from last year have progressed significantly in their careers, working with major brands like Aarong and others.
Regarding the financial aspects of the event, Asad Sattar said the event relies on funding from sponsors. However, these funds are not always sufficient, and the organizers often have to cover expenses on their own.
He added that if additional funds become available in the future, they would be used for initiatives to develop the fashion industry further, as Arka is a not-intended-for-profit initiative.
Sheikh Saifur Rahman acknowledged the role of the media in helping Arka Fashion Week establish its position within just a year and a half. He expressed gratitude to journalists and assured them that timely and accurate information would be provided during the event.
He also invited journalists to attend the masterclasses, requesting advance notice to make necessary arrangements.
For others interested in attending the masterclasses, registration and a specific fee will be required. Fashion entrepreneurs and fashion design students in the country are encouraged to participate in the masterclasses.
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This year, Arka Fashion Week 2025 is themed across four days, each day highlighting a unique focus: Day 1 is themed as ‘Denim’, Day 2 as ‘Modern Contemporary’, Day 3 will be celebrating ‘Fusion’ and Day 4 is themed for ‘Sustainability’. These themes not only reflect the diversity of the event but also underscore its dedication to blending heritage, innovation, and eco-consciousness, making Arka Fashion Week a dynamic space for inspiration and growth, the organizers stated.
With a total of 12 runway shows, the Runway segment is once again all set to become the centrepiece of Arka Fashion Week, offering a stage for designers to connect with audiences and showcase the future of Bangladeshi fashion. Carefully curated, the runway brings together emerging talent, established brands, and leading names in Bangladesh’s fashion scene, offering a diverse and engaging experience.
The first day will not host any Runway show. Day 2 (Modern Contemporary, January 17th) will highlight bold, innovative designs by Daania, Royal Bengal Couture, DHEU by SaRa, and AMI Dhaka, Kathal among others; Day 3 (Fusion, January 18th) will celebrate creativity and diversity, featuring collections by fashion design students featured on the Student Runway, as well as brands GLEE and AMIRÁ, and Day 4 (Sustainability, January 19th) will emphasise on eco-conscious design with collections by Dhong, Tasha, Friendship, Grissho, Bliss, Urukku.Bangladesh, Taan, Aranya, and Kuhu.
The brand new ‘Masterclass’ segment this year will host 26 Masterclasses, led by some of the most prominent names and brands in the fashion and creative industries. Attendees will have the unparalleled opportunity to learn directly from pioneers through sessions such as the Kantha Stitch Masterclass by Afsana Ferdousi, Karchupi & Zardozi Masterclass by Ahmed Tuhin Reza of House of Ahmed, Natural Dyeing with Marigold and Catechu Dyebath by Nawshin Khair of Aranya, Modelling Masterclass by Tangia Zaman Methila, and Fashioning Influence: Community & Identity by Sobia Ameen and Rahemur Rahman, among many others.
Besides, other attractions including concerts featuring prominent artists and bands such as Joler Gaan and Indalo among others will enthral the eventgoers, and a dedicated food zone will feature a diverse lineup of brands offering everything from comfort food to artisanal snacks and refreshing beverages.
Launched in 2023, the maiden edition of Arka Fashion Week took place from October 26-28 that year, which was followed by its second edition between June 13-17.