United News of Bangladesh

The fashion industry, which has always been praised for its productive and cultural contributions, has turned into one of the most environmentally damaging sectors in the world. Its impact stretches across natural resources and climates. From piling up in masses in landfills, polluting and clogging water, and making air unbreathable to destroying the balance in the earth’s resources and atmospheres, fashion waste is making life impossible on the planet. What is Fashion Waste? The term fashion waste refers to the useless materials naturally produced during the manufacturing of textile products and thrown away afterwards. It also includes worn-out clothes and other materials like wastewater, plastic waste, and toxic dyes discarded or discharged after their use. Though the term fashion waste mostly highlights the wastage related to garments and fabrics, it has more branches. Any poisonous discharge of non-biodegradable waste that pollutes energy and natural elements like earth, water, and air during or after the manufacturing and use cycle of garment products falls under the definition of fashion waste. Read more: How to Declutter Your Wardrobe to Donate Some Clothes Key Environmental Impacts of Fashion Waste . Landfill Overflow Much of the fashion waste is synthetic fibres such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic. These elements take about centuries to decompose and mix with soils or never decompose. There are many regions on the earth where miles after miles have been occupied by them. Massive piles of non-biodegradable materials are slowly eroding away, releasing poisons into the soil and air, making those regions unlivable. In 2018, the US single-handedly generated about 11.3 million tonnes of textile waste, about 66% of which ended up in landfills. Water Clog and Pollution Fashion waste contaminates water in two ways: chemically transforming its nature and clogging it with insoluble materials like plastic. Among chemical polluters, textile dyeing is the world's most common and second-largest water contaminant. Several rivers in Bangladesh and India, such as the Buriganga and Ganges, are carrying the mark of the devastating impact of textile waste. Synthetic and plastic materials cause water clogs, impeding usual flow and preventing water from passing. They are the primary reason for clogged drains and sewerage. Synthetic clothes are also known to release microplastics into water during washing or when dumped in a water body. These microplastics are invisible, insoluble fibres that travel with river currents and fall into oceans, where they accumulate in large amounts and are consumed by marine life.  Read more: How to Choose the Best Fabric for Your Suit Greenhouse Gas Emissions Dumped clothing waste in landfills doesn’t only pile up and occupy spaces; during decomposition, it releases methane, one of the primary catalysts of the global greenhouse effect and about 25 times more potent than CO2. Studies have found the fashion manufacturing industry to be highly energy-intensive. To manufacture a single shirt, about 2,700 litres of water are needed, and 2.1 kg of CO₂ is emitted. A pair of jeans produces 33.4 kg of CO₂ in their cotton cultivation and dyeing phases. At the current production acceleration rate in the fashion industry, the emission rate will increase by about 50% by 2030 without interference from regulatory bodies. Resource Depletion The fashion industry is one of the most resource-depleting sectors. For example, cotton covers around 2.5% of the world’s farmland and consumes about 24% of all insecticides and 11% of pesticides. That’s a huge environmental cost for a single crop. Then there’s polyester, the most common fabric in today’s clothing, found in about 60% of garments. It’s made from crude oil, tying fast fashion directly to fossil fuel depletion. Read more: Personal Grooming Tips and Tricks for Better Life and Career The impact doesn’t stop at raw materials. The dyeing and finishing stages of textile production are some of the most chemically intensive and responsible for nearly 20% of global industrial water pollution. Around 43 million tonnes of chemicals are poured into the process each year. 

Just days after an unexploded World War II bomb near Paris’ Gare du Nord made headlines, a different kind of spectacle unfolded across the street: Louis Vuitton’s fashion show extravaganza on Monday evening. The only bursts of excitement at Paris Fashion Week came from fabric, form, and a whirlwind imagination. When designer Nicolas Ghesquière took his bow, the audience’s admiration reached a fever pitch, with French first lady Brigitte Macron, in a rare display of enthusiasm, leaping to her feet to kiss him. When should you eat? Before, after — or even while — exercising? A station full of mystery The show took place at "L’Étoile du Nord," described by Louis Vuitton as "a hidden station where past and future travelers converge, evoking the golden age of railway adventure." The event was held in the historic 1845 building, originally designed for the Compagnie du Nord railway company. Its atrium was meticulously transformed into a grand train station waiting room for the ready-to-wear show, reinforcing the themes of travel, anticipation, and adventure — central to Vuitton’s identity. From their front-row seats, Emma Stone, Jennifer Connelly, Ana de Armas, Chloë Grace Moretz, Lisa, Jaden Smith, Ava DuVernay, and Sophie Turner watched attentively as projected shadowy figures drifted across the upper windows, like ghostly travelers from another time. This evoked Vuitton’s origins at the dawn of the Orient Express and haute couture, when wealthy women needed to bring numerous cases to store their extensive traveling wardrobes. On the runway below, Ghesquière wove a story of train stations, both real and imagined, styling passengers for unknown journeys. There were detectives in trench coats, campers in chunky New Wave sweaters, and party girls rushing to catch the last train in ruched velvet. Ghesquière is renowned for his cinematic styling, drawing from a vast range of film influences—whodunnits, fantasies, and comedies. Aarong unveils world's largest craft store in Dhanmondi In other instances, a voluminous layered tulle skirt in deep fuchsia captured Ghesquière’s knack for blending different centuries, paired with a contemporary architectural knit top and sleek, futuristic hair. When the tracks got bumpy However, while the narrative was rich, some of the styling occasionally veered off course. One look, in particular, featured a hybrid fisherman’s hat so oversized it nearly obscured the model’s vision, paired with an enveloping scarf, shapeless dress, and a horizontally placed belt buckle above the bust, which made even seasoned fashion insiders raise an eyebrow. While some outfits were exciting, others felt like mismatched passengers on the wrong train. While fluid, translucent trenches and cleverly constructed jumpsuits stood out, some pieces seemed overcomplicated, leaning more toward hurried layering than artful disarray. Fashion on a synthesized beat A notable collaboration with electronic music pioneers Kraftwerk merged Vuitton’s travel legacy with the band’s vision of movement and modernity. 'Trans-Europe Express' was emblazoned on pinstriped jumpsuits and accessories, reinforcing the rhythm of the journey. Additionally, Vuitton revived its 1988 ceramic-bezel watch, nodding to precision in both travel and design. As the last model exited the train station set, a question lingered: Has Ghesquière lost his spark after 11 years at the helm? Perhaps not yet, but this season’s journey, while evocative, didn’t always have a clear final destination.

In a stunning display of fashion and charisma, Bollywood actress Ananya Panday recently marked her international runway debut at the prestigious Haute-Couture Spring/Summer 2024 Fashion Week in Paris. Ananya walked the ramp for renowned designer Rahul Mishra, as reported by NDTV. Gracing the runway in a captivating black and gold ensemble, Ananya’s presence was a sight to behold. She added an artistic touch to her appearance by carrying a giant sieve, a bold and unique accessory that complemented the haute-couture vibe of her outfit. Expressing her exhilaration, Ananya shared on her Instagram story, “Walking for Rahul Mishra at Paris Couture Week,” capturing this milestone moment in her career. Read more: How to Identify an Authentic Bangladeshi Jamdani Saree? Designer Rahul Mishra also took to social media to welcome Ananya into the world of high fashion. He posted, “Hello baby girl. Welcome to the world of couture. Ananya Panday for Rahul Mishra at Paris Couture Week,” celebrating her successful debut. Away from the runway, Ananya continues to make waves in the Bollywood film industry. She recently starred in “Kho Gaye Hum Kahan,” a film directed by Arjun Varain Singh, featuring Siddhant Chaturvedi, Adarsh Gourav, and Kalki Koechlin. Her fans eagerly await her upcoming ventures, including “Control” and “The Untold Story of C Sankaran Nair.” Additionally, she is set to appear in the upcoming show “Call Me Bae.” Since her acting debut in 2019 with “Student Of The Year 2,” Ananya has carved a niche for herself in Bollywood. Her filmography includes notable titles such as “Dream Girl 2” with Ayushmann Khurrana, “Pati Patni Aur Who” alongside Kartik Aaryan and Bhumi Pednekar, “Khaali Peeli” with Ishaan Khatter, and “Gehraiyaan” featuring Deepika Padukone and Siddhant Chaturvedi. Ananya Panday’s ascent illustrates her versatile talents and her growing influence. Read more: "Khadi Fest 2024" begins in Dhaka showcasing its immense potential in shaping future of textile industry

In 2023, Bangladesh's readymade garment (RMG) industry marked a significant stride in sustainable fashion, with 24 of its factories achieving LEED certification. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), the globally recognized green building rating system, underscores a commitment to environmental responsibility and energy efficiency. This recent certification brings Bangladesh's total to 206 LEED-certified green factories, a testament to the country's dedication to green initiatives within the garments sector, according to BGMEA Director Mohiuddin Rubel. The BGMEA (Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association) reports a breakdown of these certifications, with 76 achieving the highest, platinum rating, and 116 receiving a gold rating. This progress is particularly notable in the context of the global apparel industry's increasing focus on sustainable practices. Also read: Bangladesh now boasts 206 LEED-certified green factories: BGMEA Of the 24 newly LEED-certified factories, a majority, 16, were awarded the prestigious platinum rating, while the remaining 8 achieved a gold rating. Standout performers in 2023 included S. M. Sourcing with 106 points and Green Textiles Limited Unit 4 scoring 104 points. Also noteworthy are Integra Dresses and Knit Asia Limited, both achieving 99 points, Lida Textile & Dying Limited with 97 points, and Liz Fashion Industry Limited scoring 96 points, as detailed by BGMEA. This achievement positions Bangladesh as a leader in the global sustainable fashion movement, with 54 out of the 100 LEED-certified green factories worldwide located in the country. This includes 9 of the top 10, and 18 of the top 20 LEED-certified factories globally, according to BGMEA data.  Mohiuddin Rubel, director at BGMEA, highlights this as a potential catalyst for increased investment and partnership opportunities in the Bangladesh RMG industry. Also read: Milestone for RMG as Bangladesh becomes top source of Knitwear into EU market The geographic spread of these certifications within Bangladesh further illustrates the RMG industry's widespread commitment to sustainability. The majority of the 2023 certifications were in Gazipur (15 factories), followed by Dhaka (4), Chattogram (3), and Mymensingh (2). This regional distribution indicates a nationwide embrace of LEED principles in the Bangladesh garments sector. Currently, over 500 Bangladeshi factories are in the process of obtaining their LEED certification, signaling a robust and ongoing commitment to green practices in the Bangladesh RMG industry. This move towards sustainable fashion not only aligns with global environmental goals but also positions Bangladesh as a forward-thinking leader in the green manufacturing space. The significant increase in LEED-certified green factories within Bangladesh's RMG sector in 2023 is a clear indicator of the industry's commitment to sustainable fashion. With the Bangladesh garments industry taking proactive steps to achieve LEED ratings, it sets a benchmark for environmental stewardship and positions the country as a key player in the global push for more sustainable manufacturing practices. Also read: Environment-friendly factories, circular economy key to sustainable growth in RMG sector: Speakers

Arka Fashion Week, the groundbreaking event with a mission to democratise fashion, kicked off its inaugural edition on Thursday at the Aloki Convention Center, Tejgaon in the capital. An exclusive initiative of Arka Studio, the Arka Fashion Week comes with a commitment to provide equitable opportunities to all kinds of designers and brands in Bangladesh. The inaugural day of the three-day fashion week witnessed a bustling Marketplace and was alive with a dazzling array of fashion and cultural celebrations, and marked the beginning of a transformative journey for the country’s fashion industry. Also read: Personal Grooming Tips and Tricks for Better Life and Career Over 50 entrepreneurs and brands are participating in this three-day event which works with fashion, fashion accessories, and fashion-related products, made in Bangladesh. Alongside the marketplace, there are several other engaging spaces for the attendees including an exhibition curated by Shehzad Chowdhury and Adrita Mahin Khan on the theme "Analogue to Digital," an interactive space titled ‘Design Lab’ where one can buy a product and create their designs, live concerts with renowned bands and food zone. As part of the opening day extravaganzas, a pageant competition titled “Miss and Mister Celebrity Bangladesh 2024”, was held at the event. The pageant is a platform to empower individuals and enhance their talents through the grooming of a pageantry journey on a local and international level. Also read: Gemstones Guide: Precious, Semi-precious Stones Used in Jewellery In Bangladesh, the Azra Mahmood Talent Camp (AMTC) is the license holder for the pageant. AMTC also represents India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. This has been an all-inclusive camp dedicated towards a focused endeavour of transforming models and aspiring models into their world-class counterparts by incorporating years of industry experience and knowledge, transforming the dreams of all men and women into groomed, artistic versions of themselves. A total of 16 participants, 8 male and 8 female contestants participated this year, and the winners of the titles of Miss and Mister Celebrity Bangladesh 2024 were Sajria Tabassum Proma and Rajiul Islam Shadhin, respectively. They will further go on to represent Bangladesh in Miss and Mister Celebrity International 2024 in Vietnam. Also read: Freshwater Pearls: All You Need to Know

The Fashion Design Council of Bangladesh (FDCB) is organising FDCB Bangladesh Fashion Week (BFW) 2023 on March 16 and 17 at Aloki Community Centre at Tejgaon-Gulshan Link Road in the capital. As the most prestigious fashion event in the country, Bangladesh Fashion Week 2023 brings spectacular collections from 18 FDCB members and exciting creations featuring 6 visiting designers from India. The show will bring together fashion designers, retailers and stakeholders on one platform. Sustainability and slow fashion are at the heart of this fashion event, the organisers said at a press conference in the capital’s Gulshan Club on Sunday. “Bangladesh Fashion Week (BFW) 2023 is a triumphal celebration of the age-old artisanal dress-making blending modernity and sustainability into the craft. The designers are set to express their thought-provoking and artistic perceptions in each cut and stitch,” FDCB Founder-President Maheen Khan said at the press conference. The theme for Bangladesh Fashion Week 2023 is "Wear clothes that tell a real story of people and the planet."

Lizzo wowed in a bright orange Dolce & Gabbana opera coat adorned with flowers and a huge hood as the wild and wacky Grammys red carpet did not disappoint Sunday. Tattered streetwear, T-shirts and denim mixed with blinged-out couture, wild patterns and plenty of skin. Lizzo walked gingerly as she navigated her heavy coat with a long train. After awhile, she dropped the coat to her shoulders to reveal a busty sequin corset gown underneath in a softer orange. The coat was entirely embroidered with handmade silk flowers, and the gown was silk with crystal mesh Swarovski details. She accessorized with crystal embellished heels and sheer fingerless gloves. “Lizzo is a floral garden fantasy in her ruffle orange 3D robe and matching corset dress underneath,” said Holly Katz, a stylist and host of the Fashion Crimes podcast. “And we love to hear her roar!” Taylor Swift, channeling her Midnights era, wore a long two-piece sparkly skirt with a high-neck, long-sleeve crop top, all by Roberto Cavalli. They were, yes, midnight blue. She added statement diamond earrings by Lorraine Schwartz, her hair in an updo. Fashion lover Harry Styles walked the carpet in a rainbow harlequin pattern jumpsuit adorned with Swarovski crystals. He was shirtless underneath. His low-cut, multicolored Egonlab look drew cheers. Egonlab is a young brand out of Paris. “The man seems like he’s having an enormous amount of fun with fashion, and even if that doesn’t mean wearing harlequin overalls for most of us, the end result — the sheer joy of it — is something we should all aim for,” said Esquire's style director, Jonathan Evans. Cardi B., meanwhile, wore a bombshell, sculptural electric blue gown with huge shoulders and a headpiece over one eye. “I'm trying, I'm trying,” she told photographers as she carefully walked down the carpet. Cardi's look was from Gaurav Gupta’s latest collection, "continuing to prove she intrinsically understands the delicate style dynamics of the Grammys carpet. It’s not about being silly, but rather making a statement,” said Bianca Betancourt, digital culture editor for Harper’s Bazaar. To present the award for best rap album, Cardi donned a silver metallic assemblage from the archive of Paco Rabanne. Rabanne died Friday in France at age 88. The top and skirt were done by Julien Dossena in 2021. The matching hood that covered her eyes dates to 2020. Anitta also made a splash in black Versace from 2003. “She went toward a more gothic aesthetic,” Betancourt said. “The flowing gown was sublimely tailored and showed the global star doing red carpet elegance in her own way. It was still sexy, still youthful, but still elevated. It didn’t look obviously vintage, which is a testament to Donatella’s artistry.” Machine Gun Kelly, who often pushes into edgy fashion, was in a silver double-breasted laminated foil suit with a Swarovski crystal harness. It was custom Dolce & Gabbana. He was accompanied by Megan Fox in creamy Zuhair Murad. Her gown had a corset bodice and heart embroidered applique.Sam Smith was in fire engine red. They were accompanied by Kim Petras, and drag queens Violet Chachki and Gottmik in the same color. Smith wore a top hat with a veil. They, too, wore matching gloves, a trend of the night. Monochrome was a major theme, Betancourt said. “It's a great way to experiment with more avant-garde looks while still maintaining a sense of stylistic structure,” she said. “Lizzo and Kacey Musgraves also opted for monochrome and textured looks from Dolce & Gabbana and Valentino.” The marathon carpet kicked off with some notable looks. Doja Cat, always pushing her fashion envelope, showed up in a vinyl, one-shoulder and skintight black gown with long matching gloves from Atelier Versace. Bebe Rexha sizzled in hot pink with twists from head to toe and a va-va-voom halter bodice, proving that Barbiecore is going strong. The look was Moschino by Jeremy Scott. Musgraves, in Valentino, also took the Barbie note with a feathery cape in a lighter pink hue over a catsuit. There were golden crowns (Matt B), glittery mouth bling (Alligator Jesus) and epic tattoos (Alisha Gaddis). And lots of slouchy and roomy looks that spoke to many of the men, as did an embroidered denim shorts ensemble for Benny Blanco. “While there weren’t any giant, unmissable, overwhelmingly popular red-carpet trends on the men’s fashion front, that actually proved to be a positive this year. It gave the smaller trends a little bit more room to shine,” Evans said. His most compelling? The double-breasted suit, or jacket. “It’s not just a 2023 thing, of course, but the popularity of the DB tends to ebb and flow, and it seems like this year could be a very good one for the silhouette. LL Cool J, Jack Harlow, Saint JHN and Scott Evans all wore a version of it. They all looked fantastic, and the really great thing is that men in all walks of life can emulate their outfits and look equally fantastic,” he said. Evans also had thoughts on all that denim. “Miguel was decked out in it. Benny Blanco, too. The looks were seemingly made with the word ‘divisive’ in mind, but they smacked of a sort of youth-culture cool that embraces that word instead of shying away from it. Love ‘em or hate ’em, those outfits seem like a bellwether of a more denim-forward world in the near future, so take note,” he said. But back to Doja Cat's vinyl. “Who can’t stop talking about Doja Cat donning 30,000 red Swarovski crystals for Paris Fashion Week? Well, she certainly doesn’t disappoint at the Grammys as she totally channeled the queen of darkness," Katz said. “The Mia Farrow 60′s haircut was a perfect match for this look.” Betancourt was also a Doja fan. “The look was gritty, sexy and much like Doja herself, forward-thinking. Her makeup also deserves a notable mention. It was an exquisite cat eye (pun intended) by Ernesto Casillas with a juicy metallic glossed lip that echoed the early aughts, but done without the kitsch most 2000s-inspired looks often perpetuate," she said. Viola Davis, meanwhile, completed her EGOT by winning a Grammy at the Grammys pre-telecast ceremony in a Naeem Kahn red, silver and blue tiered sequin short-sleeved gown. Shania Twain isn’t up for a Grammy. That, she said, freed her to have fun with fashion. Twain’s hair was red and her Harris Reed wide-belled pantsuit was adorned with huge black polka dots against white. She topped it off with a towering, matching wide-brim hat. “Here I am with all my new fun things to wear,” she said. Reed is a young British American designer she wanted to support. Her goal: “I just wanted to add some pop and cheer.” Twain, said Katz, “definitely scored in the avant-garde category but does sort of look like she just stepped out of Alice in Wonderland.” Laverne Cox WAS “Wakanda Forever” in her custom strapless leather Kim Kassas embellished warrior figure dress and African-inspired jewelry, Katz said. “Paying homage to the African culture through fashion is always in style.” Cox’s leather dress by Kim Kassas honors the vision of the late fashion editor Andre Leon Talley. There was another vibe on her mind: “Egyptian/Cleopatra.” Prabal Gurung whipped up a custom sunny yellow chiffon look for Kelsea Ballerini with light-as-air back pieces she unfurled on the carpet. Amanda Gorman was in a top color of the night: black. Gorman, wearing Prada, twirled her long, sheer overlay worn over a mini-dress on the red carpet.Ballerini's look, Katz said, was “so ethereal and dreamy on the red carpet.”  

Showcasing the rich history of Bangladesh's illustrious silk industry as well as efforts to support and promote local designs, a three-day exclusive solo fashion exhibition titled ‘Majestic Silks of Bangladesh Exhibition by Maheen Khan’, is currently underway at the Nordic Club, Gulshan in the capital. The solo design exhibition began on Tuesday (December 27, 2022), featuring some of the unique designs of eminent Bangladeshi fashion designer Maheen Khan, the founding president of the Fashion Design Council of Bangladesh (FDCB) and the founding managing director of Mayasir, a trend-setting brand that emphasizes the nation's traditional embroidery. Sharing her motifs and visions with UNB regarding her major solo exhibition in a long time, Maheen Khan said that this event is proudly showcasing some of the exclusive, handmade crafts as a befitting tribute to the country’s majestic silks. Read more: BGMEA, Fashion Design Council to promote khadi globally

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday inaugurated “Made in Bangladesh Week 2022”. The event aims to showcase innovations in Bangladesh’s apparel sector to the world. The week-long event with the theme “Care for Fashion” was opened at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) in Dhaka. It will continue till November 18, 2022. Read more: Can’t control global economy, but want to boost exports: BGMEA president Bangladesh Readymade Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has organised the event to enhance the market share of Bangladeshi apparel products in the global market. More than 100 participants from overseas – foreign buyers and representatives – are also taking part in the weeklong event. At the inaugural ceremony, the Prime Minister also unveiled the covers of books titled “The Untold Stories of Bangladesh RMG Industry: Economic, Social and Environmental Good Practices” and “Beauty of Bangladesh.” BGMEA president Faruque Hassan delivered the welcome speech at the opening programme. Read more: Harmonious relations between workers, employers key to Bangladesh's RMG success: BGMEA  Yesterday, while talking to media, the BGMEA president said, “We’ve had challenges. We have challenges. We need to move ahead overcoming the challenges,” he said. He also said there will be no pressure on the forex reserves due to the mega event, but the event will help earn some foreign currency as many foreigners will be attending it.

With her spray-on outfit at the Coperni fashion show in Paris, Bella Hadid almost completely crashed the internet. The supermodel turned heads during Paris Fashion Week on September 30 at the Coperni fashion show when she strutted down the runway. When Hadid arrived at the centre of the stage, three technicians painted a layer of white latex on her, as she stood tall and still, according to an NBC New York report. Read: How to find right perfume, body spray for you The 25-year-old extended her arms one by one as they applied the coat of paint, watching as their labour gradually morphed into a mid-length dress with a high-rise slit. Hadid then sashayed down the runway, showcasing her new custom-made outfit when the piece of art was finished. Fabrican, a sprayable fabric created in 2003 that hardens into clothing, was used to create the dress. The inventor Manel Torres apparently conceived a fabric that would “magically have the look of clothing and fit the body like a second skin”. Years of study and testing led to the creation of Fabrican, a fabric that can be sprayed from an aerosol can. On TikTok, Hadid’s runway performance has already gone viral, NBC New York says. Some users have also drawn comparisons between it and the iconic Alexander McQueen Spring 1999 fashion presentation, in which Shalom Harlow spun while two robots sprayed her white garment with yellow and black paint. Read Rain, art and winter wonderlands at Paris Fashion Week Following the performance in the Coperni fashion show during Paris Fashion Week 2022, Bella Hadid posted many close-up photos of the design on her Instagram, generating tons of positive feedback from followers and other fashionistas.