The Arka Fashion Week (AFW) 2025, held at the Aloki Convention Centre from January 16-19, stayed true to its mission by providing a vibrant platform for celebrating creativity, diversity, and innovation in fashion. The event not only showcased the broad spectrum of styles but also successfully established an inclusive space where visitors could embrace their authentic selves without fear of judgment or scrutiny.
With "Fusion" as the theme for the third day (Saturday), the event thrived with vibrancy, featuring colourful stalls that found unique ways to stand out and offered a wide range of products, from clothes and jewelry to perfume. The clothes on display particularly reflected the theme, showcasing a vibrant blend of modern and traditional Bangladeshi elements.
In keeping with the theme, day three also featured several masterclasses, including rickshaw painting by Protibha, screen painting by BanglaPunk, kantha stitch by Afsana Ferdousi, and many more.
Specific sections, such as the "Design Lab" with its tagline "Do it yourself, for yourself," encouraged attendees to explore their creativity and bring their imagination to life. Visitors could select items like t-shirts, bags, or hats and personalize them through hand painting, embroidery, block printing, patchwork, and other artistic techniques.
Meanwhile, other vibrant stalls offered unique experiences like face painting and tattoos, as well as items with a distinct Bengali cultural touch. For instance, t-shirts adorned with nostalgic prints of Cosco soap and Mimi Chocolate brought a playful touch of local heritage to the event.
The event not only showcased the broad spectrum of styles but also successfully established an inclusive space where visitors could embrace their authentic selves without fear of judgment or scrutiny.
One aspect of the event that was not only unique but also admirable was the Flash Runway, which allowed talented and creative individuals among the attendees to showcase their own takes on fashion and the theme of Fusion. Each individual who walked the runway presented their own unique interpretation of fusion -- each one distinct from the other -- demonstrating the rich diversity and variety within fashion. Atiq, one of the individuals who walked the runway wearing a lungi with a shirt and tie, explained that his outfit was inspired by Bangladeshi Gram Bangla fishermen, with a modern twist -- blending traditional Bengali culture with modern attire.
The event not only provided runway participants with the opportunity to feel more recognized and acknowledged for creativity and talent, but also allowed the audience to appreciate the diversity of self-expression. When asked about their experience, an attendee enthusiastically expressed how amazing it was to see such a wide range of fashion and the freedom of expression growing in Bangladesh.
With the aim of democratizing fashion in Dhaka, Arka Fashion Week focused on a different theme each day -- such as Denim, Modern Contemporary, Fusion, and Sustainability -- showcasing a multitude of approaches to fashion and trends. The event celebrated individuality and encouraged people to explore fashion as a medium of self-expression without constraints. It not only served as a source of entertainment but also highlighted and uplifted the creativity and craftsmanship of Bangladeshi fashion brands and artisans.
Fariha Afrin is an intern at Dhaka Tribune.