Twenty-three years ago, former international model, Bibi Rusell turned fashion designer to provide employment opportunities for the craftspeople of Bangladesh by fusing indigenous cultural elements into her apparel line. Ever since then, now 67-year-old, the designer has engaged with artisan clusters across Bangladesh, setting her sights on India as recently as 2015. Inspired by the textiles of Rajasthan, Bibi Russell kicked off the Rajasthan Heritage week by showcasing her all-khadi winter collection in December 2015. Continuing her work with the artisans of the region, the designer will now showcase her latest Winter/ Festive collection on Day 1 of the India Runway Week starting October 6. In its ninth season, it is one of the largest fashion weeks in the country.
“My journey with the traditional fabrics of Rajasthan is something that is very close to my heart. Besides being inspired by the heritage of the region, much can be learnt from its artisans who continue to work with a core fabric (khadi) but seek to make it relevant for the contemporary market,” shares the designer. Her Winter/Festive collection which is a prêt line will feature black and white khadi, woollen khadi and Kota Doria and will be a tribute to Gandhi. Adding her signature bohemian style to the line, expect to find a vibrant colour palette of yellow, red, indigo and green on an ethnic haul of ready-to-wear saris, skirts, kurtas, shawls, waistcoats and Western silhouettes like trousers, shirts and dresses. Keeping surface embellishments at a minimum, the designer tells us that the accessories will add to the drama of the line. “We will be using traditional Rajasthani jewellery as well.”
Giving a peek into her schedule for the season, Bibi Russell tells us that she will be showcasing at the Survivors’ Runway, London on October 10, days after her W/F collection launch. “It is a very special show for me, where acid attack survivors from Bangladesh will be modelling for the show.”
India Runway Week Winter/Festive 2017, Delhi. On October 6. Details: indiarunwayweek.com