Some people travel miles but the quest for passion never ends. Some, however, find their calling, come back home and pursue it with more than just dedication. Bibi Russell, the celebrated Bangladeshi designer, was once a top-notch model. The transition, or evolution, as Russell likes to call it had to happen. “All along when I was modelling, within me I always had a longing to go back and do something for the country and my people,” she tells News18.com.
Referring to Russell as just a designer is probably an incomplete narration of the years of hardwork she has spent in betterment of the lives of artisans and craftspeople. Born in Chittagong, Russell grew up in Dhaka and returned to Bangladesh in 1994 giving up her exuberant career in the fashion world, dedicating her life and experience to the betterment of artisans and craftspeople.
“This dream of mine, to serve, is not an accident rather something deep-seated into my heart. It was there from my childhood, though it only became clearer when I was abroad. Now, when I look back I understand, when a person grows her dream grows too.”
She has worked with leading magazines and sterling brands including Giorgio Armani, Karl Lagerfeld but fashion for and with a cause has always been her top-most priority. “Whatever I do I keep that in mind. I believe fashion can be used for social and economic development but fashion, for me, is a cultural identity, a necessity.”
Russell’s soul aim is “to help crafts people live a better life and not give up their artistic legacy for quick money.” With a hope to see a brighter world for craftspeople, she has named her company as Fashion For Development.
Considering that breaking free from stereotypes doesn’t come easy to our society and certainly not in the days when Russell let go of her well-paying lifestyle to pursue a lesser common goal, did her gender further upsurge her struggle? She denies and says it may not be a cake-walk but it certainly is not that difficult.
“At the beginning of my journey I spent 99.9% of my time in village. So, I did not face any problem because of my gender identity. The artisans loved me and I loved to see them progress,” she explains.
Bibi is of the view that when one works at grass-root levels; you understand the struggle and become a part of the actual workers’ journey. “You are not just sitting in an air-conditioned office and demanding work.”
Having won several national and international awards including UNESCO’s Special Envoy – Designer for Development (1999) and Artist For Peace (2001), Russell is credited to change the face of fashion not just in Bangladesh but in a host of other countries too and rightly so.
Currently in India, the designer is working closely with the inmates of a prison in Rajasthan. The creative energy flowing behind the prison bars, according to Russell, is very stimulating. “End of the day, the prisoners are all human beings who need to be not just criticized or looked down upon but appreciated for their work also.”
“Some of the most amazing work I have seen in Rajasthan, comes from the prison,” she adds.
Rajasthan Day on March 30 will see Russell bringing to ramp a creative treat from Barmer, a very remote district, where the artisans don’t have enough exposure about the market.
“I travelled there, saw their work, learnt about the pittance they earn for their work picked up by leading retail chains and decided to showcase their work to open up new opportunities for them.”
Just before this, the designer worked for a tribute to acid attack survivors, as a special initiative on International Women’s Day. “Acid attack survivors are too often overlooked” but she’s proud that the government of Bangladesh has now started to enact on the Women and Child Repression Control Act-1995.
“In the 21st century they are a vital part of society and social inclusion and respect is their right. It was a very satisfying situation for me to see their eyes twinkle with a new confidence as they walked down the ramp”, she adds.
Despite being an inspiration to many in the fashion fraternity and otherwise, Russell feels she’s not yet on the first step of the ladder and that feeling accomplished is out of question. “I have a long way to go yet to ensure financial stability and social inclusion for the artisans and craftspeople of the world. If I happen to be the inspiration for young women, then my sincere advice for them would be- chose your path and be sure that you walk on it with dedication, hard work and honesty.”
As for the future, she likes to take it one day at a time with an “intention to sensitise and demonstrate the immense skills and expertise of the local artisans, to preserve the heritage, to foster creativity, to provide employment opportunities, to empower women and to contribute towards the eradication of poverty.”
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