Bangladesh’s rich cultural heritage and seasonal diversity took centre stage at The Colour Atlas of Bangladesh, a fashion workshop and exhibition held at Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD), where emerging designers showcased research-driven contemporary fashion inspired by the country’s six seasons.
Curated by fashion designer, educator and textile researcher Rokaiya Ahmed Purna, the exhibition presented the outcomes of an intensive workshop involving nine emerging designers. Participants explored Bangladesh’s landscapes, traditions, textiles, rituals and everyday life through a research-based methodology before translating their findings into original colour palettes, mood boards, design concepts and contemporary garments.
The exhibition transformed the gallery into a vibrant archive of colour and creativity, featuring research books, visual narratives, range plans and finished garments that reflected each participant’s interpretation of Bangladesh’s seasonal identity. Collectively, the works demonstrated how cultural heritage can serve as a foundation for innovative fashion while preserving the country’s visual and cultural memory.
Through her curatorial vision, Purna underscored the importance of treating fashion as a discipline rooted in research, observation and storytelling. The initiative encouraged young designers to move beyond decorative references and engage more deeply with Bangladesh’s environment, traditions and evolving visual culture.
The event also served as a platform for discussions on design education, sustainability, cultural heritage and the future of the country’s fashion industry, drawing a diverse audience comprising artists, designers, educators, students, members of the diplomatic and cultural community, and fashion enthusiasts, fostering dialogue on the role of research in shaping contemporary Bangladeshi fashion.
