Educated philistines have one thing in common with religious fanatics - a studied stance of antagonism to the avant-garde in fashion. This explains why couture in Bangladesh has always been demure despite sporadic, ambitious attempts by some local design houses. The sari with the fixed length still being the dominant dress for women and the salwar kameez for girls, the best that can be said about the 2011 fashion in Bangladesh in terms of color and fabric is it was conventionally unconventional. Nevertheless, there were some traces of boldness short of iconoclasm on the runway towards the end of the year as noticed in a couple of fashion shows including '40 years of Fashion & Freedom' organized by Reela's Fashion Boutique. Our models may not have yet had the skills to weave the tapestry of seductive nuances into their expression while sashaying but their beauty cannot remain unacknowledged if prudishness does not stand in the way. That was the revelation and that is going to be the guiding force for fashion in the coming years.

Meanwhile the world is preparing for upcoming fashion events on an upbeat note defying the looming economic gloom. More and more design houses are focusing on the features of function and convenience, their predilection being for fluid and flexible fabrics with an ethereal feel. Vivid and vibrant colors - bright orange reds, purples, greens, yellows, turquoises and as such - as well as metallic and silvery hues are likely to dominate runways in 2012. With winter fading fast such colors as grays and ivory and neutrals like slate are being forsaken but some other fall favorites like detailed print motifs as were popularized by Alexander McQueen are going to stick. Among other French fashion trend setters are Chanel, Kenzo, Stella McCartney, Jean Paul Gaultier, Rick Owens, Celine, Valentino, Chloé and Louis Vuitton but it is perhaps Christian Dior that is a step ahead with the novelty of the bare rear of its gowns.

Other experiments include geometric patterns and digital designs but overall the trend is for fusion of modernism and retro excellence. From the consumer's end, demand is growing for smart clothing and at the same time for eco-friendliness, wear resistance and longevity of the materials to be used. Natural fibers, like cotton, silks and knits are now almost everyone's choice. The environment factor may also make it necessary to make clothes with the help of solar panels in which case tailored trousers and tunic will be in vogue once again. Leather is relatively environmentally friendly which is why leather handbags as well as satchels with two buckle flaps are gaining favor with young women. Another development is the gradual globalization of fashion with multi-cultural dimension to couture design, make-up style and accessories, all thematically attuned to equal rights of women and inspired by the rapidly developing online social interaction.
 
ET Fashion Desk