Fashion and photo show by Rapid AI Zahur, Piran BD begins at AFD

Visitors at the Fashion and photo show by Rapid AI Zahur, Piran BD begins at Alliance Frsancaise, Dhaka on Friday.

A fashion and photography exhibition titled ‘Needle, Thread and a Splash of Water’ by Rafid Al Zahur & Piran Bangladesh has begun at Alliance Française, Dhaka on Friday, 11 August 2023 at La Galerie.

Founder of Bibiana Lipi Khandaker , General Secretary of National Crafts Council of Bangladesh Sk Saifur Rahman, and Make-Up artist Bapon Rahman attended the the event as special guests.

The exhibition brings together the inspiring journey of Piran Bangladesh's fashion collection and the powerful photo story by Documentary Photographer Rafid Al Zahur, highlighting the life, dreams, hopes, and struggles of the transforming Beraid community against rapid urbanization. The exhibit celebrates the indomitable spirit of the Beraid community’s women. It showcases their journey of empowerment and transformation through the creation of a remarkable fashion collection and a moving photo story that captures the essence of their lives. For the first time in their lives, 22 female artisans have weaved their stories into a fashion collection of 15 dresses. Not only that, together, the community celebrates a ramp show wearing the very same collection.

Piran Bangladesh had a vast journey of its own with these earnest folks. One compact month of professional accountability turned into a whole-hearted relationship and experience of six months for the co-founder and designer Zarin Tasnim Reza, who relentlessly dedicated her time to work with the artisans of Beraid in a series of eight workshops, imparting invaluable knowledge and skill about the design process, color theory, appliqué technique, hand stitching, and sewing. Documentary Photographer Rafid Al Zahur documented the whole journey, capturing the essence of the community's resilience and transformation. His powerful photo story narrates the lives and aspirations of the Beraid residents, shedding light on their challenges and successes amidst the changing urban landscape.

This exhibition is a testament to the power of creativity, community collaboration, and sustainable fashion. It not only celebrates the craftsmanship of the Beraid Slum community artisans but also aims to create employment opportunities for them by showcasing and selling their products on various platforms.

The exhibition will be open to all till Monday, 14 August 2023. Visiting Hours: Everyday from 3 pm to 9 pm. – Press release