Back to the Roots

Rayed Barkat

Back to the Roots

Rayed Barkat

Bangladesh / BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology

Back to the Roots strives to present the limitless opportunities available through traditional manufacturing and consumption which can transform the way we produce and consume fashion products. The pieces presented in this collection use an array of materials and techniques indigenous to Bangladesh, from traditional dyeing methods to the kantha work of the central region of Jamalpur and hand-woven silk from the northern Rajshahi region. This collection presents a juxtaposition of these different materials from different corners of the country along with kantha (traditional blankets made form repurposed Saree), authentic Khadi fabrics from the Comilla region (completely handmade cotton fabric, from fibre to fabric) and modern innovation with the Jute textile. All the pieces presented in this collection are dyed with natural indigo.

The designs were conceptualized based on the minimalist design principles that compel the viewers to use multiple senses rather than just looking, which enables them to connect with the materials which are the core elements in this collection.

This collection ranges from ladies’ dresses to men’s vests, to show the versatility of the materials in a modern context. The vests were designed with the idea of reversible clothing. The materials used in these vests are Jute, Khadi and organic cotton. The organic cotton is dyed and printed with local organic indigo. Traditional Batik printing methods were used. The slip dress is a composition representing the different materials of the different parts of Bangladesh. The materials used in the dress are Khadi, kantha and jute, which are indigenous to Bangladesh.

The use of Jute is a particularly important part of this collection, considering its vast potential. If used properly it can become an asset for the world. In this collection the material used is a 50/50 blend of jute and cotton). Jute is totally biodegradable, 100% compostable and causes no damage to the environment. So jute complies with the principle Cradle to Cradle which means the recycling of jute is possible many times without losing the quality. Then the circle is completed and other than the fibre, what is left is food and fuel. Hence introducing the use of jute in everyday garments can reduce the dependency on cotton and other fibres greatly, which will help cut the environmental impact of the fashion industry.

This collection can be used as a reference point on how local materials, practices and cultures can be integrated with modern silhouettes and take the fashion industry forward.

Bio: Rayed Barkat

email: rayed.barkat@gmail.com

instagram: @rayedbarkat

Rayed Barkat is a designer and academic from BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh. His personal and professional vision is to teach people in a way that will help us to have a sustainable future. He has been engaged in designing, teaching and research works for the past 8 years. Along with that, he has an active participation in the international community regarding sustainability in the fashion industry. He has participated in international collaborative projects like ‘Local- International’ in 2016 which deals with innovation in sustainability in the fashion industry in collaboration with reputed universities such as Berlin University of Arts, Germany and Wisensee Academy of art, Germany. Furthermore, he was a participant in the ‘Copenhagen Fashion Summit’, world’s leading initiative regarding the sustainability in fashion industry in 2017.