When handloom fabrics meets androgynous styling

In our collective consciousness, handloom fabrics have been associated with our strong identity since time immemorial.  They powerfully represented our cultural heritage and traditions through local weaves. To that end, traditional attire such as sarees, salwar kameezes, kurtas, panjabis and such became the perfect foil for this representation.

Perhaps not always! Fashion by nature is dynamic. Fluid and alive, it must always push boundaries, break old and established rules, and make way for the new. That’s what makes fashion remarkable, meaningful as opposed to being frivolous because dressing well is anything but.

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Power dressing can be addictive. Walking into a room and letting your presence speak without uttering a word is truly remarkable. To that end, women who embrace androgynous fashion are on a league of their own. They never give a damn about what others think; they dress for themselves.

Legendary fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent viewed androgyny as a way for women to feel empowered and confident in a patriarchal world. When a woman wore a suit, rather than appearing masculine, her feminine mystique and allure heightened, Laurent remarked.

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It was groundbreaking in every sense of the word, especially during the ‘60s when the hyper-feminine ideal was celebrated, and women wore cinched dresses and skirts. Laurent’s models strutted in boxy pantsuits and tuxedo jackets, celebrating progressive femininity that defied gender stereotypes and preconceived beliefs.

Speaking of stereotypes, androgynous dressing, predominantly inspired by menswear, has been crafted with suiting and shirting materials like wool, silk, leather, and such. But why should it always be so? Why not craft a boxy jacket from handloom indigenous fabric such as khaadi?  Imagine a striped pantsuit but made of khaadi instead!

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Androgynous styling is not limited — fluid, alive and breathing, it takes on so many forms just like its wearer. So, why not style a khaadi or striped taant saree with a short jacket and a shirt? A chic little tie will be a touch masculine; maybe you could borrow your significant other’s one? And a cool belt will pull it all together, the perfect finishing touch!

How will we get through life without our favourite wide-legged trousers? Style it with a boxy blazer! The idea is to give a traditional masculine silhouette a fresh new twist by adding your own personal touch. A khaadi blazer worn with a crisp white shirt will look fantastic, and when accessorised with a bowtie made of brocade or silk, what could be more chic? Black boots will make you stand taller among your set, making cool Fall evenings magical.

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And that’s the beauty of fashion. Alive, accepting and fluid, she is always open to all that’s new and makes it her own.

Androgynous styles crafted from quintessentially Bangladeshi handloom fabrics would seem like a lofty dream, but what a transcendental concept it is. And it’s time for you to make it your own!

Model: Kreesti Dewan and Riddhi Tanchangya
Wardrobe and jewellery: Sozpodor by Tenzing Chakma