Spotlighting creativity, innovation, and the rich heritage of fashion and trends, the third and 2025 edition of Arka Fashion Week has begun in the capital’s Aloki, Tejgaon.
With ‘Denim’ as the theme for the opening day Thursday , the event highlighted the fabric’s timeless versatility, innovative potential, and unifying appeal.
One of the key highlights of this year’s Arka FW is the unique addition of Masterclasses. Running from 12-8 pm, the Masterclass series on its opening day brought together some of the brightest minds in fashion to discuss various aspects of design, innovation, and sustainability.
Each session offered a unique perspective, allowing attendees to explore various topics. Among the experts who are conducting the masterclasses, designer Sobia Ameen led an engaging session focusing on the future of Bangladeshi fashion, in which she discussed sustainability, talent development, and the importance of representing local identity on both global and local stages.
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Another unique highlight of the day was the Flash Runway, held at 3:30 pm. Unlike traditional fashion shows, this dynamic event featured participants selected directly from the audience, chosen for how well they represented the theme of the day: Denim. The chosen individuals walked the runway wearing their own creative interpretations of denim, showcasing the versatility of the fabric through a variety of styles and expressions.
The Design Lab, one of the major attractions at Arka FW, is a dynamic space where creativity thrives and imagination takes centre stage. This year, attendees can purchase any blank t-shirt, tote bag, scarf, or hat from the lab and personalize using a variety of customization techniques, including block printing, screen printing, hand-painting, patchwork, and more.
Beyond creating their own designs, visitors can enjoy live performances from artists offering face painting and tattoo art, hair braiding, and caricature sketches. A dedicated space will also host live art demonstrations, sparking inspiration and adding an entertaining touch to the experience.
The Marketplace at Arka Fashion Week is a dynamic hub celebrating the ingenuity and craftsmanship of Bangladeshi brands and artisans. It showcases an eclectic mix of established names like Aarong, Dheu, and Arabika, alongside emerging labels such as Nuzart, Dhaka Vintage, and House of SHUI, creating a rich intersection of tradition and modernity.
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With sustainability as a guiding philosophy, the Marketplace emphasizes promoting homegrown talent and supporting small-scale entrepreneurs. Participating brands and artisans such as Tasha, Protibha, Shoilee, and Dhaka Vintage represent diverse facets of local heritage while incorporating contemporary innovations; and by offering these designers and creators a platform to connect with a wider audience, Arka Fashion Week provides critical exposure to budding entrepreneurs, bridging the gap between tradition and the global fashion landscape, according to its organizers.
Unlike the previous editions, this year the Marketplace moved outdoors to accommodate a larger number of stalls, offering visitors a chance to explore timeless traditions and contemporary innovations in an open setting, which Arka FW highlights as its commitment to elevating Bangladesh's fashion ecosystem while fostering meaningful connections and promoting sustainability.
Designed to complement the vibrant energy of the event, the Food Zone on the second floor features a diverse lineup of brands including Arabika, Just Juice, Slurps, Waffle-Up, Fruitsicles, Couch Potato, Kora Fry, Birria Stop, Shei Nihari, Izakaya, KONA CAFE, and Lueur Bakery; offering something for every palate - from artisanal beverages to savoury delicacies and sweet treats.
The opening day concluded with the performances of Arka x Bhai Bhai Takeover: Munasib, Deathwail, and Bhai Bhai Sound System.
Besides the usual offerings alongside several impactful Masterclasses, the second day (Friday) of Arka FW 2025 is themed ‘Modern Contemporary’ and it will highlight bold, innovative designs by Daania, Royal Bengal Couture, DHEU by SaRa, and AMI Dhaka, Kathal among others on its Runway shows, reflecting the spirit of modern fashion.
The four-day Arka Fashion Week 2025 will come to its closure on January 19, Sunday.