A Visionary Designer

Fashion Designer
Afsana Ferdousi Wormey
Talks to
Promiti Prova Chowdhury

Photo Credit: Martin Lamb

My school was Ispahani Public School and College in Comilla and my college was Shaheed Anwar Girl's College in Dhaka. I cherish my school days as they remind me of the t5imw when we were free from stress and tension. The friendship I had with my friends, was unadulterated and innocent.

In university one becomes more practical and goal oriented. After completing my HSC, I joined BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology (BUFT) for a B Sc (Honours) degree in Fashion Design and Technology. Although, my parents wanted me to study Medical Science as I was from a Science background, I chose to study here for a silly reason-- my friends! Without any prior knowledge over the subject, I chose to enter this world. But just after completing one semester, Fashion Designing became the love of my life.

In university, we are taught subjects like, Fashion Illustration, Pattern, E-fashion, CAD, Surface Ornamentation, Fashion History etc. I have done my majors on three sections which are Draping and Evening Gown, Men's wear and Lingerie. My favourite courses are Fashion Illustration, Computing for Designers: E-fashion, and Fashion History.

In 2010, I participated as a designer in the Euro Bangla Fusion Fashion Show that took place in Dhaka. I became the winner at the show. I have participated as a designer in BATEXPO Fashion Show both in 2010 and 2011 that was held at Bangladesh International Conference Centre. The biggest turning point came in 2011 when I participated at the SDC (Society of Dyers and Colourists) International Design Competition in 2011.

This international competition on Designing is held every year. In 2010 it was held in Singapore and last year it took place in Hong Kong. The theme for 2011 was 'reduce, reuse and recycle.' Three students were selected by our faculty members who participated in the first round held in Dhaka. I got the chance to reach the finale as the representative from Bangladesh. There were participants from sixteen other countries at the finale.

For the finale I designed six dresses for female rock-stars. My project was titled 'The power of simple thinking.' My objective was to raise awareness amongst people about the 3R with natural colour and natural fibre made fabric on the contrary of chemicals. The benefit is that eco-friendly dresses can be reused if faded. Natural dyes can be used instead of synthetic ones, because of their availability and durability.

The feelings that I had when I stood as the 1st runner up is indescribable. The winner was from South Africa and 2nd runners up was from England. But the feeling of representing my country is unique. I am thankful to my parents and faculties of BUFT.

Right now I am almost at the edge of my graduation. I am planning to apply for Post-Graduation at the London College of Fashion next year. Then I want to work with any renowned international Fashion Designer to learn more and become an independent designer and uphold my nation amongst the world. A small piece of advice for the upcoming generation would be to study really hard because there are no alternatives. Some people think that doing a little embroidery makes them fashion designers, which is a wrong perception. Fashion Designing is undoubtedly fun, but not that easy. Moreover there is no end to learning. I still feel like I am not a fully grown fashion designer yet and have a long way to go!