Denim reinvented: Into the world of denim bags and sharis
In the world of fast fashion, denim is a staple, and brands are constantly churning out everything from jackets and skirts to more unexpected items like aprons, jewellery and even sharis
Denim is like the "comfort food" of fashion—almost everyone has that one pair they just can't let go of, no matter how worn out they get. In the world of fast fashion, denim is a staple, and brands are constantly churning out everything from jackets and skirts to more unexpected items like aprons, jewellery and even sharis.
There are several stories about the origins of denim. The one that is widely believed is that it started in France and was initially used as workwear in the early 1800s, primarily by miners and cowboys.
However, in the early 1900s, adapting to the trends of each decade, denim became the epitome of "cool." Its transition from practicality to fashion statement was solidified in the late 1900s when icons like James Dean made jeans a symbol of youth culture. Since then, denim has continuously evolved, and hip-hop culture has played a significant part.
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Ruksana Rumi, a corporate employee in Dhaka, said, " I have memories of denim being trendy during my teens, and now that I am in my late 30s, it is still in trend. I must say, I find it quite fascinating.
I am not surprised, of course. The fact that denim can be made quickly into all sorts of trendy new forms without losing its classic appeal is a big reason why it's still a big deal in the fast fashion industry."
Denim has become one of the most enduring staples in fashion, bridging generations and cultural boundaries. If we are to pinpoint why, perhaps the answer lies in its versatility. It carries a sense of durability and timelessness that few other fabrics can claim.
Functionality, affordability and the 'cool' factor
With the fast-changing trends in fashion these days, denim offers more than just a functional aspect. It is also durable and affordable, giving rise to the popularity of denim bags in the country.
This trend is also driven by several factors, including the rise of casual streetwear, the growing desire for versatile, eco-friendly accessories, and their association with iconic fashion eras.
Denim offers a sense of timeless "cool" that resonates strongly, particularly among Gen Z. They are more drawn to a stylish, laid-back look that seamlessly fits into their daily lives.
The popularity of denim bags in fast fashion is also fueled by their affordability and scope for innovative customisation. "I think the reason why denim bags are so popular among our generation is because they can be personalised, unlike any other material. It proves to be the perfect canvas to express our individuality and creativity with patches, pins, and embroidery," said Aileen Yousuf, an O-Level candidate.
Moreover, denim has become popular among environmentally conscious consumers with the rise of vintage and upcycled fashion. Shupta Rahman, an undergrad student at North South University, agrees: "Owning a denim bag is not just about following a trend; it's about making a sustainable choice.
Another fascinating feature of denim, particularly when it comes to bags and jackets, is its gender-neutral perception, which makes it appealing to a wide range of people in the Millenial and GenZ eras. This inclusivity is one of the key factors in its popularity among young people, who increasingly reject traditional gender norms in fashion.
'The possibilities are endless'
Speaking of jackets, Irteza Chowdhury, the cat dad to his stylish feline, Coco, said, "Denim is such a fun, timeless material—it's always in style! I even took some of my old denim pieces and turned them into tiny jackets for Coco. Now, when we step out together, we're twinning in denim and turning heads everywhere we go."
"A denim jacket doesn't just complement your outfit; it completes it," said Nushaiba Hasin, a fashion enthusiast studying at BUFT.
She continued: "Denim is not just available in blue anymore. It comes in black, white, and pink. Additionally, you can style it by throwing it over a sundress, layering it with a hoodie, or going full-on denim-on-denim; the possibilities are endless."
Pushpa Khan, a classmate and friend of Nushaiba, agreed, "Denim seamlessly blends with your personal style like a chameleon, enabling you to create a look that is uniquely yours."
The popularity of Denim A-line skirts is also on the rise due to their versatility. A-line skirts generally suit all body types as they create flares gently from the waist, enhancing your natural curves, making you look more flattering, and providing a comfortable fit overall.
Rajib Khan, who works for the Bangladeshi brand Ecstasy, said, " Denim A-line skirts are one of our bestsellers for a reason. They are appropriate for formal and casual settings and remain stylish all year round."
Incorporating tradition
Denim's ability to reinvent itself goes beyond the classic jeans and jackets we all know and love. When paired with traditional garments like the shari, this unexpected combination does not just turn heads, it brings a cool, refreshing twist, blending tradition with something modern, making it effortlessly chic.
The visionary behind the denim-shari fusion is Fariha Chowdhury, a designer who thrives on bringing fresh perspectives to her designs. Inspired by the global appeal of denim and the timeless grace of shari in South Asia, this creator saw an opportunity to create something unique.
Fariha Chowdhury began her journey in 2018 with her page, Rossobelle, along with the co-founder of this page, Nighat Naaz, which initially focused on selling jewellery. She later decided to expand the business by adding clothing to their page.
Her main idea in creating the denim shari was to craft something unique, as she dislikes following mainstream trends. The shari consists of two kinds of materials: light denim and tissue fabric.
"It's normal to wonder about the comfort of this shari. I prioritise comfort over fashion. While denim fabric can be slightly heavy for a shari, it's not difficult to carry," Fariha explained.
According to her, the main challenge in creating this stunning piece was to ensure that the two different fabrics complemented each other rather than overpowering each other.
"Fusion and modernising don't always demand a complete style overhaul. Sometimes, a simple change—like using an unconventional fabric—can transform tradition in a fresh, innovative way.
By choosing denim, I've preserved the classic shari while adding a modern twist, proving that subtle shifts can create a stunning impact," concluded Fariha.
