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"Living and working alongside the villagers, always unleashes my creative energies" — Bibi Russell
The Daily Star managed to catch renowned designer Bibi Russell just before she set off on a week-long trip to rural Bangladesh. Living and working alongside the villagers, she says, always unleashes her creative energies.
To Bibi goes the credit of propagating the slogans ’Fashion for Development’ and ’Positive Bangladesh’. Through her organisation Bibi Productions, she reaches out to around 35,000 weavers, crafts people and tailors. Her untiring efforts have improved the economic conditions of jhis segment. Also remarkable is Bibi's unflagging work to showcase tire skills of indigenous weavers through her fashion shows in Bangladesh, India, Europe, North America and Africa.
Here is a glimpse of a telephonic conversation with Bibi:
What is your greatest regret?
I am not a negative person. However I am sad that 1 am still at the first step ofthe ladder in spreadingawareness about Bangladesh's beautiful crufts. I strongly believe that there should be more support to crafts people in Bangladesh.
What is your mostembarrassingmoment?
None so far. 1 don't go anywhere that will prove embarrassing. Igo where I can relax anil I greatly enjoy my work.
What is the wildest thingyou have overdone?
lean 'tsay. Yes. people often say that what lam doing is
wild.
What are your musical favourites?
Music is a part of my life and 1 really love it. I listen to classical, Thgorc,folk and old songs. Por instance I like Bangla songs ofSD Burman. Hemanta Mukhopadhyay and KL Saigal. I also go for western and Indian music along with Lalon. 1 am not that enamoured by modem songs. Music gives me calmness and a spiritual energy.
Who is your role model?
My latefather, Shidu Mia, was a great inspirationfor me. A reflection of his open mindedness is his green signal to let me study at the London College of Fashion. I graduated from this institute in 1975 with a degree in fashion tiesign. If I am Bibi Russell with my feet on the ground it is because ofinspirationfrom my parents.
What makes you angry?
1 can't think. However you could say! often question why 1 didn't come back to Dhaka earlier. I spent 20 yearsabroadandreturnedaslateasl994.
Whatisyourideaofbeauty?
In my view, the answer is eyes that sparkle like two stars.
Th Ings you love about being famous.
I am not famous. True I may be recognised and appreciated but it never occurs to me that I am famous. Recognition helps me go further and achieve more. If I had been famous, I would have got all the support to promote the weavers' cause. As it is, it is hard to find sponsors. People know me but I would like their support.