Bibi Russell

SUMMARY

Bibi Russell. Top model who has walked for Yves Saint Laurent, Karl Lagerfeld and Giorgio Armani; graduate from London College of Fashion, “one of twenty people to watch in the millennium in Asia” per Asiaweek; founder of “Fashion for Development”. Having returned to Bangladesh in 1994, she opened her own fashion house Bibi Productions and employed several thousand underprivileged weavers and craftspeople. Russell also participated in Commonwealth Fashion Exchange in 2018, with an exhibit at Buckingham Palace with the support of the Queen and the Duchess of Cambridge.For her efforts to give back to Fashion, she was awarded Honorary Fellowship of The London Institute, Designer For Development and Artist for Peace by UNESCO.

HISTORY

Bibi Russell, a former international model, London College of Fashion alumnus and “one of twenty people to watch in the millennium in Asia,” per Asiaweek; founded her eponymous fashion brand in the early 1990s after returning to Bangladesh. Having worked with prestigious fashion houses such as Yves Saint Laurent and Armani, she was deeply inspired by the artistry of Bangladeshi weavers and sought to bring their craftsmanship to the global fashion industry. Her fashion brand, Bibi Productions, was established with a mission to promote traditional weaving techniques while ensuring fair trade practices.

“I left my career as a top model overseas because I always believed the people of Bangladesh needed me. Today, after decades of experience, I am happy I chose this path. I began with only one office in Dhaka, Bangladesh from where we connect to the rest of the world,” says Bibi. “But I spend most of my time in villages, working with craftspeople. Weaving particularly is an age-old vocation. Through art and design, it is my intention to demonstrate the immense skills and expertise of local artisans. Bibi Productions is a self-funded project and hundreds of underprivileged craftspeople and weavers depend on me for their livelihood.”

One of the fashion brand’s early milestones was its showcase at UNESCO headquarters in Paris in 1996, where it presented the “Weavers of Bangladesh” collection. This event brought significant attention to the country’s heritage textiles and laid the foundation for international recognition. The collection highlighted the versatility of handwoven fabrics such as Jamdani, Khadi, and Muslin, earning the brand a reputation for authenticity and innovation.

Bibi Russell has collaborated with various international organisations, including UNESCO, the European Union, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). These collaborations have facilitated numerous artisan development projects, allowing local weavers to access global markets while preserving traditional craftsmanship.

“My belief is that if I help showcase their craft, it will encourage designers worldwide to consider using it in their collections, leading to development of rural communities through Fashion. What can be better for craftspeople than their centuries-old art being embraced in the ‘fashion’ umbrella and recognised worldwide? The exposure will help increase their confidence and encourage them to stay rooted in their culture and evolve it,” she explains. “The restoration of the historical glory of our weavers and craftspeople, helping them advancing their economic life and creativity, is my vision.”

A key aspect of the brand’s growth has been its focus on sustainability. Bibi Russell pioneered the concept of Fashion for Development, which integrates fashion with social responsibility. The brand’s production methods rely on eco-friendly dyes, organic fabrics, and ethical labour practices, setting a benchmark for sustainable fashion in South Asia.

Over the years, Bibi Russell has participated in international fashion weeks in London, Milan, and Madrid. Her collections have been widely praised for their use of natural fibres, handloom textiles, and intricate hand embroidery. Some of her most notable collections include ‘Colour of Bangladesh’, ‘Weavers of Joy’, and ‘Threads of Heritage’, each narrating a unique story of culture and tradition.

The brand’s impact extends beyond fashion, as it has played a vital role in reviving endangered weaving traditions. By offering financial stability to artisans and promoting slow fashion, Bibi Russell has challenged the dominance of fast fashion and encouraged a shift towards ethical consumerism.

“Through art and design, it is my intention to demonstrate the immense skills and expertise of local artisans,” she told me during a conversation at one of her showings. “Bibi Productions is a self-funded project and hundreds of underprivileged craftspeople and weavers depend on me for their livelihood. My belief is that if I help showcase their craft, it will encourage designers worldwide to consider using it in their collections, leading to the development of rural communities through Fashion… The restoration of the historical glory of our weavers and craftspeople, [to] help [advance] their economic life and creativity, is my vision.”

Despite its artisanal roots, Bibi Russell’s brand has attracted interest from mainstream fashion retailers and sustainability-focused investors. While maintaining its core values, the brand has expanded into new markets, including Europe, North America, and the Middle East, ensuring that the craftsmanship of Bangladeshi weavers continues to gain global recognition.

VISION

Bibi Russell’s vision is rooted in her deep commitment to cultural preservation and social upliftment. She believes that fashion can be a powerful tool for positive change, particularly in rural economies where traditional crafts are at risk of extinction. Through her brand, she envisions a world where artisans are valued, and handcrafted textiles receive the recognition they deserve. At the heart of her vision is the empowerment of weavers. She aims to provide artisans with financial independence by creating sustainable employment opportunities.

“I request development agencies, fashion designers and social media to join forces to support traditional craftspeople by bringing together components such as culture and creativity, skill, capital, technical assistance and marketing — before their ancient skills are lost. Since the dawn of civilisation, art and crafts have been sources of income and livelihoods for artisans. today, too, i love travelling to the interiors, sitting with artisans and understanding their process, which enabled me to experiment with colour, weight and design. That is how we find a union of modern western culture and the culture and creativity of village craftspeople. They deserve a better market and bigger opportunities, which is why I will always endeavour to preserve heritage, foster creativity, provide employment, empower women and work towards the eradication of poverty.”

She also envisions a more sustainable fashion industry, where ethical sourcing, fair wages, and eco-friendly production become standard practice. Her brand is a testament to the idea that fashion should not only be aesthetically appealing but also socially responsible and environmentally conscious.

MISSION STATEMENT

Bibi Russell’s mission is to promote Fashion for Development, a philosophy that merges style with sustainability and social responsibility. The brand is dedicated to providing employment opportunities to marginalised communities, particularly rural artisans, while fostering a global appreciation for Bangladesh’s textile heritage. The brand strives to maintain ethical business practices by ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and environmentally sustainable production methods. Every piece created under the Bibi Russell label is designed to reflect craftsmanship, authenticity, and a commitment to responsible fashion. Through international collaborations, advocacy, and education, the brand seeks to redefine the fashion industry by making ethical fashion a mainstream movement. Bibi Russell continues to champion the idea that fashion should be a force for good, benefiting both the creator and the consumer.

EXECUTIVE BOARD

Bibi Russell – Founder & Creative Director

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Bibi Russell’s product portfolio is centred around handwoven textiles, which are at the base of beautiful garments, fashion accessories, eyewear and home décor. The brand is best known for its naturally dyed saris, tunics, and scarves, which celebrate the richness of Bangladeshi weaving traditions. Among the most acclaimed collections are ‘Weavers of Joy’, which showcases colourful handloom fabrics, and ‘Colour of Bangladesh’, a tribute to the country’s natural landscape and traditional attire. The fashion brand also offers custom-made pieces that combine modern cuts with indigenous textiles, appealing to both local and international consumers. Beyond fashion, Bibi Russell has expanded into lifestyle and home décor, offering handwoven cushion covers, table runners, and upholstery crafted by skilled artisans. These products promote sustainability and provide consumers with ethically sourced, one-of-a-kind items.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Bibi Russell has received numerous accolades for her contributions to ethical fashion and artisan empowerment. She was honoured with the UNESCO Special Award for Promoting Traditional Handicrafts in recognition of her efforts to preserve Bangladeshi weaving traditions. In 2009, she was named a Woman of Influence by the United Nations, highlighting her role in integrating fashion with social development. Her work has also been recognised by institutions such as the British Council, the Asian Development Bank, and the Spanish government. Beyond individual awards, the Bibi Russell brand has been featured in global fashion publications, including Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar, and its collections have received widespread acclaim on international runways.

REFERENCES