Renowned designer Bibi Russel has been named "UNESCO Special Envoy: Designer for Development," reports UNB.

UNESCO Director General Federico Mayor announced the name in recognition of Bibi Russel's commitment to welfare of weavers of Bangladesh and her devotion to the promotion of traditional crafts in the cause of human dignity, development and eradication of poverty, said a UNESCO press release here today.

Her nomination came on Monday during a 10-day event that took place at the UNESCO headquarters to promote traditional African weaving, it added.

It said Bibi Russel has been helping Bangladesh's traditional handloom weavers gain international exposure and find new markets by using their production in her own fashion designs.

She has also been active in UNESCO's Fashion for Development Programme that supports traditional crafts and helps draw on their economic potential. (Daily Star - Bangladesh, October 10, 1999

Farah Anjum Bari
Fashion Designer & Entrepreneur

Having born in a culturally enriched family. I have been inspired to explore the different aspect of creative and aesthetic fields, such as designing, music and painting from the childhood. The has gradually developed a passion for Fashion Designing in me.

Besides studying and securing Master degree in Finance and Banking from Dhaka University, I had always been in touch with creative dimensions. After finishing my education i joined my family business. But my life long passion in Fashion Designing compelled me to open my own brand “IMPRESSION”  at my home, with a small saving i had which was only Tk 30,000 , back in 1996 (registered in 1999) i also set up my factory al home. That’s how i started my boutique. I got tremendous response from my friends and relatives . Since

To enhance my design sense and to know the technical aspect ,  later I completed 1 year diploma on Fashio Design Technology. I have also been trained on Education and didactical skill development (TOT) by foreign instructor form Germany, organized by gtz.

We have rich heritage and creative minds but i always found lack of technical knowledge in Design development in our country. Later I also started a design school FASIION INSTITUTE OF DESIGNING LTD, in 2001 in affiliation with ALT TRAINING COLLAGE BANGLORE INDIA to offer technical training in the field of Fashion and Textile Designing.
Currently I am catering to local market i usually design and manufacture `pret` and hign fashion ladies wear in wide array of styles for every occasion. Each of my collection is handcrafted to perfection with meticulous attention to detail.

Since i started i took part in many fashion shows and designed outfits for Multinationals for their Fashion events. I was at South Africa. Other notable Fashion shows are :

1. Fashion show organized by Bangladesh Biman in 1991
2. `LUX SUPER STAR` - 2004 , 2005 and 2006, 2007 sponsored by UNILEVER BANGLADESH.
3. BATEXPO 1999, which was sponsored by Grameen Udddog.
4. Valentines Day Fashion Show , held at Sonargaon Hotel, sponsored by standard chartered bank and pan pacific sonargaon hotel.
5. Valentines Day Fashion Show, held at Sonargaon Hotal , sponsored by standard chartered Bank and pan pacific sonargaon hotel.
6. P& G Beauty contest title `you got the look` 2001,2002 and 2003.

PRESENT INVOLVEMENT IN THE FASHION WORLD

Currently i am catering to local market.I usually design high fashion ladies wear in a wide array of styles for every occasion. I specialize in bridal line. Besides establishing my local presence, i am further exploring the export market for mainstream western collections.