Maheen Khan on globally reviving a heritage
MARJIYA BAKTYER AHMED
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“Khadi is a philosophy – the root of all textiles,” stated prolific fashion designer, Maheen Khan – the constantly brain-storming mind behind the fashion house Mayasir and the celebrated Khadi Fest. Reviving the khadi brought to the forefront the uniqueness of hand woven textiles and age old traditions. Owing to the textile’s low carbon foot print, it impresses on the minds of conscious buyers; “who are looking for the story behind a product and green textiles which are ecologically sound and ethical fashion. Khadi is an ethical product.”
From bringing awareness to our traditional heritage through khadi, Maheen Khan – always the visionary – asks, “How do you make something based with traditional ideas but styled in a fashion that is globally accepted? That is the challenge right now.” Maheen Khan suggests that investments need to be made into the creative industry and on designers which can be achieved, “if the design industry is enriched by human resources,” who are equipped with the, “finesse, flare and expertise of being a true designer.” She points out that the $30 billion RMG sector has no backward linkage to our traditional weavers and artisans, and suggest the bridging of these two industries.
The self-proclaimed ‘Google Queen’ observes that we live in three separate centuries simultaneously – from the co-existence of
thelagaris to cars, from garment workers to women pilots – and credits this to the richness of our culture and our ability to adapt. She articulates about the tech-revolution of the last 25 years and states that, “The fashion industry needs to embrace technology, access other tools and get real.” She comments, “High street fashion is important. It’s the comfort. It’s the contemporary. Recent collections at Mayasir are trendy, young, stylish and affordable. Using affordable materials and using digital gives me the opportunity to really play with my designs and printing quality, and I can do so much with it as a designer.” She further iterates, “We need to use new technology and integrate new styling.”
The renowned fashion mogul calls for originality as well as fusion when developing a sense of fashion saying, “Individuals need to explore fashion as a part of their lifestyle. It is important to look clean, smart and confident. Present yourself in such a way that you’re with it, rather than out of it.” And keeping in line with her expert advice, she adds that her fashion house Mayasir will be striving to, “make fashion contemporary for the new generation of consumers who seek varied designs and affordable prices.” She concludes that, “Comfort, affordability, style and durability are key. For the sake of posterity and the future – our heritage textiles will be invested in – but to survive in the fashion industry you need to be innovative, you need to come up with designs that are affordable, accessible and durable.”
YouTube Sensation Xefer Rahman Enjoys the Sounds of the Violin, is not a Morning Person and doesn’t Think she is Beautiful…
NATASHA RAHMAN
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Xefer Rahman is a treat to all your senses. You can either get lost in her melodious voice or watch her stir up a storm in a performance. Her latest release Somebody from her new album Uncaged is now on everyone’s lips. Let’s get to know her!
Xefer is an enigma
When did you realise you wanted to be a singer?
When I was 16 years old. My close friends and some of my family members appreciated my singing and I thought, hey maybe I should give this a shot.
Which classical instruments do you like the most?
That’s a tough one because I like so many instruments! But if I had to pick, I think I have a weakness for the violin, flute and dotara.
The first song that comes to your mind you are happy/ angry/ sad.
I am very random when it comes to this. It’s really tricky for me to think according to my mood. Most of the time, I end up listening to sad or depressing songs when I am happy.
In a sentence, describe your style of singing.
I like to treat my voice the way I would treat an experimental instrument. I try my best to use it for different styles.
What is the best thing to wake up to in the morning?
I am NOT a morning person so I have no clue. But maybe a cup of coffee would be nice?
The nicest compliment you received was?
When people tell me that I have inspired them, it motivates me to work harder
What should every woman try atleast once in her lifetime?
I still have so much to experience hence I don’t want to dole out such advice. Nonetheless, I think every woman should understand the importance of being independent in every sense of the word.
Black is the eternal chic
Your most favourite line in your latest single Somebody and why?
“Memories restless childhood feelings, now you deny my existence, is this how you feel?”
This line, in fact, this entire song is very close to my heart as it describes a lot of my own feelings.
An item in your closet you wear the most?
Anything BLACK!
On a long drive you would be listening to?
If I were to go right now, I would listen to Sevdaliza, Stromae or Lana Del Rey.
What was the first song you picked up on an instrument?
I can’t play any instrument, yet! But someday soon
Xefer sharing the stage with Jon Kabir and Zohad Reza Chowdhury
3 words that define your personality
Fearless, passionate, headstrong
If there was something you could change about your singing what would that be?
I don’t know about changing but I love experimenting in general and I believe there is no end to learning
How do you react to criticism?
I like to laugh it off and sometimes share and make fun of my own memes and trolls. If you can laugh at yourself, you have nothing to worry about
Your beauty secret is
Haha, I wish I could name some endorsed beauty products but there is none. Jokes apart, I don’t consider myself that beautiful so I have no secrets to give out
Surprise us with a secret of yours.
When I tune my songs, I use a language that I have made up. It sounds like gibberish and sometimes even I don’t understand the language.
What do you enjoy more? Writing lyrics or singing?
Coming up with melodies is my most favourite step while making a song
Describe the style inspiration of your single Judge?
In one word ‘rebellious.’ The whole song is about ‘being yourself’ no matter what others think/say.
If there was one piece of advice you would give to your teenage self, what would it be?Please pay more attention in school!
A word of advice to aspiring singers
Embrace your uniqueness no matter how absurd it may seem to the world. Also, be true to your passions!