Thread lightly: Finding value in Dhaka’s high-end fashion
From precision cuts to heritage fabrics, Dhaka’s boutique scene is evolving fast and designers and shoppers alike are defining what luxury really means
If you take a stroll down the long stretch of Banani 11, you will find yourself surrounded by boutique stores glowing under bright lights, adorned with pretty decorations, and showcasing mannequins dressed in gorgeous outfits — either inviting you in or warning that the visit might just break the bank.
The number of luxury boutiques in Dhaka has grown significantly in recent years, but how does one determine when a product is truly worth the splurge?
"When it comes to clothing, I think it's convenient to buy from boutiques only if they match your style. For example, Rina Latif is both elegant and durable, so the price feels worth it," shared Gazi Saima Simran, a Supply Chain Management Officer at BAT Bangladesh.
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Simran enjoys exploring both new and well-established luxury boutiques in Dhaka as they release fresh collections every season. However, with so many boutiques to choose from, how do you decide which ones align with your style and budget?
The designer's vision
Designer Humaira Khan, who has been in the industry since the late '80s, has always had a clear vision for what her eponymous brand, 'Humaira Khan', stands for.
"I see myself as an artist first and then a designer. I enjoy working with precision cutting in lightweight fabric and minimalist designs. I like things off-beat, and I love working with monochromatic colours," she said.
Humaira's designs lean towards simple cuts, stylish floral patterns and Mughal prints. Her use of high-quality materials and her ability to blend tradition with modern design further distinguish her collections from others.
While durability and style come first for customers like Simran, others prioritise design and brand name.
"I prioritise design mostly, and then I would say brand name in some instances. Often, the brand name and quality go hand in hand," said fashion enthusiast Soha Tabassum. "So, if I'm buying from a luxury boutique and I notice the product isn't good quality or the price doesn't justify it, I would skip that item."
Heritage and materials
Another long-standing boutique that has remained strong in the industry is Koral Klauset by Rupo Shams. As a child, Rupo loved flipping through Bichitra magazine, especially the fashion segments featuring the late designer Emdad Hoque's columns on fashion awareness and local fabrics.
"My passion began with reading magazines and learning about our small fashion industry back in the '80s. As the years went by, the industry grew, and since 2011, I've continued my dream of designing clothes," she said.
Rupo believes her brand stands out due to its silhouettes and high-quality materials.
"I love experimenting with materials — various silks, muslin, organza, and cotton. When my customers wear my collection, people can tell it's a dress from Koral Klauset," she shared.
Bangladeshi luxury boutique owners have all crafted their own aesthetic, which helps their pieces stand out when worn. This distinctiveness is what builds brand identity.
Ummul Gofran Nazibah, Head of Relationship Unit 8 at BRAC Bank's Corporate and Institutional Banking Division, is known among her colleagues for her impeccable style. "I like dressing in very minimalist designs and good-quality clothes, especially for office wear," she said.
Nazibah focuses less on brand names and more on longevity, acknowledging that luxury clothing requires specific aftercare.
"Boutique clothes cannot be hand-washed. They need to be dry-cleaned, stored properly, and aired out from time to time — especially party wear," she explained.
Nazibah is particular about choosing designs that justify her splurges, but she believes the extra time and money are worth it.
While many customers make style statements in their professional lives, some designers have left their 9–5 jobs to pursue fashion full-time. One such designer is Benazir Sadaquat, owner of the boutique house Benz.
"I left my full-time job at Mobil Bangladesh when I realised this was my true calling," said Benazir, who has shown an interest in fashion since the age of 12. She often sketched designs and made clothes for friends and family. In 2016, she shared a booth at an exhibition and sold out every piece.
After encouragement from loved ones, she launched her brand in 2019. "My designs are minimalist. I love working with florals, chikankari fabric, patchwork, and solid, monotone colours for ready-to-wear," she shared.
"I believe designers need to stick to their own aesthetic and voice. Following others too much leads to a loss of individuality, and it is individuality that makes luxury clothing stand out. I make clothes I personally like," Benazir added.
Unique visions
Finding one's voice—and keeping it—has been central for designer Shahrukh Amin, who started his brand 25 years ago. He always possessed a flair for bohemian style and ensured his pieces reflected that vision.
"I enjoy mixing and matching. For summer, I stick to yellow, pink, and other bright colours. For winter, I go for maroon and red. At times, I mix polka dots with stripes or pair orange with black and white," he said.
This growing market has created space for new designers to bring their artistic visions to life.
"A few years ago, I noticed women in Dhaka craving individuality in their wardrobes. The traditional three-piece suit no longer felt sufficient," said Samira Islam Nayna, owner of the brand Nayna.
"They wanted clothing that was personal, modern, and aligned with international couture. Over time, this appetite for exclusivity and global aesthetics has grown stronger, leading to a shift towards luxury couture," she explained.
Nayna's goal has been to offer designs that feel intimate yet sophisticated—pieces that could sit comfortably beside global luxury names while retaining Bangladeshi heritage.
"Luxury isn't just about beautiful fabrics or embellishments—it's about vision, craftsmanship, and rarity. True luxury outlives trends and becomes timeless. In Dhaka's boutique scene, what truly sets it apart is the refinement of detail and exclusivity of design," she said.
Her brand offers fluid silhouettes such as kaftans, gowns, and draped ensembles that explore texture and movement while retaining grace and individuality.
Catering to the niche
Among the boutiques offering slim-fit and bespoke couture is Wani's. Owner Ruksana Hassan created the brand to bridge the gap in plus-size designer clothing.
"I wanted to bring clothes to a sector that isn't usually catered to in a way they'd like," she shared. Wani's collection offers zardozi work, pastels, darker tones, and a range of kaftans, kurtis, and aari work.
The options for luxury boutiques are no longer limited. With exhibitions and festivals, designers can now bring their collections to customers more frequently.
"I like buying clothes that aren't boring and that align with my style. If I really like something from an esteemed brand, I'd splurge up to Tk30,000," said Navila Farhana, a homemaker who enjoys modest luxury couture.
Sarees, kaftans, shirts, kurtis, two-pieces, and three-pieces are all now available in luxury couture. Though the market remains niche, the enthusiasm for luxury clothing is strong among both customers and designers.
