Tonmoyee Mokaddes Syeda, a seasoned designer, reflects on her 15-year journey starting in 2011, transitioning from a passion project to a flourishing career that has brought her traditional flair to the modern scenes of New York and recently, the runways of Milan. Encouraged by her sister’s return to Dhaka, Tonmoyee, a former artist, shifted her focus to designing, finding solace in the creative process after her father’s passing in 2021.
Initially operating a small shop in Dhaka with a team of tailors and craftsmen, Tonmoyee later relaunched her brand on a larger scale, dividing her time between New York and Dhaka. Despite her reserved nature, she connected with fellow designers in New York, leading to her membership in the prestigious Flying Solo fashion collective. Her debut at Milan Fashion Week, although marred by visa challenges, marked a significant milestone in her career, solidifying her unique position as the only Bangladeshi designer to grace the Milan runway.
Tonmoyee’s collection in Milan showcased Bangladeshi materials and techniques, emphasizing her commitment to preserving local craftsmanship and supporting artisans. Rooted in her artistic background rather than formal design education, Tonmoyee prioritizes authenticity, information, and sustainability in her creations, advocating for meaningful and enduring fashion choices over fleeting trends.
While acknowledging Bangladesh’s slow fashion evolution and challenges in valuing local resources, Tonmoyee remains dedicated to educating consumers and promoting the cultural significance of ethically sourced and locally made garments. Her work serves as a testament to her values, blending Bangladeshi heritage with global fashion influences, with a focus on maintaining the integrity of her roots in Dhaka.
Through her unwavering dedication to craftsmanship and cultural authenticity, Tonmoyee Mokaddes Syeda aims to let her creations speak for themselves, embodying her brand’s ethos and values without the need for personal publicity.