Taskin Rahman and Samira Hamid, both from the food and hospitality industry, ventured into fashion due to their observation of Dhaka’s clothing culture. Rahman, the founder of Caleo Collective, highlighted the prevalence of people wearing similar clothing in cafes after purchasing outfits for occasions like Eid. This led them to create a fashion brand that offers comfort, versatility, and affordability to break away from the repetitive fashion trends and predictable designs commonly seen.
Their frustration with synthetic fabrics and unoriginal design choices motivated them to launch a contemporary clothing label focused on relaxed silhouettes, breathable fabrics, and understated style. Interestingly, their foray into fashion was a return to an earlier idea rather than a sudden career shift. Before gaining recognition in their respective industries, Rahman and Hamid had previously delved into fashion through a student-led T-shirt company called Crank from 2004 to 2008, showcasing their early passion for design.
Having spent over a decade in London before returning to Bangladesh, Hamid emphasized the gap in the local market for high-quality clothing despite the country’s global reputation in garment production. Their vision for a more responsible and sustainable fashion brand that caters to local needs shaped the identity of their newly launched label, focusing on clean cuts, muted colors, and relaxed tailoring suitable for Bangladesh’s climate.
Initially intending to concentrate on menswear, customer demand led them to expand into women’s clothing as well. Drawing from their experiences in the food and hospitality sectors, both founders recognized the importance of adaptability and customer feedback in shaping their approach to fashion. They observed a high rate of customer loyalty, indicating a positive response to their focus on timeless pieces and quality fabrics.
While considering the potential for expanding beyond Bangladesh in the future, the founders are currently focused on establishing and growing their brand effectively. Positioned between a fashion label and a lifestyle experiment, Caleo Collective reflects a refined and understated style philosophy developed by founders who understand consumer behavior and value customer experiences.