WHO: British designer Rahemur Rahman is a second-generation Bangladeshi immigrant, and his elegant designs—that pack a punch with vivid patterns and luxe tailoring—are all made with natural fibres and put his South Asian heritage to the forefront.
Rahemur Rahman
Before starting his eponymous brand, Rahman worked for Louis Vuitton, along with Christopher Raeburn and Yang Li. The Central Saint Martins graduate was also selected for fashion critic Sarah Mower’s prestigious #SarahsList (a mentorship programme and a pop- up show for emerging designers) and was lauded for his debut collection at London Fashion Week Men’s Autumn-Winter 2019.
WHAT: He has always valued sustainability as much as cut or fit. Rahman, thus, works with Aranya, a fair trade enterprise in Dhaka that focuses on the revival of the traditional technique of natural dyes. “The ready-made garments industry in Bangladesh has drained its natural resources and placed toxic fumes into every natural resource. I want to create work as and when I need to, using natural dyes with organic ethical textiles, ensuring everyone along the way is treated with the same respect and honour,” he explains.
NEXT UP: Rahman’s goal for his label is to highlight how South Asians have historically contributed towards London’s fashion scene through their rich cultural heritage. He says, “Fashion is no longer just about clothes, and I’m looking forward to see how many doors this change will open for the people who felt like they didn’t have a voice. I am ready to hear people scream.”
Photographs by Lily Vetch; Hair & make-up: Tasnim Nahar; Assisted by: Lou Rechenbach (Photography) Sindy Nguyen (Design); Models: Parvyn Choudhury, Adeeb Abdul Razak, Zorawar Waraich, Ayush Sahota and Ryan Lanji
