Md. Masud Parvej, Design Manager (R&D), Chorka textile ltd.
Bangladesh has proudly emerged as the world’s second-largest exporter of readymade garments (RMG), earning global recognition for its production strength and cost efficiency. This success has been built through dedication, resilience, and a strong industrial foundation. However, one important area still holds vast untapped potential — Fashion Design. While production drives quantity, design drives value. Leading countries are now investing in design as a business strategy — and Bangladesh must follow suit to stay ahead.
The Present Scenario
In many factories today, design functions often take a back seat to production priorities. While this focus has helped build scale, it has also meant that design teams often work with limited resources — from creative tools and trend forecasts to access to new materials and technologies.
Furthermore, many talented designers face limited opportunities to explore their creative potential. As a result, some shift careers or look abroad for growth, where their skills are better utilized — a clear signal that there is room to evolve and empower more talent right here at home.
Why Design Matters
Fashion design is not just about aesthetics — it’s a business strategy. Countries like Turkey, China, and Vietnam are making substantial investments in design R&D, trend analysis, and brand collaboration. Their manufacturers are transitioning from low-margin production hubs to full-service design-to-delivery partners.
- Higher Profit Margins: Original or co-created collections often bring higher FOB prices and reduce pressure from cost-based negotiations.
- Increased Buyer Engagement: Presenting design ideas proactively builds confidence and attracts stronger development partnerships.
- Lead Time Optimization: A well-equipped design studio can significantly reduce order lead time. When we prepare trend-driven and innovative collections in advance, buyers don’t need to spend time sourcing inspiration. This enables quicker decision-making and earlier order placements — ultimately giving us more production lead time, which improves planning, quality, and overall efficiency.
- Private Label & Licensing Opportunities: Design ownership creates space for new business models such as private label production or fashion licensing.
- Market Diversification: Strong design capabilities allow access to higher-value fashion markets across Europe, North America, and Asia.
- Brand Identity & Differentiation: Factories offering design innovation gain a distinct reputation, making them more competitive globally.
Key Challenges and Opportunities
- Limited Design Infrastructure: Creative studios, trend libraries, and digital tools are still lacking in most factories.
- Gap in Skill and Industry Readiness: Fashion graduates often need more hands-on, commercial-focused training.
- Lack of Market Insight: Designers need better access to global fashion, retail dynamics, and sustainability trends.
- Design Seen as a Cost, not a Driver: Many still view design as an expense rather than a revenue-generating function.
- Talent Drain: Many creative professionals are moving abroad or shifting careers due to limited opportunity and support.
The Way Forward
To fully unlock this potential, a collaborative and future-forward approach is needed:
- Industry–Academia Partnerships: Connect manufacturers with fashion schools for internships, real-world training, and knowledge exchange.
- Design Studio Investment: Build in-house design labs with access to tools like WGSN, 3D CAD software, sustainable material libraries, and textile innovation zones.
- Empower Creative Teams: Involve designers in product planning and buyer meetings. Let them lead concept development and sample presentations.
- Upskill and Retain Talent: Offer growth paths, skill development programs, and creative freedom to reduce brain drain.
- Policy & Export Incentives: Government bodies and export associations can promote innovation by providing grants, tax benefits, and design awards.
Bangladesh’s RMG sector has already proved itself on the global stage through quality and reliability. The next growth frontier lies in originality, creativity, and innovation — all of which stem from a strong Fashion Design function.
By integrating design more strategically, the industry can maximize product value, improve margins, build stronger buyer loyalty, and expand into premium and fashion-forward markets. It’s not just about what we make anymore — it’s about what we create.
The opportunity is clear. The time is now. Let’s move Bangladesh from being a manufacturing leader to a design and innovation powerhouse.
