In her 70s, she is fast on her feet and in her mind, witty with her replies, ever-smiling and humble, and as creative as ever. Age is just a number for internationally acclaimed fashion designer and model Bibi Russell — and she’s always ramp ready!
A simple Dhonekhali (Dhaniakhali) sari — a heritage heirloom from her mother — teamed with her mother’s silver bangles, her trademark nose ring, quirky specs, and hoops in her ears, Bibi looked like a dream during her recent visit to Kolkata. The ace fashion designer is working on a special project on reviving Bengal’s Dhaniakhali handloom with Paramita Biswas. The duo also aim to help employment and empowerment among the women of the area through the Prithwish Chandra Biswas Kanya Mahavidyalaya.
As part of the project Bibi was at an event co-presented by Rotary Club Of Calcutta Avyanna, Sonalis Cubo and Rotary Club of Calcutta Metropolitan East, at The Bhawanipur House earlier this week for a talk moderated by Vayjayanti Saharia Pugalia, Founder of Sonalis Cubo.
The sprightly designer took some time out for a chat with My Kolkata to talk about fashion, Durga Puja, and more.
Edited excerpts of the interview follow…
My Kolkata: What is fashion to you?
Bibi Russell: Fashion to me is my life, my dream through which I try to make social and economic development, and create better livelihood for the next generation. Fashion is not just about making clothes. The weavers should have a better life and so should their children.
Bibi was in Kolkata to speak at an event at The Bhowanipore house for a project championing sustainability
Since it is Durga Puja, and the festive season has begun, do you have any fashion tips for My Kolkata readers?
Of course! Durga Puja, the festive season, is very important. Since it is still warm, I think you should wear something that is sustainable and comfortable, and does not irritate your skin. Also make sure that it’s happy and colourful — it is Durga Puja after all! I won’t say wear a red or pink, wear any colour you like and fabric that brings you joy. On this note, I will always ask to support India’s and West Bengal’s handloom sector.
With jewellery, there are so many options, but I lean towards silver. Go for terracotta. If you like gold, go for it. The main thing is to enjoy Durga Puja, it is such a beautiful festival. Make sure to look happy and ensure you don’t contribute towards pollution.
You’ve been breaking stereotypes since your childhood, how do you see your journey?
Till today, when people look at me, I can feel the vibe that says ‘she is ugly’. Since I have acquired a bit of a name, they cannot say it on my face, but when I was younger and would return home from abroad, they used to say it to my face. Now they don’t, but now I love it and don’t care. People have asked if I have certificates from my modelling days.
How do you find the power to break the barriers?
I go to the villages, whether in India or Bangladesh, and I see a girl like me — the eldest daughter with younger sisters — with parents worried about getting her married. When I see that, I sit with the parents and talk to them about people calling her ‘tall’, ‘black’ or ‘ugly’ outside and also at home. It really affects a person. In my case, my parents never called me names, and no parents should. I tell the people I speak to that if no one marries the girl, I will take care of her. I know the parents love me and I tell them how the girl could be someone better than me.
‘Durga is Devi and she is Maa’ — for Bibi, Durga mean strength and femininity
In the spirit of the festive season, how do you see Devi Durga, femininity and power?
Femininity also doesn’t come from how you dress or look. For me, the idea of femininity is the whole personality of a person — someone can be equally feminine in a sari or in jeans and T-shirt.
When you think about Durga, to everyone she is the goddess but she is also just a mother. She is Devi and Maa; that’s the strength you get from her. Devi Durga means power to me and of course, femininity too.
Durga gives you strength, which is very important. People wait for an entire year to see the power in her eyes. So for me, Durga means shakti.
If you would ever have to design a head to toe look for the deity using gamcha, how would you plan it?
Actually, although I don’t remember the name, it’s already done with gamcha by someone who is not from Kolkata. And it was tributed to me. (Smiles shyly) It was so wonderful and I remember thinking why I had not thought of it. The look was done with pink and red, and I don’t think I could ever do it better than that. If I ever have to design a look for Maa Durga, I will plan a head to toe look with Dhonekhali (Dhaniakhali).
What is that one thing that will never go out of fashion?
Gamcha. (And smiles)
What is your favourite Bengali food?
Dal and bhaat — that is my most favourite food.
Lastly, what is the secret behind your spontaneity, creativity and active life?
I work for a minimum of 16 to 18 hours a day. And I love my work. At my age, I have never taken any medicine or sleeping tablet. My mental satisfaction comes from the love and appreciation I receive, especially from the people residing in villages — that’s what keeps me going. I learn from them and their hard work.
A Bibi Russell Lookbook
If you’re looking for a Bibi-inspired look for Durga Puja, here’s a little moodboard inspiration:
