Designer brands such as Versace, Armani, Dolce & Gabanna, Gian Franco Ferre, Prada, Moschino, Diesel as well as many others are being brought to Dhaka for the first time to exhibit the strength of the Italian retail and manufacturing industry. These brands have dominated the world fashion market for decades. The interaction between Bangladesh and Italy in the field of fashion should lead to the RMG sector to the next step, forcing our industry to upgrade their skills.

The launch of Bangladesh Designers and Fashion Technology Council is also to take place. The organisation is to be known simply as the Bangladesh Design Council and is expected to be the voice not only for designers but also the back-up industry i.e. weavers, dyers, printers, graphic artists, embroiderers, machinists, pattern-cutters, pottery makers, leatherwear and accessories developers, jewelers and all who are concerned with the Design and Fashion Industry of the country.

JPR Events is also launching Asiana magazine in Bangladesh. Asiana is considered the foremost magazine for South Asian designers. The British fashion magazine will have Bangladeshi content in Asiana international issues, commencing from October 2006. Bangladeshi arts, designers, crafts and fashion news will grace the pages of the magazine. The Asiana team will also be here to assist designers in promoting their products through professional photo shoots with international models and photographers.

Acer, Emirates, Grameen Phone, Mercedes Benz, Radisson Hotel and Standard Chartered Bank are the main sponsors for the Italian Fashion Night. RTV is the national television partner and FTV the international television partner, along with The Daily Star as the national media partner. Asiana and All Access magazines are the international media partners from UK.

Palazzo Versace's Chef Steve Szabo will create delectable Italian menus for Sublime restaurant's discerning clientele for a further two days, September 7 and 8. For further enquiries call Sublime at 8754502. Reservations are highly recommended.