The Silver in the Lining

Photo: Kazi Tahsin Agaz Apurbo

When international crème de la-crème designers like Komal Sood or Jyoti Sachdev approach you as a designer and commend your work, or even ask you to bring your designs to their country- you know all your struggles and hardship have paid off. This immeasurable compliment reached Sohali Chowdhury when she showcased her unique jewellery designs at this year's Pond's Lustrous Runway as the first jewellery designer to do so.

Living in Atlanta, Georgia since 1988, Sohali spent her childhood, life at school and college, beginning of her working and married life and also the early years of motherhood in the USA. She would regularly, as a student, host fashion shows with the Student's Association, and indulged into the fashion world early on. “I had a cousin who would frequently visit Bangladesh and buy clothes and jewellery of ethnic designs, and I was always so intrigued by them. I would keep borrowing her clothes and accessories to wear myself,” says Sohali.

In the USA, after finishing her studies and working with companies like Hewlett-Packard and Zale's Diamonds, Sohali moved to Bangladesh for good in 2011 with her family.

“I came to Bangladesh and was so surprised at how much resources we have. I found every thing I need to pursue my passion in designing. I realised right then that I wanted to make something of myself and my own country was the place to do it,” she says.
In May of 2014, Sohali gathered her designs and ideas and established Sasha Exclusives, a jewellery boutique. “Even before coming to Bangladesh I knew of our obsession with gold and never understood it. I was even more confused once I moved here, because I saw some amazing work done by our silversmiths and wondered why gold and diamond always got more preference from consumers,” she says.

Recognising the talent of our local silversmiths, Sohali knew exactly what her jewellery boutique would highlight. “They are so good at what they do, and they are all self-taught! The only drawback is that because of the lack of exposure and education, not only do they not know how to break out of the bounds themselves, but they also like sticking to the traditional because they are easier to sell,” she observes.

Sohali's designs encompass both traditionalism and modernism. “I want to bridge a gap between the two. There is only so much you can do with design if you stick to tradition, and as much as I think we need to highlight our local products, we need to take inspiration from designers all over the world.”

In her opinion, our artisans like the silversmiths she works with are taken for granted in our country. “They are so readily available, and the artisans themselves do not know their own worth and thus, people in our country do not pay much heed to their efforts. But if you look closely at the intricacy of their work, you will instantly realise that the piece of jewellery you are holding is so precious- someone's hard work, time and soul is invested into this piece, and it may have a whole story behind it,” she says.

Sasha Exclusives works entirely to highlight the talented silversmith's of Bangladesh, and take them towards international recognition. “Our artisans are talented to an extent where they have every potential to be internationally famous. But our own countrymen are holding them back. With proper exposure, I can see their works in the ramps of Paris, Milan, Chicago; I can see European brides wearing our exquisite designs and proudly flaunting our craftsmanship. And it is our job, as designers, to make this dream come true!”
With an online outlet on Facebook and a display and studio in her home in Gulshan 2, Sohali not only makes her own unique designs, but also caters to those who want a little bit of their idea in their jewellery too. She also plans on making a showroom in the near future. “I think with a little more promotion and exposure, and of course getting to understand the business cycle a little better, I can finally attempt to make a showroom. But when I do, I will make sure that my showroom for silver jewellery will be just as big as a gold or diamond showroom,” says Sohali.

With such extravagant future plans, Sohali also dreams to inspire the many youngsters who want to enter the world of fashion. “With some effort and a whole lot of fashion, we can start the trend of jewellery boutiques. We need to promote our artisans well. And if we stick to it, along with Jamdani, Taant and the many wonderful heritages that we are blessed with, Silver will become a timeless heritage for us too.”