Bold, extravagant, and refreshingly unconventional
this is what summarises Dhong, a three month old brand based in Bangladesh.
The word “Dhong” is a bengali word which literally translates as style or fashion.
But in a sentence its used as an adjective which refers to a person with a certain kind of style or mannerism which is quite extravagant, bold or not quite usual.
What’s one thing about your creative process that might surprise people?
One surprising aspect of our creative process is that some of our best-selling pieces were born out of last-minute decisions. Limited time or resources often pushed us to think on our feet, and those moments of spontaneity led to some truly standout creations.
What are some of the unspoken challenges you’ve faced so far?
What’s your favorite piece from your current collection, and why?
As a small brand, one of our biggest challenges has been working within budget constraints. Additionally, while we’ve had plenty of ideas, the lack of access to certain materials and skilled artisans for specific techniques has sometimes limited our ability to bring those ideas to life exactly as envisioned.
It’s tough to choose just one, but we have two favorites—the Min (fish) shirt and the Shapla (water lily) shirt. These designs had been on our minds for a long time, and bringing them to life became the foundation for the rest of the collection.
Dhong seems to fall into a unique category—Indian streetwear, with elements of Indian wear woven in. Can you share your perspective on this?
If you could collaborate with any artist or brand, who would it be and why?
The lungi, a traditional Bengali men’s garment, has often been overlooked and dismissed as less elegant or stylish. We wanted to change that narrative by reinventing it into an outfit that’s not only chic but also incredibly comfortable. It’s our way of giving traditional Indian wear a fresh, modern identity
If we had the chance, it would definitely be *Tiger Nazir*, a self-taught Bangladeshi scroll painter. We’re captivated by how he’s reimagined *Potchitro*, the traditional Bengali scroll painting style, infusing it with bold colors and innovative characters that add a fresh, modern twist to this timeless art form.
What does the future hold for Dhong?
We’re optimistic.
Dhong is just at the start of its journey, and there’s still so much to explore. Our hope is to thrive, make a bold statement, and create a platform to showcase traditional Bengali culture with a contemporary twist on an international stage.
Instagram - Dhong