Bangladesh’s push into digital fashion and creative innovation gained fresh momentum as the Centre for Research & Innovation in Science, Arts & Technology (CRISAT), in collaboration with CENTRO, officially launched the Digital Fashion Catwalk Competition (DFCC) 2026 through a virtual event on April 19.
The initiative, unveiled during an online session attended by academics, industry leaders and students, aims to nurture creativity, digital capability and future-ready skills among fashion and textile students, reflecting a broader shift in the global apparel sector toward virtual design, 3D prototyping and immersive fashion experiences.
The session opened with a welcome address and background presentation by Dr. Abu Sadat Mohammad Sayem, Founder of CRISAT, who outlined the vision, objectives and academic significance of DFCC 2026. He emphasized the competition’s integration with the 7th Textile Research Conference (TRC 2026), noting that the DFCC 2026 final program will be held as part of TRC 2026 on October 31 in Dhaka, in collaboration with BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology (BUFT). Fashion Business Journal will act as the organizing partner for the event.
Industry observers say such initiatives are increasingly critical as Bangladesh, the world’s second-largest apparel exporter, seeks to move up the value chain amid rising global competition, automation and demand for sustainable and digital solutions.
Distinguished speakers at the launch underscored the growing importance of digital fashion as a strategic frontier. Prof. Dr. Engr. Ayub Nabi Khan, Vice Chancellor (Designate) of BUFT, highlighted the transformative potential of digital fashion platforms in showcasing student talent globally, while also stressing the need for institutions to align with emerging technological trends.
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Engr. Ehsanul Karim Kaiser, Convenor of the Interim Committee at ITET Bangladesh, also attended the session, signaling institutional support for digital transformation in the textile and engineering education ecosystem.
From an industry perspective, Md. Jaidur Rahman, AGM of Business Process Development at Centro Tex Ltd., emphasized the importance of bridging academia and industry. He noted that competitions like DFCC 2026 can help students develop practical, industry-relevant skills that align with evolving market demands, particularly in areas such as digital design workflows and virtual merchandising.
The event also featured insights from a panel of competition judges drawn from leading academic institutions, including Bangladesh University of Textiles (BUTEX), BUFT, SMUCT, Northern University Bangladesh and the National Institute of Textile Engineering and Research (NITER). Their participation reflects a collaborative academic approach aimed at ensuring quality, transparency and innovation in the competition process.
The session was chaired by Prof. Dr. Engr. ANM Ahmed Ullah of Southeast University, who guided discussions and encouraged participants to leverage the platform to experiment with new ideas and technologies in fashion design.
DFCC 2026 is open to undergraduate students in fashion, textiles or related disciplines, as well as recent graduates who have completed their studies within the past six months. Organizers say the competition is designed not only as a contest but as a learning platform where participants can explore digital tools, enhance creative thinking and gain exposure to industry expectations.
The launch comes at a time when digital fashion — including virtual garments, augmented reality fashion shows and metaverse-based retail — is gaining traction globally. Analysts note that such technologies can reduce waste, accelerate design cycles and open new revenue streams, aligning with sustainability goals that are increasingly shaping the textile sector.
Bangladesh’s academic and research institutions have been gradually integrating these trends into curricula and collaborative initiatives. Events like DFCC 2026 are expected to accelerate that transition by providing students with hands-on exposure and competitive motivation.
With strong early interest from students and stakeholders, organizers expressed optimism that DFCC 2026 will become a flagship platform for identifying and promoting emerging talent in digital fashion.
Registration for the competition is now open, with details available through CRISAT’s official platforms. As preparations move forward toward the October final in Dhaka, industry watchers will be closely monitoring how such initiatives contribute to shaping the future of Bangladesh’s fashion and textile landscape.
