Bibi Russell, the astounding model who rose to stardom in the late 70s and early 80s, now works to establish a cause that is much closer to her heart. Bibi started her dream of eradicating poverty by using culture and creativity in her own country, Bangladesh. Bibi’s efforts to take into consideration our environment, by developing outstanding handloom fabrics with colors that are non-chemically produced, has not gone unnoticed. Bibi’s fight to conquer poverty through creativity is spreading like a contagious smile in places such as India (Rajasthan, Kolkata), Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Africa, Latin America (especially in Colombia), Denmark and Europe. Bibi has worked closely with the craftsmen of these countries to revive their craftsmanship. With the set up in 1995 of Bibi Productions, she has given the Bangladeshi weavers and artisans the golden opportunity to utilize their considerable skills and talents to achieve economic survival and to build towards a prosperous future.
Her work has been internationally recognized having received among others, the ‘Honorary Fellowship’ of the London Institute in 1999, title of ‘Designer for Development’ by the UNESCO in 1999, the title ‘Artist for Peace’ by the UNESCO in 2001 and the Peace Prize 2004 by the United Nations Associations of Spain. Her Extraordinary passion and belief that fashion can be used for social good and for a positive movement has touched people around the world.
Here is a video featuring Bibi Russell: