Summer are approaching as the craze for trendy lawn is on again.

It is summer time! Temperature is very soon going to go up to 42°C. Best wear in summer is clothes made out of Lawn. Romantic dressing of the 60’s is coming in as a breath of fresh air this season in summer trend. Garara, Pishwaz, Angarkha, Chooli are being worn as everyday wear now as the new summer trend. Cotton Garara looks and feels great to wear.

For Office, it’s either a nicely tailored lawn Shalwar Kamiz or an attractive lawn Sari. Short sleeves are preferred, dresses are now worn loose, Dupatta is no longer an element of veil but a delicate symbol of femininity. Jeans and fashion trousers are making there way in but the gorgeous look of long kames and qulut salwars are all the rage as well. Continue reading…

Review of designer, Sara Shahid of Sublime, as she shows her stylish and fun collection at Pakistan Fashion Week

Romanticism coupled with practicality is an irresistible combination. Effortless, and classic is what Sara’s label, Sublime, exudes. The word alone explains what she wants the world to know about her designs. She herself epitomizes her own brand as her elegant and clean designs are worn so well by her. Quite possibly one of the nicest designers in the fashion fraternity, Sara Shahid is never short of a bright smile which is probably why her collection was so fun and fantastic at Pakistan Fashion Week.

Colour Me Sublime was most certainly unexpected and some surprises are worth the wait. The whole collection was sprightly and yet elegant and grown up. The mixture of vibrant colour palettes mixed with flowing chiffons and flattering cuts made this collection oh so buyable because a Sublime outfit is the perfect addition to your spring summer wardrobes for 2010. That’s something I adore about this brand and at Sublime’s Pakistan Fashion Week collection; the designs were very wearable and not just for ramp related drama. Some may say it’s playing safe at Pakistan Fashion Week but those who know what Sublime stands for and portrays, will know that the designer used an array of colours which was unlike her usual colour palette of nudes, neutrals and pastels. Keeping this new element in mind, the designer didn’t fail to bring it to Pakistan Fashion Week. Continue reading…

[Lahore: 24 February 2010] Following the success of the House of Kamiar Rokni’s  prêt a porter and haute couture collections entitled  ‘East, West, North, South’ at the PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week, the design house has been invited to showcase 15 contemporary pieces in a group show at the coveted Paris Fashion Week between March 05 – 10 2010. Kamiar Rokni will be sharing the ramp with Ja.Su.Ma, Lot 78, Mauvette Philips , Nonoo Lyons , Payal Jain , By Walid , Mechante of London, SOA ,S usan Snell  and Susannah Hunter.

The collection is an organic extension of the label’s ‘folkcentric’ aesthetic which stormed the catwalks in 2009. For East, West, North, South, the house of Kamiar Rokni has focused on indigenous fabrics and embellishments inspired by traditional techniques. This collection will feature a versatile range of ready to wear; from kaftans to billowing tunics, jackets and statement pieces. The fashion house has revealed an emphasis on tailoring details and silhouette with an overall aesthetic lending itself to simplicity and a simple lack of fuss. Indeed Kamiar Rokni’s collection will mark a departure from their signature burst of vibrant colour; this collection’s colour palette is more controlled and one can expect a diversity of fabrics including cotton based wear to satin and velvet. The label inspires to showcase a collection that is simultaneously elegant, timeless and relevant all at once. Kamiar Rokni’s major inspirations for this collection lie with an exposure to the world in which we live and the myriad hues it has to offer from all four corners of the globe. The label is constantly inspired by craft, textile and ethnicity and the latest collection encompasses all of these elements in a minimal modern manner. Continue reading…

PFDC Fashion Week 2010

[Lahore: 16 February 2010]  An exciting initiative by the Pakistan Fashion Design Council (PFDC) and Sunsilk, February 16th – 19th 2010 marks the debut of their first ever fashion week in Pakistan. PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week will be held in the historic city of Lahore and will feature 4 days of fashion by over 32 designers, encompassing both the leading names from the industry as well as emerging talents. Each day will feature 8 ramp shows with 8 distinct designers who will showcase 20 creations from their respective collections. The debut PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week will be styled and choreographed by the creative team at Sabs the Salon and managed by Catwalk Productions with Public Relations by Lotus.

Participating designers include Ali Xeeshan, Ammar Belal, Asifa & Nabeel, Asian Institute of Fashion Design, Body Focus Museum, Élan by Khadija Shah, Hajra Hayat, Hoorain, HSY, Kamiar Rokni, Karma, Khaadi, Maria B, Mehdi, Munib Nawaz, Muse, Nayna, Nickie Nina, Nida Azwer, Nomi Ansari, Pakistan Institute of Fashion Design, Rehana Saigol, Rouge, Saai by Sahar Atif, Sadaf Malaterre, Sarah Salman, Shaiyanne Malik, Sobia Nazir, Sublime by Sara Shahid, Tazeen Hasan, Teejays by Feeha Jamshed, Yahsir Waheed, YBQ. Continue reading…

PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week gets underway from 16th Feb 2010 in Lahore and for four days from 16th Feb to 19th Feb, it will be all glamour and glitz. The touch of the magic wants that imparts irresistible charm to an fashion event of international significance, will be prominently visible.

This event features 32 fashion designers from the host city, Lahore as well as from Karachi and Islamabad. And the big names are Sara Shahid of Sublime, Nickie Nina , Asifa & Nabeel, Ali Xeeshan, YBQ, Body Focus Museum, Élan by Khadijah Shah, Nida Azwer, Yahsir Waheed, Sadaf Malaterre, AIFD/PIFD, Mehdi, Hoorain, Teejays by Feeha Jamshed, Kamiar Rokni, Muse, Rehana Saigol, Sarah Salman, Hajra Hayat, Nayna, Ammar Belal, Khaadi, Tazeen Hassan, Karma, Saai by Sahar Atif, Nomi Ansari, Shaiyanne Malik, Maria B,Rouge, Sobia Nazir, HSY , Munib Nawaz.

As for the event itself, eight fashion shows are lined up for each day from 7pm to 10pm with a short break. Fashion categories to be catered for are prêt and formal. Other features include styling and makeup by Sabs, the salon and production resolves around Frieha Altaf – Catwalk production.
Where PFDC Fashion Week features a special fashion case of young designers from PIFD and AIFD, a notable information point is that all collection will be exhibited in Lahore at the Boulevard multi brand retail outlet, each day after a designer shows on the ramp.

Gharara is a traditional Pakistani dress, which consists of kurti, dupatta and wide-legged stylish pants, that reaches the knee, and then they flare out dramatically. Over the time ghararas have gone through various transition from traditional to contemporary ones or present a blend of both.

If we look into the history of gharara, they originated during the era of Nawab in Lucknow. Muslim women of noble families in 19th and 20th century used to wear it. Gradually gharara trend declined and was replaced by sarees and shalwar kameez. However, they are still very popular among Pakistan brides. At a wedding or a party Pakistani girl wear brightly coloured gharara, for example red, blue or saffron. For a formal occasion, you can opt for light coloured clothing. Continue reading…

In Pakistan, wedding and party season is in and every Pakistani lady in town wants to look smart and trendy for the big day and upcoming spring festival events. For this purpose, many Pakistani fashion designers have come forward to launch various Pakistani dresses for all occasions.

Nilofer Shahid is a very famous Pakistani fashion designer and the director of the fashion house Meeras. She has a huge clientele in and abroad that caters to women of all ages. Her collection depicts an affinity with Islamic calligraphy and Mughal architecture and the heritage of Central Asia. The Pakistani designer showed her Noor Jehan collection in Vancouver, BC as well.
Maria B is also a renowned fashion designer, Pakistan. Her Pakistani dresses have contemporary and intricate look, elegant styles and colourful fabrics have portrayed a trendy outlook of Pakistan in and abroad. Now she has 10 outlets in Pakistan and there are five brands under the label of ‘Maria B,’ which are ‘Maria,’ ‘Maria B’ lawn, ‘Maria B’ evening, ‘Maria B’ brides and ‘Mgirl.’

Hassan Shehryar Yasin (HSY), is another prominent fashion designer, Pakistan who has been making names in and abroad. His clothing lines consist of embroidered borders and colourful combination.

Deepak Perwani, famous for men’s dress designing especially kurtas offers, groom sherwani, embroidered kurta, and shirts. The Pakistani fashion designer also designs bridal wear along with bridal accessories, saries and formal wear.

Saadia Mirza, is a Pakistani fashion designer who is known for her unique style and innovation. Her line of Pakistani dresses is ‘Virtues’ which defines women who are bold, refined and believe in their own individuality.
‘Vanity’ highlights embroidery done in gold threads and embellishments in swarovski crystals, real stones, pearls, polki and diamonds. ‘Vintage’ defines delicate colours and eastern embellishment in Pakistani dresses and ‘vision’ offers a complete variety of western wears.

Nomi Ansari, fashion designer Pakistan, emerged on the scene in 2001 and after a decade, the ‘Nomi Ansari’ brand has become one of the most sought-after labels in Pakistan. His clothes are very colorful and creative and look absolutely gorgeous! His collections are available in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Dubai, Chicago, and Singapore.

Nickie Nina’s, fashion designer Pakistan’s latest work defines timeless and classic which, caters to middle-aged women and teenagers. It is available at both Nickie Nina outlets in Lahore and Karachi.

Junaid Jamshed,’s J. is another singer/fashion designer, Pakistan. Pakistani dresses include: formal kurtas, shalwar kameez, kurtis, hand woven kurtas and chappals for men and the entire wedding package for the groom. The Pakistani fashion designer is the first one to introduce designer brand of perfumes for both men and women.

Mohammad Mehdi, is also a well-known Pakistani fashion designer. His clothes are glamorous and offer the most stunning and glamorous designs for the people in love with fashion. His collection is available in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Chicago, New York and Los Angeles.

Pakistani Fashion Industry is tremendously heading towards success in the world of style and fashion. In Pakistani Fashion Industry too, Fashion is not only meant for females but men’s fashion apparel is also gaining importance equally. There are many renowned Fashion designers, working only for men’s grooming.

Fashion brand Republic is one the emerging & remarkable Fashion brands in the Pakistani Fashion Industry. Fashion brand Republic is one of its kind bespoke and retail fashion experience for men. Now Fashion brand Republic is going to launch its Fashion assortment at the display centre in Gulberg, Lahore. Omar Farooq is the name behind the Fashion brand Republic. Omar Farooq is successfully running the brand as the Creative Director and founder of the Fashion brand Republic. Omar Farooq is a brilliant Fashion designer and has acknowledged a proper learning about the Fashion designing; he has been entangled in a love affair with Fashion designing since 1994. His first walk down Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore, one of the most fashionable streets in the world carrying major global fashion houses such as Dior Homme, Dolce & Gabbana, Gianfranco Ferre, Gianni Versace, Gucci, Comme des Garcons and YSL, sparked in him the seeds of curiosity about designing wear.

With an eye for excellence, Fashion designer Omar Farooq has been consumed by the technique and artisanship of designer wear. Omar Farooq soon became part of a fraternity of designers concerned with achieving the highest level of quality in the creation of fine clothing. With years of research and travel to the remotest parts of Italy, apprenticeships with Italian Pattern makers such as Marco Zengarini, Omar Farooq has learnt the trade’s ins and outs, secreted textile mills and acquired the skills involved in master craftsmanship of fine designer wear.

Now the innovative direction of Fashion designer Omar Farooq brings to you not just this season’s latest fashion, but collector items made only from the finest ingredients. The materials are purchased from the top five mills in the world bringing to Pakistan a luxury line of clothing like never before via Republic Black Label. Fashion brand Republic is offering 2 ply & 3 ply cotton shirts exclusively available at Lahore’s store. The 100% pure wool suiting line is also there, in regular, slim fit and Business cut.

Besides suits & shirts, clothing line, the winter 2009/2010 collection of the Fashion brand Republic includes shoes, eye-wear, outer wear, leather and other fashion accessories.

So come and explore Republic; the new world of style and fashion, by Fashion designer Omar Farooq.

(DUBAI, Sep 8, 2009) Fashion Designer Sara Shahid takes her critically acclaimed label Sublime to multi label boutique Soirée in Dubai with an exclusive capsule collection on the 8th of September. Her presence at Soirée in Dubai is a natural extension of Sublime’s retail network across Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad. Speaking about adding a new city and destination to Sublime, Sara has said: “It has been a proactive and busy summer for Sublime with the launch of our summer collections and Sublime.T. I feel now extending ourselves to Soirée is a natural progression and culmination to Sublime’s summer. The clientele in Dubai has always been great which is why I wanted to have a permanent base in the city. Soirée’s high end yet accessible fashion ethos and culture is synonymous with Sublime’s which makes this relationship instinctive and exciting.”

Sublime’s debut capsule collection at Soirée comprises of pieces from three distinct lines including:

SUBLIME DIVINE:
A couture line, made with rich ethnic pure silks, jamawars and chiffon fabrics. The embroideries are intricate with exclusive Sublime motifs carefully crafted by hand. Weddings, bridals, trousseaus, gowns for all special occasions, this line carries a variety of designs.

SIMPLY SUBLIME:
This ready-to-wear line is purely silhouette based. With completely western designing and cuts, this contemporary line has little or no embellishment and follows an international fashion forecast.

SUBLIME BY SARA:
Light to medium embellished tailored outfits with emphasis on superior cuts. A ready to wear line with attention to variety in design, produced in local fabrics with traditional embroidered motifs. Sublime By Sara prides itself on a subtle fusion of east and west making these outfits stand out locally and internationally.

In true Middle Eastern Ramadan spirit, this event will be a ‘fashion suhoor’ at the boutique and will also include and coincide with the introduction of other Pakistani and Middle Eastern designers.

Sublime will be available for retail from September 8 2009 exclusively at Soirée in Dubai.

ABOUT SARA SHAHID’S SUBLIME
In 1997, Sara Shahid graduated from London with a degree in fashion marketing and design. She returned to Pakistan and launched her career as a designer and partner at ‘Sub Culture’ in 1998. Five years into her vocation, this connoisseur of craft is an acclaimed entrepreneur and fashion icon.  The year 2003 witnessed the launch of the independent label ‘Sublime’ - Sara Shahid’s brainchild and already a five time nominee of Pakistan’s most coveted LUX Style Award. This year Sublime has been nominated as the Best Prêt Designer.

Sublime believes in capturing the quintessence of feminism and natural beauty of a woman, with style. The central focus is the being of a woman.  The designs are a fuse of the east with the west, where the finest from the past is blended with the contemporary.  The results are classic outfits with unassuming, understated glamour. An advocate of simplicity and minimalism, Sara particularly emphasizes on the colour, tailored cut, comfort, drape and intricate embellishment of her outfits.

The Sublime fashion house features four lines; ‘Sublime Sara’ – the prêt line which includes eastern and western wear, ‘Sublime Divine’ – couture based and bridals and the ‘Sublime Women Entrepreneur Project’ – pieces handcrafted by women who possess skill, but lack the opportunity of being able to pursue a career beyond their homes.  The concept translates into social responsibility, of which Sara Shahid is a loyal supporter.  A recent addition, ‘Fab Sublime’ saw the successful launch of the label’s fourth line earlier this year and features a limited edition of exclusive, screen printed chiffons and a ready to wear line from the same fabric.  Sublime also has on offer limited edition seasonal accessories which have previously included leather bags, belts and printed shawls.

Sara’s design expertise and versatility have enabled her to share her talent both within Pakistan and abroad, where she assumes the role of a fashion ambassador and makes a concerted effort to promote a progressive image of Pakistan.  She has showcased her collection in Hong Kong at a fundraiser for the victims of the earthquake that hit northern Pakistan in 2005 and, on separate occasions partook in a Silk Route fundraiser and Bridal Festival in Los Angeles.  Earlier this year in Pakistan, Sublime was seen on the ramp at the reopening launch of The Designers and also showcased collections as part of the Pakistan Fashion Design Council, twice: In December 2008 at their annual fashion show and in June 2009 as a fund raising endeavour for Pakistan’s Internally Displaced Persons.  The LUX Style Awards nominated Sublime in Dubai (2004), Karachi (2006), Malaysia (2007) and Karachi (2008) in their best Prêt a Porter category.

The Sublime Sara Winter Line, ‘Live Life, Live Sublime’ introduced in winter 2008-2009 set trends by utilizing the medium of fashion as a platform to reflect a social situation – indeed a commentary based collection which was showcased on the PFDC ramp in Lahore in December 2008 to much acclaim.  Sara Shahid introduced her ‘Real Woman’, campaign this Spring in addition to the launch of the limited edition, eco friendly and patriotic label, Sublime-T. In spirit of patriotism, Sara launched Sublime-T’s freedom collection to celebrate Pakistan Independence day on August 14. This September Sara will be launching Sublime at multi label fashion house ‘Soirée’ in Dubai.

Sublime’s boutique and stocked outlets include:

Soirée is Dubai’s first high-end, multi-brand Pakistani boutique. Elegant embroidery, sumptuous silks and Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage feature heavily in the designs showcased in the chic two-storey showroom.

At Soirée, the most prominent designers from Pakistan are brought together under one roof for the first time in the region, allowing fashionistas the opportunity to own this season’s latest creations straight from the catwalks of Karachi and Lahore. Designers on display include: Umar Sayeed, Rizwan Beyg, Deepak Perwani, Shamaeel, Maheen Karim, Nadiya Kassam, Sana Safinaz, Nida Azwer, HSY, Kamiar Rokhni and Nadya Shah. Many of these talented artists have never shown their collections outside of Pakistan.

Dedicated to designs that encapsulate the beauty of Pakistan’s luxury fashion scene, the name ‘Soirée’ was inspired by the shimmering glamour of embellished eveningwear. The comprehensive womenswear selection comprises bridal wear, saris, ensembles, tunics, dresses, jackets, embellished denim and kaftans. The range of accessories and striking accoutrements include beautiful Swarovski encrusted bags and shoes, perfect for parties or special events.

Soireé’s menswear selection features shirts, formal sherwanis, shawls and shoes, ideal for groomswear or formal occasions. In addition, a beautiful range of jalabeyas are available for the store’s Arabic clientele.

Soirée is also committed to encouraging the flair of up-and-coming Pakistani designers to blossom. A section of the boutique is therefore dedicated to displaying the designs of future ‘ones-to-watch’, such as Simoneel Sidiki, Huda Savul and Chamak. Local talent is also supported in the store that highlights designers such as Natasha Jethwani, who is gaining wide recognition for her stunning pieces of jewellery.