december 11, 2016
Dearest Weekenders!
CONTENTS 06. Around Town...
74. The Beauty Edit
One party at a time!
Natasha Khan briefs about the must haves
58. Khamoshi
for your makeup bag.
A Weekend exclusive! Ali Xeeshan’s
76. W’s Roving Eye
critically acclaimed bridal couture collection ‘Khamoshi’. 66. Weekend Scouts Our hot new talents this week are the talented girls behind the hip new shoe label Miaasa. 70. Travel & Cake Take a scenic through beautiful Budapest with Aleena Nouman.
This week’s hottest looks! Who made the style A- list? 88. Dare to Drape Shazah Ayub talks about one of the hottest shaadi trends this season, the chaddar! 94. Love Struck Weekend’s editors’ picks!with us!
Chairperson/Publishing Editor: Rameeza Majid Nizami Editor The Nation: Salim Bokhari Editor-at-Large: Amal Khan Managing Editor: Maryam Mahmood Creative Editor: Nur Zehra Qadri Contributing Editor: Minahil Batool Sherazi Sub Editor: Rana Faizan Hussain Editorial Assistant: Khizra Waqar Karachi Correspondent: Farah Vayani Social Correspondent: Fatima Ameer Creative Head: Faiz-ur-Rehman Creative Team: Talat Mahfooz, Faisal Fazal, Zeeshan Arif, Shoaib Qadir Photographer: M. Basharat Irshad GM Marketing: Bilal Mahmood For Advertising: Kherzan Zaidi - 0321 8976730, Ata-ur-Rehman - 0332 2427473, Khalid Sheikh - 0345 5130728
Ever since we can remember there has been a whimsical magic to Lahori winters, the heat gradually dissipating to make way for cooler days and beautiful misty evenings. Snuggled up in cozy sweaters (but not suffocated under the kind of layers foreign climates mandate), December in Lahore is all about good food and great company – perfection! As we acclimate to the dropping temperatures, we have lulled ourselves out of our pashmina draped reveries to bring you another jam-packed issue. Starting off we bring you the brains (and beauties) behind the hip new shoe label “Miaasa” in this Sunday’s “Weekend Scouts.” Our “Beauty Edit” of the week rounds up all the items you have to nab for your makeup bag, and to satisfy your wanderlust we take you through Budapest in “Travel & Cake.” We show you the fashionistas who caught our “Roving Eye” for some serious style inspo and our resident trend guru Shazah Ayub gives us her take on the big chaddar comeback this season! All this and as always more, so grab a mug of chai (we like ours piping hot) and start flipping these pages! Sincerely, Team Weekend.
weekend | around town
Syed Ibne Abbas with wife
FPW London Edition! Aamir & Hamna
Adnan Ansari & Maheen Khan
Rizwan Ahmed & Humayun Khan
Abbas & Hajra Lalljee
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Danish Waqeel with friend
Pakistan Fashion Week London’s 10th edition took place at the Sheraton Grand Park Lane in London. The PR was handled by Enigme Internationale.
Fia Khan
Deepak Perwani
Alia Rafia
Abdul Samad
weekend | around town
Ismail Pervez
Hajira, Chris, Tehmina Janjua, Syed with wife, Hajra & Adnan
Hina Rasim
Johnny
Sadaf Khan
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Nazish Omar
Mona Azam
Paula
Fouzia Aman
Sameera
weekend | around town
Wajaht & Hammad
Base for Ideas! Base Studio opened and exhibited their collection of home decor and accessories at studio in Cavalry Ground, Lahore.
Haroon Noon & Shan Moin
Anum Ahmed & Asra Elahi
Ali Ayaz Sadiq & Zoe Ali
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Asma & Zainab
Eman & Maheen
Aleena Khan
Zoe Moin
Anum Sohail
Laila Khan
weekend | around town
Shandana Khan & Imran Ali Khan
Numan & Adeel
Shehnaz & Moin Ahmed
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Umar & Meenu
Shama Waqar & Maryam Waqar
Usman & Sana
Maria & Mahwish
Sobia
Sahar Bandial
Aleena Murad
weekend | around town
Amin Gulgee
Musical Platform! Sikandar & Beenish
Nomi Ansari & Anushay Ashraf
HSY, Ayesha Omar & Sikander Rizvi
Sohail & Tehmina
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Aamina Sheikh & Nida
Nida Butt and Hamza Jafri of MAD School along with Karachi Youth Initiative launched a musical project ‘Braadri Broadcast’. The PR of the event was handled by TAKE II.
Dino
Adnan Saeed
Nadya Mistry
Zoe Viccaji
weekend | around town
Hamza & Duraid Qureshi
Sound of Kolachi
Tez & Huma
Amal & ALi
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Mukhtar & Rumana Hussain
Shahrukh Kazmi
Faris Shafi
Faryal Rashid
Marval Moor
weekend | around town
Sultan Gohar Ijaz & Asad Ahmed Kamal
A Fairy Tale Wedding! Maryam Warraich and Ahmed Ali Tariq tied the knot amongst family and friends.
Binish Khan & Saleena Khan
Maryam Warraich &
Ahmed Ali Tariq
Amber & Sajjid
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Sundus Omar & Sonia Humayun
Daneese Ali
Mahwish Faisal
Mehreen Afan
Alishay Zara
weekend | around town
Mustafa & Zara
Sabahat Zahid
Rabia Umair
Mehreen Afan & Afan
Sehrish Khan
Ammara Ahmed
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Shanzay Sheikh
Saleena Khan
Maryam Rehman
Eman Sheikh
Zahida Habib
weekend | around town
Anushey Ashraf
Loyalty Matters! Dolmen Mall in collaboration with Summit Bank launched their loyalty card. The event was held at Dolmen Mall in Karachi. The PR of the event was handled by Take II.
Shehzad, Momal & Javed Sheikh
Tehmina Khaled & Seemi Pasha
Ayesha Khan
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Mani & Hira
Nazia Malik
Omar Shehzad
Xille Huma
Beenish Parvaiz
Saima Haroon
weekend | around town
Aniqa Omer
Party Time! Sehar Umar hosted a tea party for friends at Veranda in Lahore.
Sehar, Hina & Humaira
Annie Shoaib & Abeer Irfan
Sara Aqeel & Maryam Saad
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Maryam Faisal & Fatima
Amina Bashir
Rabia Saqib
Mahwish Faisal
Rubia Moghees
Hina Usman
weekend | around town
Farah, Maryam, Sana & Annie
Madiha, Sonia & Zara
Sana Khan & Samia Bilal
Mahwish Nabeel & Amna Aamir
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Sundus Rizwan & Aniqa Omer
Sara Irfan
Sara Ali & Fiza Mumtaz
Saima & Ayesha
weekend | around town
Alizay Waqar & Arslan
The New Bride! Nickie and Nina unveiled their latest collection ‘Nouvelle Mariée’ at their studio in Lahore.
Nickie & Nina
Asif & Aarinda
Sultana Siddiqui
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Tapu Javeri & Maida Azmat
Saima Zafar & Hamza Tarrar
Mira Sethi
Naila Ishtiaq
Amal Khan
Naz Mansha
weekend | around town
Amina Sibtain
Saad, Sahar, Sultana & Khalid
Annie Shoaib
Mujtaba Khan
Mehak
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Momina Mustehsan
Ramshay Sheikh
Zain azaR & rooN
Nurzia
Rima Farid
weekend | around town
Jerjees Seja and his wife
#DobaraPhirSe ARY Films hosted Mehreen Jabbar’s film ‘Dobara Phir Se’ premiere in Karachi. The PR of the events was managed by Walnut Communications.
Mehreen Jabbar & Nina Kashif
Shaz Khan and his wife
Adeel Husain & Hareem Farooq
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Sarwat Gilani & Fahad Mirza
Jibran Syed and his wife
Arjumand Rahim
Sheheryar Munnawar
Nadia Hussain
Mehreen Syed Marina Khan
weekend | around town
Team DPS
Abdullah Farhatullah & Sanam Baloch
Angeline Malik
Sanam Chaudhry
Mahira Khan
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Asim Raza
Nida Yasir & Tooba
Wajahat Rauf and his wife
Aminah Sheikh
weekend | around town
Alizey Pasha
Hello to New Lifestyle! Saba Gailani launched Lifestyle and Fashion Concept Store ‘Serai’ in Karachi.
Madiha, Natasha & Sana
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Ibrahim & Laila Bawani
Saba & Azhar
Saleema Farasat
Roohafza & Madiha
Mahira, Alizey, Natasha & Sana
Mahira Pagganwala
weekend | around town
#BeatMe! Assam Khalid, Hira, Aamna Rahim & Huma Mobin
Fiza Farhan & Jamshed
Nina & Nickie
Arooj & Naz
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Haider & Maida Azmat
UN Women Pakistan held press meeting on #BeatMe campaign at Avari Hotel in Lahore. The PR of the event was handled by Mint PR.
Masarrat Misbah
Maria Javed
Hina Butt
Amal Khan
weekend | around town
Nadir Sarwar & Amna Waqar
Risham
Maheen Kardar
Aamna Rahim
Rehana
Nudrat Mustafa
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Hamza Tarar
Cybil Chaudhry & Fiza Farhan
Minahil Qasim & Zainab
Sana Talat Laghri
Rubia Moghees
weekend | around town
Sabeen
Essentials for Your Closet! Blood Orange exhibited their sleepwear, loungewear and winter essentials at their place in Karachi.
Taimur, Rabbiya & Saleem
Hira & Sahar
Fahad & Amna
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Maheen
Shah & Nabiha
Areeba
Hira
Rabiya & Nishat
weekend | around town
New Home Concept! Shamroze, Mr & Mrs. Suchart, Rima & Mansoor Khan
Anny & Hammad
Mansoor Khan and Zarak Khan opened a Showroom of Index Furniture from Thailand in Gulberg, Lahore. The PR of the event was managed by Aamir Mazhar.
Mariam Khawaja & Maha
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Aden & Rehan Baber
Amber Liaqat
Asifa
Ayesha Sana
Nina Akber
Hassan & Shiza
weekend | around town
Meg & Sardar Babar
Sana Butt & Rubia Moghees
Sana & Nida
Shamroze & Zarak Khan
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Dr Saima & Amna
Haroon & Shazia
Myda & Amna
Atif & Asif
Haroon & Aleena
weekend | around town
Hadiya, Iman & Momin Ali
Mehrub, Sonia & Hira
Sana Talat
Omer
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Raazia
Martiza & Fatima
Mir Zubair, Sardar Fateh, Sadiq Imrani & Sayeed Ali Raza
Munib Nawaz
weekend | around town
Mina Ramzi & Turab Ramzi
Exploring Innovation! Maria Aslam & Nazneen Tariq
Maria Aslam’s book ‘Interior Designs of Pakistan 1’ was launched by the Pakistan Institute of Interior Designers at the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture in Karachi. The management and PR of the event were done by Starlinks PR and Events.
Muhammad & Alveena Agha
Tipu Sharif
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Aasia Hussain, Bisma Askari & Shahid Abdulla
Ghazala Khan & Naheed Ansari
Amin J
Zainab Omar
Naheed Mashooqullah
Sahibzadi Mahin Khan
weekend | around town
Arshad Farooqi
Mr & Mrs Danish Zuby & Zohaib with family
Rukhsana Mansoor
Asad Rashid
Anjum Adil
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Mahir Shehzad
Nusrat Iqbal & Famya Khan
Subia Sultan Wyne & Farrukh Mazhar
Shahid Khan
weekend | around town
Waseem Butt & Sumbal
Adding Sweetness To Life! Sweet Tooth was recently launched at M. M. Alam Road, Lahore.
Sara & Zara
Nayab & Samreen Vance
Maha & Hammad
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Masooma & Zeeshan
Zohair & Fakhar un Nisa
Farhan
Kiran Butt
Momin, Hadia, Emaan & Tuaha
Khamoshi
Ali Xeeshan breaks the silence on the taboo subject of underage marriages, with the groundbreaking collection “Khamoshi.” Encapsulating the spirit of the strong, vibrant sub-continental woman, these pieces explore a kaleidoscope of frosted pastels and rich hues with stunning embellishment to bring out your inner star. Motifs like the lotus simultaneously personify beauty as well simplicity and strength. A collection which is equally powerful in its innovative aesthetic as it is in its message, “Khamoshi” is a true celebration of womanhood.
Photography: Aashna Brand Ali Xeeshan Theater Studio Model: Nooray Bhatti Jewellery: Gold by Reama Malik
weekend | fashion December 20, 2015 | 28
Photographer: Ashna Khan Model : Noor Bhatty Jewellery : Gold by Reema Malik Designer : Ali Xeeshan.
weekend | Fashion
Weekend Scouts Miaasa
Accessories Designers
We sat with the talented girls, Saadia Yasin Siddik and Miara Shaikh and got insight on their brand new company producing one of our favourite accessories, shoes!
@miaasa_shoes
DECEMber 11, 2016 | 48
1. What inspired the start up of Miaasa and the name?
To start with, we are both crazy about shoes; it’s more than an obsession really! Its ironic but for both our birthdays we each had a giant shoe closet made for ourselves, and the funny part is that we didn’t even know each other at this point. I guess it was destiny when we partnered together and launched our own shoe brand. Now we need to build more closets to house our Miaasas! The name isnt as fancy as it sounds its just an amalgamation of both our names:
Miara and Saadia = Miaasa!
Well, shoes was a shared passion between us; we’d love to venture into handbags and accessories as well, but as a starting point we thought it was best to have one focus that we could pour our heart and soul into.
weekend | FASHion
2. Why just shoes?
3. What is your brand philosophy?
From the first day we decided to start MIAASA, we mutually agreed that we wouldn’t create anything that we cant imagine ourselves wearing. I guess you can just say MIAASA will always be a reflection of both our personal styles.
Tory Burch - She understands the design aspect of it, but moreover its her business acumen to create accessible luxury and killer retail channels world-over thats impressive to us. 5. Do you come up with themes for your collection or do you like a random mix for all?
We do a bit of both - some pieces are special one offs that don’t really blend in with the rest of the collection.
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4. Who/What are your inspirations?
6. Are there any new projects and surprises in store for buyers?
We’re super excited for the launch of our heels, wedges and espadrilles line!
weekend | travel
Buda Castle is the main palace
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in the city completed in the 13th Century. Its gothic architecture allows for some amazing pictures to be taken at each turn. It is now home to the Budapest History Museum, the Hungarian National Gallery and Matthias Church. After taking in all that history, it is time to take in a snack! Grab a Kürtőskalács – (pronounced Kurtos Kalacs) a type of Hungarian cake/bread. Be sure to get one made fresh. I had the one with cinnamon sugar on it and mind=blown.
Baroque Beautiful and the
Budapest L
ife seemed to be getting tedious. I needed a change, a new experience, a new destination to explore and get myself lost in. A new culture and tasty food awaits me as I shut my eyes and put my finger on the atlas and end up in…BUDAPEST! Considered to be the Paris of Eastern Europe, Budapest is a city not shy of displaying architecture, history, food, glamour and art and a lively nightlife. Trust me… you will not be disappointed. Even though it is always ranked so high on various tourist sites, people rarely visit. I’m a history and architecture fanaticso, this was pretty ideal for me – a new city that felt like home. I couldn’t have asked for a more fun experience. A most memorable visit with plenty of friendly locals and gorgeously unique views. Here’s a list of what to do…and eat!
weekend | travel
Hi I’m Aleena Nouman , an account executive by day and an avid traveler, foodie and history buff by night. I love to travel to new places and soak up the culture, taste the food and photograph everything within an inch! Come with me as I take you to Budapest.
Andrassy Avenue
is the place for high-end shoppers and glamour lovers! It is one of the main shopping streets with all the brands to offer, as well as fine cafes, theatres and Embassies. Herend is a Hungarian with luxury hand painted porcelain. In the mid-19th century, it was catered to the Habsburg Dynasty and other aristocrats. Previously shut down due to the rise of Communism,
St Stephens Basilica
The Citadella is a fortress located upon the Gellert Hill and a great place to start your journey with all the amazing views of the city and the Danube River. You must go in the day and night to experience the magic that Budapest has to offer.
DECEMBER 11, 2016 | 71
is a church right in the heart of the city and open to all.
weekend | travel
Hungarian State Opera House
offers a wide variety of Opera shows to choose from if you’re ever in the mood for getting weepy at the opera.
For all those historians out there, be sure to visit the House of Terror which displays a vast range of artefacts of the fascist and communist regimes.
Getting hungry yet? You deserve a meal with all
that touring. Get to a local eatery and start your meal with a local cheese sampler to get those taste buds running! Have some Goulash soup and pack on the chilli to really set your taste buds on fire andend your meal with a traditional walnut torte. Yum!
After all the walking and craning our necks at the museum, it is time to relax andwhat better way than to hit the Szechenyi Thermal Bath. This is the largest medicinal bath in Europe as its water arrives from two thermal springs.
New York CafĂŠ will just make you want to sigh. Considered to
be the most beautiful cafĂŠ in the world, it overwhelmed me with its grandeur and robust interior. A sight to be truly noted with all it has to offer. Have a cup of tea or coffee along with the dessert sampler platter (forget all diets on a European holiday). It is an experience that will not be forgotten. Warning! It really will take your breath away.
Hungarian Parliament Building is
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an architectural marvel to be gazed at from a distance.
weekend | lifestyle
The Beauty Edit Must-
Haves in Your Makeup Bag By Natasha Khan
@natasha.themakeupsuite
Brow Filler
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Bb cream with SPF The winter season calls for extra hydration and care for our skin and no other product can do that better than a good quality BB or CC cream. Based on your skin type and preference, we recommend Smashbox Camera Ready BB and CC creams. Their SPF formula makes them an all-rounder as they protect and give a light coverage for a flawless finish.
To fill those unruly brows, we recommend Urban Decay’s Brow Box. Be it day or night, a big event or a small gathering, those brows can be a game changer and need to always be tamed, no excuses!
Those who have pigmentation on their skin can use a multi-colored concealer palette like the Makeup Forever 5 Camouflage Cream Palette Color in number 5. This single palette is the solution to most skin discolorations. Green neutralizes redness, purple neutralizes sallowness, orange neutralizes blue-ness and red neutralizes ashy-ness. Prep your skin for a flawless finish by applying your recommended shade on your target areas.
Mascara
Face oil
Mascara is the real pick me up and makes your eyes look more alive than any other eye product. For everyday use, we recommend Maybelline’s The Falsies Push Up Drama Washable Mascara. For daily wear it is always better to use something that comes off easily and this mascara is more length less volume which is perfect for everyday use.
If you are suffering from excessive dryness in these chilly months then throw in a good face oil in the mix for ample hydration and highlighting as a side. We recommend Josie Maran’s Argan Infinity Cream Intensive Creamy Oil for a healthy and pore-less sheen.
weekend | lifestyle
Concealer
Blush Blush may not be a makeup staple in everyone’s makeup bag but it really should be. When blood rushes to our cheeks it makes us look more healthy and attractive and blush mimics that perfectly, if you use the right blush that is. Perricone MD’s No Blush Blush is true to its name as it provides a healthy profusion of color in a shade that adjusts to the skin tone.
We suggest ditching the lipstick completely for everyday wear this winter and pampering your lips with a moisturizing wash of color. Revlon’s Colorburst Lip Butter fills this gap with its wide range of colors that fit every skin tone with a light, balmy texture that is not runny and comfortable for all-day wear.
december 11, 2016 | 75
Lip balm
weekend | FASHION Fashion
W’s ROVIN ell, what’s the use of W a pair of good eyes that never rove? Weekend’s been going through our fashion files for the week
Daneese Ali
Limited december editiion 11, 2016 | 08| 76
The beautiful semi-sheer fabric of this vibrant sari is the perfect answer to a winter wedding. A sleek blow-dry and minimal accessories keep the look young and fresh.
Aamna Taseer
The always elegant Aamna Taseer is bang on trend in this peplum sleeved top and Ikkat trousers by RemaShehrbano. Glossy locks and simple accessories round off this chic ensemble.
Amal Khan
A vision in the softest shades of pink and powder blue, Amal opts for clean lines and a minimalistic aesthetic. The snakeskin effect bag and shoes add a textural element to this simple outfit.
Fashion weekend | FASHION
ING eye and these are the people who caught our fancy for either their style, their courage or their star power. Well played!
In a sea of stilettos and bouncy manes, we are big fans of laid back luxe/androgynous looks. The perfect shade of beige/brown cashmere with long line flared sleeves, tucked into a pair of casual boyfriend jeans. This look may look easy to execute, but it requires panache to take it from drab to fab.
Sahar Noon
Sahar is giving us all the winter vibes in this cozy grey waterfall collar jacket and suede ankle booties. Simple and classic, this look works equally well for day or night.
Mahwish Faisal
Forest green is one of our go to winter wardrobe shades and this antique gold embellished sari ticks all the right boxes. The slick of red lippy further ups the glam appeal of this look.
Limited editiion | 08| 77 december 11, 2016
Anum Sufi
weekend | FASHION
Dare T
NOVEMber DECEMBER20, 11, 2016 2016||88 62
widely followed fashion guru and style star, gives a lowdown on the hottest trends of the season!
This maroon velvet chaddar by Shehla Chatoor paired with an exquisite bridal is a winning combo!
Start the wedding season on the right note by draping yourself in a beautiful chaddar—they’re timeless, elegant and super versatile. We’re suckers for truly regal, traditionalwear and therefore absolutely elated that this trend is finally back with a BANG!! Ace this much-loved trend by keeping your overall look simple and finishing it off with a heavily worked chaddar and statement accessories. To add your own spin to the chaddar, style it with your lehnga choli or sari.You can even
Misha Lakhani’s chaddar is no less than piece of art—The details and craftsmanship on this piece are mind blowing!!
weekend | FASHION
To Drape pair it with a basic kurta to elevate your everyday look from drab to truly fab, especially since the weather gods are currently in favour of this trend (goodbye sweltering heat)! This little ensemble personalisation trick also easily obliterates the possibility of being caught in the same outfit as a fellow party guest! No one executes this trend with quite the finesse of the iconic Bunto Kazmi, aka Queen of chaddars, however we also can’t help but drool over the more modern takes on this heirloom piece by some of our favourite designers. It might not be a part of your everyday wardrobe, but its time to get in touch with your roots and start daring to drape!
This Shehla Chatoor ensemble screams drama and how cool are these sleeves
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Old world charm done right, courtesy Elan— this blue chadar is def on top of our winter wish list!
With their latest winter shawl collection, Sana Safinaz show us how to incorporate this trend into our everyday lives. We love their young, fun and pocket friendly twist on the chaddar.
weekend | PROMOTION december 11, 2016 | 92
Pakistan Furniture Council Exhibition The Federal Commerce Minister engineer Khurram Dastgir Friday said the government will provide a package of incentives and all out support to furniture sector to boost the export as well as improve the quality and design of local handmade furniture at par with international standard. Talking to media after inauguration of 3-days 6th Interiors Pakistan exhibition here at Expo centre, he said that made-inPakistan furniture is in great demand abroad because of its better quality and economically cheap than other countries. He said that holding of this type of exhibition and participation of international players gives soft image of Pakistan globally and attract a sizeable number of other foreign investors. He said that entire credit of this mega exhibition goes to the top leadership of Pakistan Furniture Council headed by Mian Kashif Ashfaq. He said that the government will fully exploit the huge potential of furniture sector and provide a set of facilities for imparting training to workers attached to this sector. Appreciating the efforts of PFC, the minister said it was a pleasant surprise for him to see variety of classy and outclass local handmade and solid furniture under one roof which has potential to capture foreign buyers in international markets. “Trade fairs are among the most important instruments in business-to-business communications and PFC is holding consecutively exhibitions in different cities of the country for promotion of the furniture industry,” adding he said the government will provide all kind of supports to furniture producers and designers to conduct international exhibitions abroad. He said Pakistan is moving forward in a better position to attract investment and it is highly appreciable that PFC is exerting full force to create opportunities for the foreign investment in the country by creating business to business contacts with foreign furniture producers. He said that Pakistan’s investment profile has been upgraded by all leading rating agencies on account of successful economic reforms and improved security situation. Answering a question, he said it is also responsibility of the furniture producers that authenticity and mastering of raw materials should be made the cornerstones for the competitiveness of “niche” or “ethnic” furniture at the high-end of the market. “High perceived value for price, timely deliveries and proper after-sales service are needed for keeping Pakistani furniture a winner. Quality assurance must be improved and Pakistani furniture brands strengthened,” he added. He said that labour of this industry has great skills and potential and if used properly than there would be no hurdle for Pakistan to be among the countries which were best exporters of the furniture. Khurram Dastgir said that in coming days designing and value addition has great importance and best designs have been exhibited in this exhibition. He said it would also help the people of those areas where designs were not in focus that there was a lot of space to work in this sector. He said that more advancement in this industry would not only help in meeting local needs but would enable to meet needs of international market. Replying another query, Khurram Dastgir said now there is no such policy under consideration to impose ban on import of furniture.
He said when the government will find that exports of the furniture has been increased remarkably and there is no such need of import items, then there is possibility of imposing ban on import. On this occasion talking to media, PFC Chief Executive Mian Kashif Ashfaq said more than 100 leading and medium companies displayed their products while four foreign furniture producers also exhibited their items. He said the response from public and foreign furniture producers is tremendous and he is much optimistic in coming exhibitions more foreign furniture producers will display their products in PFC exhibitions. Answering a question, he said we are shifting our technology from handmade and solid furniture to machinery made furniture items. He said Pakistani furniture is a little expensive as compared to those countries that are producing machine made furniture. He said most of the countries have great scope for Pakistani Furniture, because they like Pakistani Traditional Hand-Carved furniture designs with classic finishing and similar designs can be replicated in international markets, therefore efforts must be made to promote furniture exports by more regular participation in international shows. “Pakistan furniture industry has made great strides over the past recent years. Owing to a growing interior industry that have paved way for skilled workers, furniture manufacturers and interior designers have benchmarks that has attracted foreign clientele,” he add. Talking about the philosophy behind these exhibitions, he said “The vision behind Interiors Pakistan is to create a space for furniture display and promotion across the country. The national exhibitions groom local producers to access the international markets and increase their potential markets,” adding he said this exhibition will also provide the younger designers and architects to study the market trends. Mian Kashif Ashfaq said PFC will hold its 7th Interiors Pakistan” exhibition in Islamabad in March next year and they are also planning to conduct six exhibitions total in one year in Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore consecutively. The Federal Minister Khurram Dastgir during the visit of stalls invited the board of directors of Pakistan Furniture Council to Islamabad equip with concrete specific proposals and demand for boosting the furniture sector in the country. Important exhibitors including Maliks Farooq CEO Interwood, Shahbaz Aslam CEO Charag Din and Sons, Muddassar Shafi Diamond Group, Maqbool Elahi CEO Mohkam Furniture, Rizwan Ahmed CEO National Furniture and GM PFC Hamid Mahmood were also present on this occasion.
NOVEMber 13, 2016 | 62
weekend | PROMOTION
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