Pak designs wow city

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The city played host to the first of its kind Lifestyle Pakistan exhibition recently at Pragati Maidan to promote bilateral trade relations between the two countries and gave the visitors an experience of Pakistan fashion, hugely celebrated Lawn fabric collections and intricate handicrafts.
Over 100 top exhibitors from Pakistan showcased products in fashion textile, designer furniture, leather accessories, food products and intricate handicrafts including leading names Chen One, Gul Ahmed, Nishat & Orient Textile Mills. Also, big names from the Pakistan fashion industry, including Honey Waqar, Rizwan Beyg, Deepak Perwani, Kamiar Rokni grabbed the limelight at the show, hoping to strike a number of deals.
Sahar Atif, a young designer, showcased her ‘Pareesa’ runway collection with breezy outfits and drapes in black and white geometric prints to celebrate the spring season alongwith collection ‘Gulistan-i-Sahar’ that she showcased at Pakistan Fashion Week in 2010. “We are looking forward to business at all levels, from retail to joint ventures for our diverse product line,” said Atif, who love the works of Indian designers including Kavita Bhartia and Sabyasachi Mukherjee.
Some dedicated their collection to Indian popular motifs. Faiza Samee designed wedding wear and ghararas in brocade with lotus motifs. “The kamal motif is my ode to the Indian culture. As trade is basically done through Dubai, I hope this show bolsters direct trade relations between the two countries along with transparent banking system, export duties etc,” she says.
Another designer Asim Jofa, showcased anarkali suits in peacock motifs. “Though I was born and brought up in Karachi, my family is from Old Delhi. The motif peacock adds an Indian appeal to my outfits,” he says.
Pakistan furniture designers like Mian Ahad and Ghazala Rehman from Lahore also displayed their hi-end collection. Seema Iftar, owner of Lahore-based Zamana Interiors, a luxury furniture maker displayed artifacts in sheesham with gold leaf carvings, starting `40,000 onwards. “Luxury furniture has a huge market in India but so far the trade has been zero. Though we are targeting to cater to the high-end customers, the prices we offer are comparatively cheaper as compared to similar products available in India,” she says.