Despite strained relations between India and Pakistan, the group of four style gurus from our neighbouring country is upbeat about using fashion as a tool to promote camaraderie. Pakistan’s undisputed king of style Rizwan Beyg is on his fifth visit to the country and is happy that he has been received with much warmth and affection. Much like Fahad Hussayn and Adnan Pardesy and Xpose magazine editor Andleeb Rana. However, there is one thing that has been hassling these fashion addicts and that is the “reporting visa” they have got, which means going to the police station in Delhi and recording their entering and leaving the country. “It is a pain, but I guess it is needed seeing the sensitive situation,” says Adnan, who recently showcased his collection at Ogaan, an upmarket store.
They all feel that certain antiquated laws need to be updated so that there is better communication between people of both countries. “I didn’t face this problem, but I must say that these laws have been made for a reason, even getting a phone Sim card on your Pakistani passport can be a problem, as too many questions are asked, so we all have taken Indian numbers with the help of our friends and hosts,” says Rizwan.
The two youngsters Adnan and Fahad are on their first trip to the city and are hoping to meet legends of Indian fashion like Manish Arora, Tarun Tahiliani and Rohit Bal. “We have heard so much about Indian silhouettes and embroideries, it will be interesting to watch them come alive on the ramp,” said Fahad.
The Pakistan fashion industry is also undergoing a huge transformation, with the country organising its first fashion week a few months ago. “We learnt a lot from Rathi Vinay Jha when we were trying to form the Pakistan Fashion Council and haven’t repeated the mistakes they made. Even Sunil Sethi, the current chief, has managed to put up a stunning venue, which is of international standards. Pakistan is far behind in the fashion scene as compared to India, but we are slowly getting there, it will be a slow and steady process,” says Rizwan, a veteran who has been in the industry for almost 21 years.
With cricket and Bollywood being a uniting factor, the four gurus feel that if laws are relaxed Pakistani designers will be able to freely retail their ensembles in the county. “You already have an Atif Aslam and Ali Zafar wowing Indians like never before, and cricket of course overtakes everything else, if you add fashion to this, it will make a heady combo,” says Adnan.
Andleep, who has been here and done that, is happy to be part of the shows and is hoping to take back some interesting Indian outfits. “Sarojini and Janpath are my favourite haunts, but now that I am at fashion week, I will keep one day to check out all the stalls,” she beams.