Zahra Saeed

A couple of  days back, I blogged about Pakistani designers who get western wear wrong. Well, I am not going to go back on what I said, but feel it's fair to give credit where it's due.
Whilst surfing the net, I stumbled upon designer Zahra Saeed's website. Zahra is of Pakistani origin and based in America. This is very evident in her designs. Combine the two and the result is fab, sophisticated shapes topped off with traditional embroidery. Here are a few I want to get my hands on:

Memo to Ammar Belal and HSY, this is what you call getting it right!!

Sana Safinaz

Check out the autumn /winter collection from Sana Safinaz, I know we are soon heading into spring/summer, but I couldn't resist.There is something so effortlessly glamorous about these dresses. Even with the most simple of make up and hair, I think anyone could easily look so special in these. Amazing, love it!!

Trend Alert or Red Alert

Flicking through the society pages of several Pakistani mags, I was inspired to create a " Trend Alert or a Red Alert" section. So many fashion faux pas! Ok, to be fair there are some fashion leaders, but definitely they are the minority. Take this socialite below, labelled a trend setter. I am puzzled, I didn't know a monstrosity could be hidden a la a Jimmy Choo bag. Wake up Pakistan,this is not trendy!!! The lady is dressed  head to toe in denim. The kameez, or is it a jacket?! has flowers plastered all over it! Under no circumstances should you try this  at home, this is definitely Red Alert.

When East shouldn't be West

I am all for championing Pakistani designers and their creations. One of the reasons why I created this blog.
As far as Pakistani clothes go they are fantastic, but, when they venture into western design, to say many fail to deliver is an understatement. In fact 99.9% of the designs are so awful, they would look right at home in  those dodgy retail outlets in run down high streets.

Look below,  Ammar Belal latest shoot from Daily Times Sunday Magazine.

What the hell is up with those trousers (first two pictures)? Its so hideous, cobwebs, hearts ,swirly patterns all in one space.  My god, just looking at the pants makes me dizzy.
The white embroidered top worn with jeans, maybe wouldn't be so bad, but with those pants, err no!!!

HSY, the king of couture, well when it goes to western clothes definitetly "flopture". See below:

What is so special and cutting edge about the above? The skirt has little alien heads on it!!! I don't understand how these designs are catwalk worthy.

All I want to say is, we don't need another Galliano or  another Valentino. I know fashion is about new and different, but, if that's what you are going to show, save it, stick to the traditional designs.

Trend Alert or Red Alert

           Vinny at the launch of L'Oreal Paris, Karachi

Red Alert: Vinny just did not get it right here. At a red carpet function, a tee and jeans just don't cut it. This is definitely a day time casual look rather than one to be worn at a formal function. The oversized bag is once again more day appropriate and well the hair extensions, really need to go.

Damas

Check out the new collection by Damas, the Middle Eastern Jewellery retailer. Worn with a dress, Abaya or Shalwar Kameez, it is simply exquisite. The Emerald piece is so regal, such a style statement. It could easily be vintage. Another must for my wish list. Damas maybe Middle Eastern but its available internationally- US, London, Dubai, Lahore.

The above shoot was featured in Sunday Times magazine.

Sculpted Abaya

                                                          

New Abaya trends for SS10? No! This is in fact a photoshoot from 1969 taken from YSL's fall collection.

Amazingly, on first glance this to me could easily pass of as a spread taken from a  Khaleeji (Gulf) fashion magazine.

The gold bodice  in the dresses were designed by French artist, Claude Lalanne. On close inspection you will see they are moulds of a woman's contours. The black one is definitely my favourite and very inspirational. Abaya's teamed with bodices, maybe a new trend for next year?? I know its not very commercial but editorially I think it could work.

Let me know your thoughts!!

Fashion Show Alert

Featuring:- Satya Paul, Faiza Samee, Mehdi, Maria B, Zayna Couture, Anjana Bhargav, Amber Javed

For more details contact me.

Strictly On or Off the runway?

 

            Dress by Feeha Jamshed          Ayesha Toor

The maxi shirt dress, this is  tricky. I am not 100% convinced. Feeha Noor Jamshed showed this at Pakistan Fashion Week a few weeks back. Pakistani model Ayesha Toor was seen sporting this trend at the launch of L'oreal Paris in Karachi. As Beautiful as Ayesha is, I think this is one look that should be left on the runway. Only at the risk of looking too mumsy, or even too country western, I don't know I cant put my finger on it right now should you attempt it.

On the plus side, I really like the upper half of the dress, especially the sleeves. They remind me of those long  sea shells. I think it would have worked better in a shorter style. I also love the styling of this look- the fresh jasmine  anklet and earrings. If there is something I am taking away it's that.

Other than the sea shells, the dress reminds me of something else, hmmmm (thinking cap on) I know ("ping ping")  Hermes SS09. Look at the pictures below and you will know what I mean (Feeha's version on the far right).

Verdict: Strictly ONLY on the runway.

Couture or Cloneture?

Like most HARD CORE lovers of fashion I don't want to be seen wearing last years fad i.e. I will NOT be wearing a short above the knee kameez (shirt). I usually get my outfits sent over from Pakistan as I do not go to Pakistan very often  (last visit 5 years ago). I know London does not have a shortage of Pakistani/Indian shops but this season many failed to catch onto the long kameez/loose trousers.

Next best option; Online shopping. Very few Pakistani designers offer this luxury.

So then what? Facebook. Enter  "Pakistani Fashion" into the search box and it will through up endless couture houses. But don't be fooled!! Not all of them are designers, they are "CLONERS". You know who you are!!!!!! Their galleries are packed with images pinched from the likes of HSY, Karma, Maria B, Gul Ahmed and any other talented designer whose work they can get their hands on.

If you don't have the talent to be original, take the design as inspiration and alter it. Or if your too lazy to do that, then at least credit the REAL designer instead of passing it off as your own creation. Its not wrong to offer a version of the design after all Topshop does it. But, take note it is wrong to steal!!

Evra- The Art of Eve

Totally loving this bracelet by Lebanese designer Tamara Zantout.  This brass piece is inscribed with the arabic phrase Mashallah, used when praising or appreciating something. Already added to my wish list.

Pakistan Fashion Week: Designers Speak

Interesting piece on the designers that participated in Pakistan Fashion Week. Shame no international press focused on the individual designers. Everybody seemed to concentrate on the political defiance. I guess any publicity is better than no publicity.

Pakistan Fashion Week: Designers Speak (continued)

Timeless Beauty

I came across this picture of Princess Niloufer, just had to share it with you. Princess Niloufer, for those of you who do not know was married to the son of the Nizam of Hyderabab.

I think she represents what this blog is all about. Princess Niloufer resided in Paris and this clearly had an impact on her style.

Her clothing collection took on a more European style with Mlle Fernande Cecire designing her saris. The designer gave a glamorous, asymmetrical pattern of sequins which covered one shoulder and the pleats.

I will tell you how you recreate this look in another post.

Wear Art

Mughal miniatures were a hot favourite with Pakistani designers this year.
Salina Wardah, Resham Ghar and new girl in town Nida Azwer all incorporated majestic images from the durbar into their designs. Definitely a trend for the more fashion forward.

Salina Wardah created a more casual look with a silk knee lenght kurta top, as seen below on Wardah. This kurta looks awesome thrown over a pair of vintage boot cut jeans and wedges.

For a more formal approach take on the trend try Azwer and Ghar.

Ghar's Saree's are truly nostalgic. Wear with a tika or a jhumar for old school glamour.

Azwer's sleeveless ensemble with cropped trousers mixes the classic with a new air of modernity. Just team this with polki/Kundan chandeliers and sky high stilettos and relive that "kingly appeal".
Nida Azwer

Wardah wearing a Salina Wardah design

Resham Ghar

Resham Ghar