Lounge - 1st January 2012

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Today is the first day of the New Year, 2012. Without sounding extremely corny, I can’t help but reflect on the year gone by and the

vision of what lies ahead. Apart from the theories of the world finally coming to an end and all life ceasing to exist, 2012 seems to be very upbeat. I for one, have a lot to look forward to. Being the workaholic that I am, the first thing on my mind is the brand new Design Emporium that is finally up and kicking at our fabulous new location across the street from Gloria Jeans. This summer we plan to launch a very cool collection of affordable casual wear that is reminiscent of my days at ABCD. It’s funny how things have a way

of coming around full circle, since 2012 would also mark the 10th anniversary of the ABCD brand. Over the years, I had concentrated more on developing the formal side of our brand and left behind the street fashion, which I use to enjoy the most as a designer.

If you are married like I am, you will understand when I say that if my wife reads this article and catches me describing 2012 as a year full of ambitions at work only, I will need another home to sleep in. For the record, I do plan to try my best to balance my working hours with the time I need to invest with my loved ones and

family. Any healthy relationship requires some time spent away from the stress and the interference of our daily routines. Hopefully a mini vacation is an order since my little family has only played a supporting role through the barrage of fashion weeks and shop renovations that made the better part of 2011.

I am going to try my best not to make this one of the thousand articles you read in the press commenting on the current socio-political affairs of Pakistan. Therefore, in my world, 2011 has to be the year of the fashion shows and new store launches. It started off with the Islamabad Fashion week in February; where I showcased the Corporate Resort collection and won an award to represent

Pakistan for the upcoming World Fashion Week due to take place in NYC 2012. April marked the PFDC fashion week in Lahore

and our African Safari collection. I had planned for 2011 to be the year where we pursue the very commercial opportunities arising from the Ammar Belal brand name and it all paid off when we were offered to stock in multi-brand stores in Karachi, Islamabad, and Dubai. The two occasions from 2011 that I will remember forever include me attending my younger brothers graduation ceremony at NYU and taking a boys trip through Italy for the wedding of one of my best friends from childhood. Fall season meant changing everything for the better and I decided to move my apartment, office, karkhana, and the store all at once. In retrospect, I think I should have been less ambitious on that front and done one at a time considering the torture I went through in getting all the renovations done. Another PFDC fashion week for the fall collections in Karachi showcased our Disco Collection which brought back the 70s nostalgia to the catwalk and our parties. The last of the fashion weeks of 2011 have just finished after the Bridal Couture Week that wrapped up in mid December.

I can easily say that if I see the sight of a catwalk for the next two months, I might shoot the person walking on it. Until it all starts again, Happy New Year folks and let’s make 2012 different by restraining ourselves from being typically cynical or judgmental and follow the motto of ‘live and let live’.

2012 Happy New Year folks and let’s make 2012 different by restraining ourselves from being typically cynical or judgmental and follow the motto of ‘live and let live’

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Aneela & Khadija ShahRuns in the family

Interview

By Injila Baqir Zeeshan

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Gliding around gracefully like swans, both mother and daughter have an uncanny resemblance to each other. Khadija Shah’s recent rise to fame with her label Élan, in a short span of time,

is something everyone in the fashion circles is well aware of. Only six short years into the business and the industry is already a fan! She is the daughter of Aneela Shah, who has been designing for a long time for a select group of privileged clients. Lounge caught up with both of them for an exclusive peep into the lives of these talented fashion designers. Ela’s story:

A small workshop set up by Aneela Shah, commonly known as Ela in her close circle of friends, in 2002 launched her career. Her sophisticated demeanor shone through the stunning choice of her attire and her elegant taste was evident in the impeccably refined way in which Aneela had decorated her house. The story begins after her marriage when she decided to complete her education and obtained a degree of Masters in English Literature. After this she started designing. She succeeded at all that she desired along with being a mother of three girls and two boys. She tells us about Khadija’s childhood: Khadija as a child:

‘Khadija was always a ferociously independent soul,’ says Aneela with a hint of pride. ‘She was very strong minded, pampered by her grandparents and quite a centre of attraction at their house where she spent some time, while we had to be out of country.’ Khadija was always artistic and used to paint but her mother did not realise that one day she would be the one to take over Élan.

A look at the life of Khadija Shah, the daughter who has inherited the love of fashion design from her mother

Aneela Shah

Khadija Shah’s recent rise to fame with her label Élan in a short span of time is something everyone in the fashion circles is well aware of. She is the daughter of Aneela Shah, who has been designing for a long time for a select group of privileged clients

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A typical work day:For both mother and daughter

the day begins early. While Ela likes to exercise, Khadija cannot remember the last time she found time for the gym. Khadija sends her two boys off to school. Both the designers then scoot off to their independent design houses. Khadija is more into bridals while Aneela caters to prêt and customised clothes. Yet both of them design for all ages. When I asked if there were any similarities between their design aesthetic, Aneela told me how sometimes she would buy a certain cloth and later go to find the same cloth lying at Khadija’s workshop.

In the afternoon, Aneela is back home. Khadija settles her kids after bringing them home from school. It is a pure joy for the grandparents whenever Khadija brings her children over for spending time with them. Khadija and

Aneela sometimes have to go back to their workshops at odd hours to cater to the needs of their clients.

Khadija being a perfectionist, must look at each and every outfit that has been designed at Élan with utmost care. ‘Even if a single trimming is misplaced, that’s enough to put me off completely,’ she mentions. When I ask her what life is like for such a perfectionist, she agrees that it is exhausting but she cannot help being this way. ‘It’s almost as if I have a compulsive disorder; I cannot rest until I get it right,’ she sums up. Aneela has a small set up, while Khadija has a huge one now, and it seems to be expanding by the day. But both are maintaining a list of clients, the loyalty of which is only increasing.

In the evening, the two families like to just lounge around lazily watching a movie. Khadija likes to take her boys to

‘Khadija was always a ferociously

independent soul,’ says Aneela with a hint of pride. ‘She

was very strong minded, pampered

by her grandparents and quite a centre

of attraction at their house’

‘Those women who trust the designer get a far better result than the ones who strictly try to dictate each and everything to us.’ Khadija believes that the designer understands the body types and he/she should be told a preference of colour or style, and then be given ample time to create something that will work best for the client

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Her sophisticated demeanor shone through

the stunning choice of her attire and her elegant

taste was evident in the impeccably refined way

in which Aneela had decorated her house

a good bookstore and often the family manages to go out for dinner, thus winding up the day perfectly. And sometimes, even though it’s rare, the mother and daughter get to spend some quality time together. They put their feet up, holding a cup of tea in their hands, sit back and relax while chatting away. All that glitters is not gold:

Khadija and Aneela both lament the unprofessional attitude of people related to the work environment here which taints our culture. They feel bad about the fact that a designer trains a worker and he is lured by someone who pays a few dimes more. ‘But now I am getting used to it,’ says Khadija. ‘I have come to realise that new people can be trained easily.’

She feels that the worst part of the job is that the typical Pakistani woman does not believe in listening or trusting the designer. ‘Those women who trust the designer get a far better result than the ones who strictly try to dictate each and everything to us.’ Khadija believes that the designer understands the body types and he/she should be told a preference of colour or style, and then be given ample time to create something that will work best for the client. It is most frustrating when clients keep calling to check on the progress of the dress they have ordered.

If I tried to fit the entire success story of each of these two women here, it may perhaps require many more pages, so I will wind it up here wishing them both well for all their future endeavours. You can find Élan at Rehanna Saigol’s ‘The Shop’ in Karachi, Mélange in Islamabad and The PFDC Boulevard in Lahore. Élan’s has a flagship store at the Mall of Lahore and is also launching its prêt wear at Labels on Zamzama Boulevard Karachi.

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The ruckus at the entrance could make for some good

entertainment, only if the observer is not at the

receiving end of the fashion event harassment

Here is a tip for our readers who want to attend PFDC Bridal week in future, you should reach the hall before time, try to act civilized by standing in a queue and don’t leave your seat for a second otherwise you’ll be standing for the entire show.

Although disappointed by the mismanagement during Day 2 of PFDC L’Oreal Paris Bridal week, I still managed to enjoy the beautiful collection of Fahad Hussyan ‘Raat Rakh’. Fahad’s entire collection was an inspiration from a bride who lost her love and is in search of another one. Fahad’s collection paid tribute to other cultures such as a Christian Bride and a Parsee Bride. Fahad has used fabrics like cotton, cotton nets, pure Mughal jamavar, chiffon, velvet, suede, fur and silks with sleek cuts and straight lines with volume and drapes. The embellishments used were resham, zardozi, crystal work and appliqué. If you look into the collection you could see black as a very dominant colour blended well with pastels.

A display of gold jewellery collection by Reama Malik followed. The collection was entitled as ‘The Mehr Collection’ which was named after Reama’s daughter Mehreen. Reama’s entire collection was an amalgamation of traditional and modern jewellery. She presented a collection that was colour coordinated into red for rubies, blue for sapphires, green for emeralds in addition to crafting pieces with gold, pearls and diamonds.

Emran Rajput’s collection was entitled ‘Vedas’ and the inspiration was drawn from Pakistani cultural heritages.

These were reflected through the colours scheme that he has used in his bridal line. He has used bold colour combinations- I was wondering who would want to wear a yellow sherwani and a green coloured pajama on his wedding. When asked about his experience of PFDC bridal week, he stated that it was a great opportunity for him, that had let him exhibit his creativity and vision. It is also a blend of exquisite workmanship,

latest traditional......... trends, rich elegance

and classic fashion.I was going through Maria B’s facebook status and she

updated, ‘Only three weeks are left and I have zero outfits for bridal week.’ I was wondering how she managed to make so many outfits in three weeks. Anyways her new collection ‘From Paris to Lahore’ was the last part of the runway. Like the name she has given modern touches to the traditional culture of Pakistan. The colour scheme and design was a blend of eastern and western traditions.

One noticeable detail that was lacking in the inaugural Bridal Week of PFDC was the fact that none of the designers were able to bring out a collection that was trend-setting. It was actually on the 3rd day of the event when Asifa and Nabeel’s collection was displayed that actually had enough strength to draw great response from the audience, buyers and International Media. For all those who had lost interest in the initial displays and were starting to leave the premises missed out a treat for eyes.

Keeping a low profile for many years but having a solid base of clients; the duo has steadily climbed high in the fashion fraternity. The stylishly put together collection was entitled ‘Ottoman Royalty’ inspired from the treasures of Ottoman Sultans. The ‘less is more’ strategy was adopted and the emphasis was mostly on the cut and the effective use of colors with just a dash of embroidery.

PFDC L’Oréal Paris Bridal Week Day 2

Day 3

By Sahar Iqbal

By Rubia Moghees

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Day 4By AA

The momentum picked up when Mehreen Sayed donning a beautiful off-white lace A-symmetrical, pleated gown came for the finale. The bridal collection featured both the sexes and was highly personalized with motifs inspired from the Ottoman era. The male models donned some incredible kurtas and two-toned dyed sherwanis.

The biggest miss of the day was the show of Rouge by Faraz and Sundus Manan that seemed more like a filler collection. The confused display with badly cut blouses and bare-back bustiers were irritably out of place and lacked originality. Though ‘Josh’ came to lend their support for Sara Rohail Asghar’s segment, but the quality of the clothes left a lot to be desired.

Ali Xeeshan is the new wonder kid who is doing great in fashion circles showcased a collection that was a tribute to ‘Pahalgam’ named after the city in Kashmir. The models were

dressed in Kashmiri outfits sporting caps, extensive head-gears and braids including turbans and waist coats. The intricate embroidery was eye-catching with special detailing on the shalwars. It was heartening to see the revival of the knee-length shirts teamed with wide legged palazzo pants and velvet shalwars.

Lastly, the makeup for that specific day was by the creative team of Toni and Guy, the premiere International brand who brought their unique style in makeup and hair styling. Shammal Qureshi along with wife Redah Misbah did a splendid job.

The Day 4 concluded with some spectacular showing by Karma, Nida Azwar, Damas and Umar Sayeed; and some not so spectacular reconfirmation of the old cliché that some things never change.

To begin with, reporters always have to fight, shove and push to get in, despite their fancy looking media passes and the executive type invitation cards. The ruckus at the entrance could make for some good entertainment, only if the observer is not at the receiving end of the fashion event harassment.

And above all, with all the bridal couture extravaganza and the possibility of Karma bringing in the funk and the glam to the hilt, Umar Sayeed’s edge would always remain the same, outshining the rest, and appealing to the buyer on

the lookout for the timeless and the beautiful, even when designers like Nida Azwar do their best to give him a run for his gold and beige creations.

T h e highlight of the evening was the show by Damas and the show stopper M e e s h a

Shafi who strutted on the ramp in a diamond encrusted mask and a microphone in hand. Her rendition of ‘Diamonds are a girl’s best friend’ sans music and with all the models in short black dresses perched strategically on the catwalk, sporting long hair and glittering diamond jewellery, was a visual treat if not necessarily an acoustic one.

Overall the show kept the spirit of the wedding season, with colour, festivity, live singing and traditional music. Umar Sayeed culminated the sense of celebration and a tinge of nostalgia by using traditional dholki songs as the background score for his show. From mehndi ni mehndi to Mathey tay chamkan the music changed according to the different segments of the collection. Nice strategy, one would say, as the nostalgia factor combined with the pretty and the colorful could make any one to go with the flow, loosen up the purse strings and get an Umar Sayeed Jora just for the sake of it. The long shirts, the richness of gold and beige, the glamour of alluring embroidered saris, and above all the inclusion of Mahira Askari and Fawad Khan as show stoppers, created a sense of important things happening for an Umar Sayeed buyer.

The next best thing was Nida Azwar with her dynasty collection; a rich blend of colour, wide ranging motifs, intricate gota creations and some luxurious lace and fabric, Nida’s collection proved an excellent alternative especially for those who are more interested in investing in versatile traditional wear. Sanam Marvi’s folk singing live on stage, added an ethereal quality to the whole show.

Tip to take home to a wedding: Get an Umar Sayeed Sari, a Karma shrug, some Nida Azwar creation in gota and net, and if there is enough limit left in your credit card, then a pair of Damas pearl earrings won’t really hurt.

Interview

By

By Ayesha Nasir

Time to CelebrateThe year 2011 has been quite an eventful one. It seems like only yesterday that we ushered in a new year amidst much fanfare, only to see it flutter past us in the blink of an eye. And so, here we are once again, to wish you a happy year 2012!Pakistan Today rounded up a few celebrities and asked them to share their New Year plans with us. Read on…

Sabina Pasha (Model, L’Oréal Pakistan Spokesperson)

1- What’s your New Year resolution?SP- My New Year resolution is to do limitless work in my field be it videos with a difference or

quality shoots... and most importantly to hold on to the people who love me the most! 2- One New Year resolution which you actually fulfilled.

SP- I let go of things that are not in my control.3- Who would you like to celebrate New Year’s eve with?

SP- With my 17-year old who is on his death bed

Juggun Kazim (Actor/model, Garnier Local Spokesperson)

1- What’s your New Year resolution?JK- My New Year resolution is to take care of the environment; we say it time and again but tend to

forget. Little gestures like planting a tree can mean a lot at the end of the day.2- One New Year resolution which you actually fulfilled.

JK- Spent time with my son. I had managed to be around him and made the most of our time together.

3- Who would you like to celebrate New Year’s Eve with?JK-Family and close friends. It’s a celebration only if you are around

people who care about you.

Khalid Malik (RJ/Actor)

1- What’s your New Year resolution?KM- If it needs repairing, do it now. Read, just read even if it is manuals.2- One New Year resolution which you actually fulfilled.KM- Ummm, next question please. (Well to be fair I had promised myself to throw away my dirty towels and that lasted a month - so not sure if it qualifies as mission accomplished)!3- Who would you like to celebrate New Year’s Eve with?KM- Are Megan Fox, Natalie Portman or Anne Hathaway in town?

By Sumeha Khalid

Hira Tareen (Model/actor/DJ)1- What’s your New Year resolution?HT- To get a fresh new start on old habits!! Just kidding. I hope to drop any of my remaining bad habits and get more involved in charity and non-profit initiatives.2- One New Year resolution which you actually fulfilled. HT- I can’t think of JUST one.3- Who would you like to celebrate New Year’s Eve with?HT- I will already be with loved ones but I will miss my parents and family who are in the US.

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Huma Adna (Designer)

1- What’s your New Year resolution?HA- Apart from all the usual things – losing weight, eating healthy, reading Quran everyday – and not just during Ramadan - seeing friends and relatives more, going to places I haven’t been – I would dearly love to start relaxing more – less work and play more...2- One New Year resolution which you actually fulfilled.HA-The year 2011 was a year Fnkasia came of age and I feel I achieved new goals that year.3- Who would you like to celebrate New Year’s Eve with?HA- I always want my family and my friends with me on New Year’s Eve. One has to celebrate with near and dear ones. New Year’s Eve with strangers just doesn’t cut it.I am looking forward to new adventures and experiences and already feeling refreshed and ready for the next year at work.

Maheen Karim (Designer)

1- What’s your New Year resolution?MK- I would like to concentrate on work, try to expand my label to more countries outside of Pakistan

other than the ones where I already stock.2- One New Year resolution which you actually fulfilled.

MK- Hmmmm, I never really have had a strict New Year’s resolution, why wait for new years when you can start making the change today!

3- Who would you like to celebrate New Year’s Eve with?MK- With close family and close friends... they make me happiest and why not start a fresh year full of joy

and happiness.

Joshinder Chaggar (Choreographer/dancer)

1- What’s your New Year resolution?JC- My New Year resolution is to start my day at 6 am. I’ve been doing this off and on this year, but want to be more consistent.2- One New Year resolution which you actually fulfilled.JC- Well... my New Year resolution last year was also to wake up at 6 am! Didn’t quite succeed fully! Trying again next year!3- Who would you like to celebrate New Year’s Eve with?JC- We always celebrate New Year’s partying with our closest friends.

Zhalay Sarhadi (Actor/host)

1- What’s your New Year resolution?ZS- To be a better, healthier and fitter mom.

2- One New Year resolution which you actually fulfilled.ZS- I made a resolution years back to work harder and earn my living, independent of

parental support and I fulfilled it!3- Who would you like to celebrate New Year’s Eve with?

ZS- My family and close friends… it will be a really close affair.

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After much scouting and deliberation, we have decided on what is to be the venue for your wedding. Welcome to the

Qasar-e-Noor Nauroze. Just before you enter Model Town, on your left you will see a beautiful spectacle of golden light bouncing off the soft balcony above which

glow the names, Qasar-e-Noor Nauroze. The glass panes on the door give a little peak to the inside but then you open the doors and step in... It is beautiful. You will be enamored by the lighting that made the marble floors glisten and sparkle while you are bathed in a warm soft glow. The seating comprises of delicate round tables that are adorned with flowers and decorations. We are told that these are prepared on the preference of the customers. The stage is decked in white netting with flowers and drapes adorned on the sides with extravagant sofas and chairs complimenting them.

We were then escorted to an adjacent hall which followed the theme of the first ones but had its own personality. This is called the Pearl Hall. This hall was also decorated for a function and this time the stage was decked in red, with sofas of red velvet, and roses, accentuated by the curtains and drapes present behind them.

We expected our tour to be over, but we were quite wrong for they had saved

the crème de la crème for the last. We were led out of the Pearl Hall and onto a set of stairs that led up to another one called the Diamond Hall. As we glanced

at the intricate d e s i g n on the door our

expectations were met. Upon entry there was a reception desk to our left and on to our right were rows of catering equipment for food to be served. Mere words cannot explain this through words alone, so we will show you a picture to help you realize the grandeur and royalty of the Diamond Hall. Having stepped in, you will find it impossible not to consider hosting your wedding, or your party, or anything in this hall, just for the pleasure of being back here. This is a true sight for sour eyes.

Being very satisfied with what we saw, we were asked to try out the food. You shouldn’t expect five star cuisine at a banquet hall but we were in agreement that this was the best food we had tasted from any wedding in recent memory. You can also have your wedding covered for

photographs, studio shoot, and videos by their d e d i c a t e d team. They arrange for music with selected play lists and c o n c e r t -grade sound

systems. Also, in a classic moment of why hasn’t anyone done this before, there is free Wi-Fi provided in the entire venue for guests of the function. We were quite impressed with the capacity as well, which can house 1200 guests in a roundtable arrangement which can be expanded to 1600 with conventional seating. It is spacious enough, and that space is not wasted, as each little detail has been taken into consideration with the architecture and internal décor of the halls.

Beautiful halls, a cooperative staff, elegance and class embedded in it, and the rates are very reasonable. So trust us and check out Qasar-e-Noor Nauroze. You are in for a surprise. Once you see the Diamond Hall though, you will be smitten. So go now and thank us later.

The arrival of winter also brings slews of wedding invitations. So there is much to be done and much to choose from. So we decided to assist you coming to a decision for the most obvious pick for your day.

Qasar-e-Noor Nauroze

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Best of Hollywood and Bollwood2011Making lists of any kind is a thankless task; owing

to the subjective nature of the activity, there will be some items (in this case movie) that will miss out which will invariably not please some

readers. Having said that, the following is a list of movies, in no particular order, that came out last year and in my humble opinion are worth a watch.

No One Killed Jessica

The Rani Mukerji and Vidya Balan

starrer, based on the true story of an aspiring Delhi based model Jessica Lall, got 2011 off

to a bang.

Delhi Belly Is this the best comedy to come out

of India last year? Well it certainly makes a strong case for the gong and while

Imran Khan stars, the other actors are just as significant and do justice to their roles making this a highly entertaining watch.

AarakshanThis hard hitting socio-political drama featuring a wide array of talented actors deals with the

issue of caste based reservation system and in the process delivers a highly inspiring and

thought provoking cinematic experience.

Zindagi Na Miley Gi DobaraSophomore efforts can be tricky but Zoya Akhtar,

who shone with her directorial debut in Luck By Chance, follows up effortlessly; the similarities to Dil Chahta Hai are uncanny but Zoya steered clear of the melodrama that slightly tarnished her brothers debut venture thus making ZNMD a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

ForceA remake of a successful Tamil film (Kaakha Kaakha),

Force features John Abraham as the straight as an arrow narcotics officer chasing a dangerous and extremely violent gangster Vishnu played rather well by the model turned actor Vidyut Jamwal.

Crazy Stupid LoveRyan Gosling by virtue of his off-beat roles in independent

films has built quite a reputation but it was Crazy Stupid

Love, arguably the romantic comedy of the year that catapulted him into the limelight and brought him mainstream credibility.

Rise Of The Planets Of The ApesRebooting franchises can be tricky business but director

Rupert Wyatt does not disappoint one bit. James Franco stars as a young scientist looking to find a cure for Alzheimer’s but make no mistake this movie belongs to Andy Serkis whose portrays Caesar-a chimpanzee who is a product of Franco’s research-a highly intelligent and evolved ape who brings about a mutiny against humans and leads the apes to freedom.

X-MEN: First ClassA prequel for the X-Men trilogy, the movie focuses on

the budding relationship of Charles Xavier (Professor X) and Erik Lensherr (Mangneto), their ideological differences and the subsequent fallout. It is fast paced and James McAvoy and in particular Michael Fassbender do complete justice to the cleverly written screenplay.

MoneyballMoneyball is a recruitment technique used by sports

franchises to acquire players using statistics that are generally overlooked. The film, based on Michael Lewis’ book of the same name, follows the fortunes of the baseball team Oakland Athletics and its general manager played perfectly by Brad Pitt.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows-Part 2The final instalment in the Harry Potter series has to its

credit, the highest earning on the opening day record, the worldwide opening weekend record, the widest 3D Launch, the highest grossing film of 2011, the highest grossing fantasy live action film and amongst other numerous records the small matter of being only the ninth film ever to cross the magical $1 billion mark. Enough said.

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A. Roberto Cavalli Resort Silk MaxiB. Green Ombre Print Chiffon Dress C. Roberto Cavalli Resort Ombre Print Dress D. Roberto Cavalli Ombre Printed MaxiE. Roberto Cavalli Resort Silk Dress

D

Roberto Cavalli Resort Silk MaxiGreen Ombre Print Chiffon Dress Roberto Cavalli Resort Ombre Print Dress Roberto Cavalli Ombre Printed MaxiRoberto Cavalli Resort Silk Dress

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“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” Coco Chanel

It was true then and it is true even today. The term “fashion” means a currently popular style/practice. It includes apparel, accessories, footwear and jewellery but it is the way we dress, talk, the technology we use, food we eat, friends and the life style we have and a lot more. It came into being with the advent of the human being in this world. Ornamentation and adornment had always been a strong force behind clothing. Over the time civilizations seek different ways to adorn themselves. Modern fashion gained strength particularly during the Renaissance era and with the rise of new technologies and capitalism, fashion industry became a massive operation affecting several overlapping economies and controlling thousands of jobs. British fashion industry contributes nearly £21bn to the UK economy but unfortunately its importance in our society is very underrated. Each of us is constantly affected by fashion in one or other way. Every piece of clothing/jewellery from interior Sindh to New York represents some culture, history and trend. Even those who are anti fashionionists are part of the fashion world in their own way.Print and electronic media have become more important in shaping our lifestyles since the beginning of the 20th century, when fashion magazines began to include photographs of various fashion designs. To

communicate the trends to buyers and public the concept of trade show (1960) and fashion week (1984) came into being. Fashion week is an industry trade show and its basic purpose is to sell clothes. Designers present their collections to let the industry know what’s “in” and what’s “out”, buyers place orders and journalists write about it so it can trickle down to the general public who will follow these trends the next season.London Fashion Week is one of the big 4 fashion weeks, along with New York, Milan and Paris. This year the name that made us all a proud Pakistani was “Omar Mansoor” He is a prestigious London based couturier with an impressive resume. His collection was not only technically strong but also aesthetically pleasing while still maintaining a high fashion feel. People like Omar, give hope to our young designers but we all need to contribute on every level in order to help this industry grow in Pakistan as it has a lot of potential. Fashionista Fatima is a step towards that goal.Today Fashionista Fatima guide takes an advanced look at 2012 best trends so you can start working on your wardrobe beforehand. Fashion designers have offered us a variety of trends. Some are distinctly new and crazy and others are those we have already got familiar to from 2011.

2012 Fashion ForcastColour: Fabric designers and fashion forecasters get together at the Colour Trend and Textile design show and release the color trends for the following season. For A/W12, bright

colours of 2011 are subdued into the vibrant colours of gems like orange, teal, turquoise, gold, camel, midnight blue and burgundy. For S/S12 colours are bright, true and optimistic like phlox purple, cedar, neutral green, deep teal, warm poppy, geranium, canary, tiffany blue, hyacinth, honey and sandstone. Overall, 2012 is packed in bright hues Fetish: A sleek and gothic look inspired by The Night Porter40s Elegance: 40s elegance is again a hot trend as seen in GucciMidi and Maxi Skirts: Opt for maxi length skirts for 2012. Graphic Prints: It is all about graphic prints next season.Pleats and Frills: 2012 will the year of pleats, frills and cute rosettes.Chunky Knit: Next season is all about chunky knits Leather and Fur: Fur and leather are a big trend next season. Bright Maxi Coats: Opt for maxi length coat in bright colours for 2012Wide Cropped Trousers: 2012 is a year of wide cropped trousers Python print: Snakeskin will be the favourite print for next seasonSparkle and Shine: 2012 is a year of drop waists, sequins and high shine metallic fabrics Knee length Books: 2011 boots are knee high instead of thigh high.Fold Over Bags: Scrunched fold-over bags will be big next seasonBright Accessories: Add bright accessories to your look like scarves, bags or hats and boots

[email protected]/fashionistafatima

Fashion - A way of life

From the catwalks of Paris to the Fashion Houses of Milan, walking the streets of New York to the boutique lanes of London, Fatima Khan, fashion stylist, designer, graduate of NCA and The London School of Fashion is a self proclaimed Fashionista. Her unique esthetic sense coupled with her experience as a fashion buyer/merchandiser for various Fashion Houses in London has helped to launch herself as a fashion connoisseur par excellence. Meet her every Sunday and learn what’s hot on the high streets in the global fashion village as well as the season’s must-haves and how to wear them.“My aim is to give my Pakistani readers heads up by providing them with key forecast for the up coming season so they can welcome the season with a perfect wardrobe without paying designer prices”

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Subway is a popular restaurantthat primarily serves submarine sandwiches. Subway touts its sandwiches as healthy food choices.

Subway’s Chicken fajita Ingredients:2oogm chicken (cut in small cubes)1 6-inch loaf of whole wheat bread1 slice of cheddar cheese cut in half1 tablespoon mayonnaise1 tablespoon mustard1 tablespoon chilli sauce1 teaspoon vinegar1 teaspoon olive oil3 onion rings3 capsicum rings3 slices of tomato2-3 leaves of iceberg4 rings of black olives4 slices of pickled cucumberSalt and pepper to taste1 teaspoon lemon juice½ teaspoon coarse red chillies½ teaspoon Soya sauce

Method:• Marinate the chicken cubes for half an hour with salt, chillies, lemon and Soya sauce• Grill the chicken and set aside. • Cut the bread in half. Arrange cheese slices and top it with chicken. Drizzle mayonnaise, mustard, chilli sauce, vinegar and olive oil one after the other. • Then arrange onions, capsicum, olives, tomatoes, iceberg and pickled cucumbers on it. • Sprinkle salt and pepper and cover it with the other half of the bread. Serve hot.

Eat fresh!

Beginning of the New Year is the perfect time to turn a new page, which is probably why so many people make New Year’s resolutions. A new year often feels like a fresh start, a great opportunity to eliminate bad habits and establish new routines that will help you grow psychologically, emotionally, socially,

physically and intellectually. Amongst the many other New Year resolutions, a resolution to lose weight and get lean is one of the most popular. It’s also a great first step to a healthy lifestyle. So if you are determined to cut down on your calories this year, we recommend four mouth-watering dishes that will help you deal with your eat-out cravings, thus fulfilling your desire to lose weight.

By Sadiya Babar

New Year’s resolution for weight watchers

Reverse Engineering

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Cosa Nostra’s Chicken Caesar SaladIt is a refreshing salad that is served with lots of greens and chicken. Eating salad almost every day may be one of the healthiest eating habits you can adopt and one of the simplest.Ingredients:1 tablespoon black olives1 big tomato cut in square pieces1 cup of iceberg½ cup grilled chicken cut in julienne strips1 teaspoon of parmesan cheese¼ cup croutonsMethod:• Put all the above mentioned ingredients in a bowl and drizzle the dressing liberally.Dressing:1 tablespoon of olive oil¼ teaspoon garlic paste½ cup anchovies fish can1 tablespoon mayonnaise1 tablespoon lemon juiceSalt to taste½ teaspoon black pepper¼ teaspoon oregano leaves• Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and toss over the salad.

Freddy’s grilled fish with Chipotle Chilli sauceFreddy’s has been recognized numerous times for having the best weight watchers menu in town. Their grilled fish with chipotle chilli sauce is fabulous. Fish is a fabulous addition to any healthful diet because its low saturated fat content makes it the perfect protein substitute for fatty cuts of beef .Ingredients:3 fillets of Bekti fish1 teaspoon lemon juice½ teaspoon garlic paste¼ cup string beans¼ cup capsicum cut in 1 inch pieces¼ cup carrots cuts in 1 inch piecesChipotle Sauce:2 tablespoons sour cream, preferably reduced-fat1 tablespoon mayonnaise, preferably reduced-fat1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice1 teaspoon canned chipotle chillies (about 1/2 chilli)1 clove of garlic1/4 tsp. chilli powderMethod:• Marinate fish with lemon juice and garlic for about 30 minutes. Place it in a pan and grill it for 15 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork.• Meanwhile, steam string beans, carrots and capsicum.• Arrange the fish and veggies with a bowl of chipotle sauce on a platter. Serve hot.

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Insam Couture talks to Pakistan Today Lounge about the current trends of the season. Mood this winterWarm earthy tones and it is all about cuts with some interesting motifs that are placed on the cuts and lots of volume. Colour of the seasonRoyal blue, emerald green, sapphire and red.Colours for the bridesThe bride always looks beautiful in the traditional red and there are so many shades of red. Soft pastel colours are in as well.Colour for valimaSoft blue, shades of grey and beige. Any comeback?Short shirts are back.Colour for mehndiThe authentic colours of Ajraak. Must have bagBig bags. Fabrics this winterThis winter chiffon and lace are in. Your colour schemesGem stone colours and earthly tones such as muddy brown, olive green and rusty orange. Embellishments In terms of fashion heavy embellishments are out. But for brides definitely yes!Churidars or tights?Churidars.Striking and recurrent patterns and printsChevron, retro and geometrical prints.Polka dots or stripes? Both.Sleeves?I am a big fan of sleeveless.

Insam Couture is one of the newer names to have emerged on the horizon of the fashion industry. Their work is unique and novel because they specialize in the use of traditionally dyed fabrics such as Ajrak. Insam Couture is one out of a handful of brands in Pakistan to invest heavily in the development of indigenous fabrics such as Ajrak.

What’s In What’s out

Trends

By Ayesha Nasir

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