LAHORE: KHAS opened its doors to Lahore on April 19 with a bang. Lifestyle stores have recently become the latest fad, with export houses manufacturing their own line of linen and terry products for the local market. Sadaqat Group’s Hina Shoaib announced the launch of its retail chain under the name of Khas across Pakistan. “We focus on presenting our customers with a versatile range of bed linen, exclusive hand-knotted carpets from Rugs and Home, decorative accessories and trendy ready-to-wear apparel,” says Hina Shoaib.

With stores like So Kamal already in the market, Khas adds another avenue for home retail. Keeping up with the fad, it also offers in-house linen of varying quality, from a 500 thread count luxury line to a 200 thread count hotel line. It also trickles down to children’s rooms and printed linen. Along with linen, the store is also housing furniture by Designers Guild, imported accessories, crockery, pottery and terra products from China. Along with home decor items, the brand has also launched its own in-house apparel line under the name of Paris Boutique that is offering ready-to-wear shirts.

“We want to make Khas your one-stop shop for everything lifestyle-related,” says Shoaib. “We also have a team working with us to create leather trays and accessories.” From candles to table runners, clients can walk in and purchase the entire look of the room and walk out.

Bilal Mukhtar of Bilal Mukhtar Events says, “The city’s increasingly style-focused clientele has created an ambiance of pure luxury and indulgence premised on modern and contemporary interior and designing.”

Situated in the heart of Gulberg on Ghalib Road, the vast expanse of the store is well managed and does not seem cluttered even with the amount of items up for sale. “We are investing Rs200 million to open 10 stores in the next months, including one each in Sargodha and Multan, soon to be followed by Karachi and Islamabad and going up to 100 stores in a span of four years,” confirmed Khurram Mukhtar, CEO of Sadaqat Group.

With a very ambitious plan laid out in front of them, only time will tell how well they are able to deliver.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 22^nd, 2013.                   

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Some elders advise their daughters and daughters-in-law to have children early on, either in the hope of having multiple grandchildren or to tie them down in their marriage. In rural areas, there is hardly any concept of family planning, and teen pregnancies are very common. While society is moving away from the trend of getting girls married at the ages of 15 and 16, there is still a segment of society where girls marry at young ages and become mothers before 20.

“What people don’t realise is that a woman is ideally ready to bear a child after the age of 21,” says renowned gynecologist Farrukh Zaman. “Teen pregnancies are harmful for girls because their body tissues are underdeveloped. Even emotionally, they are not ready to become mothers.”

“There are no positives of teen pregnancies,” continues Dr Zaman. “C-sections are higher at an early age with a greater chance of a rocky pregnancy resulting in high blood pressure.”

Dr Zaman also highlights that women who start their families after 25 or closer to 30 are able to provide a more secure environment for their family. “They have completed their education by the age of 30, and have a secure standing in society,” urges Dr Zaman. “And since the woman is mature enough to understand herself, she is able to provide for the child in a much better way.”

Psychologist Dr Muhammad Mujtaba sheds light on the effects young pregnancies can have on the mental health of teen mothers.

“Firstly, social stigma is an issue not only with teenage mothers but also with their children. They suffer abuse, mostly as a result of their impulsive acts like aggression etc,” says Dr Mujtaba. “Because their mothers are not able to bond with them properly or give emotional support, the children are also more prone to give physical and emotional abuse to them,” he continues. “As a result, they become more delinquent, more involved in drugs and sexual activity and more likely to leave education earlier than the average child of the same social strata [born to an adult female].”

Teen mothers are more vulnerable than adult mothers to psychological issues. According to experts, teen mothers: 

1.   Are more prone to act aggressively.

2.   Are less tolerant to the child’s demands.

3.   Are less able to relate to their children.

4.   More prone to do deliberate self harm.

5.   Are likely to either physically or emotionally abuse their children.

6.   Are more likely to have separations or divorces and become single parents.

7.   Are more likely to suffer from depression and become dependent on drugs, especially sleeping aids.

9.   Are likely to be physically abused themselves by their spouse or people around them.

10. Less likely to continue education after having children.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 23^rd, 2013.

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LAHORE: The wait is over. The coolest new retail outlet has finally arrived as Sania Maskatiya opens her very own flagship store in Lahore. Situated on the bustling MM Alam Road, the store transports you to Sania’s world of creativity.

“It’s just been two years for our brand and we are extremely excited to be able to expand into a standalone store in Lahore,” says Maskatiya. “We endeavour to bring all that the Sania Maskatiya brand has come to be known for in terms of aesthetics, design and service to Lahore.”

The new store is now the home to all Sania Maskatiya lines and specific collections, from her popular block prints, embroideries and every day kurtas along with evening couture and formal wear as well as her recent collection Naqsh, which was showcased at Fashion Pakistan Week (FPW) 5 in Karachi.

The concept store’s interior has been designed by Yousaf Shahbaz of Strata and it’s a breath of fresh air to see the interior designer incorporate Maskatiya’s design concepts into the store’s interior. With faux grass lining the entrance and geometric structures hanging around the store, it almost feels as if Maskatiya’s clothes were taken as inspiration to create the store.

Maskatiya will be showing her new collection Aghaaz at PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week (PSFW). “Our new collection for PSFW celebrates the opening of this new space,” continues Maskatiya. “Paying tribute to the bold and vibrant along with the pastel hues that are representative of the magical city of Lahore, Aghaaz seeks to excite the senses as one enters a garden of new beginnings.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 27^th, 2013.                    

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LAHORE: Print, print and more print is what Day 1 at the Pakistan Fashion Design Council (PFDC) Sunsilk Fashion Week entailed.

In a nutshell, this season seems to be headed towards extravagance via prints and solids with minimal to no embellishments. It is without a doubt safe to say that PFDC knows how to put on a show. Here’s the breakdown:

Tapu Javeri

Fashion Week in Lahore opened with a bang with Tapu Javeri’s Tapulicious collection. Collaborating with Sadaf Malattere, Wardha Saleem, Adnan Pardesy and Rizwan Beyg, the collection had signature elements from each of the designers. Sadaf Malaterre’s fringe paired with Adnan Pardesy’s structured pleats wrapped with Wardha’s psychedelic prints, the collection was eye-catching with a number of hits-and-misses. While Fayeza Ansari sporting a funky eye patch was edgy, Mehreen Syed’s showstopper dress looked like a bad costume choice for Dracula-land. From Patiala shalwars to Western short dresses, the collection had a mixture of cuts and colour combos; however, the lime green mini dress was by far the best thing to come out of the collection.

Sublime by Sara Shahid

Lahore’s go-to-prét designer showed her latest collection titled NOW, featuring primarily solid neon-coloured outfits that were simple, wearable and bang on trend. Cybil’s outfit with solid block prints stood out and the wrap-around-neck hugging halters were a hit. Sara played a lot with drop shoulder tops and flowing drapery, which were plain and pretty. However, the chunky elastic bands in the back of jumpsuits looked slightly tacky. What did not work in Sublime’s favour were the black-and-white striped shirts with pink embroidery.

Sania Maskatiya

Aghaaz was one of the best collections of the evening, inclusive of macaroon colours with a hint of neon. Sania Maskatiya is one designer who not only understands print the best, but also has a knack for producing some of the best print-on-print we’ve seen so far. Maha Burney’s styling with the chain wrapped buns and plaits were a hit. It was hard to find anything amiss in this collection and with the exception of two outfits, the entire collection was spot on. Kudos to Maskatiya for incorporating the lacha in her collection. It was refreshing to see the traditional female village-wear be translated onto the ramp, revamped by Maskatiya. It is hard to pick a favourite, but the peek-a-boo mustard top paired with dark blue pants would have to be one of the best outfits in the collection. With Kiran Chaudhry as the showstopper, Sania Maskatiya’s show came to a smashing end.

FnkAsia

Unfortunately, this brand was neither funky nor Asian. Even though the collection was better than what we have seen come out from FnkAsia in the past, it was hard to understand the design concept. With a few hits and a lot of misses, FnkAsia’s saving grace had to be the very first sari on the ramp — a monochromatic blouse paired with a loud colour block sari. Another piece that stood out was the lime green and black top that was not just complementary but bang-on trendy. Humaima Malik’s showstopper red dress was an interesting piece coming from this fusion line, but not well draped.

Élan

The first act of Day 1 at PSFW closed with Élan’s thundering collection, Ode to a Nightingale. Inspired by Keats’ poem, the collection is an expression of transcending the human condition of despair and monotony and feeling one with the nightingale in its blissful state of freedom and happiness. Carrying on with her love for the orient, designer Khadijah Shah took her collection from last year further by developing more structured prints. Élan has always been known for its luxury prét, and not only were the prints luxurious but her cuts wer equally fascinating. Funky geometric accessories added to the entire look of the collection. The biggest hit of the collection would have to be the balloon skirt. It is well-structured and flattering — it might not appear on the racks, but fashion-forward ladies will definitely want to be seen in it. The showstopper dress worn by Mehreen Syed was one of the only embellished pieces; however, with this collection Élan’s prints stole the show and upstaged the showstopper.

Misha Lakhani

The newest sensation on the block presented a very wearable, laid-back collection. Misha’s collection had Karachi’s quintessential no-fuss element, with a major focus on cuts and her signature high-slit shirts with unfinished edges. From toga-style maxis to open window backs, Misha also experimented with sari-like draperies. What funked up Misha’s collection would most definitely be her gota embellished duppatas and casual flip-flops. But the designer’s strongest assets are luxury prét and formal wear; sadly, Lahore missed her beautiful embellishments.

Akif Mehmood

This designer really needs to either snap out of the tribal zone or learn how to make it work to his advantage. With the sacrificial cow-inspired aesthetic, this collection would have to be one of the biggest disappointments of the evening. Only two separate pieces from the entire collection were worth looking at — one being a pair of rust pants with appliqué work and the other a pair of monochromatic pants.

Maria B

Maria B’s collection closed the first day of fashion week. The Lahore-based designer has been in the industry for over a decade now and has shifted her focus to prét. While it was nice to see Maria B do something different for a change, she played it safe with cuts and colour options. The collection got a little monotonous and boring towards the end. We saw cotton prints stitched as jumpsuits and shirts. The collection on its own resembled Muse’s lookbook but the styling of her show was distracting — large aviators killed the look of the collection.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 28^th, 2013.

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Feeha Jamshed

An ode to the classic black and white combo can only be so appetising, especially if it’s mostly light cotton fabric on a ramp that has seen some beautiful digital prints on silk. But among the shiny silks and carousel of colours, Feeha’s collection hit the spot by being edgy, wearable and well-stitched. Fusing ’50s and ’60s fashion with ’90s style, Feeha’s neatly tailored safari suits, dresses, shoulder-bearing tunics and funky pants made a fashion statement and were a refreshing break from printed silks and embellishments. There was even a lab coat-inspired shirt paired with a belt, echoing a signature Feeha Jamshed look of the wide silhouette narrowing at the waist in order to keep the outline feminine. Leather hints on pockets and jackets were interesting, and we wish that she had played with them some more. Standouts included skeletal cutout backs, a pair of futuristic silver harem pants and a funky pair of pants layered from thigh to ankle. The collection was a nice change from her jumpsuits which we loved but are bored with.

Ayesha Hashwani

Ayesha has set the bar high for herself when it comes to presenting fashionable collections. With excellent draperies, cuts and a knack for making her outfits work without making a fuss. She presented long bell sleeves, different coloured linings, monochromatic pants and tasseled fringes. While the collection was not cohesive, the shaded purple cape and pants with a tasseled fringe was simple, understated and stylish — easily the biggest hit of the collection.

Shehla Chatoor

Shehla’s prints and cuts lit the ramp on fire and set a high standard that some designers could not meet later on in the evening. The Greek-inspired collection had an entire set of dresses, togas and leather shorts. Lime green is the ‘it’ colour of the season and Shehla Chatoor made sure that this delicious green made a statement in her collection. Fia walked out wearing a gold mesh dress draped with lime green and detailed with gold leather. Peek-a-boo shoulders, wrap dresses and gladiator sandals completed the perfect resort collection.

Fahad Hussayn

It was high drama on the ramp for this designer, with a morbid, ghastly vibe delivered by eerie headpieces. Models balanced elaborately made headpieces with eagles and other small birds, as well as folded metal leaves that completely covered their eyes. The attractive digital prints in watery hues also incorporated birds’ wings on dresses, kimono-type shirts, chiffon dresses and jackets. While there was a lot of theatrical styling, the cuts and drapes were forgettable. What did stand out were the men’s waistcoats; digital prints in blues and greys on white, stitched neatly into fitted waistcoats. We can see fashion savvy ladies rocking these too! Fahad Hussayn’s showstopper was an over-the-top dress embellished with metal and which showed that he is not afraid to take risks but often ends up creating pieces that leave us wondering who will wear them.

Somal Halepoto

This designer presented a collection with a Sania Maskatiya gone wrong feel to it. Showing colour blocked outfits paired with prints, Halepoto showed boyfriend blazers, ponchos, chiffon tops, culottes, capris and kameezes. With a Zara-like aesthetic, the collection had some interesting elements that were worth noticing. The biggest hit of this collection out have to be the wooden bib and metallic collars.

Nickie Nina

The designer duo closed the first act of day two with their Byzantine and Medieval heraldry collection. Metallic accents, deep V backs, stripped and sheer pants, and cutwork were all the rage for Nickie Nina this season. The gold and white slinky jumpsuit and the detailed cutwork they presented were the best elements from the collection.

Yahsir Waheed

This designer’s over-sized pants were not flattering on models who have slim figures — we can’t imagine what they would look like on regular ladies who have a bit of meat! While the cotton and chikan pant suits and kimono shirts didn’t quite work well for this collection, his tribute to Pakistani folk art in the form of digital prints was interesting. Prints in neon green, blue and a deep pink made for attractive dresses, shirts and tunics. Standouts were a kimono-type shirt with phrases such as the typical ‘dekh magar pyaar se’ written in Urdu, as well as a knee-length dress that had beautiful eyes printed on them. We wish he had played with structures and silhouettes instead of doing the over-sized pants which were far too baggy to look good.

Asifa & Nabeel

This collection was the best the designer duo has ever put out — after some questionable fashion choices in the past — but it still needed a great deal of editing. Inspired by the work of determined young artist Omar Rehman, who suffers from cerebral palsy, the duo used the muted and somber colours of Rehman’s paintings in their collection. Lace, embroidered borders and cutwork were all used on chiffons and crepe silks in beige and white with some moss greens. Short, A-line shirts without slits, asymmetrical chiffon tops and strapless shirts with capes dominated the ramp. The vibe of the collection was soft and feminine, but the finishing needed work as some camisoles were too large for the shirts and one or two outfits were not over-locked. Nevertheless, it was great to see the duo present a fashion-forward collection that is wearable.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 29^th, 2013.                    

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Zonia Anwaar

The designer’s Baronial Kremlin collection was highly safe and slightly bland. She had used a wide range of colours – from corals to the on trend green with cowl backs. However, the designer needs to experiment more. With her second year showing at PSFW one would expect this young designer to let loose and experiment with cuts and styles. While there was movement and fluidity in the fabrics she had used, the collection bored the audience, as there wasn’t any variation.

Rizwan Beyg

This designer’s collection paid homage to the artisans of Pakistan with a fantastically fun collection. Even though truck art is overdone and over with, Rizwan Beyg’s collection pumped new life into truck art. Thigh-high boots with intricate truck art done stole the show. While the gypsy style tunics ranged from vibrant solid colours, the spunk was added by the shoes and handbags. Beyg really pushed his boundaries and created an entire range of handbags and shoes. From peep toe sandals to sky-high wedges ­— he had it all. It is tough to use multiple loud colours together and pair them with loud accessories and still make it all work. The truck art satchel would have to be one of the most on trend accessory on the ramp.

Being one of the only designers so far to have presented a menswear line also, Beyg used the same truck art theme on leather pants, belts, briefcases and shoes. Beyg’s collection set the bar very high for the first act and sadly his creativity could not be matched.

Nida Azwer

She presented her 1880s-inspired collection using floral and animal motifs. With silk being her primary medium, Nida Azwer presented prints incorporating floral and animal motifs. One can never go wrong with Azwer’s prints – especially the ones with a Parisian or French aesthetic touch to them, which were pretty. Azwer has been known for her screen prints and block prints, but it will be interesting to see her incorporate more elements in her collection.

While the prints were funky, the cuts were safe and wearable. Overall, the collection was pleasing to the eye.

Mohsin Ali

The Nokia Fluorescent by Mohsin Ali closed the first act of the evening, but it was hard to figure out what was happening on the ramp. While the designer worked with geometric prints in neon and fluorescent colours, he had also used geometry in his cuts. With the exception of one well structured, monochromatic geometric, off-shoulder dress, the rest of the collection made one dizzy with busy prints. It was hard to digest that this collection came from Ali, who is known for making things work.

What killed some of the outfits would have to be the oversized embellished flowers, either on the back or the front of the outfits.

Layla Chatoor

Layla Chatoor opened her show with some pieces that would be better suited for bridal week than prêt but she moved into some printed silks and embellished outfits. Some snake print slithered its way onto some of the outfits but sadly, it just didn’t work.

From embellished capes to silk dresses, Chatoor’s line needed more structure and cohesiveness. Better luck next time.

Sana Safinaz

The duo opened the second act with a bang! With their new store already launched in Karachi, they are every girl’s newest best friend; offering clothes which might just kill. SanaSafinaz’s collection made you want to jump up-and-down gleefully. It was by far, the best collection of the second act of the evening with no one even coming close to stealing their thunder. This resort chic collection had it all, from peek-a-boo shoulders to over-extended bell sleeves with no fuss, clean cut designs that were stylish not just on the ramp but even on the street.

Hues of lime green, rust with black-and-white, SanaSafinaz had a loud floral/tribal-esque aesthetic touch to their collection.

Adnan Pardesy

Adnan Pardesy’s collection was by far one of the worst of the evening. Pardesy is known for his cuts and pleats and somehow everything in this collection was a miss. The designer presented multiple versions of white gowns with metallic accents. His collection titled Ellipsis was heartbreaking.

It did not make you wait for more or even for it to be continued.

Karma

The Gatsby collection by Karma was a breath of fresh air. The ’1920s romance came alive on the ramp as Maheen Kardar pushed her limits and put out one of the best collections the design house has ever created. With the exception of four outfits that pulled the collection down, Karma’s collection was flawless, innovative and uber trendy. The monochromatic embellished pants and dresses were dramatic, en vogue and very Gatsby! From the embellished head gear to the encrusted cigarettes Karma could do no wrong on the ramp. She had not just taken an idea but also understood the philosophy of the era she was representing and as a result put out a collection that was sound and very well thought-out.

Chunky pearls and diamantes, Karma had played around with a new aesthetic which worked for the design house.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 30^th, 2013.

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Faiza Samee

Faiza Samee presented a collection of print-on-print. Her vibrant prints opened the first act of the finale with flared pants and gypsy tops. Ranging from monochromatic pants paired with funky prints, Samee made it all work. She is most definitely better at luxury prêt and bridals. Faiza’s prêt line is wearable and fun which most Pakistanis can relate to — not something we can say for other designers.

Maheen Karim

This designer opened her Paradise collection with a stunning monochromatic web-like printed dress on Fayeza Ansari. Maheen Karim’s infusion of brown tones into the monochrome added to the look and set her apart. She focused more on her swirly Roberto Cavalli-like prints and cuts. Only she could merge all the warm colour tones into one outfit and make it work. However, her embellishments need more structure and time. The collection overall was cohesive, with the elimination of the embellishments which weren’t as exciting as one would have expected from Karim.

ZONG promotes new talent

This segment takes the cake for creativity and structured designs. First up Mahgul for Nasreen Sheikh presented her Archival collection based on the images from the civil and military gazette. Appliquéd images on pants and sheer organza tops, the collection was monochromatic and made a statement. This no-fuss collection was simple and yet made the impact on the ramp that any collection needs to make.

Arooj Ahmed was another shining star in this segment with her funky prints. The colour palettes in the collection majorly consist of blues and oranges, with other vibrant shades used to accentuate the palette. Ahmed has played with the basic silhouettes by cut lines to make them more altered and inimitable, giving a contemporary look to nature’s beauty. Ruffled tops with almost a fan-like effect added drama to the collection and that is what one likes to see from an emerging young designer.

Mohsin Ali presented his Sustainable Fashion collection. The aesthetic inspiration for the women’s wear collection is drawn from traditional basket weaving which was reflected in the silhouettes and textures of the garments. He played around with woven fabric in white and grey but added character with his cane accessories. From the shoes to head gear, his collection was all about making a statement with the accessories.

Daniyal Mubarik’s collection titled Global Culture took inspiration from different cultures around the world and merged it together. Outfits with British notch collars blended with traditional Japanese kimonos and Indian saris mixed with Arabic turbans and African drapes among many others. Indeed, the depiction of different cultural motifs is demonstrative of the yin-yang philosophy and shows how seemingly contrary elements can exist in artistic harmony.

Khaadi Khaas

The second act opened with Khaadi Khaas’s tribal-inspired collection. While the collection had some great elements along with funky internal linings, there were some pieces that had the typical Khaadi aesthetic. The Afghan inspired jewellery deserved a shout out. Metallic belts and shoes were all the rave. While they kept up with the monochromatic trend, Khaadi Khaas incorporated blue accents merged with maroon in their collection.

Muse

Each year it seems as if Muse uses the same techniques to create new motifs. And while we all love recurring trends, there comes a time when these trends become redundant. Even though Muse uses top quality fabric, their latest collection European Palaces didn’t do any wonders on the ramp. The rosette filled blouses were done three years ago and now they have just become boring to see. With so much potential, Muse needs to step away from the yawn-factor and try something new and different.

Wardah Saleem

Wardah Saleem colour blocked her monochromatic aesthetic with vibrant prints. In her collection, she uses flamboyant colours like yellow and turquoise while infusing appliqué accents. However, the most interesting parts of Saleem’s collection were accessories and shoes. Multi-coloured accessories with Charlotte Olympia’s cobweb patterns on the shoes. It is fun to see how designers are now expanding their range into accessories and shoes to complement the look of their collection. From jelly sandals to formal shoes, Saleem had it all.

Ali Xeeshan

This designer closed the first act with his all white collection. Sometimes it is important to understand the extravagance that can be created with just one colour makes the impact one wants. What worked for Ali Xeeshan, apart from the drama, were individual pieces from the collection. The embroideries carried on from his bridal week collection, with a similar aesthetic. His over-the-top style might not be everyone’s cup of tea but it is undeniable that Xeeshan knows how to put up a great show.

HSY

PSFW came to an end with HSY’s dramatic collection. HSY knows how to rock an event. Male models walked out in I Love HSY T-shirts and the ladies in shirts with his signature emblem emblazoned on them. It was not the collection of the evening but HSY created drama with crushed chiffon, embroidered pants and Patiala shalwar-inspired jumpsuits. Male models came out carrying oversized travel bags that added to the collection.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 1^st, 2013.                       

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“We want to provide our clients everything at just a click away,” says Zainab Malik of Brand Central. “We have been working on this project for a year now and we feel that our software is exactly where it should be to handle such a venture.”

Focused on Pakistanis residing in Canada, Europe, USA, UK and the Scandinavian countries, Brand Central is trying to bring the taste of home with just a click away. “We have done extensive market research in these areas and have figured out what people are looking for and that is what we want to cater to.”

A wide range of designers and retail conglomerates are on board including Threads & Motifs, Cross Stitch, Needles, Koel, Rabia- Slate, Deepak Perwani, Shamael, Layla Chatoor, Feeha Jamshed, Maheen Karim, Ayesha Hashwani, Farida Hasan, Ayesha Somaya, Amna Aqeel, Ayesha Khurram, Nasreen Shaikh, Ali Xeeshan and Rana Nauman for clothes and Arammish and Tony&Guy for beauty products.

“People have been so kind to us,” continues Malik, “Deepak Perwani just said are you [catering to a] niche? Where do I sign? The response has been great as far as our stockers go.”

Brand Central will not only be housing local designers but have also reached out across the border to widen their range by adding seven Indian designers to their roster including Mini Bindra, Arjum Kapoor, Rakesh Agarwal, Vikram Fundus to name a few.

“What we have in store for the website is state of the art,” continues Malik. “Since we deal in the business of fashion and have a successful magazine, we know how people want fashion presented. Each outfit will have a ramp walk so that the client can see how the outfit will look on a real person and get a sense of the flow of the material. Along with this, we will be adding specific descriptions to the outfits.”

This new venture can be best described as the local Net a Porter. To ensure credibility and to assure the client that there will be no credit card tampering or theft, all transactions will be made from Dubai. “We have an entire IT unit set there that’ll be taking care of the transactions and payments,” she adds.

From choosing every outfit they stock to utilising their contacts in the fashion industry, Brand Central will provide services such as making appointments for their clients with designers they desire to see regarding bridal options. This full service e-store is set to raise the bar for online shopping from Pakistan. “Our primary focus is to attract Pakistanis residing outside Pakistan so they can not only keep up with trends, but also know what is en vogue in Pakistan as far as lifestyle goes,” she says.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 7^th, 2013.                      

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Available at the store are stitched, embroidered lawn kurtas priced under Rs5,000, silks within Rs10,000 and accessories starting from Rs1,250. PHOTO: PUBLICITY

From outfits to accessories, one can walk into this new retail heaven and walk out with a complete outfit in hand. With stitched, embroidered lawn kurtas priced under Rs5,000, silks within Rs10,000 and accessories starting from Rs1,250, SanaSafinaz high street is not only accessible but bang-on-trend.

“The SanaSafinaz brand has had a very busy year, from our participation in the country’s major fashion weeks to the launch of our flagship stores in Karachi and Lahore,” says Safinaz. “We are deeply humbled by the appreciation the brand has received and look forward to raising the bar for Pakistani fashion even higher. As with our Karachi store, our Lahore flagship outlet is a one-stop shopping destination and aims to provide our discerning customers an all-encompassing fashion experience.”

It seems like the brand is no longer selling clothes but is rather selling a lifestyle. Retail is not only where the growth of a brand lies, but it also legitimises the industry of fashion. As the responsibility increases, so does the level of accountability. “Between our formal couture line and unstitched lawn, there lies the biggest bracket in fashion that is still relatively untapped in Pakistan,” says Sana. “That is the bracket we are working on. Like any new venture, it’s a work in progress and SanaSafinaz high street will strive to cater to the needs of all its clients.”

Like any other retail outlet around the world, nothing in the store can be made to order. This still adds to the exclusivity of the product that even though it is available to the mass market, once a design finishes, that is the end of it. Speaking of lifestyle, Sana and Safinaz have personally decorated the store. The treasure chests overflowing with the brand’s products, not only add a luxurious touch to the store, but also add to its aesthetic appeal.

While the apparel is all made in house, the accessories are still being outsourced. “The next step would be to manufacture everything here but as of right now, we are placing orders for most of the accessories,” she adds. Located on the periphery of the Cavalry Bridge, the SanaSafinaz standalone is quite literally the newest sensation on the block.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 5^th, 2013.

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LAHORE: Nine West is a brand that needs no introduction. Since its inception 34 years ago, the high street shoe store has become a household name. Its first outlet opened in Pakistan last year in Karachi and now, its second outlet is open for business. June 10 witnessed Nine West open its doors to Lahore’s illustrious market in Gulberg at Mall 94.

“We are very happy and overwhelmed with the response we are getting from our Karachi outlet. This has encouraged us to expand Nine West outlets and cater to the demanding market of Lahore,” says Aysha Ahmed, CEO Burj Capital. “The appreciation and applause we received during FPW [Fashion Pakistan Week] was astounding and I am pleased to announce that Lahore will soon be followed by some other major cities of the country.”

Models showcased the brand’s latest collection at the store launch. PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK/EXPRESS

Along with their entire range of shoes in the Middle East market, the new outlet also houses handbags, clutches and small leather goods. “This is a sub-franchise from Nine West Dubai,” says Asif Karim, Partner Nine West. “The styles and tastes differ in the Middle East from that in the US and hence, we are staying attuned to our market.” The price range is between Rs6,000 and Rs10,000, the same as they are priced in Dubai.

“This is the best market in Lahore,” continues Karim. “Women enjoy spending money on themselves and shoes are a commodity utilised by everyone. A woman wearing a burqa will also indulge in shoes.”

The launch also featured a special fashion presentation which showcased the latest collection from Nine West stores. The model line-up included Faiza Ansari, Sonia Nazir, Zillay, Dania, Anam, Kiran Butt, Sanam, Samoa Shah, Kiran Khan and Faiza Chaudhry.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 12^th, 2013.                                                                                        

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LAHORE: Elan has recently started partaking in sporting activities. With the Elan Cup being sponsored by the brand during the Polo season, it has now geared up for its latest venture with Moin Khan. Moin, a renowned biking enthusiast, embarks on his latest project called Project Pakistan along with two other international bikers. He is now on a motorbike journey across Pakistan to discover the beauty and heritage of the country and to disseminate a positive image of his fellow countrymen.

Speaking about her brand’s involvement in Project Pakistan, creative director of Elan, Khadijah Shah said, “The brand is defined by me and I love sports. All civilised nations promote sports and I want to be a part of this change.” Khadijah feels that we need to encourage such projects because the world needs to see the beauty this country has.

Since the tragedy at Nanga Parbat, one feels remorse for the consequences the people of Pakistan have had to face. “The northern areas of Pakistan have been a neglected territory by bikers,” said Moin. “When I decided to launch Project Pakistan, I wanted people to see the beauty of the country.” Initially, 10 bikers were interested and applied for visas, but as bad news kept coming out of Pakistan, bikers kept dropping out. Eventually, four bikers made it to London en route Lahore, but when the calamity at Nanga Parbat struck, it resulted in the loss of two more bikers.

Now, with two brave bikers from California, Michael Phillip Stewart and Kyle James Haggmark, Moin is set to embark on his journey to explore the Himalayas. “I have always wanted to ride up into the Himalayas and I immediately jumped at the chance to go,” said Stewart. “Some of my friends visited Hunza years ago and still talk about it being the best spot in the world; I want to explore these remote areas and help motivate people to come check these areas out.”

“I am going to Pakistan because this is the trip of a lifetime. I have no reservations whatsoever,” said Haggmark. “I am excited about this trip which marks the beginning of a new chapter in my life — a fresh start and a new adventure. My family is understandably worried, but I would be crazy not to go.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 28^th, 2013.

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LAHORE: If the services offered by this all-encompassing 360 digital design agency don’t impress you, its client list surely will. With provisions such as brand designing, web space and event management, interactive gaming, animation, marketing, advertising and the production of TVCs amongst others, Lahore-based one-stop shop for marketing and management solutions Off Road Studios has certainly taken the road less traveled. It boasts clients such as Standard Chartered Singapore, Chevron and Cisco USA, and has created Facebook applications for Victoria’s Secret and 3D animations for Bubble Legendary in collaboration with Disney World.

360 digital design agencies may be the future for marketing, app design and brand strategy but there are only a handful of such companies operational throughout the world. Off Road Studios, an all-inclusive company that allows the consumer to custom-create a service all under one roof, remains to be the only 360 digital design agency throughout Asia. Since all services are handled by an in-house team, it offers clients a more cost-effective and hassle-free way to host a big event or launch.

The company came into existence when a few colleagues and social acquaintances realised the dearth of something ‘all-rounded’.

“The entire concept of a full-service digital and creative design agency is that a client has one, singular point of contact for all of his/her marketing needs,” said CEO Muhammad Waqas, referring to websites, mobile apps, mobile games, interactive media, TVC, print design and event management. “The benefit is not only that all these activities are happening under one roof, but that they are truly integrated. All divisions share the same creative team and the results speak for themselves. Can you imagine how much easier this would make a lawn launch, or massive beverage brand activation?”

With international awards by Favorite Website Awards, Dope, Best Web Design Agencies, Reddot and Dexinger, Off Road Studios has been asked to participate by Harvard University and the London School of Business in a digital marketing/design survey to help them design curriculum.

“We all come from very different walks of life but as a group we feel that there is a lot more advantage in being integrated,” said Umar Hadeed, the company’s chief global strategist. “We try to ensure that each division is the best at what they do so our clients not just get an all rounded 360 service but also the best possible service available in the market.”

With its office located in Pakistan, Off Road Studios is impacting web design and development internationally. “We have not hit the Pakistani market because our services are too expensive to be offered here just yet,” said Waqas.

With established studios in Lahore and Dubai Media City, Off Road Studios also has sales agents in New York, California, London and Melbourne.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 01^st, 2013.

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LAHORE: Are you ready to make your daughters shine and sparkle this summer? It seems that designer Sara Shahid has the perfect destination in store for you — Sublime Sparkles. Shahid’s latest label entails exclusive range of designs for children aged between three to 13 is all about translating Sublime’s simple and minimalistic aesthetics to kids wear. Unlike other designers, The Sublime Sparkles label includes a combination of both Eastern and Western wear for young girls in a variety of materials. From floral summer dresses and jumpsuits to shalwar kameezes in pure chiffon and jamawars, the label offers exclusive and limited edition designs for little ones.

In keeping with Sublime’s aesthetic of clean cuts and minimal lines, Sublime Sparkles is an extension of the brand’s design ethos. “It is a very different market,” says Shahid. “Even though it is children’s wear, the clothes are still not for the masses, rather they cater to a niche market.” Considering her experiencing of facing a lack of good children’s wear in the country, Shahid shares that she has been catering to her needs pretty much herself. “I have a daughter and when I am in Pakistan I am constantly in search for something nice for her. However, inevitably, I end up making her something on my own,” she claims.

With trends on a rise on social media and television being far more fashion forward than it was in the ’90s, younger girls are much more aware of trends, colors and what cuts will work for them. It is important that in this day and age, these little style-stuck girls are treated as having a sense of fashion of their own. Long gone are the days when the mothers’ choice was good enough. “It is true that girls nowadays are much more aware and so I have had to design outfits that are girly, sophisticated, fun but at the same time, do not let go of their innocence at that age.”

Talking about her collection, Shahid emphasises, “White basics are the most expensive throughout the world. We have such fantastic cotton available here and hence I have utilised it to create tunics and shift dresses. Also, it is important to understand that some people are more conscious and do not want girls after the age of seven to wear knee-length dresses so I am trying to ensure that the lengths are such that the dresses can be worn both with or without leggings,” she adds.

With each design only available in a maximum of 10 pieces including size variations, the label’s capsule collection will keep on morphing throughout the summer with new designs coming out after a short while. The regular collection is priced from Rs2,500 to up to Rs12,000 for the formal range whereas the Eid collection will be priced between Rs5,000 and Rs6,000

It is obvious that Shahid is working really hard towards making Sublime a one-stop shop for her clients. Now, at her studio, one has access to not just her prêt line but also her formals and the new and colourful children’s wear.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 3^rd, 2013.

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After working under master chefs such as Alain Ducasse, Guy Savoy and David Bouley, Khan has flown back to Lahore to give his motherland a taste of his skillful cooking. With almost 13 years of experience, one is bound to have high expectations from Khan which, to our surprise, he meets perfectly.

Polo Lounge has been most famously known for its gourmet burgers, Mongolian chicken and puddle cake. Come polo season, Polo Lounge becomes the hottest spot for Lahore’s diners, not just by choice but also out of compulsion. Over the years, Polo Lounge has maintained its loyal clientele, but has faced a drop in mainstream diners. Chef Shahnawaz hopes to make up for that. Chef Shahnawaz Khan exposes his culinary skills to The Express Tribune, lending us a pleasant experience.

“I grew up watching my father cook,” says Khan. “Cooking was his hobby and we would cook and grill at our farmhouse all the time. I have loved cooking since I was a child and when the time came for me to go off to college I knew I had to pursue my passion.” In an attempt to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a chef, Khan landed in Paris at the age of 17. With his energies focused on French cuisine, Khan ended up with a Masters in French Classic from Ferrandi.

“After four years in Paris I moved to Dubai and started cooking there but sadly Dubai was not the place for me and I did not enjoy it,” shares Khan. After backpacking through Egypt for two months, Khan realised that New York was his calling, and so began his culinary journey in the Big Apple. “I worked there for eight years at restaurants such as Bouley and The Dutch,” adds Khan. “Even though I loved every minute of that experience, I just felt it was time to come back and give Pakistan a chance.”

For fish lovers, a great new entrée to try is the Red Snapper Orange Gastric Fish. PHOTOS: PUBLICITY

At Polo Lounge, Khan has not only revamped almost 50% of the menu, but has also been working as the head chef since February. Our evening started off with a serving of Chilled Cucumber Soup with Poached Prawn — an experimental soup with the freshness of mint and a hint of spice. While it is refreshing and perfect for mint lovers, the flavour of the mint seems to have overpowered the flavor of cucumber. The slowly cooked poached prawns in the soup are by far the best-cooked prawns in Lahore. Not only did they add to the flavour of the soup, but also added a bit of texture and wholesomeness to it.

Summer Salad is another very light and fresh addition to the menu that includes a mix of mangoes, apples, oranges and grapes over a bed of chilled iceberg garnished with walnuts and goat cheese. Drizzled with a light balsamic dressing, this salad beats your everyday Caesar salad. While the fruits add sweetness to the salad, the light balsamic eliminates any excessive sweetness and blends well with walnuts and goat cheese.

For fish lovers, a great new entrée to try will have to be the Red Snapper Orange Gastric Fish. This golden-brown seared fish is glazed with honey and orange sauce with a hint of rock salt, which brings the dish to life.

“I feel that the problem with most Pakistani diners is that they do not want to experiment,” remarks Khan. “People here either like to stick to what they know or they just want excessive spices.” Trying to keep up with the Lahori market while still holding on to his French tradition, Khan creates a French fusion entrée for the spice lovers. The Lamb Chop with Mint Chutney creates a natural juxtaposition between our local spices and the flavorful French puree. “I am color blind so I have had to teach myself to see the difference between shades of green, red and brown. While the lamb chop rests on a bed of mashed potatoes alongside roasted eggplant, it is served with a spicy mint chutney and a mint and zucchini puree to not just add flavour, but also some texture to the whole dish,” adds Khan.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 5^th, 2013.

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The Lollywood-centric performances included a total of five songs performed by four Lollywood actors, along with late-night talkshow host Mathira. Mathira, Sahiba, Sana, Noor and Meera Jee lit the stage with their performances. The choice of using yesteryear’s hits such as Aaj Meera Nache Gi, Akh Lari Bado Badi, Tu Je Mere Hamesha Kol Rawain, Tere Naal Naal Wey Main Rehna, Luddi Hai Jamalo Pao for the performance was intelligent, as it encouraged the audience to sing along. The performances were entertaining and lively, especially that of dancing queen Noor but the outfits worn by these Lolly beauties were abominations. We understand that outfits for stage performers need the extra bling and drama, but these gola gunda-inspired creations were simply an eyesore.

Ahmed Ali Butt hosted the LSAs again after his performance last year. Though one expected him to strive to perform better than last year, it was quite disappointing to see that apart from three jokes and a video, everything Ahmed Ali Butt had to offer was either flat and crass or simply tacky. Also it was a sheer embarrassment to see the announcer fumbling and announcing incorrect names. Though admittedly the most entertaining part of Ahmed Butt’s performance was his rendition of Taher Shah’s Eye to Eye – very well executed and supremely funny.

Sana busting a move on the LSA stage. PHOTO: FAISAL FAROOQUI

Humaima Malik performed to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s celebrated Afreen Afreen with grace and natural rhythm. In comparison, Aamina Sheikh, who had a futuristic, sci-fi-inspired performance, paled. The choreography fell flat and she looked like she was trying too hard. We love Aamina and think she is a brilliant actor, but performing such choreographed sequences is not up her alley.

Ahmed Ali Butt trying hard to keep the audience engaged. PHOTO: FAISAL FAROOQUI

Faras Shafi and Mooroo’s performance was by far the most interesting one of the evening. The futuristic flashlights and oversized glasses fit perfectly with the essence of the performance. Faras Shafi wearing a wife-beater over his shalwar added more to this character on stage.

Humaima dazzles the audience on Afreen Afreen. PHOTO: FAISAL FAROOQUI

Atif Aslam’s finale performance was a hit, not because of the singer himself rather because of the children dancing with him. These young dancers were by far the best performers we had seen all night and one can only wish they had come earlier to entertain the crowd. Young Aryan Aslam completely took over the stage and over-shadowed Atif’s presence. Thanks to their perfectly executed and thoroughly entertaining dance moves, the evening ended on a great note.

The Inside Scoop

The best acceptance speech was made by Farhad Humayun, who chose to speak in Punjabi. It was commendable that he reached out to his fans and band members. Hands down one of the most touching speeches of LSA 2013!

Mehreen Syed, winner of Model of the Year, was seen arm in arm with her husband Ahmed Shaikh, looking as happy as a newly-wedded lady could be. At one point, she refused to take any more questions from the press, and said, “My husband is waiting for me.”

Designer Shehla Chatoor had an army of ambassadors at LSA 2013! From Lollywood actor Sana to performer Mathira, model of the year nominee Amna Ilyas, album of the year winner Ayesha Omar, Frieha Altaf and Unilever’s Fareshteh Aslam, it seemed that every second person was wearing Shehla Chatoor dresses in metallic colours or digital prints. A source tells us that presenter Humaima Malik was also meant to wear Shehla Chatoor, but on the condition that Shehla dresses only her and no one else at the event. When Shehla refused, Humaima wore a lovely gold one-shoulder dress by Layla Chatoor.

Brace yourselves for something disturbing. Some guests at the red carpet were intrigued when Meera ji introduced a gentleman in a blue jacket as her boyfriend. While the entertainment industry buzzed with the news that Cupid has struck for this Lollywood lady, her family clarified that Meera ji ‘pyaar se’ introduces her brother as ‘my boyfriend’.

Ahmed Ali Butt and Mathira’s attempts to grab the audience’s attention, by dragging guests for an impromptu dance performance, were quite entertaining. While Nomi Ansari was too shy to break into a move, journalist Zurain Imam, singer-actor Ayesha Omar and designer Ali Xeeshan’s moves on hit Bollywood item songs added some much-needed life to an evening that seemed to drag on forever.

The verdict

The winners of the LSAs under the music category were rather disappointing. More than half of the better artists from last year were excluded from the nominations and those who made it were not done justice to. The most absurd and rather hilarious was the Best Album award that went to Ayesha Omar for her album Khamoshi against iconic albums like The Harvest by Sajid and Zeeshan. Despite Faisal Rafi’s finesse with music production and Omar’s improved vocals, Khamoshi does not close to the quality and innovation of The Harvest.

Katna Nai by Sajjad Ali won the song of the year award and rightly so, given the limited amount and variety of nominations. This just goes to reiterate our love for established artists and our rather sad behaviour towards newcomers like Jarar Malik and Mooroo who actually had something new to offer to our industry. How could Ali Zafar be nominated and not get an award?! Shahi and Zoe had given us a brilliant new-age sound of Arshad Mehmood’s melody for Tanhaiyan Naye Silsilay but unfortunately that was ignored.

No one in the audience seemed to understand the purpose behind awarding Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan being posthumously given the Lifetime Achievement Award over a decade after his passing.

As far as the fashion awards are concerned, we strongly feel that Kamiar Rokni or Salim Chatoor should have bagged the Best Dressed Male award for having immaculate style. Aamina Sheikh, for the Best Dressed Female award, seemed like a very biased choice since she is not only the brand ambassador for Lux but was also styled by Nabila, the official stylist for the event. It was no surprise to see Nabila bag the Best Hair and Make-up artist award. It’s high time she is given a Lifetime Achievement award instead. 

Here is the list of winners:

Terrestrial Awards

Best TV Actress: Mahnoor Baloch for Tilafi

Best TV Actor: Nauman Ijaz for Qeemat

Best TV Play:  Paayal

Satellite Awards

Best TV Actress: Mahira Khan for Humsafar

Best TV Actor: Fawad Khan for Humsafar

Best TV play: Humsafar

Best TV Director: Sarmad Khoosat for Humsafar

Best TV Writer: Khalil ur Rehman for Manjali

Best Original Soundtrack: Zindagi Gulzar Hai

Music Awards

Album of the Year: Khamoshi by Ayesha Omar

Song of the Year: Katna Nai Sajjad Ali

Best Music Video Director: Farhad Humayun for Aankahi 

Best Emerging Talent: Ahmed Siddiq

Music Icon of the Year: Atif Aslam

Lifetime Achievement Award for Music: Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

Fashion Awards

Best Dressed Male: Ali Xeeshan

Best Dressed Female: Aamina Sheikh

Best Fashion Photography: Guddu Shani

Best Hair and Make-up Artist: Nabila

Best Lawn: Sana Safinaz

Best Fashion Designer (Pret): Body Focus Museum by Iman Ahmed

Best Fashion Designer (Luxury Pret): Body Focus Museum by Iman Ahmed

Best High Street Brand: Khaadi

Best Menswear Designer: Ammar Belal

Model of the Year (Male): Shahzad Noor

Model of the Year (Female): Mehreen Syed

Best Emerging Talent: Saima Azhar

Lifetime Achievement in Fashion: Sehyr Saigol

Published in The Express Tribune, July 6^th, 2013.

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Hot off his horse at the end of the polo match at Cirencester in 1985, Prince Charles planted on her lips what was probably the sweatiest kiss of Princess Diana’s public life. Her giggle was captured in an iconic photo that said it all about the sport: British cultural power, colonial elitism, high-society glamour, adrenaline-pumping competition.

As much as it seems that polo is a British invention, the sport’s history lies much more to the east. The general academic consensus is that polo’s origins lay in Persia. Poet Firdusi mentions the game at the end of the 10th century. And the word polo is believed to have come from the Tibetan word pulu for a ball made from the knot of willow wood, according to a 1914 article in The Lotus Magazine.

Hissam Hyder playing in the Royal Windsor Cup in 2013. PHOTO: FILE

The game’s arrival in the Indian subcontinent is unclear; some people say it came via Kashmir and others Afghanistan. It was played in Gilgit between rival tribal groups and villages as a method of conflict resolution. In the late 1500s Mughal Emperor Akbar had a polo ground at Ghariwali, four miles from Agra. He would even play at night with balls set on fire. But the British definitely first heard of the sport here. In 1869, bored young subalterns of the 10th Hussars saddled up for the first time after reading a newspaper report about the ‘novel’ sport being played in Manipuri, the cradle of Indian polo.

Hamza Mawaz, a three-time Pakistan champion. PHOTO: GUL MAWAZ

And as the British were wont to do, they decided to ‘civilise’ the sport. As with cricket, the colonial rulers used sport to transfer dominant British beliefs on social behaviour, standards, conformity, all of which have persisted beyond the end of empire.

So the British threw out the way it was played in the mid-nineteenth century in the Himalayan hill states. Here, according to Brian Stoddart in a 1988 paper for the journal Comparative Studies in Society and History, polo had emphasised the display of skill in handling a horse, stick and ball. There were no goals, no teams, no restrictions on the number of players and no physical boundaries. “Within twenty years it had been transformed by the British military establishment in India.” After 1858, Indian princes anxious to ingratiate themselves with the British scrambled to get in on the game.

Today the British rules apply. Two teams battle it out, each consisting of six pony-and-rider combinations with four on the field at a time. Players use long-handled mallets to hit a ball through the goal posts to score. Four rounds or chukkers last 15 minutes each. To be fair, players are pitched against each other based on their ranking or handicap. The higher the handicap, the better the player.

Princess Diana gets the giggles after Prince Charles smooches her in 1985. PHOTO: MAGESTY MAGAZINE, AASTA

Today, this version is played on the plateaus of Chitral and Gilgit. And the sport is a still a matter of pride and honour. Women shower players with flower petals as they trek to Shandur, the highest polo ground in the world.

The club

The British then kept a tight rein on which social groups could be admitted to the elite sport, which was largely limited to military personnel and royalty. “When my father played, it was an army game and no civilian was part of it,” says Tammy Alam, the daughter of Brigadier ‘Hesky’ Baig nicknamed after the Welsh champion Hesketh Hughes. “It was part of their training to play polo.”

In those days no money was involved and it was just about the glory, social status and lifestyle. In the 50s and 60s, matches would be followed by three parties a night with cocktails before dinner. “Players would stay at the houses of local players and this gave the families and players a chance to create ties and understand each other,” Alam says. Their children grew up in that culture.

The Baigs and Alams are examples of polo ‘families’ who can boast of four generations of players. In well known player Shamyl Alam’s family there is a tradition. On the seventh day of a child’s birth, the baby is put on a horse and a sword is placed in one hand and a pen in the other. “This rite of passage… symbolises that the child [will] grow up to be a horseman, warrior and scholar,” he explains.

Brig ‘Hesky’ Baig, three-time winner of the Cowdray Park Gold Cup in England.

It thus emerged as a game for the exceedingly rich and well-placed, and as Tammy Alam puts it, it is generally not open to outsiders. The prestige factor is undeniable — after all, you could be called upon to play in lieu of the Duke of Edinburgh, as her father was once in England, or rub shoulders with Prince Charles as Shamyl has. He interprets this as a “humbling experience” but it hardly masks the ‘cool factor’. And the ladies certainly like it.

Players are known to play hard and party harder, but they know that polo will always be their top priority. Girls may show interest in you if you are a player but as third-generation player Gul Mawaz Khan puts it, “It’s usually nothing more than an ice breaker.” They shrug off flattery. “Being a horseman, I am perceived as a snob. But I don’t think that is true,” says Shamyl. “The sport automatically puts you on a pedestal. You feel like a gladiator.”

For such players, polo is their life. “Once on the ground, you leave the world behind and your life becomes all about riding the horse and speeding towards the goal post,” says Ali Malik, who has been playing since he was nine. “It’s like playing golf at 35km an hour!”

It is thus hardly surprising that given the game’s links to ‘lineage’, some of the players look down on relatively newer entrants, who are perceived as social climbers who just play for the money. Shamyl describes it as “people who play polo and those who play at polo”.

General Sher Ali, Brig ‘Hesky’ Baig, General Yusaf and an unidentified British player.

The passion means that serious polo players from ‘old money’ have the wherewithal to spend the time required on the ground or in the stables. Sometimes a higher price has to be paid. Shah Qubilai Alam lost six teeth during the 2003 Pakistan-India World Cup Qualifier match after he was hit in the face with a mallet. “It is not one of those sports in which you stop just because you got injured,” he says. “I later found out that I had a broken jaw as well but it was all worth it because we had won the match.” He stopped playing polo professionally two years ago, but declares that it is still in his “blood”.

If you are not from old money, there are still ways to get in on the game. In corporate sponsorships, private companies pay to create their own teams. Private sponsors put teams together as well and if you can pay for it yourself, nothing like it. The good news is that you can train for free as Qubilai Alam runs the Junior Polo League where he turns entrants into professional players pro bono. You will have to still be able to afford it in terms of a lifestyle. Businessman Farooq Amin Sufi, who has just ventured into the world of polo in Lahore, explains: one must either work or only play polo because, “No employer will ever understand your need to take three afternoons off every week.”

Pony up

The saying in polo goes: four legs, two heads and one heart. The man and beast have to work as one. “You have to sync[hronise] yourself with a beast and work in unison to achieve an outcome,” explains Raja Gul Mawaz Khan, the grandson of player General Mawaz. “How could anything else be as poetic or regal?”

This is, however, easier said than done. “Training a horse is an art,” says Shamyl, who has been riding for as far back as he can remember. “You need to have a feel for the horse, understand its movements and have the knack [of] communicat[ing] with it. A lot of people can ride horses but not everyone can train a horse.”

Thus they don’t come cheap. A trained mare or gelding costs approximately Rs4 million, with upkeep ranging between Rs10,000 and Rs15,000 per month, excluding grooming costs. Sufi has invested in Argentinian horses because they are already trained. “I am a businessman and hence do not have the kind of time one needs to put into the maintenance of horses,” he explains. “One needs a manager for the horse, a permanent vet and someone to constantly train the horse.”

Argentina has created an industry out of and monopolised the sale, rearing and training of polo ponies. Locally the industry has little to offer. “The issue is that Pakistani ponies have been misdiagnosed to have African Horse Sickness and hence we cannot export [them],” says Fakir Syed Amiruddin, popularly known as Iggi, the polo player turned coach who runs an academy in Lahore.

And if someone does try to sell you one, beware. “A newcomer cannot just buy a professional level horse in Pakistan,” says Sufi. “No one will sell you their best horse and you will always be stuck with something close to second best.”

Polo can thus today be seen as a mix of corporate cut-throat competition and old school romanticism. Serious players say it teaches them humility, patience, hard work and determination as well. But perhaps they are drawn to it for the sheer thrill and glamour. It is after all, known as the game of kings and the king of games.

Published in The Express Tribune, Sunday Magazine, July 7^th, 2013.

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“We wanted to give it a very modern fine dining look,” says Tahir. “When I walk into a restaurant anywhere in the world, the first thing that I look out for is how the interior is done. It was very important to me that this space impresses people when they walk in.”

The hottest selling item on the menu is the Mongolian Fire Pot. PHOTO: PUBLICITY

For this very purpose, Tahir hired Lahore’s renowned architect Rashid Rasheed to remodel the space. The restaurant has a Buddakan NYC meets Paris feel to it. The Asian influence of the cuisine is also translated in the décor with high vaulted ceilings and Japanese style dining cabanas. While the interior is impressive and does not compare to anything we have seen in Lahore, the food still needs to match the sophistication of the ambiance.

With a highly selective menu, touching on the main flavours of the Schezuan cuisine, the most notable items on the menu remain to be as follows:

Chicken Mushroom Soup

This extremely light, frothy soup comprises chicken and shitake mushrooms with a hint of peanut oil infused in the flavour. While it might be slightly bland for the Lahori taste palate, it is well-composed. The large chunks of chicken do overpower the presence of the light shitake, but overall, the flavour is complimentary.

Mongolian Fire Pot

The hottest selling item on their menu in Islamabad is the Mongolian Fire Pot, which remains to be the best entrée in Lahore. An entire meal in itself, there is only one other restaurant serving Hot Pot in Lahore and that, too, has a Thai flavour to it. “It is a new experience for Lahore and we want people to try it since it has the best of everything we have on the menu,” adds Tahir. Glass noodles, peanut sauce, prawns, squid, chicken, and vegetables — all immersed in this piping hot fire pot, this meal can be cooked to each individual person’s spice level. Tahir also tells The Express Tribune about the rather unusual home delivery service that the restaurant will soon offer. “We are planning to start a Hot Pot home delivery service whereby one of our waiters will go to the respective house and cook live Hot Pot at the table.”

Wasabi Prawns

Like frozen yogurt, wasabi prawns have also taken over almost every restaurant since the advent of Noodle House in Lahore. The flavour of wasabi prawns at China Town is very accurate with the right amount of spice, however, it lacks the crispness that wasabi prawns require.

Dim Sum

The dim sum is an utter disappointment because the quality of flour is too poor. Rather than being light and sticky, both the steamed and fried dumplings are doughy and have a very thick texture that completely ruins the flavour of the filling.

Juha Fish

This is a must-try Beckti fish, lightly dipped in tempura batter and cooked to perfection. It simply melts in your mouth. Glazed lightly with a tangy sweet and sour sauce, this has to be one of the most innovative entrées on the menu.

The hottest selling item on the menu is the Mongolian Fire Pot. PHOTO: PUBLICITY

While the restaurant fine tunes its teething problems, the ambiance, strict dress code and no smoking policy is impressive. “We have turned away customers who walked in wearing shorts and flip flops,” says Tahir. “We want to ensure that this remains to be a fine dining experience and a place where people want to dress up and come and enjoy a meal with their friends or family and enjoy the ambiance.”

While it is not the best Chinese restaurant in town, it most definitely stands by its unique Schezuan flavour and its secret Hot Pot recipe.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 13^th, 2013.

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Shehla Chatoor signatures

Whether one likes to admit it or not, it was more than just PR skills that got Shehla Chatoor to rule the red carpet this year round. With some actors and models shimmering in her metallic, slinky and sultry bodycon gowns and others flaunting her signature printed silk wraps, the red carpet was surely an ode to Shehla Chatoor.

Ethereal whites

There is a fine line between an elegant and serene white evening gown and an over-the-top wedding outfit. You will definitely turn on some heat if you wear something like Aamina Sheikh’s shimmery, peek-a-boo gown. However, apart from a hand full of people rocking the ‘evening in white’ trend, most of them looked like as if they were attending a wedding. We advise that to make your pick wisely!

The evergreen black

Despite numerous statements that white is the new black, the colour black continues to reign the red carpet. A black dress not only enhances your sex appeal but also gives a slimming effect. However, the important thing is to wear it right. While model Amna Ilyas and designer Khadijah Shah looked uber chic in black, actor Sana was a hot mess!

Swanky metallics

The other accent that seemed to be the highlight of the evening was the dusky, dewy gold. Even though Meera Ji destroyed the beautiful and vibrant Maheen Karim dress, a gleaming gold dress is the perfect way to give your red carpet look a boost.  Get ready to light up your evening in a glittering gold gown and hit a strike.

Surreal ina sari

Though most stars were inspired by the West and treated the LSAs as more of an Oscar’s party, we were pleasantly surprised to see a few traditional ladies in intricately worked saris. While Ayesha Fazli looked bright and fresh in a banarsi mutli-coloured sari with a Bottega clutch and polki ring, Mehreen Syed was a divine goddess in a chikankari white sari by Mehdi. Kudos to these ladies for bringing out the best from the East.

Popular polkis

If you have been following the latest trends, then you are bound to be mesmerised by the distinctive yet elegant polki accessories. While polki is the most popular bling on weddings, it seems that celebrities are not far behind either as many of them chose to wear the au natural polki on the red carpet. Paired with a simple outfit, these enchanting and edgy polki accessories add the much-needed oomph and glamour for the red carpet.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 13^th, 2013.

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KARACHI / LAHORE / ISLAMABAD / PESHAWAR: Ramazan calls for rejoicing in the warm circle of family and friends and devouring on delectable delights at Sehri and Iftar.

From the fussy foodies to the casual eaters, there is something for everyone in the eateries around Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and Peshawar. Here are the top five picks from each city that are guaranteed to give you the grand iftari experience.

Karachi

Café 76

Located in old Clifton area, this café offers four kinds of different deals with a price ranging between Rs650 and Rs1,100. Chicken stuffed potatoes, soups, pastas, burgers and sandwiches are also a part of this menu. Either sit inside or under the moonlit shade of large trees, the choice is yours.

Forty4

This Asian restaurant is located right off 26th Tauheed commercial area, offering honey glazed BBQ wings, prawn tempura, beef satay, stuffed chilies, shiitake spring rolls, mango yogurt and mint lemonade — all for Rs1,244.

The Cakery

Also located in Tauheed commercial area is The Cakery.  This eatery offers hunter beef sandwiches, roast chicken subs, spaghetti Bolognese, a variety of shakes and frosty chillers. Prices vary from Rs225 to Rs425 per item.

Koel Café

For a quiet Iftari visit Koel located off 26th Tauheed commercial area, whish seems to be a hub of great restaurants. The café offers a platter for two priced at Rs825. This includes dahi bharay, chicken wontons, vegetable tempura served with garlic bread, chicken and cheese stuffed chilies, paneer and soya roll, fruit salad and chana chaat.

The Lantern

This Chinese restaurant is located in the same premises as Café 76. They are offering soup and Chinese fried rice with a selection from the main course for Rs699. The main dishes include fish in garlic sauce, Kung Pao chicken, beef with bamboo shoot and chicken chili dry.

Lahore

Cosa Nostra

This fine restaurant is offering a great feast for iftar. From lemonade, plum juice and peach juice to spring rolls, fruit chaat and mini samosas, they have it all. Some other dishes include pastas, fried fish, roast with black pepper sauce and much more for the price of Rs1,790.

Salt n Pepper Village

A buffet menu at Salt n Pepper is bound to fill you up. In the price of Rs1,275 they offer 60 items including samosas, dahi bhallay, chaat, pakoray, chicken karhai, BBQ, kofta chana, biryani, paye, egg fried rice, lamb roast and much more.

Yum

This place offers fun drinks, fruit chaat, special iftar basket, chicken wings, soup and Yum restaurant specials, all in the price of Rs1,730. Their other must-haves are chicken with black bean sauce, beef with black bean sauce, fish with chilies and onions, red curry and chicken chow mien.

Veranda

Indulge yourself during iftari with 16 entrees from Veranda’s daily menu which rotates daily. From dates, samosas and soups to 10 salads, 10 desserts and entrees, which include seafood, chicken, beef and pastas, you have a deal for only Rs1,550.

Andaaz

Being one of the most popular places in town, Andaaz offers a complementary iftar menu with their dinner. Iftari includes dates, chaats, lemonade, lassi, papri chaat, chana chaat. along with ala carte priced at Rs 1,200.

Islamabad

The Lime Tree

Either place an order or eat in, this joint offers delicious items on their menu. Iftari deals priced at Rs295 includes a variety of chaats and samosas to choose from, with other items being dates, dahi baray, tea and juice. Lime Tree’s dinner menu is priced at Rs695.

Atrio Café and Grill

With barbeque, sandwiches, steaks, pastas and pizzas on Atrio’s menu, the iftar and dinner platter is priced at Rs 750. Also, the restaurant offers sehri ala carte menu from midnight till fajr time.

Tuscany Courtyard

Being one of the favourites, this place offers Italian, Mediterranean and Thai dishes with three-tier iftar platters. The customers have a range of items to choose from, however, Tuscany Courtyard did not share their price.

House of Bombay

This authentic Indian restaurant offers an Iftar and dinner buffet for Rs999, excluding tax. It’s a steal-deal for anyone craving good food for a good price.

Andaaz Restaurant

This restaurant offers a complementary iftar menu with their dinner. Iftari includes dates, chaats, lemonade, lassi, papri chaat, chana chaat along with ala carte priced at Rs 1,200.

Andaaz Thali includes daal, vegetable, chicken, BBQ, rice and raita.

Peshawar

Lasania

Located on University Road, the restaurant offers their iftar deal for Rs999. The items include hot chicken wings, pakora, kheer and fruit chaat. Also offering a dinner deal for Rs999, Lasania’s specials include roasts, chicken manchurian, kababs, salads and desserts for Rs999.

Usmania

This place serves a wide selection of Pakistani, bbq, Chinese and fast food items at Rs 790 per person. Pulao, fried mutton, roast, mutton handi, seekh kabab are also specials at Usmania.

Balana

Also located on University road, Balana’s Ramazan deal offers various cuisines and bbq items with salad and raita for Rs999 per person. You will find comfort in their variety of iftar items.

Celeste Restaurant and Café

Celeste announced their Ramazan Iftar buffet priced at Rs999. The menu for Iftar includes Arabic stuffed dates, vegetable pakoray, hot chicken wings, fruit chaat and dahi baray. The dinner items include chicken, fish, lamb and beef entrees.

Pearl continental Hotel

PC iftar features traditional staples and festive cuisines along with special Ramazan drinks and a great selection of desserts all for Rs1,150. They also offer a Sehar buffet priced at Rs600 per person.

Dunkin Donuts

For Rs450, Dunkin Donuts is offering a Ramazan iftar deal which includes two sandwiches, two Pepsi drinks and two donuts. For an iftar deal for one person, the place offers a box which has one Boston Burger, one pepsi and one donut, priced at Rs180.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 14^th, 2013.

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LAHORE: Seher Tareen of Studio S launched her bridal and evening couture line, The Garden of Eden, on July 13. Open to close friends and family, the launch event also presented a live showcase. Most people confuse showcases with fashion presentations but Tareen ensured that her audience got a full feel of what a showcase is. With a live photo shoot composed by Athar Shahzad taking place alongside the launch, the guests were able to not only view the clothes but also witness the making of the fashion spread that will later be seen in magazines.

The Garden of Eden conjures certain images in one’s mind, such as the forbidden apple tree and the birds of paradise. The motifs incorporated in the collection are based on the flora and fauna of the enchanted garden; from peacocks and birds to serpents and allusions to the forbidden fruit.

“The perfect bridal [outfit] is a celebration of the bride and her wedding day,” says Tareen, Creative Director of Studio S. “Not only should it complement the bride but it should be the crown jewel in the bride’s trousseau; an heirloom that passes from one generation to the next.”

The general aesthetic of the collection will have to be old-school chic; the use of zari instead of crystals gives the collection a vintage feel and revives the notion of conventional romance. Tareen uses ample tissue to add to the regality of the outfits and give them an instant oomph. What is interesting is that each outfit has many layers to it and comprises of individual separates that make a statement. She recreates the serpentine weave in zari on a column dress to give it a modern look. The use of icy blue tones and evergreen metallics shows that the collection is classic and not subjected to seasonal changes.

“I love the old-school charm. I am obsessed with my mother’s clothes from back in the day,” continues Tareen. While we talk about Eden, one has to appreciate the Roman influences it has had and Tareen keeps it in mind as she incorporates column dresses, excessive draperies and pleats in her line. While some of the cuts would not be suited for all body types, Tareen shows a diversity that can be flattering.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 16^th, 2013.

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