For a fashion lover, there’s rarely a feeling better than walking into a roomful of extremely appealing clothes and that’s the sentiment one walked into Zaheer Abbas’s new studio with. Summer appropriate and very cool were the purest of whites, calming blues, dove greys and a wash of gentle colours that transported one to an idyllic beach resort. The palette was summery and unfussy without being overtly pastel or feminine, two words that are extremely overrated, in my opinion. Loose yet structured silhouettes made these tunics even more desirable.
I remember Zaheer Abbas’s first show – his collection of solid chiffons embellished by clusters of tiny bells – was a great debut. His designs kept impressing; I remember the ajrak collection he designed for the Sindh Festival, the white and tan collection and my favourite, his last collection of pure whites. Undoubtedly talented, Abbas displayed the same aesthetic dexterity when he came out with his own line of prints, Printology.
Frieha Altaf and Shehla Chatoor
“I will be doing an exclusive range of prints this year,†the designer shared at the opening of his newly inaugurated boutique in Clifton. “But I’m in no rush to be in the rat race. I want to take my time and enjoy what I’m doing.â€
The store took a long time to design, the designer shared, pointing out how it was a unique balance between old and new. This also reflects his design philosophy; while his silhouettes are contemporary, he has a love for craft and a no-rush attitude that sets him apart in this manic, social-media driven world.
Asad Ul Haq and Hasnain Lehri
The event validated the designer’s ethos because unlike so many store openings one attends and rushes out of due to claustrophobia, this was a serene and elegant affair. People from the fashion industry kept coming and going, ensuring that the event remained uncluttered.
All I can say is that with Zaheer Abbas in the same cluster as Misha Lakhani, Sonya Battla, Shamsha Hashwani, Shamaeel, Ensemble, Muse and Farah Talib Aziz (amongst others), the E-Street shopping experience just got a little better. This quaint little boutique  will definitely be on my regular drop-in list.
Ayesha Tammy Haq and Sana Bucha
