You’re nobody if you weren’t invited to the FPW fashion week kick-starter at Ronak Lakhani’s last night.
At least that’s what most people felt.
It was an evening that everyone in the industry wanted an invite to but the exclusive soiree only opened doors to a select guest list of power players from the industry. Hosted at Ronak Lakhani’s palatial home in Karachi, the evening was dressed up for the occasion by RAKA Events, who deserve more than an honorable mention for creating the perfect ambiance for the high heeled and fashionable. Tastefully devoid of any corporate branding, the venue flaunted images of larger than life, haute pink hibiscus flowers decorating the FPW logo here and there. Very spring/summer in mood, the right lighting, music and an even better guest list ensured the perfect optics.
“What Fashion Pakistan has achieved till now is amazing,†Ronak Lakhani, who’s come onboard the Fashion Pakistan Council said. “But it’s time to take it to another level. To be honest, I’ve really enjoyed seeing how we have progressed over the years; FP has played a huge role in changing the way people see fashion. It’s good to have a balance of people on the board, some experienced and some fresh new voices. I’m not from fashion but I follow fashion and love fashion I would like to support it. We have a lot of talent here and I really think you need new people to make changes and keep taking it forward. It’s good for the system to keep evolving.â€
Fashion Pakistan Chairperson, Deepak Perwani with Nadeem Hussain, Sherry Rehman, Maheen Khan, Ronak Lakhani, Amna Aqeel, Tapu Javeri and Nubain Ali.
The Fashion Pakistan Week S/S 2018 lineup may seem a little conservative right now, but the designers present at the event spoke about hidden surprises that one can look forward to. Maheen Khan, for one, spoke about the relevance of making a statement through fashion, which is what her brand Gulabo is known for.
“Fashion is about innovation and relevance,” she spoke to me while discussing how people were being misled into believing that lawn and wedding wear was fashion. Maheen’s collection will address the civic issues that continue to plague Karachi, the water crises being the most critical of all. She has roped in two super models/actors – Zhaley Sarhadi and Ayesha Toor – who relate to her brand and will be introducing a surprise showstopper in her opening show tomorrow.
Maheen Khan with Ayesha Tammy Haq, who will be on the runway for Cheena Chhapra’s collection for real women.
Sana Hashwani, who’s also joined the Fashion Pakistan Board, with Nazafreen Saigol.
Feri Rawanian, CEO of Fashion Pakistan, with Ava Cowasjee who looked very elegant in her sari.
Rainer Schmiedchen, Consul General of Germany, with Zahir Rahimtoola, who’s been a supporter of fashion in Pakistan since the nineties when Labels opened as the first multi-label boutique in Karachi.
In the group: Safinaz Muneer, Sadaf Jalil and Sherezad Rahimtoola, who’s working on a very exciting new project these days.
Supermodel Fouzia Aman looked great in a striped one-shoulder dress by Sania Maskatiya.
Uzma and Jamil Baig
Sharmila Farooqui (centre) with her husband Hasham Riaz Sheikh and Rozina Munib
Fareshteh Aslam, Zarrar and Javeria Khuhro exchanging news briefs on the upcoming elections, amongst other things fashionable these days.
In the group: Nauman Arfeen, Amin Gulgee, Zhaley Sarhadi, Ayesha Toor; the two ladies will be modelling for Gulabo on Day One.
