Ayesha Tammy Haq, CEO Fashion Pakistan, talks about rolling out two successful fashion weeks within the span of six months and ponders on what more can be done for the future of fashion in Pakistan. A sneak peak into the interview…
Aamna Haider Isani: Do you think Fashion Pakistan and the Pakistan Fashion Design Council can merge (for fashion week) in the future? Surely one united fashion week would have greater impact?
Ayesha Tammy Haq: It would be ideal if they did. There is absolutely no good reason why they should not. Fashion Pakistan has extended the invitation to PFDC at least three times and continues to hope that good sense will prevail and the two councils will, if for nothing else but the sake of their members, come together to do fashion week. Ideally there should be one each year in Lahore and one in Karachi.
AHI: There appeared to be a considerable lack of funds/sponsorship at FPW2 whereas this was not the case in Lahore, where the PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week enjoyed the benefits of a title sponsor, funding and coverage. What is the reason for this given that Karachi has a wider and better selection of fashion designers?
ATH: The Board of Fashion Pakistan has been very clear that it will not sell its name. So while we do not have a title sponsor we have wonderful sponsors. I am surprised at your statement regarding the lack of funds. We spared no expense on the event – perfect ramp, no heels caught in unfilled crevices, no technical glitches or breakdowns, no electrical breakdowns, no late starts, we had international designers and models, photographers and tiered seating, we had a lounge for the media and all those involved in the event to meet and chat. We may not have had sushi but we catered to some 300 people every evening after the show. Of course we can always do more and each year we will strive to do just that – more.
Read the full interview in the upcoming edition of Asian Lifestyle Magazine
