FASHION VIBE

Sheep: Following the Herd?

                     

     To say that the concept of ready-to-wear revolutionised and propelled the fashion scene in Pakistan would be an understatement. What it did was render the traditional shalwar kameez extinct and create a whole new business model for convenience clothing for women. Sure, Teejays needs to be credited for heralding the concept, but it is brands like Khaadi, Ego, Daaman and Sheep that took the risk of introducing separates an essential prerequisite to fashion retail world over and created a huge market for off-the-rack clothing.

The pressure from pret was such that even fashion designers had to succumb to lowering their prices, streamlining their production and cost and selling off-the-rack rather than selling only through appointments. The two brands that posed serious competition were Daaman and Sheep, which catered to the chic, working professional, offering style savvy options with reasonable pricing. Yet, while Daaman grew, building upon its simple structured design ethos, Sheep, the brand that claimed to distinguish one from the herd, succumbed to following market dictates diluting their design sense quite visibly.

However, Aalia Jafar, Business Director at Sheep, is unfazed by the criticism: “We’re a young and growing brand. We experiment and learn; this means that there will be days when we will be loved and days when our things will not be liked,” she says candidly.

Despite the fact that many Sheep loyalists now feel that it’s losing its edge with its myriad new lines, Aalia astutely asserts, “What would not be good is if we remained the same. With that said, what we never compromise on is our finished product quality and that is how we are building trust within our target segments.’’

Change in design philosophy?

The change in direction can be attributed to the faster movement of the slightly heavily worked pieces, suggests Ayesha Jafar, Brand Communication Specialist. She admits that while there have also been changes in the design team, the brand has certainly succumbed to consumer pressure. “You sometimes end up steering to satisfy customer demand,” says Ayesha highlighting the increase in demand of more embellished and embroidered work. Another instance that she quotes of catering to consumer demand is how shirts with full sleeves became a must after garnering impressive revenues off of these, especially at their store at Dolmen Mall Tariq Road.

Meanwhile, Sheep has also gone through some structural changes. Prior to opening their expansive outlet at the new Dolmen City, Sheep made a brief sojourn to Labels in Karachi and the PFDC store in Lahore, however both have now closed. “Logistically it wasn’t making sense, especially since we are opening our own stores,” explains Aalia. “That’s the only way we can live up to our brand promise of giving our customers a comfortable, indulgent and fantastic shopping experience. For us, the brand sells because of the customer experience tied in with products people can relate to and enjoy. And the experience can only be maintained at our own stores.”

Yet, with more and more entrants in the pret game, how does Sheep view this heightened competition? “We’re loving it,” adds Aalia. “It’s challenging and has brought life to the business. What’s even better is that the whole industry will be upgraded and will move towards gaining some structure.” Although she acknowledges that fashion weeks have also become integral to the game, she confesses, “We’re not yet ready for it and we don’t want to do it half-heartedly”.

Courtesy: www.hanitaha.wordpress.com

 Fashion Accessories: What They Include

When it comes to fashion accessories, you will find that a number of different products are included. Fashion accessories, like fashion clothing pieces, come in a number of different sizes, shapes, and styles. There are fashion accessories that are designed for children, teens, men, women, petite sized, and plus sized individuals.  A few of the many fashion pieces that you may want to examine at one of you local fashion stores or online are outlined below.

One of the most well known fashion accessory types is that of jewelry.  As it was previously mentioned, fashion accessories are designed for all different types of individuals, regardless of age or gender.  For teenagers and children, fashion jewelry pieces that are popular often include colorful pieces, as well as charm necklaces or charm bracelets. In terms of men, a popular piece of jewelry often includes large pendant necklaces, many of which display a cross or another popular or meaningful symbol. As for women, popular pieces of fashion jewelry include earnings, rings, necklaces, bracelets, pins, and so forth.

                               

Another type of fashion accessory that you may be interested in owning is a purse or a handbag.  Teens and women most commonly own purses and handbags.  A purse is often used to describe a bag that is smaller or compact in size and handbags are often a little bit larger.  Handbags and purses come in a number of different styles; therefore, it is common for many women and teens to own more than one purse or handbag.  In fact, many individuals out there like to match their fashion accessories, including their purses and handbags, with the clothing that they wear.

In conjunction with handbags and purses, travel bags are often considered a fashion accessory.  Travel bags are similar to purses and handbags, but you will find that they are often designed for both women and for men.  A travel bag may include a small bag that can be used as a carryon bag for an airplane ride, a diaper bag, as well as a laptop carrying case and so forth.

 Shoes are also considered a fashion accessory, although many do not necessarily consider them to be.  Most often, women’s shoes are associated as fashion accessories, as opposed to men’s shoes.  One of the reasons for that is due the large selection of women’s shoe types that you can find available for sale. For instance, it is more than possible to find athletic shoes, casual sandals, elegant sandals, flat dress shoes, high-heeled shoes, and so forth. As with handbags and purses, many women own multiple pairs of shoes and many try to coordinate their shoes, especially for work, with the rest of their ensemble.

  Another one of the many different types of fashion accessories available for purchase are that of belts.  For many men and boys, belts are not necessarily considered a fashion accessory, as much as they are a way to hold pants up; however, the same doesn’t really ring true for women. Women’s belts come in a number of different sizes, shapes, and styles. That is one of the reasons why women’s belts and belts that may be designed for children and for teens are often referred to as fashion accessories. There are belts out there that are designed for wearing with a casual pair of jeans, as well as a pair of traditional kaki pants for work.

Belts, handbags, purses, travel bags, jewelry, and shoes are just a few of the many fashion accessories that you may be able to find for sale at one of our local fashion stores or even online.  As a reminder, fashion accessories are a great way to spice up any wardrobe, especially one that could use an updating.

Courtesy: www.fantop.org

Fashion Vibe Blog

 FASHION VIBE
The term Fashion though is new to many; literally speaking fashion came into being with the advent of human being in this world. Adam and Eve covered themselves with fig leaves though at that time they had no concept of modesty. Ornamentation and adornment thus had always been a strong force behind clothing. Later civilizations seek different ways to adorn themselves. People of Stone Age tattooed their bodies, used leaves and twigs to cover their naked bodies. Pharaohs on the other hand loved to display their wealth by clothing in most extravagant ways. They wore wigs, painted their bodies, and embalmed their dead in most beautiful clothes.

Christianity preached moderation in dressing, but very few obeyed that. Islam on the other hand formulated a complete dress code for both male and female. Modern fashion got strength during Renaisance time. Aristocrats of Renaissance time were great patrons of fashion. They developed new fashion and promoted it. Today fashion is very complex. It includes not only apparel, footwear, accessories and jewellery but fashion is the way we dress, the way we talk, technology we are using, food we are eating, friends we are having and a lot more.

No body can deny the influence of fashion. Each of us is constantly affected by fashion in one or other way. Print media and electronic media are most important in shaping our lifestyles. Even those who are anti-fashionionists are part of the fashion world in their own way. They are making their own fashion statements. As Cecil Beaton said that “truly fashionable are beyond fashion.”

Bring on the Lawn

By: Hira Afridi

I am a beautiful girl of 21^st century, and I know how to carry myself. Every girl should have a good sense of dressing and carrying herself. It’s an era of competition where every single individual is struggling in their academics, business, sports, brands etc. Our more than half of the population is women, so it’s necessary that they should be given special attention and protocol rather than hiding and capturing them in the four walls of house. Designer has put a magnificent effort in making a woman beautiful and feels good. According to me, Lawn has been considered a most sophisticated option for wearing.

Winters out, lawn in. Billboards of lawn exhibitions line our boulevards ambushing us with the season’s hip and haute must-have prints featuring fabulous pouty models that give us a faux sense of what an average Pakistani woman will look like in them. The sacredness of lawn fabric in Pakistan is undeniable, for no other cloth could ever cut the soaring summer temperatures in the same way. It is the one commodity that becomes every woman’s necessity come summertime, no matter how rich or poor and for years it has remained affordable for the majority of them.

It’s not a bad idea, considering lawn as popular choice because we have to wear it for approximately 10 months. With the passage of time, there is increase in new trendy styles by the designers to make your outer wear attractive and unique. Girls are more interested in wearing lawn kurtis with churri daar pajamas that give them a young look. Also there is new change of adding laces, satin pattis, organza and embroidery on their dresses. Even there is a new change in the trousers and shalwars. Q-lots and shalwar are in but mostly women used to wear tight pants with long A-line shirts and frocks having panels.      

The concept of “designer lawn” has been brewing in Pakistan for a few years now. Now every single businessman , celebrity, model or singer are stepping forward towards their contribution to the new world of lawn. Many designers have recently opened their outlets in different cities of Pakistan. The business of lawn is nowadays on its peak because every single lady wants to wear the best. In Pakistan, a huge market of brands has been established since past few years. They include: HSY Lawn, Mausammery, Warda Prints, Chen One, Gul- Ahmed, Nishat Linen, AL-Karam, Sana Safinaz, Khaadi Lawn, Bonanza Lawn, Orient Lawn, Bareeze Lawn and many many more. All of these brands are having a huge customer not only in Pakistan but also abroad.

 Lawn used to be a comfortable choice of clothing, whereas now it seems more appropriate for lunches and dinners to which you would normally wear chiffons or silks anyway. Although prices are so high but still women are fond of designer prints. We can see a huge crowd of women of very age during the exhibitions days. In my family, every single girl, aunt or even my mother and grandmother use to wait so desperately for the designers lawn exhibition. Their  half of the pocket money get finishes in buying the suits. I think this lawn trend can;t be stop because mostly women are so much interested in this stuff and spend their spare time in designing their own dresses. But the designers should also keep its prices low so that every one can enjoy this amazing new trend.

 LIKE LAWN IS TO SANA SAFINAZ – INTERVIEW

I am thinking and thinking and thinking about what introduction to write for the duo Sana Hashwani and Safinaz Muneer when everything has been said already. Everybody in Pakistan and beyond, from those women standing in never ending queues to get hands on atleast one print of  Sana Safinaz Lawn suit or the Fahsion critics or the bloggers or even their competition. Sana Safinaz are the most favorite, most talked about and most loved Fashion house of Pakistan.  So lets just go straight to the Q&A that I had with Queens of  the Lawn Kingdom.. THE Sana Safinaz.

1. Is this going to be for the first time that you will be e-retailing Sana Safinaz, courtesy www. style360labels.com? Do you see a bright future in online fashion retailing business and Why?

Yes it is going to be the first time for us. We do believe that online fashion is the future. One can see the impact it has in the West. We think eventually it’s the convenience factor that will matter most.

                        

2. You are the king brand of Lawn Fashion business? And now that everyone is popping out with their own, how serious do you take your competition?

Really seriously. Every new brand no matter how insignificant eats into your Market. There is a definite saturation number in Pakistan for Designer Lawn. So to get to No 1 is easier than staying at No 1. Competition is tough and one has to stay on one’s toes.

3. Unlike previous years, why is Sana Safinaz Lawn exhibitions (the most anticipated event in Pakistani fashion calendar) don’t take place anymore?

It had become a security issue. There were just too many people to handle. Our exhibition at Imperial jammed the roads from three swords to Dou Talwar . The head of Police told us they had never seen anything like it in the history of Karachi. The next year at Expo Center, we had more than 20,000 people. It became insane. So we took the decision there and then that the following year we would go straight into shops. More convenience, less hassle for the customer.

( Beware Labels e -store .. you might see your webiste taking a toll of online buyers this time  , but truly! helps the cause as Sana Safinaz say: More convenience, less hassle )

4. The Sana Safinaz brand Ambassador is Neha for some years now. Any special reason Why Neha?

Neha epitomizes the SanaSafinaz women. She is dusky, sexy and understated all at the same  time.
5. Please explain what sets apart Sana Safinaz lawn from other brands?

Sana Safinaz lawn sets us apart time and again because we are actually the innovators of lawn. Every new concept thathas being introduced into lawn has been done by us. That kind of innovation buys your customer loyalty. We work on every print like they are our babies. We use the finest quality of fabrics. Constant innovation with new methods of fabrication! We try to give a complete collection every year. With new ideas on emb. We are going with less is more this year and also encouraging the customer to indulge in shorter lengths. ( Thank GOD! )

6. How many prints is Sana Safinaz offering this summer?

We are doing 15 prints in two color ways.

7. Does the uncertain security situation of the country (especially Karachi) really affect the sales at all?

Yes most certainly it does. Who wants to buy anything forget lawn when you feel unsafe and you can see your country suffer. Security issues affect the entire economy. ( I disagree , I bet you can have strikes falling a part  )

8. You are most successful Lawn brand in the world. How socially responsible is your company? Activities that you may like to share?

We are extremely active in social welfare. Both of us are very religious and try to do the best that we can manage. We are both fully aware of Allah’s blessings and are truly grateful. However we do subscribe to the fact that all our charity is done anonymously. As it if preferred by Allah.

Courtesy: Umairica Pakistan Fahion

Revival of 80’s and 90’s Fashion Trends- History repeats itself and so are the fashion trends

Everything that is liked by majority of people in a certain part of the world becomes fashion or the latest trend of that particular time. In Asia and particularly in Pakistan and India, fashion industries have revolutionized and majority of the people especially living in urban areas of these countries follow majority of the fashion trends.

No matter to which class of the society they belong, fashion fanatics do try to follow most of the latest trends. Talking about latest fashion trends in Pakistani fashion industry, in the recent times or rather to be precise, a revival of fashion trends of 80’s and 90’s have been observed in the recent past.

Talking about 1980’s, during those days women used to wear loose shirts and tight and fitted trousers. Same is the case these days. You can see lots of women wearing shirts and sweaters with padded shoulders to give a broad masculine touch. The broader the shoulder the better it was and so you can observe ladies wearing such shirts these days not only as casual wear but also in formal wear too. Similarly again these days, you see patiyala shalwar and choori daar pajamas same as that they were in fashion in late 1980’s. Sunglasses features aviator style and in jewelry such as bangles and dangling earrings were in vogue and so are these days. 

 Ladies loved to have hair with layers and steps and so are today. In shoes, pointy, toed stilettos were in and you can find same even today. In Makeup trends, Eccentric and bright make made a comeback and shades like green shocking pink or purple were loved and heavy eye liners were used so are today. In 90’s it was wearing anything at all. Anything that suits you, you can wear. in clothing shirts were longer and included panels and flares, chiffon, laces, organza were so much popular and so are today . Culots made a comeback and so it is in nowadays.

For hair styles, once again bob cut is into fashion just like I was in 90’s and blond highlights were the fashion talk and it is still in fashion. In shoes section boat were definite fashion highlight. Court shoes and the heels were and still like favored like always. In Makeup, more of the metallic looks were in and brighter shades were out. Matte look from lipsticks to foundation were in. Lip glosses were out but nowadays lip glosses are very much in.

So in any case of the fashion trends in 1980’s and 1990’s are again in fashion these days. Even after so many years these trends if not all but most of them are seeping into fashion. It sounds a bit funny but still like in many other cases, history repeats itself.
Courtesy: www.asian-women-magazine.com

10 Essential Shoes Every Woman Should Have

The right pair of shoes can make all the difference when it comes to completing a look. Candace Bergen has said that no matter what one’s wardrobe costs, if paired with quality shoes, everything looks high quality.  She makes a very sound point. As long as the clothes fit well and hair and make-up is done, the shoes can really take the entire look to the next level.  
With all of that in mind, here are my ten essential shoes every woman should have in order to be stylishly pulled together no matter what the occasion. Feel free to share what your essentials are as well. I’m always looking for new ideas.

1. Ballet flats (nude, black, bright color or print)

One I finally realized how versatile ballet flats were for my lifestyle (work, play, errands, weekend, casual) I convinced myself to by a few quality pairs of them.  Here are a few brands I live in (Tory Burch’s Reva & Vera Wang’s Lavender 'Lillan') and a few I dream to wear Lavin and Chloe.  In all honesty, the price is worth it because they will last.  Remember cost per wear.

2. Brown hue thong sandal 

Perfect for summer to wear with ankle jeans, a skirt or a dress. One that I have been wearing the last two summers is a pair of Tory Burch’s Miller sandals (shown below).

3. Classic black pump (pointed or round toe)

A black pump is perfect for work with a wrap dress, sheath, suit or trousers. Pointed toes tend to elongate your leg, but either will do depending upon your outfit. Nine West offers classic styles at very reasonable prices, but if you’re able to invest in a pair of  Christian Louboutins  by all means you must add them to your wardrobe.

4. Nude heels
A treasure to be had.  Whether with jeans, a dress of any color, or an outfit of any color, this is the pump you want to make sure you have in your closet.  Choose a round toe or peep-toe, either way, I have a feeling you will fall in love.  My dream pair is one from Jimmy Choo.

5. Tall Stiletto Boot (black & brown/tan)

Boots for fall and winter are a style must as we want to stay warm, but still want to look stylish and pulled together.  There are many ways to wear a pair of stiletto boots – with a dress/skirt, tuck a pair of skinny jeans inside (perfect day or evening) or wear with a pair of boot cut jeans. (Cynthia Vincent’s Dylan Boot on sale!) And it doesn’t hurt to have a pair or two of flat boots for traveling and for those days when wearing heels just doesn’t suit your mood (a pair of flat boots that are not lacking in style).

6. Espadrilles

Another shoe that is fun for summer, adds height without the wobble and is capable of being paired with capris, shorts or a dress.  Stuart Weitzman hasa pair that would work very well with just about any wardrobe choice.

7. Kitten Heels
The height these shoes provide is perfect for those days when you know and want to look feminine, yet have tired feet from wearing sky-high heels all week.  Stella McCartney for an investment (currently sold out of her patent sling-back heels) or again, Nine West for frugal luxury or Kenethe colle – both great choices.

8. Evening Heels (sandals or peep-toe, fun)

Going out is the opportunity to be exactly who you are without any rules, so let your shoes begin the fun.  Choose a Classic black sandal or a something more conversational.

9. Wellies and/or Uggs (an all-weather boot)

I tend to live in my Wellies during the spring as I’m out in the garden or visiting local nurseries picking out my annual plants for the yard.  And the choices that are available make it all the more fun.  Currently, I love my yellow boots. 

10. Booties, Ankle Boots or Shoe/Boots 

The shoe that I have fallen in love with recently has been the bootie. In black or nude (and I’m sure so many other options), this is a fun alternative for the fall and winter when you want to cover more of your foot, but have the feel of a fabulous heel. (Here’s a peek at a fabulous nude shoe/ boots from Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik’s take on the bootie.

Courtesy: www.the-simply-luxurious-life.com

Fast-changing fashion trends leave women clueless

By: Hira Afridi

     

Fast-changing fashion trends have left women in a fix to adjust themselves according to latest fashion; however, the issue is becoming more of an economic liability than giving them a sense of being trendy.

But a major problem that women today are experiencing is that fashion changes so rapidly they do not know what to do with their ‘short shirts’ when long shorts are in fashion or what to do with their long shirts when short shirts are in fashion. Talking to Huma , a student, said rates of tailors are increasing day by day and they charge Rs 350 for an ordinary suit. One can imagine the price paid to a tailor in case of a suit, which depicts latest fashion trends, she added. 

For women, fashion does not necessarily mean glamour, or the urge to follow the current trends, it is more a way of life, a reflection of inner beauty, where the intellect shines through, complete with comfort quotient. Fashion not only highlights the social history and the needs of women, but also the overall cultural aesthetic of the various periods. The evolution of fashion dates back to several hundred years and as our attitude and culture change, fashion comes along with it.

The fashion business is one of the most imaginative and busiest activities in Pakistan. Salons, beauty parlours and clothing outlets are found in every street and corner. Women keep themselves busy in designing clothes.  When it comes to textile and embroidery, it is one of the industries in which Pakistan excels. Shela, who runs a fashion house in Peshawer, said the seasonal cloth comes out in a variety of patterns and designs, usually worn mix and match, and for those who like to be different solid colours are adorned with block prints, screen-printing or are hand painted to add exclusivity.She said fashion in Pakistan is not only restricted to the upper class but also maidservants and the shopkeepers have an aesthetic fashion sense.

Weddings, events, festivals and parties are a display of the hottest trends, she added. The word fashion instantaneously brings to mind a flash of colour with a dash of glamour. Women are taking to fashion in a big way, and are experimenting with different looks, styles, and textures. Fashion plays an increasingly important role in an individual’s life because it is considered a means of self-expression.The garments and accessories that women wear, help them to identify with a group of others whether it is a lifestyle, profession, a religion, or an attitude. Thus, the term “fashion” has become synonymous with the overall growth of the country.

Interview with a Designer on the upcoming designer’s lawn prints and their high prices.

By: Hira Afridi

Hira: Do you always wanted to be a designer?

Designer: Yes, from a very young age I knew I wanted to be a part of the glamour industry but not the face of it. I wanted to be the one making women glamorous from behind the scenes. So as teenager I knew I wanted to go to art school and definitely train in design.

Hira: What is the importance of professional degree in fashion designing?

Designer: Design comes from within you, but to be able to translate your ideas into practical pieces is a skill taught in college. One is taught from pattern making to marketing, it’s one thing to have a beautiful design ready but one must learn how to get it out there so people notice. I believe my degree taught me a lot about the business of fashion.

Hira: Where do you get your design inspirations for your lawn?

Designer: We can get our inspiration from anywhere or anything. A beautiful Persian rug or a colour combination of upholstery could inspire us. When you have the eye for fashion anything can inspire you. You have to be very much creative for this aspect.

Hira: Lawn is becoming so much in and popular among every class of our society? How do you feel about it?

Designer: Yeah it is so easy to wear and it keeps you at your comfortable level. When we are having our exhibitions we feel so good to see the costumers belonging to every class. People are moving towards it because of its fresh and unique look for summers.

Hira: Prints are the most important ingredient for the overall suit, so how you create new prints?

Designer: Well prints plays an important role in our sale and keep them unique from the other brands. We give a huge time for the printing section because people see the prints at first. Nowadays bold prints are very much in with vibrant colours.

Hira: Don’t you thing the prices are so much high that a middle class girl cannot afford it?

Designer: As far as prices are concerned, I think lawn can be used in formal occasions as well and we spend more money on that chiffon and silk stuff. So I think lawn is a far better option. Designers are giving their 100% so they should be given their reward. You don't have to buys the laces and organza type stuff because we are giving you a complete package of 3 and 4 piece suits consisting of embroidery on front of the shirt and sleeves. 

Hira: Do you think the brands are defined by a price point or by a sensibility?

Designer:The price point plays an immense role as lower and affordable prices are likely to result in customers being relatively at ease while picking something off the rack.

Hira: What trends do you see being big for 2013?

Designer: We think that in 2013 the shirts will be shorter with sleek damaans. Fashion is diverting towards straighter lines. A-line shirts are very much in and liked by the most of our men as well. 

Hira: How do you spend your leisure time?

Designer: I love to meet with my close childhood friends…there’s nothing like family and friends.

Hira: Three factors of success…?

Designer: Hard work, faith in one self, humility (in that order).