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 21st
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.
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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?
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?
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.
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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
Courtesy: www.asian-women-magazine.com
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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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).
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