Acclaimed Pakistani designer Zara Shahjahan wants to break the stereotype of her country with her Western wear that she will be showcasing at lFW. She shares details with Karan Bhardwaj
If you think embroidery and fabrics are the only high points of Pakistani designers, then this can be a news to you. At the forthcoming lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai, Pakistani designers will not only present what they have been known for, but also some innovative cuts and styles.
lahore-based Zara Shahjahan is one of the participants and she talks about Western influence in her clothes. Known widely in her country for prêt line and fusion wear, the young and successful designer will be batting for western silhouettes for her forthcoming show in Mumbai. According to her, Pakistani fashionistas are progressive and look for experimentation in their ensemble. “We are conservative, not traditional. My clothes are aimed at new-age women who are rooted as well modern,” she tells us. She is bringing tunics, jumpsuits, jackets, all adorned with luxe prints and fine cuts. “Most women clientele have followed ethnic wear for ages. So we have to westernise our clothes and give them an edgy look to make women feel modern and different. However, we are particular about silhouettes. When you wear a sexy jacket over a jumpsuit, it is classy, trendy and also do not flout any fashion rulebook,” she says adding that her show will present other side of the young Pakistan.
Muslim-dominated markets are expanding rapidly and brands like Valentino and Dolce & Gabbana have dedicated their collections to the community. “They all produce conservative clothes for us which doesn’t lack in style or panache,” she says.
Shahjahan covers luxury prêt, Western wear and couture. She is passionate about vintage floral prints which she blend with her own style mantra. Her couture collections are extravagantly detailed with gara embroidery, swarovski crystals and hand-crafted embellishments. She thinks dialogue between the two countries will also help Pakistan grab new opportunities. “Our ethnic wear like salwar Kameez is not deemed as fashionable in India. Mostly Punjabis wear it there. But in Pak, it is high fashion. I think the growing exposure of Pakistani faces in India might be able to change the statement. With new initiatives at all levels, be it entertainment or politics or television, we might be able to revise Indian take on Pakistani ethnic wear,” she says.
The designer retails in India through PFDC outlets in Delhi but hopes to launch her own store here. “Indian fashion market is huge and there’s a great interest of people in our fashion. We also keep a tab on Indian designers. Pakistani fashion industry is growing rapidly but is still behind India,”she says.