Famous fashion designer Ammar Belal launched selected pieces from his two recent women’s wear collections, “Jungle Safari,” and “Corporate Resort” at ModeVille — the multi-brand store and fashion house. The much talked-about event attracted a steady stream of sparkling fashionistas, media personnel and potential buyers. The young Lahore-based designer — … Read more
The second-last episode of “Coke Studio 4” took its viewers through a musical excursion across Pakistani culture. The latest session featured songs in six different languages including Bhraj, Sindhi, Balochi, Brahvi, Siraiki and Punjabi, other than Urdu. Displaying the cultural significance of music to different ethnicities of the country, the … Read more
The historic Wazir Khan Mosque of Lahore has come to Islamabad in Kulsoom Aftab’s latest collection. Being displayed at Nomad Art Gallery, the exhibition focuses on ethnic photography and naqashi on bottles. “I think of every bottle as a beautiful decorated woman,” said Aftab, who graduated from National College of … Read more
Multan, the cultural centre of southern Punjab famous for its sufi shrines, cotton and sohan halwa, is also a hub for the craft of blue pottery. The skill for creating this blue pottery, also known as kashi work, was introduced centuries ago by local artisans, whose craft derived influences from … Read more
The recent string of newly released Pakistani films has failed to make a dent in box office sales, suggesting a continued decline of Lollywood, due to the lack of response by audiences. Cinema owners suggest that the film-makers must make movies of international standards if they are to capture the … Read more
After a long lull in Pakistani cinema, Bol has finally given the masses a reason to flock cinema halls. Maestro Shoaib Mansoor, who created a furor amongst the public with Khuda Ke Liye, is finally releasing his new film after a hiatus of five years. Bol goes on floors nationwide … Read more
Exploding bombs, bickering politicians and a deteriorating economy — these are routine features of everyday life in Pakistan. Yet remarkably so, the country’s thriving fashion scene remains conspicuously detached from these harsh realities. Triggered to commercially cater to popular elite tastes, leading designer apparel ironically exhibit sumptuousness and flamboyance that … Read more
Under the scorching sun in the rugged terrain of Sibi, Balochistan, Aziz Fatima makes her way to the creative center to begin her day. Having expertise in Balochi embroidery is nothing uncommon amongst Balochi women; what sets Fatima apart is her vigor to give back to the system. With her … Read more
Jewelicious, a Lahore-based brand for jewellery, wrapped up its two-day exhibition on June 10 at L’atelier. Azmat Akbar and Uzma Toosy, joint partners heading the brand, offered a very affordable range of interesting jeweled accessories for wedding and other formal events. “Maria B was wearing our label at her wedding,” … Read more
For years the fashion industry has been criticized for not adequately promoting local culture. Then came Uth Oye! with t-shirts inspired by Pakistan’s complex culture and turbulent politics. The apparel’s innovative design and message made the business an overnight hit. Pictures of Haseena “item bum” battling a monster and Quaid-e-Azam’s … Read more