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    FASHION: WHERE TRADITIONAL MEETS AVANT-GARDE

    Written by: Rafia Qasim
    Posted on: July 11, 2012 | | 中文

    The Pak-China Friendship Centre was abuzz with frenetic activity: the hustle bustle of the organizers, the fluttering of the models and designers, the air charged with excitement and energy, the set ablaze with vibrant colors and flamboyant hues…Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the land where couture meets pret, where the latest trends are showcased, where silhouettes, drapes and cuts all merge into a riot of color; welcome to the psychedelic world of fashion.  

    Fashion lifts moods, draws people out of their homes, and brings in business both locally and internationally. This was what the Islamabad Fashion Week was all about. This trendsetting event consisted of a three-day fashion extravaganza, that kicked off with a dramatic and creative collection by the young and aspiring designers of the Gujranwala-based School of design, housed within the GIFT University.

    Yasir Ikram’s ‘Splendours of Rajistan’ highlighted the ethos of this land with its vibrant and festive colour palette, with yellows merging into oranges and blues. The contemporary cuts were infused with ethnic skills. Qamar’s ‘Deconstruct to Reconstruct’ collection recycled pre-manufactured garments into new creations. His design philosophy was to conserve and protect natural resources. Samra depicted the ‘Painful Realities of Life’ by incorporating a dark colour palette of black, reds and purples.

    Next up was a collection titled the "Immaculate Souls" by Tamsila, which centered around western cut ballroom gowns with ruffled tops and flowing silhouettes. Ammara’s collection was a tribute to the pop star Michael Jackson. Samar Yasir is inspired by modern architecture, and abstract impressionism. The designs of the two designers from Lakhani mills evolved around eastern cuts with Zari-embroidery and printed silk.

    Less is more, was Sadia’s design motto. Her vibrant floral, digital and abstract prints, gave pizzazz to her collection. Irum Khan’s offbeat collection ‘RockBlock’ was an eclectic mix of eastern and western silhouettes. Last but not least was Jazib Qamar’s bold and trendy menswear with its dark colour palette juxtaposed onto long jackets and outerwear.

    As the models prepared for the next segment, we got a chance for a tete-a-tete with Tariq Amin, the style icon and guru of fashion, the CEO of the Pakistan Fashion Council, and the brain behind the Islamabad Fashion Week.

    Q: What caused the fashion explosion in Pakistan?
    Tariq: Our youth! Look at all these young people around us (he gestures with his hands). They are exposed to the world of fashion through the internet and media. They want to identify with the west. Fashion has become ‘sine qua non’. People want to look good, and as a result, feel good. Clothes are no longer a fashion statement but an expression of your persona.

    Q: What is the role of the Pakistan Fashion Council in promoting the fashion industry in Pakistan?
    Tariq: Our Council provides a platform for designers to showcase their work, come up with new ideas and set new trends twice a year; it also invites international and local buyers into our country. At present we have buyers from the Middle East, Australia and Ireland.

    Q: Do you think the Islamabad Fashion Week has helped in tapping undiscovered talent?
    Tariq: Yes! There is fantastic talent, and I love exploring new talent, which gives me a real kick. The models are groomed and styled by a team of highly experienced choreographers, stylists, etc. Also, by using local talent, we have greatly lowered the cost of the shows.

    Q: What do you think about the representation of our fashion industry in India?
    Tariq: Our fashion is well appreciated in India. Our lawn, (fine cotton) in particular, is in great demand. Top Indian designers like Rohit Bal, Taruntal Hilarani, Ritu Kumar and Satya Paul have showcased their work here, while our designers also go to India for fashion shows.

    Q: Do you think The Pak-China Friendship Centre was a good venue for the Islamabad Fashion Week?
    Tariq: The venue was great, and we were very happy to utilize it. We have always had a bond with China, and have always appreciated their traditional embroideries and silks. We share a border, have a connection; our homes invariably have an embroidered cushion, “something” oriental.
    “I would like to invite the Chinese designers to come and showcase their work and vice versa”, said Tariq.
     


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021