The collection is an organic extension of the label’s ‘folkcentric’ aesthetic which stormed the catwalks in 2009. For East, West, North, South, the house of Kamiar Rokni has focused on indigenous fabrics and embellishments inspired by traditional techniques. This collection will feature a versatile range of ready to wear; from kaftans to billowing tunics, jackets and statement pieces. The fashion house has revealed an emphasis on tailoring details and silhouette with an overall aesthetic lending itself to simplicity and a simple lack of fuss. Indeed Kamiar Rokni’s collection will mark a departure from their signature burst of vibrant colour; this collection’s colour palette is more controlled and one can expect a diversity of fabrics including cotton based wear to satin and velvet. The label inspires to showcase a collection that is simultaneously elegant, timeless and relevant all at once. Kamiar Rokni’s major inspirations for this collection lie with an exposure to the world in which we live and the myriad hues it has to offer from all four corners of the globe. The label is constantly inspired by craft, textile and ethnicity and the latest collection encompasses all of these elements in a minimal modern manner.

The house of Kamiar Rokni has received an overwhelming response from a trusted clientele with the team now designing for clients in places as diverse as Italy, Holland, USA, England, France, Canada, Dubai and Greece to name just a few. The luxury label’s Prêt a Porter and Haute Couture collections hit the runways in Karachi and Lahore, Pakistan last year to critical acclaim. In 2008, the label had the much coveted honour of having been nominated for Pakistan’s biggest style awards, The Lux Style Awards in the best Prêt wear category. Kamiar himself is an international award winning designer having received an award in Japan at the Makuhari Grand Prix design competition.

PHOTOGRAPHY: SOHAIL ANJUM

November 22, 2009, London: India’s first fashion conglomerate brings to London its finest designers – Satya Paul and Deepika Gehani, to showcase their Fall Winter 09 collections at the delightful Mint Leaf Restaurant & Bar, Haymarket.

Mint Leaf Restaurant & Bar is well located in the heart of Theatreland and Trafalgar Square. A popular destination that promotes all forms of art, it has hosted the 21st Anniversary of the ‘Phantom of the Opera’ and most recently the film premier party of Disney movie ‘Christmas Carol’.

Established in 2001, Genesis Colors (P) Ltd. is one of India’s premier fashion houses and the holding company for fashion brands – Satya Paul, Deepika Gehani, Bwitch, and the multi designer luxury boutique – Samsaara. Genesis also markets and distributes in India European luxury labels Canali, Bottegga Veneta, Jimmy Choo, Just Cavali, Paul Smith and Kenzo. Speaking on the occasion Managing Director, GCPL Sanjay Kapoor says “It is a pleasure to be back in London. Our association with London and Mint Leaf goes back a long way. Bringing two of our top designers to London once again is our endeavour to establish the high standards of Genesis Colors to the international market.”

The special guest for the evening who will be showcasing some of the garments for these designers is none other than the beautiful Jacqueline Fernandez, Miss Sri Lanka 2006 and an actor who has recently made her Bollywood debut in the much awaited film of the year ‘Aladin’ alongside the legendary Amitabh Bachchan.

“My association with Satya Paul and Deepika Gehani is an old one. I have shot many campaigns for the two design labels and their support has been great. It gives me great pleasure to adorn their exquisite collections once again and walk the ramp for them here in London.” Jacqueline Fernandes said on her association with the show.

Celebrating 25 years of globally acclaimed excellence in design, Satya Paul presents the latest in its exquisite line for Autumn Winter 09 – ‘Maya’.

Maya is illusion. The inspiration behind the Maya collection is this ‘illusory’ world. This illusory life is portrayed by the use of colors on the fabric as if refracted through a prism.

Maya is all about color! It is Satya Paul’s way to court glamour and fantasy in the form of colorful patterns on saris and garments. With a deft, use of pattern and color, a beautiful collection of easy to wear pieces make up Maya… ornamental designs, layers, shadows and contrasting elements render Maya a bold graphic look.

Since its birth in 1985, the Satya Paul look is a strong interplay of patterns and colour that the New York Times has hailed as ‘works of Kinetic Art’. The label’s look is distinguished and identifiable on the street. Having re-invented the traditional sari as a modern classic, the Satya Paul product line also comprises of western clothing, including scarves, bags, men’s accessories and fabrics, as well as an entire range of classic bridal wear. Satya Paul recently launched its ‘Signature’ couture line and a diffusion line ‘Satya’ by Satya Paul.

DEEPIKA GEHANI
Deepika has been creating exquisite pieces since the last decade and has focused a lot on her creations being stylish and sexy. Striking the perfect balance between feminine and glamorous, this new collection by her takes its inspiration from the Traditional Indian Saree.

Traditional yet trendy, the collection personifies the character of the modern Indian woman who has adapted to the western lifestyle, yet is deeply rooted to her Indian culture and ethos. The Gossamer Tulle drapes are solely inspired from the cuts and silhouettes of the Saree. The dress with the skirt really close fitted around the waist and the hips and then flared at the bottom, fitted with the extension of the ‘pallu’- shoulder drapes is not only extremely flattering to the India body types, but also emphasises the Indian flavour – very much in keeping with the India revival that the world is currently seeing.

In this collection, the stylish drapes, in vibrant hues shaded from Ruby- Coral, Sapphire- Emerald, embellished with Zardosi embroidery & ‘Gota’ work and encrusted with Swarovski evoke a feel of glamour.

The beautiful models from Caramel adorning sophisticated jewellery by Kyle will adorn the exquisite creations by these two famous Indian designers.

Sex, Power & Money – “Inspire Life” – that was the theme of Munib Nawaz’s first solo men’s fashion show.

Held at the Beach Luxury Hotel in metropolitan Karachi, Rado watches sponsored the first men’s solo show in Pakistan in over 25years, showcasing the collection of Munib Nawaz, who recently became the first Pakistani to win a prestigious award at Miami Fashion Week. The event was organized by Imran Kureishi, who put together a flawless show; the hair, make up and grooming was done by Khawar Riaz.

The event was based on the out-of-the-box approach of the designer, Munib Nawaz, who was very excited about taking the risk of doing a solo men’s wear fashion show. His collection was called, Inspire Life, which took its roots from the philosophy of becoming and achieving a dream. Inspire life was all about going out there and getting things done, to live an inspired life and to lead a life that inspires those around you. The show was an early evening affair and very well attended with the who’s who of the media, fashion and music industry gracing the event, everyone was impressed with the management of the show and a punctual start.

What most inspired the designer are 3 elements which make him tick, SEX, POWER & MONEY. Speaking with Ink, Mubib said “these elements create inspiration for me and are focal points for the quintessential Man of Munib Nawaz brand.” The first segment was Money which was the more colorful affair, models walked down wearing immaculately tailored and styled blazers; the one that caught the most attention was a deep purple velvet tuxedo.

Next was Power, which was interpreted as black and structured, the designer created a line of 25 meticulously designed and luxuriously tailored suits. The suits were highlighted with their gold linings and matching waistcoats, giving a feel of the classic gentleman with an animal inside.

Then Sex was subtly placed in the wedding wear, the sherwanees were styled to look more modern without turbans and khussas. This segment closed with Munib’s tribute to his country, as a model walked wearing a sherwanee that had the map of Pakistan on its back. This sherwanee was well applauded and the show reached its pinnacle when Iraj walked the ramp wearing a camouflage cape and added spunk to the show.

Overall a great evening with just the right mix of things, according to the designer, this was a “fully functional fashion show”. The event had it all, fashion, creativity, ambience, clean set, the right amount of people and ample glamour to keep your eyes on the ramp for the entire duration of the show.

Pictures by Fayyaz Ahmed

L’OREAL PARIS BRING THEIR 100 YEARS OF BEAUTY AND INNOVATION TO PAKISTAN

By Mishelle Raza

L’Oréal Paris, the world’s leading beauty brand, launches in Pakistan, and brings with it their tradition of celebrating beauty, cultivating technical expertise and defining glamour. L’Oréal Paris’ historical belief is deep-rooted in the now iconic motto: ‘Because You’re Worth It!’

This conviction came to life with an interactive five day mall animation event in Karachi and Lahore, where mall visitors were invited to experience the L’Oréal Paris beauty lifestyle. Indeed, both events were stylishly set to introduce L’Oréal to Pakistan’s beauty, fashion and consumer industries respectively.

Speaking about the launch of L’Oréal Paris, Pakistan CEO Musharaf Hai said “Beauty is about self esteem, confidence and optimism – our vision is to inspire Pakistani women and men with the world’s foremost Beauty brand, L’Oreal Paris”.

L’Oréal Paris glamorized and transformed the Park Towers Mall in Karachi and later, the Mall of Lahore. Both open mall animations were preceded by a L’Oréal Paris’ exclusive industry debut one day before each city opened up to the public; Karachi witnessed an exclusive style show by the iconic Nabila and fashion by designer Nida Azwer. An interactive talk by the illustrious skin specialist Peng Qureshi was also a feature in the Karachi activities while in Lahore, the style show was staged by the young and dynamic Toni and Guy brand ambassador Shammal Qureshi followed by an elaborate fashion showcase of Maria B’s contemporary M Girl line.

Other notables present at the Karachi event included VJ Anoushey Ashraf, VJ/actress/singer Ayesha Omar, designer Feeha Jamshed, jewellery designer Kiran Aman, acress Mariam Azmi, designer Rizwanullah, model Rubya Chaudhry and model/actress/entrepreneur Vaneeza Ashraf.

This event also revealed and introduced L’Oréal Pakistan’s spokespeople: cutting edge model and musician Meesha Shafi, dynamic actress and model Sanam Saeed from the Chicago fame, beautician Anusheh Asad and glamorous model and personality Sabina Pasha. Dressed in black and gold ensembles by Nida Azwer, the introduction of these sensational ladies as L’Oréal Paris spokespeople, complements the brands’ rich heritage of cultivating spokespeople from the world of arts, fashion and beauty, such as Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Penelope Cruz, Naomi Lenoir, Andie MacDowell, Beyonce Knowles, Laetitia Casta, Kerry Washington, Milla Jovovich, Michelle Yeoh, Eva Longoria and Scarlett Johansson, Sonam Kapoor, Cheryl Cole, Maya Karin, Freida Pinto, Rachida Brakni, and Jennifer Aniston.

While speaking with Ink, the brand’s spokes women said:

“I know that being chosen by L’Oréal Paris is going to be a life time experience as the brand is known to choose the crème-da-la-crème from all over the world. It’s an honor and I feel great prestige.” – Anusheh Asad

“The most thrilling aspect of being a part of L’Oréal Paris is what they represent. They represent self empowerment, confidence and growth. These are essential for any individual…” Meesha Shafi

“I strongly want to project a more vibrant and above all a ‘Feminine Friendly’ image of Pakistan through this status. Being a L’Oréal Paris Spokesperson will give me a chance to share the beauty within the many distinct cultures of Pakistan with the rest of the world.” Sabina Pasha

“I am also extremely flattered to have been chosen as the only representative from Karachi, and am excited to see the difference my participation in this project can make.” Sanam Saeed

Mallika at NYC Fashion Week

Attends “Persona Magazine” Launch with Hip-Hop’s Russell Simmons

New York, NY—All eyes were on Bollywood bombshell Mallika Sherawat, who had a front seat to New York Fashion Week’s hottest shows and parties. Sherawat shared the spotlight with other celebrity guests at the BCBG Max Azria Spring 2010 show, and hit up Swagg Media’s Persona Magazine launch with hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons.

The two hit the dance floor, where Sherawat’s hip-hop dance skills (something she’s been working on for her next movie, whose soundtrack combines hip-hop with Indian influences) impressed him along with several others. It wasn’t all partying, though. Sherawat and Simmons talked about bringing his Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, which takes the cultural relevance of hip-hop and uses it to drive movements in education and other concerns of the youth, to India. Simmons later said, on Twitter, “Met the most famous sex symbol/actress in India, Mallika.”

Craig Nobles, head of Swagg Media, is the music director for Sherawat’s latest venture, in which she plays a character inspired in part by San Francisco Attorney General Kamala Harris, called “the female Barack Obama” by David Letterman, one of the Oprah Winfrey Show’s “Most Powerful Women in America,” and one of The New York Times’ “most likely women to become the first female President of the United States.” Fans can also find Sherawat in her upcoming release, Hiss, costarring Irrfan Khan of Slumdog Millionaire.Directed by American filmmaker Jennifer Lynch, the project is the first from Bollywood to be represented by a major Hollywood agency (William Morris Endeavor).

Sherawat, known as the “original Bollywood bombshell,” exploded on Indian screens in 2003 in Khawish. Her role in 2004’s Murderhelped the film to become India’s biggest box office hit and landed her on magazine covers around the globe. She was the first Indian actress to share the screen with Jackie Chan in The Myth, and has starred in popular films including Guru, Dasavatharam and Pyar ke Side Effects. The West has taken notice of Sherawat’s success. She was the breakout star at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival, andTime Magazine’s Richard Corliss called her “the next big thing.” She also received the Diversity Award in Hollywood, and the Arts Award by the mayor of Jersey City, New Jersey, Jerramiah T. Healy. Additionally she was the first Bollywood star to be recognized in Los Angeles with a Resolution in her name and honored by the mayor and the entire city council for her contributions to charity and Hollywood.  She has an avid following on Twitter (@MallikaLA), and is credited with expanding its reach in India and among Bollywood’s elite.

She was voted one of Asia’s 100 most beautiful people by the Hong Kong-based magazine Cover, and has repeatedly made the “Most Desirable” polls on AskMen.com and in Maxim. In addition to her work on the big screen, Sherawat, who holds a degree in philosophy, is an advocate for women’s issues, the environment and nutrition. She currently resides in Los Angeles, wrapping up post-production onHisss and preparing for her upcoming American film production.