Maria Bilal Although she is based out of Europe, she still continues to be the "darling designer of Pakistan". After receiving her degree from leading Pakistani Fashion School PSFD, she launched her label "Maria.B" in 1999. Known for contemporary, fusion and modern feminine designs, her fashion house Maria.B Designs is one of the largest manufacturers and retailers of women's apparel in Pakistan. Her clothes have been featured in various local and international magazines and she has showcased her collections in many countries of Europe and Asia.
After winning many prestigious design awards during her initial years, she has successfully hit a celebrity circle within a decade. While most Pakistani designers struggle to contemporarise traditional wear, her strength lies in making the same clothes trendy and elegant. Women love her stuff for fine detailing and rich designing.
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Talking about Lifestyle Pakistan, she says, "It is a brilliant opportunity for both the countries to come together and explore all that they have to offer. My first visit to India was in 1995, for the SAARC fashion show. From then on, I have enjoyed a consistent response from the Indian market."
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Faiza Samee Often called the "Ritu Kumar" of Pakistan, Faiza Samee would love to dress up actress Sonam Kapoor someday. Being in the business for 27 years now, she's most known for designing former Pak PM Benazir Bhutto's trousseau.
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His exquisite designs have found patrons in people like Princess Diana, Jemima Khan and other royalty from Jordan and Sharjahan. Often referred to as Pakistan’s fashion ambassador, his recent Lawn Collection saw the best of Pakistani society and fashion bloggers turn up in full force.
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Rizwan Beyg Arguably the most renowned Pakistani designer, Rizwan Beyg's designs have seen many international platforms and fashion weeks. His bridal and Lawn collections have the best from Clifton Road in Karachi making a beeline for orders every season. His love for whiteis akin to Indian designer Rohit Bal's, who he's also similar to in terms of flamboyance and recall value. The story goes that when he first started designing using his sister's in-house tailors, a journalist who came to interview him about interior designing, saw his work, took photographs and published an article. And the rest as they say, is history.
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The one thing that sets her apart is her aversion for advertising and heavy marketing. Instead of mass marketing, she distributes catalogues to her clients who then select outfits that she further tailor makes. She also organises private showings to display the best in bridal wear and couture. Waqar's distinctiveness lies in her eye for detail. There is an exquisite clarity of cut and work in every ensemble. She uses the best of old-world craft and applies it to contemporary trends and designs - making each outfit stand out as an art piece.
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Honey Waqar She has been officially declared as the Fashion Ambassador of Pakistan in UAE, India, Italy, France and America and in this capacity, she has served to foster a positive image of Pakistan. Informally though, she is known as the Couture Queen in Pakistani fashion circles. In the three decades of illustrious work, Honey Waqar has won numerous awards like Excellence in Design by the Governor of Punjab in 2010, Pakistan Excellence Award in 2007, Cultural Award, Toronto, Canada in 2000 and Bridal Asia Award in 2006. Since the past seven years she has regularly participated in Bridal Asia in India, managing to build a big clientele base in India.
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Showing a collection called 'Pareesa by ChenOne styled by Sahar Atif' at the Lifestyle Pakistan, she talks about the platform, "The corridor of friendship is opening day by day due to the confidence building measures being taken at both ends. We are looking forward to business at all levels, from retail to joint ventures for our diverse product line."
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Sahar Atif Sahar Atif has become one of the hottest names in Pakistani circles for her modern sensibility. Born in Pakistan, Sahar romanced fashion at a very early age. She joined the Pakistan Institute of Fashion Design, which is known to produce the creme de la creme of designers in her home country.
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Bilawal Bhutto's day long visit to India might or might not do much for diplomacy between India and Pakistan but his black and white pathani suit has sure kicked off similar orders at boutiques across town. Such is the power of fashion.
Maybe acknowledging the same power, Delhi's hosting a first of its kind Lifestyle Pakistan Exhibition from April 12-15 at Pragati Maidan. During this exhibition, over 100 top of the line exhibitors from Pakistan will showcase products in fashion textile, designer furniture, leather accessories, food products and intricate handicrafts.
The event not only aims at boosting the bilateral trade relations between the two countries, but will also give visitors an opportunity to experience Pakistani fashion and the hugely celebrated Lawn fabric collections. Those attending can also enjoy the expansive food court and musical performances lined up during the evenings. We got talking to a few of the big names of Pakistani fashion that are participating in the exhibition; just so you know what to look forward to, before you head to the four-day extravaganza.
