Festive Fashionistas

then there is no doubt that the film industry's creme de la creme will gather to pose for the ever present paparazzi, in their finest garb, which is what happened when Uday Singh and Shirin Morani got married over the weekend. The grand affair saw the likes of Ranbir Kapoor, Karan Johar, Juhi Chawla, Ayushman Khuarana - just to name a few. Each outshining the other, celebs looked glamorous as always but as usual, Aishwariya Rai attracted the most attention, even though she wore a simple, but elegant floral churidar with straight fit kurta suit by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla. We loved the poise with which Anushka Sharma draped her sumptuous red velvet dupatta effortlessly across her mint Sabyasachi anarkali dress. Priyanka surprised all by borrowing her mother's traditional Kanjivaram gold sari, although she managed to carry it off, completing the look with authentic and grand looking accessories. Looking pretty in pink, Jacqueline Fernandez opted for a unique take on the usual flowing lengha, by instead appearing in a straight cut, sheer lace lengha skirt by Shehla Khan. 

Fariha Sabir

Couture Catwalk: Khubsoorat by Mani Kohli

most sought-after fashion brands in the UK. Khubsoorat draws on India’s rich heritage and combines craftsmanship with contemporary designs. Always on trend, Khubsoorat has recently launched a new website, offering hundreds of stunning designer outfits at the click of a button. Their latest collection was debuted at The Asiana Couture Catwalk to much applause, with Mani once again showing why she remains one of the most influential Asian womenswear designers in the world. 
Key trends for 2014: Tailored jackets, marine print, geometric shapes, tailored jackets, neons, sari dresses, shaped collars
• www.khubsooratcollection.com





Designer Mani Kohli takes to the stage at Edgbaston Cricket Stadium
Images: Rafyl Aamir Naveed Hair Stylist and team and Lavoi & Deo and team 
Make-Up: Lavoi & Deo and team, Ravita Pannu and team, Fozia Tawfiq and Parveen Sidhu Jewellery: Khubsoorat, www.khubsooratcollection.com Shoes: Simmi Shoes, www.simmishoes.com & New Look, www.newlook.com

ABS Birmingham 2014: Kyles Collection

Kyles' collection resonated the grandeur and mysticism of the Arabian Nights, each sparkling piece embodying extravagance and lustre. The dazzling display of diamonds, elegant pearls and shining ruby gems, resembled a treasure trove hidden within the depths of a genie's lamp, embedded within exquisite gold decorum, which would embellish any bridal outfit to a standard befitting of a queen. Amongst the precious ornaments showcased were striking headpieces, long layered authentic necklaces, alongside lighter pieces, matching sumptuous earrings, cuff bracelets attached to the traditional hand panja and adorned waist belts in stylish designs. Also featured were an array of heavy trinkets as well as lighter ones. Bejewelled head turbans and resplendent stately layered necklaces for grooms resounded images of emperors bygone, lustrous eras of the Mughals and regal scenes from the epic movie Mughal-E-Azam.
Kyles Collection
Fariha Sabir

Images: Swani.com
Hair & Make-up: Nina Ubhi Hair & Make-up Institute
Female Outfits: Zebaish

Rashid Malik

What has been the biggest high of your career?
Dedicating an exclusive store to casual and bridal wear. The response remains phenomenal. And our first fashion show with Asiana was a proud event.
What does fashion mean to you?
 It has to feel comfortable and look different.

Which of your garments are you proudest of?
We’ve done very well with our jackets and gowns because we’ve incorporated different styles and cuts and I think our embroidery designs are truly unique.

Would you describe your designs as strictly traditional?
Not at all. Our clientele is below 40 – I’m quite young myself! I’ve always liked to mix up. We know our niche is in the traditional market, but we’re pioneers in showing how cuts from western styles can add a unique twist to what you might expect.

Where do you draw your inspiration?
I get ideas anywhere – be it while travelling through some exotic landscape or just walking down the street, but ultimately, I get to know what works and what doesn’t by talking to my customers. They are, after all, the boss!

What sets you apart from other designers?
We cater to all sorts of looks and styles, but our main focus is on the discerning fashionista who is more interested in the innovation of the cut rather than simply wanting to cut corners!


Which celebrity would you like to dress up and how?
Katrina Kaif in a three-quarter length corset dress with devine panelling and shimmering in Swarovski crystals.

How do you stay ahead in such a competitive industry?
I never entered fashion as a business venture. I trained as a computer programmer and fell into this as an 18-year-old because I was bursting with ideas. So I’ve always relied on those ideas to remain fresh to keep me ahead – the day I find myself relying on imitation or compromising on quality will be the day I know my run is over.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?
We have two stores, and I imagine we’ll have a few more dotted around the country. But only if we’re sure we can offer the highest level of quality and attention to our customers. That’s what defines RDC, and in five years time, that is what will continue to define us.
RDC

Jewel Of The Night

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Jewel Of The Night

For maximum impact, adorn your face with this season’s dazzling palette of multi-coloured make-up

Posted: 12.11.12

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Pearly Cheeks
Perk up your complexion and make the cheeks glisten with clever use of highlighters and illuminators. Available in cream and powder based formulas, the latest products are perfect for brightening the skin by imparting a soft and luminous sheen. For a glowing result, apply the product to the high points of the face – such as the cheeks, temples and a touch on brow bones.

Ruby Lips
Make your lips the centre of attention by enveloping them in a decadent red lipstick. For the most flattering finish, pick the right shade for your skin tone. Deep red with a golden or peach undertone will compliment most Asian skin tones. But, if you are light skinned, experiment with slightly brighter reds - as seen on our model.Team these eye-catching lips with copper-toned eyes and a flawless complexion.

Jewel Lids
Jewel toned eyeshadows in sapphire, emerald and garnet were seen on models at this season’s catwalks, and are ideal for adding intensity to the eyes. These rich tones are best suited to evening receptions. To carry the look off in style, keep the rest of your make-up subtle - a swirl of pink blusher and a slick of flesh coloured gloss is all you need.

Pakistan Fashion Week 7 London

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Pakistan Fashion Week 7 London

Highlights from the weekend featuring the best Pakistani designers

Posted: 14.01.15

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Pakistani fashion has become so popular and sought after, that it is now brought to London at least twice a year. This weekend, 27 leading and upcoming designers from Pakistan, as well as British Pakistani designers gathered at Russell Square, London to showcase their finest couture on the catwalk, as well as exhibiting their unique collections, attracting avid enthusiasts of Pakistani style clothing. Most notably, we witnessed stunning ensembles created by British based Bombay Stores, as well as Alizay, whose creative designs inspired by colourful truck art, embody the authentic spirit of Pakistan.

We spoke to model/actor turned designer Aijaaz Aslam, whose elegant couture stood out in all its stylish glory. When explaining what sets his brand and garbs compared to other Pakistani collections, he explained: 'Since my brand mainly focuses on the international market, we adapt the designs in accordance to whichever country we are showcasing the collection in, and each design has its own style, unique to the brand, which you will not find in any other Pakistani designer's collection. Our selection can be described as experimental, innovative and exceptional quality.'

What stole the show for us were Hamna Amir's sparkling jewellery pieces, all designed by herself but available to buy in UK. On behalf of Hamna, Shano Hashmi highlighted the most popular items that are appealing to ladies at the moment, such as jewels containing faux pearls, emeralds and rubies which resonated scenes from the vintage look of the movie Pakeeza. Regal and resplendent gems inspired from the Ottoman era also seem popular, whilst opulent Arabian themed designs also took precedence. However, for the less traditional and authentic look, contemporary diamante adornments are also available, and equally stunning.

Photography: Shahid Malik

What Do Asian Markets Have in Store for Fashion Lovers

Fashion is not a basic need, but needed by everybody! The global fashion industry is worth trillions of dollars. Textile business is worth almost USD 655 billion. Apparel sectors constitutes of 57 percent of this number. It is a huge industry. It provides employment to a number of people around the world. Asian fashion market is emerging in large parts. But it can be said that it is progressing at a rate faster than the traditional fashion markets like France, Italy, UK, or USA. It is expected to rule the North American and European markets in a short span of time. Its mere apparel retail industry is worth USD 452 million. Asian fashion markets are emerging at a rate faster than ever! It has a lot in store for fashion lovers. There is no doubt to the fact that the Asian fashion markets were far behind the North American and European markets, initially. But we can see significant changes taking place. Changing consumer tastes can be regarded the main reason. Japan, in eastern Asia, was a major hub for fashion lovers from the very beginning. Its fashion industry was worth USD 1001 billion in the year 2000. It still retains its charm in the world market. In the year 2010, its textile production increased by 111.6 percent. Hong Kong is another tradition fashion market situated in the south of China. Its pride lies in its fashion shows and its novel fashion industry. Surveys reveal that Japanese had a high standard of living from a pretty long time. They had ample of money to spend on fashion. They portrayed their image as fashionable young people before the world, especially in the year between 1952 and 1958. On an average, Japanese spent almost 7 percent of their income or even more on clothing and footwear. Uniqlo, a major apparel retail brand, attained popularity all over the world. Hong Kong has been ranked as a fashion capital of the world, many times. Its fashion industry is mainly influenced by the Chinese fashion market, as it is ruled by the People's Republic of China. It has a well developed fashion products manufacturing industry, retail industry, and frequently organizes internationally acclaimed fashion shows. The concept of street fashion was popularized by Japan. This unique blend of current and traditional fashion was adopted all over the world. Its youth culture is widely acclaimed and accepted. On the other hand, Hong Kong Fashion Week has remained the worlds most favorite from very early times. Some of the best designers of the world participate to portray their talents in this event.

Crasis Couture