The dynamic networking session featured 50 incredible women leaders who aim to bring together women who’ve reached a certain level in life in a very important way to network and collaborate and get to know each other. Chief Guest: Seema Taher Khan (CEO, TV One) Guest Of Honour Hareem Malik (Champion Swimmer)
Perfect plan held a multi designer exhibition at DHA event halls in Lahore. The fashion and lifestyle expo was a one stop shop for both Ramadan and Eid. Pr: Rubia Moghees
Asifa & Nabeel launched their luxury lawn collection with a very exclusive sit down tea at lili by deja. PR & coordination Rubia Moghees @rubiamogheespr
1. Heavenly_crafts2023
Make Memories this Ramadan with these handcrafted Tray Gift Sets by heavenly crafts. They add some Custom Chocolates & Sacred Keepsakes making it a perfect tray to gift this Ramadan.
2. Bareeze Home:
Explore the beauty of Prayer Mats from BareezeHome. Where elegance embraces enlightenment. You can add some new prayer mats in your home and these beautiful prayer mats can be gifted to your loved ones this Ramadan.
3. Gulkhan Truck Art:
Make your iftaar tables shine with Gulkhan truct Art’s thaila box partition tray. These cute partition trays will help you serve dates and nuts while adding a pop of colour to your Ramadan tables.
Photography: Asad Bin Javed
Models: Amna Baber & Wajeha Khan
MUA: Sonia Nazir
Stylist: Arbaqan
Haleema your salon, Muse is the new go to place for everyone. tell us a bit about yourself and your journey so far.
I come from a political and farming background and I have been raised as an independent strong woman. I am a mother of two children and I love to travel and explore new places to keep my adventuress spirit up-lifted. I grew up with an astounding love for arts and design. Although I have a degree in Finance and marketing but my inclination was always towards arts. Also I wanted to do something that helps people feel confident and good about themselves. The philosophy behind our name Muse is ‘Be your own muse’ ~ You see the beauty within yourself. You acknowledge it, connect to it and become passionate about who you are, and appreciate your own uniqueness. Today when I look around, what I see is a reflection of who I am. I thank those things that reflect back to me the beauty and love that I want to see, as they show me that I am beauty and love. Knowing that I am my own muse, I recognize the power within me.
What inspired you to become a makeup artist & from where did you receive your training as a makeup artist?
My mother is my biggest inspiration and support. She’s the driving force behind MUSE. She has been successfully running her salons since the 90’s. Running a salon is something I have been seeing and experiencing since the age of 7 and I couldn’t have waited longer to have my own salon and my own brand.
Explain how you’d advise a young girl going for a look that’s both trendy and parent-approved.
Muse is all about believing in yourself and making choices that makes one feel good about themselves. Coming from a family oriented background I would never opt for something that’s not parent -approved nor would I advise anyone. There’s always a smart way to work around trendy look and make it look so elegant that it’s hard for anyone to disapprove.
What do you think is the biggest challenge for makeup artists?
Firstly there’s a lot of competition, Lahore alone has numerous talented makeup artists who are crafting beautiful looks every day. So competition is one of the biggest challenge. Secondly in this down trodden economy I believe it has become rather difficult to provide quality services and yet keep the prices low so that it’s affordable for the masses also and not just for the niche market.
Tell me about three makeup trends you’re a fan of.
I’m a huge fan of minimalist makeup because it enhances one’s own features and not make them look like a different person. Using less product helps the overall makeup to not look overdone. With minimal makeup, less is more, darlings! Secondly I’m loving how SKIN CARE products are being incorporated into MAKEUP products, how wonderful is the concept of using a concelears which help not only in concealing the dark circles but also helps in brightening Those dark circles. As I’m a big fan of minimalist makeup, I am also a big fan of sleek hairstyles and I couldn’t be happier with customers asking for it as well. Overly done hairstyles are so over done now.
What are the three best services offered at Muse Salon?
Muse is a full-serviced salon, we have hair services, spa services, nails services along with makeup services. I’m am extremely proud of my team for it’s doing an incredible job in all departments. With immense gratitude I’m saying that we have been getting repeated customers who go home leaving amazing reviews. Apart from our makeup, Clients are raving about our facials (Jensen, Dermalogica and guinot) and our manicures and pedicures. we have in-house scrubs that have been carefully crafted to cleanse the skin thoroughly while leaving it well hydrated. People are a fan of Our voluminous blowdrys, we have clients coming from DHA phase 8 for blowdrys. Balayage and keratin are also client’s favourite at MUSE.
What are the three best services offered at Muse Salon?
Muse is a full-serviced salon, we have hair services, spa services, nails services along with makeup services. I’m am extremely proud of my team for it’s doing an incredible job in all departments. With immense gratitude I’m saying that we have been getting repeated customers who go home leaving amazing reviews. Apart from our makeup, Clients are raving about our facials (Jensen, Dermalogica and guinot) and our manicures and pedicures. we have in-house scrubs that have been carefully crafted to cleanse the skin thoroughly while leaving it well hydrated. People are a fan of Our voluminous blowdrys, we have clients coming from DHA phase 8 for blowdrys. Balayage and keratin are also client’s favourite at MUSE.
Any advice for the brides of winter and spring wedding season?
I know how stressful the wedding preparations can be but I would advise them to look after their health and skin. They should eat healthy, drink juices, follow a good skin care regime and keep the skin well hydrated. Having a good skin is very important in creating a flawless foundation. Also don’t forget to enjoy this period, it is precious.
Farah Talib Aziz is now one of the leading fashion houses, tell us a bit about your journey and what inspired you both to become fashion designers.
My mum would cut and stitch her own outfits from scratch from a very young age and realized she had a passion for creating flattering and wearable designs, for not just herself but her friends as well who would really encourage her to keep creating!!
What’s your favorite part about being a fashion designer?
Inspiring people, making women feel their best and executing ideas and bringing them to life.
What’s your greatest strength as a fashion designer?
Staying true to our aesthetic and maintaining supreme quality.
Can you describe your signature design aesthetic?
Effortlessly luxe and timeless pieces that can be passed down to generations.
What has been the most pivotal moment in your fashion career?
Opening our first international store in Houston has been the most pivotal moment for us.
How do you stay true to your design philosophy when trends change?
Keep focus on flattering silhouettes that remain classics but can be accented with trending elements.
Can you share a design or collection you are most proud of?
One of our first bridal collections that was shot by my dear friend Muzi Sufi and featured one of my favourite muses Imaan Madani
As inflation has affected everyone, how do you plan to keep your new lawn collection still affordable for the masses?
By adjusting our own profit margin and creating classic designs from premium fabrics that can be worn again and again for years to come.
Farah Talib Aziz has also marked its name in making the most stunning and traditional bridal outfits. What according to you will be the hot favourite colour palette for the spring brides?
Lavender is really taking over international markets and I feel like it should come in ours too!!
Tell us about your new upcoming collection (both bridal and lawn).
Our Lawn collection pushes boundaries to introduce innovative techniques such as cut work appliqué, laser cut, ribbon work and stylised 3D embroideries, on PURE PREMIUM fabrics, making a lawn collection like never before
Our Bridal collection is created to be loved and cherished for generations to come. It uses traditional embroidery techniques all painstakingly intertwined on pure handwoven fabrics with modern flair.
Any advice for all the upcoming brides and aspiring designers.
Stay true to yourself and you don’t have to follow whatever is selling.
Reet Pehal opens its door in the heart of Y-Block, Lahore with exquisite Turkish jewelry pieces. Pr: Rubia Moghees
Aúra PR hosted an Open House for the Twin Houses for Magnum opus pk and orna design house. The project was executed by Magnum Opus, home furnishing & interiors were done by Orna Design House & wall colour and texture was done by Nova color pk for the beautifully designed house by Mazhar Munir. PR @aura_consulting_and_pr
Love is in the Air and we pick the best gift baskets/boxes for you all this Valentine’s Day
Hair & Makeup for Syra Yousaf
Mubashir Bhatti
Styling
Mehek Saeed
Art Direction
Hashim Ali
Shoaib has stunned us with his makeup transformations and has become one of the favourite makeup artist in town for both brides and fashion editorials.
Shoaib you are known for your unrealistic yet jaw dropping makeup transformations. Tell us a bit about yourself and what inspired you to become a makeup artist?
I am a very simple, friendly and fun guy. I get along with people easily and that’s probably because I was brought up in a joint family where all your elders teach you to be polite and considerate. My inspiration of becoming a makeup artist was a wedding I attended in my childhood. When the bride arrived I almost did not recognize her though she was a very close family member. That day I knew I wanted to know what sorcery that was and I knew I wanted to become a powerful wizard.
Some of your transformation looks of late Madam Noor Jahan got a lot of attention on your social media, do you think this and may other transformation looks were a turning point in your career?
Thank you for your appreciation. I do these looks for myself to be honest. I challenge myself and then I try to live upto it and by the grace of the Almighty, I have been successful so far. I can’t say if these looks were the turning point in my career but I received a lot of recognition and love because of them.
Shoaib we saw you dancing your heart out at Ahl-e-Dil; tell us about how you ended up learning classical dance and do you plan to excel your career in this field of art as well?
I have always been into visual and performing arts. I believe that dance is a medium that connects you with your soul. I needed a platform for my connection and Ahl-e-Dil and the Colony gave me exactly that. I would like to pay my gratitude to Fatima Amjad for believing in me and encouraging me all the way. It sure is something very close to my heart but it’s not a career option for me.
Congratulations on opening up your own makeup studio. Tell us about the challenges you had to go through to reach this point and how do you feel after achieving this milestone?
Well, every startup has its challenges and excitement, mine has too but I am very thankful to Allah for all His blessings including this one. I feel grateful but at the same time I believe that “Abhi Ishq Ke Imtihan Aur Bhi Hain”.
Spring wedding season is just around the corner, what do you think will be the ‘spring makeup’ trend?
Spring is all about blossoming and embracing yourself for who you are, and so will be the makeup trend in the spring. Minimalistic makeup and pink tones.
What color palette would be trending for spring bridals and which colours should be avoided?
Pinks, hands down. pastel, subtle, shimmery; all pinks. Avoid darker shades of lilac, maroon and browns in the spring.
Your three favourite makeup products
Three things that can be sufficient for basic makeup are probably my favorite things too. An eyebrow kit, a lash curler, and a tint for lips and cheeks.
What unique techniques do you use to enhance a client’s natural features?
The only technique that I religiously follow is minimalism. My mantra is “Less is more” and that’s what I do.
Describe a makeup look you created that received significant media attention.
The natural dewy no make look I suppose. That look got me a lot of attention on social media and 9 out of 10 clients ask me for that look.
Share an experience when you had to create a look based on specific character requirements for a film or TV show.
I have not done any TV show or film yet, however when I created my very first look of Maleficent, I worked on some specialized makeup techniques. People loved the look and then I did several more as you mention Madam Noor Jahan, Ma’am Rani, Depika Padokon, Haleema Sultan and Sohail Warraich. Yes I did a Sohail Waraich look as well.
How do you stay updated with the latest trends in the beauty industry?
I keep an eye on international makeup trends. I follow globally renowned makeup artists and I seriously rely on continuing professional development.
Any advice for all the bride-to-Be’s
Dear Brideto-be, please dont stress yourself unnecessarily, take care of your diet and go for a minimal, more natural makeup look.
Highlights from the open house of a gorgeous house designed by architect Mazhar Munir, interior decorated by Asma Nabeel with furniture & furnishing done by the native home official. Pr: ARPR
Cookie Aunty:
Cookie Aunty is all set to launch her finger-licking, ooey gooey cookies in Lahore. Oozing with ten rich flavours her cookies soft and chewy cookies are baked to perfection!
The Lost Chapter:
The lost chapter bookstore is a small, cozy bookstore situated in the heart of Modeltown. It has a wide selection of titles, from international best-sellers to beautifully curated offering of childrens’ books. You can also find essential school supplies and costumes for young kids at the store. It’s a must visit with your kids over the weekends for a fun and a great learning experience.
Ribbons & Roses:
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and if you are looking out for some gifts to be wrapped in the most beautiful way then do check out ribbons and roses. They are offering some over the top arrangements for your loved ones!
Anything worn in high school and college seems to have returned to the fashion scene. Sweater vests have re-emerged as a standby for fashionistas everywhere. The origins of the sweater vest date back to the 1880s, but they’ve experienced popularity surges over the decades. In their most functional sense, these knits are ideal for layering in the winter or snuggling up in at home.
Here’s how you can style your sweater vests for a classic yet chic look:
Pair an oversized sweater vest with a white button down as seen on Deepika Padukone. You can wear it with straight leather pants and some high heels to complete the look.
Pair a form-fitting ribbed sweater vest with a detailing to the waistline as seen on Victoria Beckham. She styled the vest with a frilly collared blouse, slim fit trousers, high heels and a clutch.
Cropped fitted sweater vests with roll neck —- Kate Middleton combined her sleeveless knitted piece with a minimalist outfit consisting of a white blouse and gray wide-leg pleated pants. She kept the look preppy with small pearl earrings and plaid pumps.
Designer: @maisondelace
Muses: @mushkkaleem
MUA: @saad.samie
Jewelry: @tesoro.pk
Visual Director: @mshahroz.tariq
Photography: @nusairrahman.photography
Marketing & PR: @tnbtpr
Aaleen recently completed her Dressage lessons Level 1 from the Emirates Equestrian Centre in Dubai and will be continuing her training there.
“It is my dream to represent Pakistan in the Grand Prix and bring home a gold medal for my country IA. I have taken the first step towards my dream to make it come true & IA make it into a reality in the near future. Please keep me in your prayers & support me with your well wishes”
Aaleen you have the honour of being the only upcoming female dressage rider in the history of Pakistan; tell us a bit about yourself
Hi,my name is Syeda Aaleen Bokhari and I’ve been riding since the age of 5. I’m a horse enthusiast or you can say a horse fanatic. I have learn’t my basic riding from Pakistan Rangers.
My father whose my very first coach/trainer is himself a very keen horseback rider and a Tent Pegger from his school days at Aitchison College. It was he who engraved Dressage into my head and my heart as a child. Telling me stories of Royal School of Vienna which is one of the best Dressage schools out of the four pillars.
So here i am today turning my dreams into a reality Alhamdulillah with the support of my parents and both my phupho’s.
What is the concept of dressage?
The word “Dressage” means training in French. The main concept of Dressage is to make the horse move in precise movements from barely showing signals from it’s rider. It’s a next level form of trust and bond between the two.
The rider is responsible for building it’s muscles to it’s fullest potential. A Dressage rider is supposed to train his/ her horse to be calm yet confident. To be submissive yet attentive and to have a unique bond with it’s rider.
Like the famous term goes “Dressage is like a ballet on a horse back.”
What is the difference between a horse rider and a dressage rider?
The difference between a normal rider and a Dressage rider is vast i.e a dressage rider like i explained before has to build the horse from scratch and take it to it’s full potential. Dressage is the highest expression of horse training.
Where as the normal rider is supposed to have a seat ( how to sit on a horse) to learn how to hold reins and how to balance himself/ herself on a horse. From basics you go into professionalism.
Why horses? And What was your riding “career” like as a kid?
Horses, horse riding and horse breeding all run in my blood. The passion for horses was something I inherited from both my paternal and maternal side. I find horses to be such unique,elegant and beautiful beings that they captivated my heart since i was a child and still do. I was just a basic rider like everyone else as a kid and that’s how it all started.
What was your FIRST favorite horse breed – the one you loved most now and as a kid?
My most favourite breed is a Fresian. The one i love now is Mr Medici a “Thoroughbred “who is a Hong Kong derby champion and belongs to one of maternal grandmother’s.
A horse named Toofan (Half bred) at Pakistan Rangers (Punjab) was my horse whom i rode as a kid.
If you could ride with any trainer in the world, ASIDE from your current trainer, who would it be?
Ofcourse It will be Charlotte Dujardin and Patrick kittle .
Tell us about the training challenges you have to face and how do you overcome them?
Getting trained for dressage is not easy at all. I have to remember all the meters and the alphabets. It’s like doing algebra all over again mentally without a paper and pen. Everytime i feel or felt that I’m doing something wrong i would come home and draw it on a paper to memorise it. If i make one wrong move i would have to do it all over again because i have to be perfect with the alphabets and the meters. There is absolutely no room for mistakes.
Tell us about your favourite horse and your relationship with it
Mr Medici (medo) i can go on and on about him. He is my love at first sight. I even have a tattoo of him on my arm haha. He is my rottweiler in a horse’s body as he is so possessive and protective about me. He is my Break through after the bad fall i had as a child and i completely stopped riding. He trusted me before i trusted him. He made me realise that i shouldn’t let my fears get into my way. I treat him as my child. Every year i specially travel to Murree just to meet him in the summers. I can do just about anything and everything for him like grooming him from head to toe or cleaning up his pellets without even remotely feeling gross about it. He is my son and i love him to all the galaxies and back. It is a never ending love story.
What is one item on your horse-related bucket list?
“Maybach saddles” they are just pure love.
How was your experience at Dubai Emirates Equestrian Centre?
My experience in Dubai Emirates Equestrian Centre was absolutely amazing. I got to meet people from all over the world with different stories and experiences. My Spanish coach “Mr Alonso” who mostly trains for competitions gave me a very tough time in the arena as he is ex military. Once i fainted also. As at time’s i have back to back “45mins each” classes and that particular day i didn’t even get a 5 minute break to catch my breath. So yes my coach has definitely made me stronger and more confident with myself and my riding.
What do you do when you are not training or spending time with the horses?
As I am not training presently, i will be training others at Lahore Polo Club as a trainer to teach basic and advanced riding. I want to train my students properly as I’m very particular about horses and riding. So basically there is not a day when I’m without a horse lol.
What is Aaleen’s day like?!
As ironic as this might sound but it’s the truth …I’m a sloth at home lol. I love being in bed scrolling through insta and listening to music as everyone else. My daily step count is max 48 steps lol.
Where do you see yourself as a dressage rider in the upcoming five years?
First and foremostly i see myself completing all of my dressage levels INSHALLAH by the will of Allah swt and the prayers of my loved ones especially (My Fato pho) without whom i would not be where i am today. If not this year then definitely next year i will be competing in an international competition INSHALLAH. It is my dream and wish to win a gold medal in the Grand Prix for Pakistan INSHALLAH and hold the Pakistani flag really high.
Any advice for all the female aspiring dressage riders?
For all the girls out there. Never give up on your dreams or your passion. Ignore all the superstitious talks that exist about horse back riding and do it without even thinking. There will be bad days but never give up. Even if you fall get back on the horse. Never let your fear take away your dreams.
The LADIESFUND® and UNDP Co-Host the 8th LADIESFUND Sustainability Luncheon in partnership with the British Deputy High Commission at Acton House Gardens, British Deputy High Commission, Karachi, where 250 dynamic guests including women leaders, icons, corporate high-flyers, artisans, home chefs, techpreneurs, and gurus gathered.
Fashion & Jewellery Designer Zehra Valliani had a fabulous Birthday Bash for her Mom Sameena at Dynasty, Marriott. It was a glamorous event with the creme de la creme of the Isloo ladies with a sumptuous Thai & Chinese buffet and live musical singing to entertain the guests who say the best Mom daughter duo in Isloo society known for their lavish parties and awesome crowd turnout.
Mana’s:
If you are in Karachi and are craving for some ooey gooey Nutella filled cookies then Mana’s cookie is a must try. Their one pound super yummy and soft cakes and cookies are just finger licking good!
Marina Homes:
Marina homes offer intricate craftsmanship, beautiful carvings, ornate details, and their style encompasses a sense of elegance and tradition to the furniture pieces. These beautiful and unique coffee tables have our eyes set on them.
Nyx Fat Oil Slick Click:
Lips on slick in just a click! This pigmented balm in click up packaging that dispenses just the right amount of formula, all you gotta do is click it to slick it! Get a fat boost of fat care for your lips with this vegan formula powered with avocado, cloudberry and raspberry oils. This lightweight, buildable balmy formula provides 12hr hydration for all day ultra-comfortable wear and care! Slick so addicting you wanna keep clickin! Available in 12 shades to click from with light as air pigments for a flush of color with a non-sticky, high-shine finish, perfect for everyday wear!
Tamkenat’s journey into the world of acting commenced with her debut in the 2022 drama “Kala Doriya,” alongside esteemed actors such as Sana Javed and Usman Khalid Butt. Her portrayal of the character Bitto in the series left an indelible mark on viewers, who were captivated by her impeccable acting skills and on-screen presence.
For starters, she is not only an influencer but also a medical doctor. Currently, her drama “Standup Girl” is on air on Green TV. With a unique combination of talents, Tamkenat Mansoor stands as a testament to the convergence of passion and profession. Her journey serves as an inspiration for those aspiring to excel in diverse fields, illustrating that one can successfully navigate the worlds of acting and medicine with equal prowess. As an influencer, actress, and medical professional, Tamkenat continues to make a meaningful impact on both the entertainment and healthcare landscapes.
Tamkenat you are a multitasker, from being a doctor, a single mother to a famous content creator; how has the journey been so far and how did you land into this industry of social media?
The journey so far has been very exciting. I got many interesting opportunities & made a lot of new friends. So been quite fulfilling.
I always wanted to work as an actor & writer. But I was a complete outsider so social media seemed like the right option to showcase my work & make a way into the media industry.
You have marked your name as being a comedian, what challenges do you think comedians face in the industry?
I think the biggest hurdle is the categorisation as a comedian. Because then the work opportunities sometimes get limited. You are not considered for non comedy roles. Other than that, people can take a lot of jokes coming from men but not from women. So you may get policed for saying certain things that men have all the liberty to express.
Tell us a bit about a project that was very close to your heart and why?
I have not done many commercial projects, but each one has been thoroughly enjoyable. Both my serials Kala Doriya & Stand Up Girl were with amazing teams. I had a lot of fun with the casts & learnt a lot because I was lucky enough to get to work with very esteemed actors. But having said that, getting to work with Kashif Nisar so early on my career has been a highlight.
What types of content do you enjoy creating the most?
I find a way to enjoy everything that I do. Whether it is my own content or a collaboration, I make it a point to have fun. That’s one of the most important aspects of work for me.
How do you maintain consistency in the quality of your content and projects?
By being selective. I decided it way back that I won’t make content or take up projects just because I have to be consistently seen. Stand Up Girl came out about a year after Kala Doriya. Similarly, I don’t keep dishing out videos just because I have to.
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement so far and why?
Whenever someone tells me that one of my videos changed their perspective regarding a social issue, I feel very elated & accomplished. Also when people tell me that their parents love my content.
Any upcoming project that you would like to give us some details about?
There is a mini series that I am going to start working on soon. And then another fun project for television. So far I can only say that people will get to see me in two very different yet interesting characters. Let’s see!
Any advice for all the aspiring comedians and content creators?
Just be your unique self. Don’t be afraid to experiment & find your niche. Don’t feel pressured to follow every trend. And be consistent.
Co ordination Umer Mushtaq
Makeup Waqar Hussain
Photography Hussain PI art
Styling @alchemistspk