Lajwanti held a grand soirée to launch their latest bridal collection, Laal Bahar.
Model and influencer Sofia (Fia) Khan takes us inside her closet
How would you describe your personal style?
A mix of everything! Because I style myself according to my mood and the weather.
Your favourite fashion designer?
In Pakistan Mohsin Naveed Ranjha & Faraz Mannan. Internationally Tommy Hilfiger & Christian Dior.
Do you believe in sustainable fashion? Have you changed your wardrobe to make it more sustainable in the recent years?
I do but it’s not possible with all the changing fashion trends these days. But a good pair of jeans & black heels can always be worn with different tops.
Where is Pakistan do you love to shop?
I Love Al-Fatah & HKB.
What is the oldest item in your closet?
A black coat from WE about 22 years old
What, in your opinion, are must have items that are essential to a great closet?
A pair of jeans, a denim jacket, white T-shirt, black heels, black boots & black biker jacket.
Your most prized possession?
My Cartier ring.
Your favourite accessory?
Different kind of bracelets & bags.
What item in your closet makes you cringe?
A pair of neon yellow louboutin I bought and wore only one time.
How does fashion differ in the two metropolitan cities that you’ve lived in, Lahore and Germany?
In Germany it frequently changes but also nobody really bothers if you are stuck in the 90’s or 80’s fashion. You have all kind a freedom of wearing anything. Whereas in Pakistan I always had to prepare my mind before wearing something odd or out of Fashion. But I heard things are changing now..
Fall-Winter 2022/2023
This Collection takes much of its inspiration from nature, the colours and silhouettes taken up by the raw environment and how the complexity translates into something that looks yet so simple to the viewer. Much like most of our work which is based on a simple yet elegant design with a complex handmade construction and meticulous detailing.
Photographer: Asad bin Javed
Stylist: Yasser Dar
Makeup: Maryam Luni
Art Direction: Mehrunissa Kabir
Models: Rubbab Ali, Syeda Aleezey Jibran & Mamia Gul
Aymen Hikmat looks absolutely fab in this stunning outfit by Wear Zyza. We love her laid back chill aesthetic. She keeps it minimal with wavy hair, light makeup and silver jewelry. 10/10!
Sijjal Elahi is a sight for sore eyes in this Sabyasachi saree. She accessorizes the look with a chunky gold necklace and earrings. She wears her hair in a high ponytail and keeps her hair and makeup simple. Sijjal is definitely our inspo for the upcoming shaadi season.
It’s all about co-ord sets this time of the year and Shanzay Sheikh shows us exactly how to pull one off. We love her khaki set. Her Hermes bag and cheetah heels complete the look.
Fatima Kasuri looks absolutely stunning in this vibrant dress on vacation. We love everything about this dress, from the radiant colours to the cute Lady Dior bag and Loro Piana shoes. We’re obsessed!
Sona Rafiq definitely knows how to make a fashion statement and she does just that in this white + denim look. She wears an oversized white blazer with a denim cropped top and baggy mom jeans. She also makes sure her accessories are on theme with a Mui Mui white bag and pointy white Louboutins.
Rubab Ali looks like an absolute babe in this look. She wears a cute little blue knit top paired with easy breezy shorts and chunky sandals. So very gen z and so trendy!
The premiere of Carma was held at the Nueplex Cinemas in DHA Karachi and was attended by the who’s who of the showbiz industry.
Iram Haq hosted an Independence Day themed for friends at Cosa Nostra in Lahore.
Sonica Jewellers Signature hosted an exclusive meet and greet to celebrate their 4th anniversary in DHA.
We talk to fashion designer Maliha Aziz of Farah Talib Aziz about her new collection
Tell us a little about this new collection.Â
Our new collection Miray is an exploration of traditional craft and modern day silhouettes! It uncovers fresh colour palettes and innovative techniques that come together to make your wedding experience unforgettable.
Tell us your vision behind this shoot.
This shoot was based in Shalimar Gardes, Lahore, a stunning location that we were mesmerised by ourselves! The campaign aims to translate how full of life our wedding celebrations are, show casing fun filled events and intimate relationships! The truely majestic Mughal gardens provided the perfect backdrop for this years traditional bridal collection.
How did FTA come into being?
Since I was young I was so interested in learning adda handwork embroidery and stitching a doing it myself. I spent years hand embroidery my own clothes in all sorts of different techniques. It was only when my elder son left for university that I got the courage to start my own work shop! I started with one Karigar who sat in a garage in my house and Alhumdullilah today I have that same Karigar along with 500 plus more!
What are some challenges you’ve faced as a designer in this industry?
There are so many challenges! Basic requirements of running a business; water, electricity, gas, infrastructure, are our main hurdles. It’s been quite a journey over the past 18 years but now we’ve accepted these challenges and try to take them in our stride.
What is your favourite part about this field of work?
I love all of my team, they are like family to me. It’s the best part of my day to day routine as so many of them have been with me for over a decade.
What do you do on your days off from work?
I love to spend my holidays with my family; my husband and three kids as well as my most adorable little grandson!
What is something you’d like to change about the Pakistani fashion industry?
I would encourage fashion councils to set some rules and standards! I understand imitation happens but it should be on a high street level not on a designer imitating other designers level. There should be some checks and balances.
What advice do you have for aspiring fashion designers?
Nothing is achievable with out hardwork. We worked for decades to get where we are, nothing comes over night! Try your very hardest and then leave it up to Allah SWT.
Manahyl looks like a dream in this outfit. We’re a sucker for solids and this outfit hits home. She wears her hair in a slicked back ponytail and accessories the look with the coolest white sandals ever. We’re obsessed!
Aleezey Jibran turns heads in this stunning Mirana Clothing Kaftan. This free size kaftan is perfect to beat the heat. She wears her hair in a sleek bun and keeps her makeup simple. Aleezey accessories the look with silver earrings and a Lady Dior bag.
Manal Saleem is a sight for sore eyes in this gorgeous outfit by Fahad Hussayn. We love her statement earrings and tikka. She wears a dark eye makeup look and pairs it with a pink lipstick. 10/10!
Amna Hassan Tahir always knows how to make a style statement and she does just that in this look. We’re loving her bright green dress. She wears her hair straight and keeps her makeup simple. Her bright pink bag and shoes compliment each other.
Hajra Lalljee looks absolutely fab in this funky outfit. We love the combo of the printed pink dress with an oversized white shirt. She adds a pearly belt and hoops to tie the look together. We love her gold accessories too!
Our fave fashionista Kiran Malik stuns in this casual chic outfit. She pairs a white crop top with brown pants and an oversized black blazer. She stays on trend with her brown shades and cross body handbag. We love it!
Samah Mudasar of Samah M Beauty opened her second branch in Phase 5, DHA with a bang.
Iram Haq hosted a committee party at Pantry by the Polo Lounge.
Pearl Global City Dina is a world class housing scheme that aims to provide state-of-the art projects across Pakistan. The major goal of PGC is to improve the living standards of the community by providing world-class residential facilities and amenities. The mega project offers the best modern city infrastructure, convenience, ease of accessibility, and a fool-proof three layer security system.
Developers and Owner
Miss Naz Saleem Malik is the owner and CEO of Pearl Global City. Ms. Malik aims to provide all the primary and luxury facilities at the doorstep of residents at affordable rates. She is the first Pakistani female to kick start a housing society. PG Developers, known for their highly qualified team of experts, are involved in developing the society to meet the international living standards. They are committed to offering world-class conveniences in this exclusive society.
Location and NOC
The key feature of Pearl Global City is that it is located at G.T Road Dina which is a highly accessible location. It is easy and quick to access all nearby cities, which is highly suitable for frequent travelers. PGC acquired more than 5,000 kanals of land and are working for more land quarry. The NOC of the mega project is approved by Tehsil Municipal Authority (TMA).
Master Plan
The master plan of Pearl Global City Lahore is to provide something unique, including all the deluxe and primary facilities within the society to fulfill the promise of a high quality residential scheme. Furthermore, the society offers the best architecture that supports the wide walkways along with cloud-based streetlights, carpeted roads, beautiful parks, underground electricity and sewerage systems, a grand mosque, a community center, hospitals, schools and availability of all utilities as per international standards.
PGC offers highly affordable payment plan for investors. The reservation can be made with a 25% deposit. The remaining 75% can be paid over 30 monthly instalments.
Pearl Global City Dina is a world class housing scheme that aims to provide state-of-the art projects across Pakistan. The major goal of PGC is to improve the living standards of the community by providing world-class residential facilities and amenities. The mega project offers the best modern city infrastructure, convenience, ease of accessibility, and a fool-proof three layer security system.
Developers and Owner
Miss Naz Saleem Malik is the owner and CEO of Pearl Global City. Ms. Malik aims to provide all the primary and luxury facilities at the doorstep of residents at affordable rates. She is the first Pakistani female to kick start a housing society. PG Developers, known for their highly qualified team of experts, are involved in developing the society to meet the international living standards. They are committed to offering world-class conveniences in this exclusive society.
Location and NOC
The key feature of Pearl Global City is that it is located at G.T Road Dina which is a highly accessible location. It is easy and quick to access all nearby cities, which is highly suitable for frequent travelers. PGC acquired more than 5,000 kanals of land and are working for more land quarry. The NOC of the mega project is approved by Tehsil Municipal Authority (TMA).
Master Plan
The master plan of Pearl Global City Lahore is to provide something unique, including all the deluxe and primary facilities within the society to fulfill the promise of a high quality residential scheme. Furthermore, the society offers the best architecture that supports the wide walkways along with cloud-based streetlights, carpeted roads, beautiful parks, underground electricity and sewerage systems, a grand mosque, a community center, hospitals, schools and availability of all utilities as per international standards.
PGC offers highly affordable payment plan for investors. The reservation can be made with a 25% deposit. The remaining 75% can be paid over 30 monthly instalments.
Naz Saleem Malik
Owner & CEO of Pearl Global City
Amina Hussain held a lunch for her friends at Japanese restaurant Sumo in Gulberg. It was an all pink event and the decor was sone by House Of Shazia Cheema. Photographed by Raza Ali.
How does it feel seeing yourself on the cover?
Amazing like always, just like being the face of a brand, face of a drama or tvc project, it’s special.
How did you decide to pursue acting as a career? Did you always want to become an actor?
Wasn’t an overnight decision, kept asking myself what I wanted to do in life, acting was the answer. Not since the start, but this bug came in me in my later teens.
Has your perception of the entertainment industry in Pakistan changed over time?
Whenever it’s about to change, something or the other, brings it back to square one, so no it has stayed the same.
What are your hobbies outside of acting?
Outside my work, I am just a very lazy person so don’t do much other than Netflix and chill. But lately I am up for any new experience.
Do you work out?
Not like I used to. I am now just trying to stay in shape. The beach body thing isn’t for our screens so have let that go.
People in Pakistan don’t consider singing or acting a ‘proper’ profession. What do you have to say about that?
True and that’s because it’s not a very out in the open kind of profession, people who aren’t a part of it, don’t have the wildest clue of how things are done and what’s the whole scenario like. So it’s okay on their part to feel like this.
How do you handle the fame that comes with being an actor? Does the hate or the pressure ever get to you?
I take it in a very humble way and by being immensely thankful, because it’s not something on demand, if it happens you are lucky and because people have accepted you. Pressure sometimes yes, hate haven’t gotten any, love from all over, always.
What’s your favourite part about your work?
The creation, the unknown parts of you, which you get to discover in the process and also how you think you did something bad and when it comes out people love that too, that’s amazing.
Tell us about your upcoming projects.
Three new to air sometime soon and two I am about to start shooting.
Name three things on your bucket list.
Don’t want to jinx them 🙂
Tell us about your first tv shoot. What was it like?
I had no clue on how it’s done, as I am not a trained actor, I just ended up in the middle of a shoot and was spellbound. Was very nervous initially but soon got the hang of it.
Who is your inspiration?
It’s no one in particular. The inspiration is the fight to achieve in life and not end up being a failure.
Describe your perfect day off when you’re not working.
Hahaha it’s me and my eternal love for my huge bed.
What advice do you have for aspiring actors?
Know the path, understand the industry, learn the process and choose and act wisely. Don’t just jump in to get thrown out, instead feel the waters and then keep slipping slowly to stay afloat.
Muse: Danial Afzal Khan
https://instagram.com/danialafzalkhan?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Photographer: Adeel Khan
https://instagram.com/adeelk_photography?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
On Set Co-ordination: Faizan Awan X Alchemists
https://instagram.com/faizan_1997?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
PR: Samra Muslim X Alchemists
https://instagram.com/alchemistspk?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Photographs: Mohsin Khawar
Designer: Anam Anjum
MUA: Maham Gull
Talent: Aqeeda Rai
Tell us a little about your new webseries.
My new webseries, called ‘Khoj’, is by Pikchur Tv – A new streaming platform that is has an application where you make an account and watch the series, absolutely free! The director is Areeba Naveed, who I was very lucky to have gotten the chance to work with. In this crime-thriller, I play the role of a police sub-inspector, alongside the esteemed Samiya Mumtaz.
How did you decide to pursue acting/modelling as a career? Did you always want to become an actor?
I joke about how I knew I wanted to be an actress before I was born. It’s true! It’s something I’ve always known and never questioned. Modeling is something that kind of just happens to you if you’re in this industry.
What are your hobbies outside of modelling and acting?
I love hitting the gym and doing pilates and yoga. I enjoy spending time cooking for myself and my loved ones.
What is your beauty routine?
My ‘beauty routine’ isn’t limited to skincare. It involves something for the mind, body and soul – This may sound cheesy but I feel like if you take care of these three things, you feel pretty beautiful. I focus on a clean diet, as much as possible. I work out regularly, and take time out for myself in order to stay connected to myself and recharge my batteries. Haha. Spending time with people who encourage me to grow and learn is also pivotal. For me, this is my beauty routine!
Do you work out?
Yes. My day feels incomplete without some sort of movement.
Acting in Pakistan is still considered very taboo. Did you face problems when you decided to pursue this career?
None, whatsoever. I am incredibly blessed and lucky to have come from a family full of artists, who understand what it means to have a creative drive, along with the inherent need to bring this creativity to fruition.
How do you handle the fame that comes with being an actor? Does the hate or the pressure ever get to you?
Haha. I don’t think I’m there yet! I wouldn’t call it fame. But being in the public eye comes with its own tribulations. I have become more thick-skinned, and I feel it’s extremely important to have a close-knit circle of loved ones. This makes it easier to deal with any negativity your audience may direct towards you. It also allows you to get constructive feedback from people who really know you, so that you can also grow and learn if you are in the wrong. I’m lucky and blessed to have a great circle of loved ones who I can rely on.
What’s your favourite part about your work?
Being allowed to immerse myself into the reality of another human being.
Who is your favourite designer?
I love Rano’s Heirlooms. Always have. Growing up, I’d see Rano Khala’s designs and they always seemed so magical. Forever my favorite.
Name three things on your bucket list.
Acting in a leading role in a Hollywood Production, with a great script and crew. Times three.
Who is your inspiration?
My parents and my brother. Honest, driven and hardworking. So, so talented.
Describe your perfect day off when you’re not working.
Working out, spending time with loved ones, cooking and making coffee.
What advice would you give to young actresses?
Believe in yourself, even if others may not. Work on your craft. Polish it. Take constructive criticism. Don’t get lost in the superficial nature of this industry. Respect your coworkers, and your crew. Do not compromise on your values for momentary gains. What is meant for you will come, even if it takes time. Stay grounded, and don’t forget to take breaks and recharge.
Amna Baber looks like an absolute babe in this hot pink outfit by Sadaf Kanwal Fashion. There’s something about solid co-ord sets that is so refreshing! Amna chooses to wear her hair in a bun and accessorizes the look with big gold jhumkas. Perfect for the summer.
Faiza Lakhani of Secret Closet looks like a vision in this outfit by Zarehs. We love the sparkly outfit with accents of emerald green. Faiza accessorizes the outfit with emerald jewelry and a gold clutch and heels. We’re obsessed!
Mehrunissa stuns in this black and white monochrome look. We love the intricate details on the outfit. Mehrunissa pairs the outfit with a sparkly clutch and silver heels. She wears her hair in a half tied ponytail and we’re loving everything about this look!
Momina is one of our favourite fashionistas. We absolutely love her style and this look is no different. She wears a flowly ice blue, floor length dress and pairs it with a blazer to add some extra oomph to the look. We love understated hair and makeup. She accessorizes the look with a blue Lady Dior bag.
Our favourite Hong Kong based influencer Batool makes a statement in this super sexy black dress. We love the peek-a-boo bodice! Everything about her look, from the slicked back hair to the bronzey makeup, is right on point.
Malaecah Malik turns heads in this all white outfit. The off-the-shoulder mini dress looks like a dream. She matches the sparkles on her dress with sparkly heels and a silver bag. She keeps her hair and makeup simple.
Influencer and socialite Alina Shahid takes us inside her closet
How would you describe your personal style?
I would define my personal style as minimal, feminine and sophisticated.
Your favourite fashion designer?
Internationally there are many but to name a few, Max Mara, Self Portrait and Carolina Herrera. Locally, I adore Sania Maskatiya’s elegant & whimsical aesthetic.
Do you believe in sustainable fashion? Have you changed your wardrobe to make it more sustainable in the recent years?
I’ve certainly made very conscious purchases in the recent years and not only because of the inflationary pressure. As a mother, I feel it’s important to instill ethical fashion values in our children as their choices will have a huge impact on the environment in future as adults. Basic lessons like, choosing quality over quantity, encourage them to rewear, restyle and recycle outfits and pass down clothes to a family member when they don’t fit you – is a great approach to sustainability.
Where is Pakistan do you love to shop?
For western and particularly for my daughter, I like to shop at Outfitters and Ethnic. For eastern, my go-to brand is Suffuse.
What is the oldest item in your closet?
Shawls, which btw, are still in mint condition.
What, in your opinion, are must have items that are essential to a great closet?
A crisp white button-up shirt, a classic pair of denim, a versatile black blazer, sleek black trousers, beige/nude color heels and black stilettos. Also, I think one should invest in a good every-day accessory like a pair of gold/diamond stud earrings or a watch.
Your most prized possession?
Heirloom jewellery that has been passed down from my (maternal) grandmother.
Your favourite accessory?
One of my favourite fragrances depending on my mood and the occasion.
What item in your closet makes you cringe?
I don’t buy anything that I would regret later but I do have certain unused PR giveaways that I want to toss away.
Muse: Saheefa Jabbar Khattak
Photographer: Tajwar Munir
Makeup and Hair: Sarah Javed Butt
Styled by Sermed Ehmed
Outfits: Zola (@wewearzola on instagram)
Sheherbano Taseer of Bhindi Fries shares her journey of the K2 Base Camp Trek. Here is her survival guide for anyone out there thinking of embarking on this exciting journey.
Go for it
I will say that no words and no pictures will ever do justice to those days so if you can do it – DO IT! It’s truly a life-changing experience and something I am so grateful I had the opportunity to do.
Make sure you have a solid group + tour operator
In order to get the most from the trek you’d be lucky if you had a great group (which I did!) and a great tour operator (which we did not – ours was super disorganized with lackluster equipment and one of the members in our group got lost in the freezing rain on the Baltoro Glacier at night which was really scary).
Look for a decent weather window
Although this is honestly all luck. A friend who went years ago told me “you are going to see all four seasons in one day†and he was 100 percent right. During the course of one day it would switch from pelting rain to hail to scorching heat to strong blizzard. We went in mid July.
Make sure you’re in a good place physically and mentally
My awesome trainer Azmeh helped me get into great shape before the trek. I would definitely recommend you do that so you can enjoy yourself and don’t feel like you’re going to die, ha-ha. But I realized that so much of it is a mental game. You’ve really got to buck yourself up and sometimes group members too; because it’s a 180km trek where you eventually get to an altitude of around 5200m at the Base Camp. No mean feat!
Have a backup driving option in case your flight gets cancelled
We drove from Lahore to Islamabad and flew from there to Skardu. We got lucky with the weather and our flights took off but it’s advisable to have a backup driving option ready in case the flights get cancelled – which they often do.
Keep your extra luggage in Skardu
I would advise packing a pull along for everything you need before and after the trek and keeping it at your hotel in Skardu (if they allow) so you don’t have to carry extra weight with you when you hike.
Exploring Skardu
We stayed an extra day in Skardu and hiked around a beautiful fishing village in Soq Valley. You can go post Shangrila for stunning hikes or drive down to picturesque Khaplu, Shiqar, Upper Deosai Plains and local trout farms – whatever tickles your fancy, your hotel will guide you.
Get a SCOM sim
Get a SCOM sim with you for your days in Skardu but especially for when you reach Concordia. They have a 4G cell tower that gives you signals. It was amazing to disconnect from the world and just be present where we were but it was also nice to reconnect with friends and family when we got Wi-Fi after days at Concordia and especially Facetiming with my babies!
Be prepared
There are landslides, unpredictable weather, broken bridges and a million other obstacles that come your way during the drive so be prepared!
Set your rates in advance
Set all rates with your porters and tour company before starting so there is no bad blood during or after the trek. Make sure you ask them what food they are serving, what kind of tents and equipment they have. So much of your comfort and mainly all your safety depends on that.
Pre-download your playlist
Pre-download your playlists on Spotify and some audiobooks or podcasts for the trek or when you’re at camp at night.
Invest in good quality equipment
Everything gets wet and dirty super fast so you want to make sure your duffel bag is sturdy and waterproof. I also suggest using packing cubes to keep things organized. I would also recommend packing everything inside large Ziploc bags and labelling them so your things stay organized and weather proof. If you have to spend money on one good thing make sure it’s the shoes. I kept two pairs with me because one will inevitably get soaked and you could risk frostbite. Wear them before the trek starts to avoid blisters. You can even put Vaseline on your feet before wearing socks to prevent blisters.
Invest in a good Backpack
Your backpack will be your lifeline. I got a Camelbak with a straw and filled it with ORS so that I wouldn’t get dehydrated and could sip while walking. Don’t forget to get a waterproof cover for your backpack.
Pack Smart
Since it’s a long trek, pack smart. I took a lot of stuff with me. It’s not just about what you bring, what you don’t bring is just as important. Get good trekking poles, head lamps and my favorite were the tent lights – so useful for when you need to leave your tent to get something out from your bag at night.
Get a Filter Water Bottle
One of the most useful things we got was this Grayl Water Filter Bottle and it saved us from getting sick. I heard the glacier water would be clean but sadly the route has become super commercial and is quite contaminated with human and donkey poop.
Keep a Power bank
Make sure you take a power bank with you for your phones and our solar charger was so useful too. We would attach it to our backpacks when hiking on sunny days to charge any necessary devices. Make sure the power bank casing is plastic and not metal. Metal is a poor insulator and cold weather will kill the batteries.
Keep a First Aid Kit
Our first aid kit consisted of several things but the number one thing was altitude sickness defeating pills, so important! You might also want to take blister tape, sunburn relief, anti-allergy and post bug bite ointments, Deep Heat, bandages, Polyfax, Mospel, Pyodine, Brufen, antibiotics, and do get some Entamizole or Imodium because many of our group members got bad tummies.
Keep a few cans of food
Lastly, you can take a few small cans of tinned food for the group to share. I didn’t mind the food at all but there are some days where you feel like a bit of comfort food due to the weather and physical and mental exhaustion. We took some aloo keema and palak paneer.
The one thing I will never forget is seeing K2 for the first time – you can start to spot all the other mountains from far away in the the days you start reaching Concordia, but K2, distant and reclusive is hidden away till the very end, retaining her aura of mystery, beauty and danger. There are days you feel like you’re on a different planet, especially at night. Each day is exhilarating, challenging and thought provoking. You really come face to face with who you are. You talk to God; you feel His limitless mercy and love. Go before global warming and commercial tourism ruin everything. Go for the ride of a lifetime!