Nuriyaa launched their debut lawn collection with a fabulous luncheon at Cosa Nostra.
Close friends of ace designers Nickie Nina held an intimate get together for friends and family
Mr and Mrs Chohan celebrated the nikkah ceremony of their son Jamal with Noor in an intimate ceremony between friends and family.
We speak to actor and model Mahenur Haider about life in the fashion industry, upcoming work and more
How does it feel seeing yourself on the cover once again?
It always feels amazing to see myself on the cover and this time is no different!
You’ve worked with Mohsin Khawar several times before. What is it like to shoot with him?
Shooting with Mohsin Khawar is always a blast. It’s always really comfortable. We all have so much fun on set. I remember shooting with Mohsin a lot when I had just started modelling. I think we’ve worked on countless projects together! We always make a good team.
How did you decide to pursue acting as a career? Did you always want to become an actor?
I guess deep down I always knew that acting was what I wanted to do.
Has your perception of the modelling industry in Pakistan changed over time?
I never formed a perception about the modelling industry in Pakistan. For me, modelling has always been work. It was always a job and that’s how I’ve looked at it.
What are your hobbies outside of modelling and acting?
This is such a heartbreaking question! I don’t get to do anything really because I’m so busy with work. When and if I get a day off, I like to go for a swim.
What is your beauty routine?
I wake up at 6AM every single day. I like to do yoga. Sometimes I work out. I always make sure that my early mornings are dedicated to myself and my mental well being. All of this is, of course, followed by a healthy breakfast.
People in Pakistan don’t consider modelling or acting a ‘proper’ profession. What do you have to say about that?
To be perfectly honest with you, I’ve never come across anyone who has such views. Everyone around me knows how hard I work. No one has ever questioned it being a proper job.
Acting in Pakistan is still considered very taboo. Did you face problems when you decided to pursue this career?
Not really. However, I did face problems when I decided to quit my career. There were so many people who didn’t want me to leave. So I had to come back.
Tell us about your upcoming projects.
I’ve shot a film with Fahad Sheikh which should come out this year InshaAllah. I’m also going on set to shoot my next play in March, so that’s also in the pipeline. I’m very excited.
How do you handle the fame that comes with being an actor? Does the hate or the pressure ever get to you?
People are always very sweet and supportive when they approach me. People that have seen my work and decide to come say hi are always so nice and that is a big motivation for me. I’ve never really gotten any hate so I feel blessed in that regard.
What’s your favorite part about your work?
Literally everything!
Who is your favorite designer?
I personally love Sana Safinaz Couture.
How do you stay in shape?
I do Yoga. I also try to watch my diet and eat healthy.
Name something on your bucket list.
The number one thing that I’ve always wanted to do is skydive!
Tell us about your first shoot. What was it like?
My first shoot was back in 2013. That day was the first time I had worn heels in my entire life! Can you imagine? It was a 2 day shoot for Bareeze’s eid campaign. I still remember it so well. Since it was my first time ever wearing heels, by the end of the shoot I literally couldn’t walk. It was definitely an experience I’ll never forget.
Who is your inspiration?
I get inspired by anyone who’s hardworking, regardless of their profession.
What kind of photo shoots, in your opinion, are the hardest to do?
Underwater ones.
Describe your perfect day off when you’re not working.
Day off? What does that mean?
What advice do you have for aspiring actors and models?
My advice to all those people is to never give up and stay motivated. There is a long road ahead of you; so work hard and don’t lose hope!
Photography:Â Mohsin Khawar
Blue dress:Â The House Of Kamiar Rokni
Saree:Â Mahgul
Coats:Â Quiz
Makeup:Â Saad Nasir
Styling:Â Aarinda Noor
In the past, brown has taken a backseat to more popular colors like black or white but it seems like brown is everyone’s favorite this winter season. From tan to chocolate brown, this colour is the go-to for celebrities and it girls.
Comedian and Youtuber Junaid Akram AKA Ganji Swag talks inspirations, struggles and more
What’s the significance behind the title Ganji Swag and how did it come about?
So back in the day, I’m talking 2012-2013, I decided to get rid of my hair because I had a really bad receding hairline. My friend’s girlfriend at the time used to call me Ganji Man just like Spiderman or Superman. Back then there used to be a lot of memes about swag like Swag Wali Topi etc. I used to tell her I have more swag than your boyfriend. This was our silly banter. One fine day, I decided to make an Instagram account. I was confused because Junaid Akram was already taken. I was with that same friend and he said why don’t you go for Ganji Swag? That’s the story. Back in the day I used to argue a lot on social media. When people had nothing left to say to me they would say, “oh you’re a ganjaâ€. When you embrace something like that, I feel like it takes the power away from the trolls. So I thought I should go with Ganji Swag and that’s how it happened.
How did your journey as a comedian start?
I used to be the class clown. I was the friend who was always making every one else laugh. But there is a difference between being funny amongst friends and being funny on stage. There are a lot of people who aren’t able to do both. I had a friend called Steve. Steve and I used to watch a lot of stand up comedy. Youtube was new back then. We were huge fans of Seinfeld and we would share observational comedy. So, Steve said why don’t you give this a shot? He thought I had it in me. I thought about it for two years and then finally decided to do it. I found an open mic night. I went there and I did my set. It was great! I thought to myself, this is amazing. The crowd laughed at my jokes and it felt empowering. I kept doing stand up and from there I ventured into YouTube eventually.
We’ve heard that you’ve struggled quite a bit in your journey. You’ve even waited tables. If you could meet that Junaid today, what would you say to him?
Yes, there has been a lot of struggle. But I guess I’m not the only one. A lot of people go through this. I guess it’s situations like these that really prepare you for the future so I’m really grateful. When I used to do those jobs, I used to hate my life I would complain to God all the the time. But now that I look back, it all makes sense. I had to go through all of those hardships in order to be as thick in my skin as I am today. That allows me to be bold and be the way that I am today in my current line of work. So if I could say something to that Junaid, I would say the same thing that I used to say to myself back then, which is: it’s only a speed breaker in my life. It’s only a chapter in my life. It’s not my whole life. I’m not going to be doing this my whole life. I have a lot of potential and all I need to do is wait. Sar jhuka ke kaam karo. Just wait it out and just be patient. That’s with I used to pacify myself with. And I would say the same today. I was glad I was aware of the fact that this is only momentary. That’s exactly how it played out.
What, in your opinion, are some of the drawbacks of being a comedian in Pakistan?
Lack of freedom, lack of acceptance. Not just being a comedian, I feel like being an artist in Pakistan, there are a lot of drawbacks. You aren’t respected enough. People don’t treat you nicely. But when there’s a lockdown, they can’t survive without us either. Be it YouTube, be it Netflix, be it Spotify, artist ke baghair guzara bhi nahi hota lekin usko gaaliyaan bhi deni hain. So there’s a huge issue of acceptance. If I speak about comedians specifically, there’s a lack of freedom for sure in terms of the content that you can create or things you can talk about. There’s only so much that happens in Pakistan. I also think you can’t talk freely about politics or other institutions. There’s really not much left to talk about. Anything can be construed into mockery even if you’re just making a joke about something. It’s a very slippery slope that you have to tread upon. It’s not an easy job.
Who are your top 5 favourite comics?
This is a very difficult list to put together! But I guess Moin Akhtar Saab is on the top of the list. I really enjoyed Majid Jehangir. He is one of my heroes. A lot of people don’t know about him. I guess people from my generation do but the younger ones don’t. Internationally, I really enjoy Bill Murr and George Carlin.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Well, probably doing much bigger things. There are a lot of dreams that I have had way before I started my journey as a Youtuber. Thankfully, everything is falling into place. I wanted to expand my horizons and my expertise. So slowly but surely those things are happening. This year is going to be big because I’m making a drastic change in my pursuit of success and pursuit of doing wonderful things. Hopefully, I will have a children’s show in the next five years because that’s an area that I’m really sentimental about. Sadly, there is no content for kids in Pakistan. So hopefully, I will have a channel dedicated to kids and science. I would be happy if I’m able to pull this off by then.
What question would you like to answer that never gets asked of you?
I don’t think there has been a question that hasn’t been asked. However, whenever I’m in a public space, a lot of people flock in to grab a selfie. Sometimes, I really wish they would just click one and be off. Or they can talk to me for five minutes and ask me how I am or how I’m doing but people don’t really care about that. They just want their selfie and off they go. Sometimes I really want to talk to people. But that doesn’t happen much. I would appreciate if people asked me genuinely, ‘how are you feeling?’ And that’s something that people don’t really think about.
Cancel culture has become very strong these days. People are very quick to judge and even the littlest things get celebrities in trouble. Does that pressure ever get to you? Are you now more careful about the jokes you make?
There are two sides to this question. First of all, yes the world has become very politically correct. Every morning when I wake up, I access my Facebook memories and see the kind of stuff I come across that I used to write ten years ago. It would never ever pass today. But then again those were different times. Evolving is good. I value that and I endorse that. We need to uneducat ourselves and re-educate ourselves about a lot of things. However, jumping on the bandwagon about every little thing is really toxic. A person is only responsible for what they say not for what people understand. Sometimes people misconstruct statements. I’m not really pressured about anything because I’m only responsible for what I say. Everyone has their own perception. I can’t go up to every single person and explain to them what I meant at every occasion. People do what they want to do. However, being sensitive is something different. I wont make jokes that I did five years ago or ten years ago. I wont do that because I’m careful about people’s sensitivities. But I’m not under any pressure because of these people. I understand what needs to be said and doesn’t. If someone is going to create an issue out of every small thing, then that’s their issue not mine.
Do you have any regrets?
I don’t think so. I’ve been very blessed Alhumdullilah. The only thing I would say is that I could have done a lot of things a lot earlier if only I had taken certain steps. But everything makes sense now. Everything takes it’s sweet time so it’s important not to rush into things. I have no regrets. I guess one has regrets when one doesn’t want to sort things out. I believe in nipping things in the bud and not carrying things further. I work on regret minimization frame work so I take steps in life much earlier, so at 50 or 60 I don’t look back and say, ‘oh man I should have done that’. So I design my life around regret minimization framework. So I do those things that I wont regret in the future.
What do you like to do on days that you’re not working?
I am working every single day. I am working even on my holidays. I just can’t switch off. There’s so much to share with people! There’s so much to talk about. Even when I’m travelling or I’m on vacation with my family I’m always creating content. If I saw a chori foothpath I have to tell people, look how pedestrian friendly this road is abroad. I just want to communicate a lot of things to my audience so that their exposure also increases. Their minds open up. If they can’t travel for whatever reasons like budget or covid, I want them to travel vicariously through me. I’m always working.
What advice would you give to people who look up to you and might be struggling to get a start in the industry?
I would say just do it and don’t think too much. I don’t mean start something without putting any thought into it at all. Work things out of course. But don’t think about what people will say, what sort of comments will I get. Stop thinking about all that. The day I stopped thinking about what people will say my life was peaceful forever. It allowed me to take a lot of risks that I might have not taken if I cared about people’s opinions. I ventured into this community and this field, I excelled and I expanded my business and now Alhumdulillah everything is great. I would say stop worrying about people and just do you. Do whatever you feel like doing, talk about whatever you feel like talking about. Put your content out there. Don’t worry about whether you have equipment or not. For several years I just used my phone to make videos. Equipment will come itself eventually. What’s important is content. If your message is good, if your timing is good, and its concise and agar apka message logon ke dilon ke taar hila deta hai that’s all you need. You don’t need a red camera or any fancy stuff. Just be true to yourself. Be honest to yourself and your work. Don’t think about earning money. Follow success. If you follow success, money will eventually follow but if you follow money, you’ll never get it because money is number. And numbers never end.
We asked our favorite people their plans for Valentine’s Day and here are their answers!
Sumrina Khan
At the spa, pampering myself!
Sophiya Khan
I will be spending the day with my original valentines, my Nano & Ammi, with a home cooked meal.
Mohsin Khawar
My wife and I don’t specifically plan such days. We often go out, buy each other gifts and have gup shup sessions over tea. So for us, every other day is special like this. Alhamdulillah.
Hassan Shehryar Yasin
This year I plan to spend my Valentine’s with my Mother. She hasn’t been keeping well for some time and in the time I’ve spent with her, I feel that a day dedicated to love should be spent with the person who gives you unconditional love.
Rubia Moghees
I used to be quite finicky when it came to celebrating Valentine’s Day a few years ago; however the excitement has gone down recently. I believe that each and every day that you are alive and well should be celebrated. There should not be any reason to dedicate one day for love
Rana Noman
I want to take a holiday and sleep!
Zainab Reza
I’m just going to be chilling at home with Mommy.
Amna Baber
I don’t believe in Valentine’s Day!
Aamir Mazhar
I will spend valentines day by celebrating one of my dearest friends birthday over lunch! I also plan to give flowers and gifts to my parents to celebrate their love and blessings in my life.
Mohsin Naveed Ranjha
I am spending my Valentine’s with my significant other and both my kids! I cherish every second I spend with my family.
Meher Hasan
I’m spending Valentine’s Day with my Valentine! My dog, Dodo.
Anusheh is the epitome of grace in this Zehra Saleem outfit. We love the combination of gold and silver. She pairs the traditional outfit with modern silver jewelry and silver heels.
Mehak can do no wrong. She turns heads in this deep blue Zola shacket. She styles it with white pants, shoes and white shades. She adds a pop of colour with the green bag. We’re obsessed with her look!
Hania Amir is a sight for sore eyes in this beautiful peach shalwar kameez. She wears her hair straight and long, and accessorizes with gold heels.
Rehmat Ajmal stuns in this perfect holiday dress in Dubai. We love her sweet and simple straight hair and light makeup. 10/10!
Mamia looks fab in this all black look. We love how she layers her leather jacket on top of her leather dress. She ties the look together with thigh high boots.
Natalia is the epitome of cool in this trendy outfit. She pairs an oversized white jacket with nude leggings, a Prada bag and Nikes. The perfect Gen Z outfit, right on trend!
Aziz Memon and Samina Aziz hosted a lovely dinner in honor of US-based Pakistani entrepreneur and philanthropist Shoaib Kothawala and Firoza.
The model opens up about her work, her time at LUMS and more
You went to LUMS for your undergraduate in English, that’s very different from what you’re doing now. How did you decide you wanted to pursue a career in modelling?
I think that the career chose me. I kind of found myself doing it one day. Most of my life I was on a single trajectory where I wanted to be a great writer. I think I’ve wanted to be a writer since I learned how to write. Even when I was in college, I was on that trajectory. Although I was a child star for a small amount of time – but that’s a story for another day. I was taking the summer semester at LUMS during my junior year and one day this girl approached me. She asked me if I was interested in doing a shoot in college for a new brand that was starting up. It was Zaha by Khadija Shah. She was just starting her pret wear line. It was their first campaign and she wanted to show that women from all walks of life wear Zaha. She did one for working women, one for mothers. She wanted to do one for college girls. We actually shot on campus. And I was one of the models for that. It was a lot of fun.
You are also a published author. Tell us a little more about that.
Again, I think – it just kind of happened. It was one of the most exciting moments of my life. This friend of mine, she works very closely with the Aleph Review and I had written something for this fiction course that I was taking at LUMS. It was a short story called Ye Yo. Apart from that, I have also written a couple of poems. Although I wouldn’t really market myself as a poet. I dabble in poetry sometimes. That is still something that’s on my agenda. I do want to maybe write a book one day or maybe a collection of short stories.
There is stigma attached to the profession of modelling in Pakistan. Did you find that to be true in your experience?
Well I’ve been very fortunate and privileged to have a very open minded family. However, I do agree that there is a lot of stigma attached to the profession of modelling generally because I think a lot of people have a perception that a career is really a 9 to 5 job where you go to an office and work at a desk. So a lot of people wouldn’t consider the entertainment industry as a viable career. However, I do think times are changing now. Even if I see people other around me, because we are from a conservative society, receiving backlash its seriously in one ear and out the other because at the end of the day it is your life and its what you choose to do with it. So yeah.
Describe your perfect day off when you’re not modelling?
Oh my god… when I’m not modelling and I have the time and the luxury, I just stay in bed and watch Netflix. That’s usually what I’m doing. I spend a lot of time with my dog. I also like to call up my friends and catch up with them. Honestly, just chill out. I like reading, I like going to the gym. I’m more of a homebody when I’m not working.
You feel very strongly about Astrology and Numbers. You even do readings. Tell us more about that.
My spiritual journey started a few years ago. Although, I would say even as a child I would have these ruminations sometimes. But I got into Astrology in a big way around the time that I was in college. I even took a course in it. I’m just really into all of that stuff! It’s such an interesting discipline and there’s so much that is unknown to us. We should really question everything around us. You know, I think a lot of people like scoff at Astrology or the Occult Sciences and think that it’s not a “real scienceâ€. But ye nizaam to kaafi dair se chal raha hai. It’s even older than we know or understand. I definitely think that its something interesting worth tapping into. I think the ambit of my intuition widens the more I look things up about other people. It’s a really interesting way of assessing people’s personalities and understanding how in one version of reality how your day might go – if you read your horoscope. So I do think that it’s interesting. As far as readings go I was really interested in tarot card readings although I don’t really do them anymore because I was advised not to. But that’s also a very interesting discipline. For those who are well versed in it. I am no one to say.
How do you think your generation is different when it comes to working in the fashion industry? Do you find it hard working with people who you have such a big age difference with like Kami or Faryal?
So I definitely think that Faryal and Kami are geniuses in their own right. They’re really with it in some ways. They’re so flexible and open minded. I think a lot of our older legends are sort of moving with the times and modernizing as we go along. Which I think is really cool. They’ve tapped into this new market. A lot of the young people in the industry including myself are changing the game in certain ways. We want to bring about new ways of looking at fashion, looking at beauty, looking at clothes and its just really exciting stuff and I’m really happy to be a part of it.
Do you have any regrets?
Professionally? (laughs) No. I don’t think I have any regrets professionally because every shoot that felt like a disappointment at the time was, in the end, just a lesson. I feel like you’re constantly growing and evolving even as professionals. So I wouldn’t say I have any regrets. Maybe I would do some things differently but that reflects more on things like punctuality and being more disciplined and staying organized about shoots and stuff. Now that I have mentors and people looking over me, I feel like my journey has gotten a lot easier and a lot more fulfilling and gratifying. It does take an army to create a beautiful image. So, I don’t think I have any regrets, no. I think if anything, everything is just a lesson.
What advice do you have for young people who are wanting to start out in the industry?
Honestly, I’ve gotten this question before and I’ve said back then also that I’m no one to give advice. But I would say don’t back down. Don’t let anyone tell you your worth. Know your own value. Stay disciplined. Know your angles. You should also have a great social media presence. Specially Instagram. It’s the place where people scout other models. If anything seems shady don’t say yes to it. And finally, I would say always trust your intuition and your gut.
Saira Shakira’s 22 luxury pret collection is a sight for sore eyes. Shot by the talented Alee Hassan featuring Ayesha Rajput the collection has something for everyone. Delia brings together modern and contemporary silhouettes, a wide range of colours and cuts. The collection is perfect for dressing it up (for weddings and qawallis) or dressing it down (for dinners and smaller events). We’re obsessed!
Brand: Saira Shakira
Collection: Delia Luxury Pret 2022
PR: Centaur One
Photography: Alee Hasan
Makeup: Fatima Nasir
Model: Ayesha Rajput
Influencer Zainab AKA Baekartoot takes us inside her closet
My personal style in three words
Edgy, chic, ethnic.
My top 5 wardrobe essentials
- A basic black/white top is a must for your wardrobe. You can style it every season and in so many different ways. I’ve styled this top with some ethnic jewelry for a chic look.
- A leather jacket: My leather jacket is 6 years old and I still love it! It instantly gives my outfit a very edgy vibe.
- A colourful koti: I love wearing kotis over plain bodysuits and jeans. Especially on days when I don’t feel like putting in any effort. The ethnic kotis oomph up any outfit.
- A velvet jora: perfect for winter weddings!
- Ethnic jewelry: I love styling ethnic jewelry with all sorts of outfits.
My top 5 shoe essentials
- Chunky Ankle Boots
- A pair of nude heels
- Nike Airfoces
- A chic pair of slides for the summer
- My most favourite — khussas! I style khussas in the summer and spring with desi and western outfits.
My favourite vintage item
To be honest, I dont think I own anything vintage right now. But my mom is holding on to her 25 year old wedding lengha for my big day and I’m pretty sure it’s going to be my favourite when I wear it!
My most prized possession
This has to be the denim jacket my dad got for me from New York. It’s an ordinary denim jacket but what makes it so special is that my Dad chose it for me. The jacket reflects his style and I absolutely love it. He got it for me almost 6 years ago!
Influencer Mishael Arif takes us inside her closet
My personal style in three words
I would say my personal style described in three words is definitely fusion, colorful and traditional.
My top 5 wardrobe essentials
1. A black crop top. If you find one with a low back and neck it can double up as the perfect sari blouse!
2. A casual cotton saree. A saree is my favorite thing to wear to any event. Lunches, dinners, weddings, birthdays. They flatter literally every body type and you just can’t go wrong.
3. Jeans. My favorites are high-waisted, mom jeans in a dark blue wash.
4. A white cotton gharara. In the summer, pair this with literally any shirt you have and watch your outfit go from casual to smart casual in minutes!
5. A cool denim jacket. It’s the perfect accessory for autumn or winter. An oversized vintage one will work with any outfit — even shalwar kameez!
My top 5 shoe essentials
1. Comfortable white trainers are my number one essential. I love my Nike Cortezs. They go with everything. I also have my eye on some Air Force 1’s which I might get next.
2. A comfortable pair of block heels. Trust me, these will be the ones you reach for the most during shaadi season.
3. A pair of fun khussas. My faves are the handmade Sindhi ones from Chauhan Jutti House. They are made by local artists. I have them in almost every color!
4. Pointed flats or loafers smarten up any outfit whether it’s desi or western.
5. Colorful stilettos. They’re not the most comfortable but they make great statement accessories for dinners and nights out.
My favourite vintage item
I’m not sure if it classifies as vintage as I’m not entirely sure how old it is BUT it has to be my oversized denim jacket. I love it because of the fit but also because of the story behind how I got it. I was in Istanbul for an exchange program at university and I went out with a bunch of friends wearing my Zara denim jacket. When it was time to leave I went to the side to get my jacket and turned out some other girl had taken it! She left me hers (by accident or on purpose, we will never know) but I love the vintage cut of it and it’s much more me!
My most prized possession
This has to be my Grandma’s heirloom jewelry. Since I have a sister I don’t know which pieces I will get to keep but wearing it has been an absolute joy and it will always hold a special place in my heart.
The millennial model talks love, marriage and inspirations
Sona Rafiq walks into the pool house of a stunning farmhouse on Bedian Road in Lahore on an August afternoon and the entire room is overcome by her star personality. The pool house is tucked away in a romantic little spot at the back of the farmhouse. “Hiii guys!” says Sona, looking impossibly cool in black flared jeans and a t-shirt. She greets the make-up artist and everyone else with so much warmth that you’d never guess this girl is the lead for every single campaign in the country this season.
Do you like the jet set life? Always travelling between Lahore and Karachi? “I love it. I just feel like I’m so lucky. When I visit Lahore, I get a break from Karachi. I come to Lahore and I feel like I’m fully refreshed. But I feel like the only drawback here is that I really really miss my dog Piku.” she says making a sad face. “And I miss my husband and my friends and of course, the food!” she adds quickly.
As she gets her hair and makeup done for the the cover shoot, Sona talks to me as if she’s known me for years. She’s open and honest about her experiences in the fashion industry. We all head over to the the pool area for the first few shots — dressed in a Sania Maskatiya outfit, she looks like something out of a movie. And once she steps in front of the camera, everyone is mesmerized. The camera absolutely adores her. Modelling and fashion, however, weren’t always in the books for Sona who is a major in Banking and Finance — a field that’s worlds apart from this one. “I feel like I always liked dressing up.” says Sona. “Honestly, in my third year in college, I knew I did not want to do this. I was like ‘why am I even here?’ but then I made my Instagram public and things just fell into place after that. Everything was perfect.”
And perfect is just the right word to describe her life. Sona is married to Taha Memon AKA Taha Dawat thanks to his Instagram username. Taha runs an event management company in Karachi called Dawat. Their wedding in 2018 took over social media and Sona’s photos went viral in India because of her unique wedding looks. But how did the two meet? “I lived in Saudi Arabia all my life and I would come to Karachi every summer. I met Taha at an event. We both got along so well. He just decided he wanted to marry me! And I liked him a lot too and the rest is history.’ says Sona. When I ask her about her wedding photos going viral she laughs it off like it was no big deal and tells us a funny story about how she fell asleep with her contacts in because she was so tired the night before her Walima only to wake up with swollen eyes. Taha and Sona really do make the perfect millennial couple. Independent, so in love, all the while giving each other the space and opportunity to live their own lives.
“What does a typical date night look like for you guys?” I ask.
“Netflix and chill.” says Sona. “And a lot of pizza. That’s perfect for us.”
Sona spends the next few hours changing between outfits, posing for the camera and by the end of it everyone is tired but Sona’s energy is still the same as it was when we started. Sona says: “I have fun at all my shoots. For me, work isn’t work. Even right now I’m having so much fun! With all the girls here.” Pause. “And the boy!” she says while laughing and pointing at the photographer. She makes sure no one is left out. I am struck by not only how polite she is, but how graceful her entire presence is. The owner of the location, a 60 something man, has put out an elaborate spread for us in the dining room. We all sit down for tea and Sona talks to him openly about their mutual friends and how beautiful his house is. She is polite, strong and self-assured but there is no air of arrogance about her at all. When I ask her how it feels to be a star, she lets out a laugh and asks sheepishly, “I don’t know… Am I? A star?”
In recent times, the modelling industry in Pakistan has certainly been redefined. We now see so many young, educated girls pursue the field. There is now much less stigma attached to it than there once was. But I’m sure there are still some drawbacks to being a model in Pakistan. My question makes Sona evidently uncomfortable but it seems like she knew exactly what she was going to say: “Honestly, it’s not a drawback, it’s my problem but I cannot wake up early. I’m not a morning person at all. I’m always grumpy in the mornings. But that’s about it. Everything else is amazing.” I don’t push the question again.
Sona is a model in Pakistan in 2022. Where modelling is just as important as her social media presence. Her transition videos on Instagram get tens of thousands of views and her fashion and Insta skills are remarkable to say the least. But how does she do it? “I edit my videos myself. But it’s so funny, sometimes my staff takes my videos. My cousins take them. And one of my best friends, she also takes them. I just ask everyone. I’m like please can you shoot my videos? But the editing and everything else, I do that by myself. I did not know how to do that initially and I would like check other influencers or look at tutorials. I always take inspiration. I take inspiration from so many influencers out there.”
I ask her who she takes inspiration from while modelling. “I love Kendall Jenner! But in Pakistan there are so many. Oh my God! There’s Zara Peerzada, Eman Suleman. My friends, Sasha, Alaynah and Fatima Hassan. I love them.” she says. We talk a little about how nervous she is about this interview. Surprising, since her breathtaking smile and confident personality would never have you believe that even for a second. She says she doesn’t want to say the wrong thing or mess up like some other models recently have. A valid concern since the ‘cancel culture’ in Pakistan is so strong these days. It also shows how important her work is to her. This is Sona’s first sit down interview. The first time she’s sitting with a publication and talking about her life. The first of many. What advice would she give to the young generation following her? “I would say don’t take things too seriously. Just have fun with it. And while having fun just work hard. That’s what I do.”
As the day comes to an end, I realized that Sona is that person whose coolness comes not just from her trendy fashion or hip social circle but also because of her genuine kindness and concern about others. She doesn’t have a diva attitude. She’s open and easy to talk to. I felt like Sona was actually someone I had known for ages. What’s next for Sona? “What’s next for me? The person I am, I feel like I don’t plan anything. I like to go with the flow. I’m very easy. So haven’t really planned anything. I don’t know, maybe launch my own brand? Maybe start acting? Let’s see where life takes me.”
Saree: Sania Maskatiya
Clutch: Be smart
Earrings and rings: Takhleek Handmade Jewlery
Bracelet: Accessorize
We talk to Lahore based therapist Izzah Zainab about mental health practices in Pakistan, tools to overcome anxiety and what you should look for in a therapist.
Can you tell us a little about your work and your education?
I am practicing as a mental health counselor in Lahore, Pakistan, and I work primarily with adults (ages 18-65). After my undergraduate from Lahore University of Management Sciences, I went to New York University as a Fulbright Scholar for my Master’s in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness. I received my professional training in New York City as well, at a mid-sized private practice in Soho.
What led you to begin a career in therapy?
My interest in psychology dates back to my childhood when I would religiously follow the “Psychologist answers†section in every magazine I could find. I always had a penchant for understanding the human experience, but for some time, that inclination was overpowered by the drive for more “socially desirable†careers and the race to climb the corporate ladder.
I quickly found my way back when I realized that the most rewarding moments of my day were the ones in which I experienced raw vulnerability with another human being – whether it was sitting with someone in their pain or hearing them talk about their dreams with a spark in their eyes. I thrived in those hours of connection and that realization made me commit to this field as a lifelong career. I couldn’t be happier with that choice.
What, in your opinion, are some challenges of being a therapist in a country like Pakistan?
One big challenge is the lack of resources and formal networks such as support groups, rehabilitation centers, helplines etc. An individual’s mental health is not a one-person job; it needs several systems to thrive. Those who finally seek counseling are often restricted by their financial, social, and systemic constraints in the face of their challenges.
There is also a huge gap in the increasing demand for therapists and the limited supply, and many therapists have months-long waiting lists. It hurts to send people away who reach out to you for support just because you don’t have the space to accommodate them.
What are the different sorts of therapies and which one do you practice?
I use a trauma-informed, emotion-focused, and integrative approach to suit each clients’ unique needs and goals. I borrow from several modalities, including Psychodynamic theory, which looks at your unmet needs and the role of caretakers in your early childhood; CBT (Cognitive behavioral therapy), which focuses on dysfunctional thoughts and beliefs; Gestalt and relational therapy, centered on the experience of ‘here-and-now’; and Internal Family Systems (IFS), which explores how different “parts†of us interact with one another.
Has there been an increase in virtual therapy since 2020?
Definitely. 2020 changed the course of therapy services across the globe. Clients and therapists alike are exploring the newly discovered power, accessibility, and convenience of virtual therapy. In fact, many therapists now practice entirely online. However, telehealth comes with its own limitations. A lot of body language cues are lost in transmission errors and masked behind the 17-inch screen.
What should people look for in a therapist? What some important qualities a therapist should have?
Besides the appropriate training, experience, credentials, and adherence to established ethical guidelines, the right therapist meets you where you are, while providing enough challenge to encourage growth. Here are some questions to ask yourself: Do I feel understood by my therapist? Do I feel seen? Do I feel respected? Do I feel challenged?
The same therapist may be a great fit for someone else but not for you. Hence, the process of finding your ‘fit’ requires some trial and error.
What are some of the most common mental health issues you see amongst people in Pakistan?
I’ve found anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation to be fairly common across clients. Most of my work is with young adults struggling with difficult family dynamics, life transitions, and self-esteem issues. Particularly in Pakistan, I see clients repeatedly bring up the theme of societal pressure and judgement toward their choices.
What affect has covid had on your patients? Has there been an increase in the number of patients?
Certainly. For many of us, this pandemic marks a time of unprecedented uncertainty and collective isolation. The lack of human touch and social stimulation led many into a downward spiral with their mental health. In contrast, some of my clients with social anxiety found comfort in wearing masks and the reduced pressure to socialize.
Covid-19 also left a traumatic impact on our collective grieving process. Those who unexpectedly lost loved ones were often unable to travel, hug, and comfort their family members. I believe that even after the pandemic ends, the mental health repercussions will probably linger for generations.
What are some tools that you recommend to people who are struggling with anxiety or depression?
Many CBT-based tools for anxiety are easily accessible online. You can keep a journal or use a mood-log application on your phone to mindfully monitor your thoughts, feelings, and symptoms. There are also plenty of videos and helpful guides for learning breathing skills, grounding techniques, and mindfulness-based exercises (try the apps “Calm†and “Headspaceâ€).
With depression, it can be hard to find the motivation to even look for any of these fancy tools. So it’s important to start slow and aim for motivational “baby stepsâ€, even if they seem as simple as taking a shower or getting out of bed today. Remember: one baby step at a time.
What is your advice for people who want to embark on the field of therapy/counselling?
Start within. To empathize with someone else, you need to be connected to your own vulnerability first. Seek therapy yourselves and know your own biases, blind spots, and limitations.
What’s your advice to someone who wishes to start therapy but is reluctant because of the stigma attached to it?
It’s okay to hold some shame around seeking therapy because the stigma is deep-rooted indeed. However, when a part of our body is hurting for too long, we seek a professional, a doctor, without any shame. Then why treat our mental health any differently from our physical health?
Contrary to what the stigma tells you, you are not broken for seeking help. In fact, it requires immense courage and vulnerability. And alongside the reluctance, there’s a part within you that wants to feel better. Connect with that part and embrace the compassion that it holds for you; you deserve every bit of it.
This saree was such a trendy moment for Zara. We love it when our favourite girls take risks and this one definitely paid off. The bright blue coat paired with the silver saree is practical and stylish — perfect for winter weddings!
Zara Peerzada has stolen the show at numerous occasions and we will always bow down to her but this look was absolutely amazing. No one bares a midriff quite like Zara. Also, how cool is that paranda? We’re obsessed!
Faiza looks stunning in a Sana Safinaz winter shalwar kameez. Her loose waves and middle part go very well with her look. The traditional khussas tie the look together.
Ramina turns heads in this gorgeous monochrome Amber Gohar outfit. She accessorizes the look with oversized shades and white heels. We especially love the sleeked back pony tail.
Shanzay is the epitome of casual chic in this little black dress. She pairs the dress with a cross body Louis Vuitton bag and chunky combat boots. Her red beret adds oomph to the look.
There truly is no fashion mistake Zahra can make. She wows us with her single-colour look and makes a statement with a Burberry scarf and vintage shades.
Hong Kong based fashionista Batool Chisty takes us inside her closet
My personal style
I feel my personal style is related so closely to my personality. I would describe it as playful, feminine and bold. I love colors and I am not afraid to use them in my style. I make sure I feel confident in whatever I wear.
My top 5 wardrobe essentials
I am obsessed with blazers. It’s a current staple in my wardrobe and they can make any outfit look effortlessly chic.
Long cotton shirts that can be styled in so many fun ways. Even during winter time, they look super chic with a sweater or under a jacket. Its all about layering!
Leather pants or jackets are a must have. I love a chic leather on leather look. Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2020 runway was so much fun to watch with bright and colorful leather looks. I love how designers reinvented this trend because its such a blast to style!
White cotton dresses or kurtas look so elegant and they’re comfortable too. They are my staple to get through the hot summer.
Floral dresses during spring/summer are a must have in my wardrobe. I guess that’s not really groundbreaking (LOL). Pair it with cute sandals and you’ve got yourself a perfect outfit.
My favourite vintage item
Living in Pakistan, it had to be the beautifully hand embroidered shawls passed on by my grandmother. But living abroad in Hong Kong I love my pre-owned Chanel Vintage skirt from the 90’s that I bought from Farfetch while I was working there. Recently, I have become more conscious with my fashion choices. I really urge everyone to look towards sustainable fashion.
My top 4 shoe essentials
Leather boots are a must have for me. I especially love high-heeled boots. Recently, I have been obsessed with colored boots that I feel can make any look stand out.
For the past few years I have loved the open-toe, block heeled sandal trend that Bottega Veneta started. However, I was able to find really cute, budget friendly sandals at Zara that looked similar!
Recently woven shoes caught my eye and I absolutely love them! They’re so comfortable yet chic.
Sparkly heels are a must have for the festive season. I have been obsessed with Mach & Mach sparkly heels and are currently on my wish list.
My most prized possession
That has to be my Rana Noman dress that I wore for one of my Qawalli event for my wedding. It was an iconic piece and it paved the way for him to make so many stunning creations in the future for other brides who wanted something similar. It’s something that will definitely be passed on to my daughter.
A Concoction of the Personal, the Cultural and the Artistic
The pandemic has changed the world as we know it. The isolation, the quarantine, the shut off borders and above all — the uncertainty, had made us all endure this lonely chapter collectively. It is something we have gone through alone and yet, somehow, together. And this is what is special about the exhibition, Print Pals, that was displayed at the Zahoor-ul-Akhlaq Gallery at National College of Arts, Lahore.
In early 2020, the faculty at NCA invited students from the Department of Printmaking, based out of the Cowasjee Studio, to take part in an exchange with students from The Print Studio at The Slade, a school of University College London. Maryam Moinuddin, a third year student at NCA who was a part of the project, explained that the first stage of the collaboration was students holding meetings with one another through a series of scrambled breakout rooms via zoom. Through these meetings, common themes and topics were identified, which were the deciding factor in pairing students togethers.
The exhibition showcased the work in pairs, which were created by two students on topics that held meaning in their lives, while also responding to the lives of the students they were paired with. It was interesting, and perhaps strange, how two people belonging to different countries and cultures, had somehow enough in common to want to create art on topics that resonated so well with one another.
Penelope Kupfer, who has an MA in Painting at the Slade School of Fine Art, was paired with Fatima Saeed, a faculty member at NCA. “Fatima and I were both interested in motherhood as we both have children and during the lockdown. This became a very urgent topic through additional challenges like time and space,” she said. “Studios were closed during lockdown, kids were around all day and the added chore of homeschooling made the completion of my Master’s degree and Fatima’s teaching very challenging.”
The result of these conversations was the art they created together and that made its way to the Zahoor-ul-Akhlaq Gallery. “The choice of the color in my work is inspired by the surrounding of Fatima’s domestic setting,” said Kupfer.
Moinuddin stated that the topics that arose in the zoom meeting betweens students from the two schools included pandemic induced isolation, the built environment and the body, among others. “For Coral and I, it was the built environment,” she said. “The unique construction of the Muqarnas at Wazir Khan resonated with Coral and she chose to respond with her preferred medium of sculpture.” Moinuddin explained that her work was derived from some of the references she shared of London and visuals that brought up memories of environments that were a backdrop to my her childhood.
Another particularly interesting piece was one that was created by M Talha Shams and Gabriele Ciulli. They both worked on the topic of home and the ambivalence of it. Shams’s work, A Journey, depicted a journey of his imagination of the time he spent at his grandparent’s empty home. He would spend his time there sitting or walking around the neighborhood. His work depicted all of what he saw during that time, while also incorporating the chaos of the city, and the presence of his loved ones. On a completely different side of the globe, Ciulli collected household dust and stored them into transparent vacuum bags, arranging them into a cloud-like form — depicting the ambiguity of home. According to the essays displayed at the gallery on the artwork created, “the dust conjures the home as a safe but sterile haven which became a claustrophobic cell during the pandemic, the shape of the cloud expresses his longing to travel.”
The essays that were displayed for the visitors are particularly a treat as they help viewers delve deeper into the meaning of the art work and the connections formed by the pairings. The Print Pals project is being framed within the London, Asia project by a group of students at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada. The students involved are taking a graduate seminar connected with the London, Asia, Art, World’s symposium at the Paul Mellon Center for Studies in British Art, Longon.
According to The Slade, the project aims to create the opportunity for global exchange and shared experiences at a time when borders and horizons have shut down in the real world but have opened up online. And as a viewer, it can be seen that the exchanges between the students of these two schools, and their final projects, are not only rooted in culture, but give immense importance to the personal as well.