What’s art?
Art is any medium through which an artist emotionally connects with people and it can be a strong force to reckon with. Just last week, Rashid Rana’s photomontage titled Red Carpet was sold at Bonhams, London, for a whopping £200,000 (Rs. 34.4 million) at an auction of modern and contemporary South Asian art. A painting by the deceased Master Sadequain fetching £75,000 came second in the highest selling Pakistani paintings. We at GT congratulate Rashid for being such a maverick and breaking new ground for contemporary Pakistani art, and feel proud of him.
On the subject of art, we have a revealing interview with the band Bayaan, winner of the Pepsi Battle of the Bands, in which the young members take us through their highs and lows during the stiff competition. They tell us how they connected with the audience through their stirring performance of Azaadi by pouring their hearts into their rendition. The audience and judges responded in kind by giving the band a standing ovation. That’s how you win hearts and minds. Take anyone out of the minutiae of their daily lives and transport them to a realm where they are free to be feeling, sentient beings. Brimming with thoughtful content, we present you the latest GT.
By Mahlia Lone
Maheen Karim
Andalusia
Zainab Chottani
Silver Mercury
HSY
Dapper Gent
Sara Rohail Asghar
Sleeve Action
Wardha Saleem
Fairy Princess
Lajwanti
‘80s Style Tasseled Dupattas
Teena Durnani
Velvet Lehnga
Huma Adnan
Just Belt It
Pink Tree
Blooming Roses
Rano’S Heirloom
Ethnic Allure
Deepak N Fahad
Here Comes The Bridegroom
Maheen Khan
Wrap-Around
Aamna aqeel
The Scarlet & The Black
 
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Mahlia S. Lon
With the social and wedding season upon us, who doesn’t want to know what the latest fashion is? Well, we have in this issue the newest trends as they appeared on the Fashion Pakistan Week runway in Karachi. Firstly, late ‘80s style tasseled dupattas seem to be back in vogue so if you have any lurking around in the back of your closets, do pull them out. Indian style skinny embellished belts holding up saris and dupattas have also appeared here after first inundating Mumbai runways (see last issue). Moorish cuts, embroideries and motifs are also in fashion, as are the universally flattering wrap around shirts. After appearing at NYFW, pink formed the theme of one collection, while quicksilver was the colour theme for another. It’s always good to know what’s going on in the fashion world!
We also have rising actors Arman Ali Khan, Komal Aziz Khan (not related to each other) and model Aneesa Sharif talk about how they are pursuing their ambitions. Musician Junaid Khan tells us why he got together with the Indian band Spunk and the Bangladeshi production house Glitch on the song Talaash. The Subcontinental rockers produced this alternative rock anthem with the laudable motive to promote peace between the neighbouring nations. Hair stylist and owner of the world’s largest Toni & Guy, which is incidentally in Karachi, Saeeda Mandviwalla advises on hair care, while Souchaj fashion designers, Mehek and Mehr, stress the importance of looking elegant and graceful. With this and a lot more, peruse this issue as you enjoy the temperate fall weather.
Who? Sara Zahid
Why? Monochrome magic! Keeping it simple always works
Who? Arslan Ihsan
Why? This trendster can hold his own in any urban jungle
Who? Anam Malik
Why? From her lob to her white trainers, she’s on-point
Who? Mansha Pasha
Why? Sexy yet covered
Who? Amir Adnan
Why? The fashion designer is refreshingly casual and not OTT like many male celebs
Who? Salima Ferasta
Why? We love her bright cotton-silk sari, which she hap paired with a basic black tee
Arman Ali Pasha branched out from modeling into acting in the drama serial Aadhi Gawahi. His role, albeit small, helped him garner fame and popularity instantaneously, making him one of Pakistan’s hottest young actors. After making waves in Rashk, the talented young actor is currently shooting three drama serials simultaneously. Arman talks to Ally Adnan about the world of show business, his love for acting, the benefits of being a celebrity, the importance of education, and a lot else
“The greatest actors work as team members, bringing out the best in each otherâ€
The world of show business is known for fame, fortune and glory. What attracted you to the field?
It was none of the three that you mentioned. I joined the world of show business because I wanted to become an actor and believed that it was the best vocation for me. My goal has always been to get recognized as an actor of merit; fame, fortune and glory, if they come my way, will be incidental benefits of being a competent actor.
You were studying to be a lawyer when you started working as a model and an actor. Do you plan to go back to school and complete your education?
Yes, I do. I am taking a break from studies to work as a model and actor but will complete my education. I may do it on a part-time basis but will definitely get my degree. Education is important. It opens new horizons and doors for a person, gives him/her confidence, class and sophistication, and helps realize his/her full intellectual potential.
How did you get your first break as a model?Â
I started by walking the ramp for local designers and was noticed by fashion designers and talent scouts at the events. They offered me the opportunity to participate in bigger and more prestigious shows, like the ones organized by PFDC. I did well in the shows and found myself working in advertisements and commercials shortly thereafter. The world of modeling has treated me well.
Do you enjoy modeling?
Yes, I do. I love the energy and excitement of the ramp. I enjoy seeing myself on billboards. And, I am very happy when acting in commercials. That being said, I should add that acting is more important to me than modeling. I may work as a model, from time to time, but my primary profession will always be acting.
What makes a successful model?
A successful model has good looks and physique; more importantly, he has a unique, towering personality that is likable. He is confident, composed and dignified. He knows his good and bad angles, his strengths and weaknesses, and his likes and dislikes. He knows how to pose and work with cameras. Acting is also an important skill in the field of modeling, especially when working in commercials. Professionalism, dedication and seriousness are vital. And, intelligence is very crucial; otherwise, one is unable to make good career decisions.
A lot of models move to acting after a few years of modeling. You seem to have done the same. Why?
In my case, the move to acting was not happenstance. It was a part of the plan. Acting was my ultimate goal and modeling a stepping-stone in my show business career.
Acting is very near and dear to my heart. I love modeling but have a strong preference for acting.
How did you learn to act?
I have wanted to be an actor for as long as I can remember and grew up watching actors perform on television and in cinema. I used to pay more attention to the craft of acting while watching films and television programs than to anything else. My favourite actors ended up being my teachers. Watching them act was a veritable education and the best one a budding actor can have.
“I used to pay more attention to the craft of acting while watching films and television programs”
Who are your favourite actors?
It is a long list that includes Nauman Ijaz, Faysal Qureshi and Humayun Saeed. I think Om Puri and Naseeruddin Shah are great actors. I believe that Marlon Brando, Daniel Day-Lewis, Robert De Niro, Jack Nicholson, and Al Pacino are amongst the best actors of all time. I absolutely adore them. They are my heroes.
What are the qualities and attributes of a successful actor?
A successful actor is sincere towards his profession and has genuine passion and love for the craft of acting. He is tenacious, hardworking and serious. He may be good looking and have a great body but does not rely exclusively on those attributes. He can deliver a complete, believable character on screen, in all its depth, complexity and nuance. He becomes an intrinsic part of the story that he is a part of and does not try to outshine other actors. The greatest actors work as team members, bringing out the best in each other. They do not care for individual triumphs and work to make the entire projects successful.
What progress have you made as an actor from your first drama serial Aadhi Gawahi to the next Rashk?
I believe that I have become more skilled as an actor over time and carry myself with more confidence and poise than I used to as a rookie. My dialog delivery has improved considerably, and I have learnt how to react to the lines of other actors properly. There is, of course, a long road of learning ahead of me but I am happy – and satisfied – that I am on the right track and improving with time.
What projects do you have in the pipeline currently?
I am working in three television serials currently: Ek Aashiyan Banaya Tha, A Plus’s Hoor Pari, and Jaltay Khwaab. I play important roles, which have a lot of substance, complexity and nuance, in each one of the serials. I believe that I will have arrived and established myself as an actor if I deliver well in these serials.
You moved from Lahore to Karachi to pursue your acting career. How are the two cities different?
The pace of life is faster in Karachi. The city has a lot of energy and verve, whereas Lahore is more languid and relaxed. People in Karachi take their time to open up. Lahoris, on the other hand, are friendlier and warmer. Karachi offers significantly more opportunities to show business professionals than Lahore. I love Lahore, but enjoy living in Karachi.
“Gossip stems from jealousy, envy and resentmentâ€
Did you find it difficult to settle down in Karachi?
Not at all! The city welcomed me with open arms. I have made some very good friends in Karachi and am enjoying life in the city.
Do you attribute your success in the world of show business to your talent or to your looks?
I believe that it is a combination of both but hope that, in the long run, it will be more my talent than my looks.
How much effort, energy and time do you put into looking good?
I pay attention to my grooming and spend a few hours each month in a salon. I make sure that I get eight full hours of sleep each night. I do not smoke and stay away from drugs and alcohol. I eat well and drink a lot of water. I make sure to stay abreast of fashion trends and spend a bit of money on clothes and shoes. That is about all I do for my looks.
What are the perks of being a celebrity and in show business?
I make a decent living. I get to wear a lot of good clothes, some of which I receive as gifts. I am known and recognized all over the country. And, I feel that I bring happiness, joy and entertainment to the lives of a very large number of people. That feels very good.
What is the downside of having a career in show business?
A certain loss of privacy comes with fame. That can be a little disconcerting. Work hours and schedules can be grueling, but I am a hardworking person and deal with that well. There is a lot of chatter and gossip in the business. That bothers me, at times.
“I love Lahore, but enjoy living in Karachiâ€
How do you deal with chatter and gossip?
I try to ignore it. I will admit that it gets to me, every now and then, but I am generally able to rise above it and do not let it bother me. A lot of gossip stems from jealousy, envy and resentment. These are very negative and corrosive emotions. I feel sorry for people who harbor them.
Does being a popular model and actor make it easy for you to hook up with ladies?
I wish it did but, contrary to popular belief, it does not. Modeling and acting take up a lot of time, leaving almost none for relationships.
Are you romantically involved with someone at this stage?
Yes, I am, with my acting and modeling projects.
What do you do when you are not acting and modeling?
I watch films, listen to music, read books, hang out with friends, and, most importantly, travel.
Why do you like to travel?
Travelling affords me a lot of peace. It gives me time to relax, think and plan. It helps me learn about new cultures and people. It broadens my horizons. It boosts my confidence. It creates lifelong memories for me. It allows me an opportunity to shop. It is a lot of fun.
What are you reading these days?
I am reading Sharp Objects which is the latest novel by Gillian Schieber Flynn, the writer of Dark Places and Gone Girl. I like Flynn’s style of writing. Her novels are fast-paced, engaging and fascinating, and her characters are real, complex and intricate. All three of her novels read like movies. Sharp Objects is a psychological thriller that tells the story of a reporter who returns to work after a stay at a psychiatric hospital and is tasked with covering the murder of two pre-teen girls in her hometown. It’s not just an effective thriller, but an excellent character study as well. I think that, like Dark Places and Gone Girl, Sharp Objects would make a great film.
Would you like to star in a movie based on one of Gillian Flynn’s books?
Oh, yes, absolutely! That would be a dream come true.
Photographs by Daud Malik
Celebrated stylist, beautician and entrepreneur, Saeeda Mandviwalla launched the first Toni & Guy in Pakistan. Having worked in the hair and skincare industry for more than 15 years, she commands trust and respect, and her goals have always been to push boundaries and take the hair and the skincare industry to the highest level of creativity in the country. Sana Zehra catches up with Saeeda to get the latest scoop on how to keep our locks healthy
What made you come into the field of hairdressing and makeup artistry?
As a teenager growing up in London in the late ‘70s, fashion, music and art would make the most glamorous impression and influence on me. I was always good with art at school, but was confused as to what to choose as a career. “I actually picked this profession through a career guidance book…I opened it, closed my eyes and put my finger on it, that really is the story.â€
What kind of shampoo and conditioner should one use?
It really depends on your hair type, texture and colour. You must use a sulphate and paraben free shampoo that has been pre mixed and blended into the product protecting against external environmental factors. Choose a shampoo and a conditioner from the same range as the colour dye because it has a similar formulation. These are made for a specific hair type and a specific purpose. At Toni & Guy salons, we recommend the our range of professional label.m products to cleanse, condition, create and complete.
How often should one wash hair?
Wash your hair three or four times a week. Give your hair a break in between washings to restore its balance. If your roots become oily then I recommend you use label.m Dry Shampoo for a quick pick me up as it eliminates the oiliness from the roots and gives soft-touch, velvet finish to the hair. Rinse out your conditioner with cold water. Hot water is hard on your hair and can lead to split ends and frizz. Rinsing out your conditioner with cold water seals the cuticle, resulting in shiny, bouncy hair. Your hair will soon look more healthy and vibrant than ever.
Women have the tendency of oiling their hair and leaving it one for days. What do you think about that?
Oiling the hair to restore its softness and shine is great; however, there is no need to keep the oil on for days, a couple of hours is good enough. You can apply oil to your hair roots, shaft and especially tips a couple of times a week. Once every few weeks, give yourself a deep oil conditioning treatment as follows:
Massage Argan or Almond Oil into your hair. Cover your hair and give it a bit of steam with a hot towel. Let the oil sit in your hair for 2 hours. Rinse it out with cool water until the water runs clear, then shampoo and condition. How can we maintain our hair colour at home?
Using a good shampoo will help your colour last longer and help maintain the health of your processed hair. Avoid sulfates on colour-treated hair. Use label.m colour shampoo for dark to brunette shade and brightening blonde shampoo for medium blonde to light blonde and cool blonde shampoo for light blonde to ash tones.
Water, sun exposure and frequent styling with hot tools can make hair colour fade faster. Keep it on lockdown with a pigmented treatment that revitalizes your shade in-between applications. For colour that gets brassy, use a neutralizer that counteracts unwanted warmth. To kick up neutral or warm shades, like reds, you can use a colour enhancing treatment that adds vibrancy, especially on the ends where colour fades most. We, as colour professionals, recommend visiting us for refreshing the colour as often as needed.
Whose hair would you love to work on?
I love to work on all my clients and on all hair textures. However, if I had to challenge myself I would work on Afro-Caribbean hair.
Can you tell us about a memorable experience while working in this field?
My salon in Karachi was recognised as the world’s largest Toni & Guy salon and showcased in London as such. That made me very proud. I was also runner up for the Best International Franchise of the Year award in 2015 at the Toni & Guy Awards Show.
You have worked with so many famous celebrities, is there anyone that stands out as your favourite from a hairstylist’s stand point?
All of the celebrities and famous faces have been amazing to work with. The younger ones are ready to try anything and that’s really great for me as a creative person.
Dos and don’ts of hair care
Do invest in a good haircut.
Caring for your locks becomes so much easier when you are sporting a fabulous ‘wash and wear’ style.
Do wash your hair with the correct products.
Dry hair requires a moisturising shampoo, while oily hair benefits from frequent shampooing with a purifying, oil-regulating shampoo.
Don’t use a brush on wet hair.
Use a wide-toothed comb instead. Start at the ends, gently working your way up towards the roots.
Don’t forget to clean your brushes and combs.
Let them soak in warm, soapy water once a week.
Don’t expose your hair to the sun during the hottest time of the day.
Wear a hat, dupatta or use a hair product containing SPF.
Revitalising hair treatments
Our salons offers Hair Spa Treatments to revive and rejuvenate your hair. There are many treatments available on the menu. These treatments have unique formulations with ingredients, like label.m Therapy Rejuvenating Complex and Anti-frizz range created to hydrate and nourish with targeted solutions for all hair types.
At Toni & Guy and Essensuals Hairdressing Karachi we offer Hair Spa Treatment’s such as:
- Honey and Oat Hair Mask Treatment for dry and dehydrated hair
- Therapy Rejuvenating Hair Treatments for moisture and shine
- Intensive Hair Mask treatment for very dry hair
- Anti Frizz Hair Treatment to remove the frizz from all hair types.
- Lab Remedy for Dry & Damaged, Coloured and for itchy scalp.
- Gold mask hair treatment with 24 Kt pure gold properties to make the hair shiny strong and healthy.
All of these treatments are very beneficial and give you healthy hair so try them out.
“My salon in Karachi was recognised as the world’s largest Toni & Guy salon and showcased in London as suchâ€
Rapid fire
Three products a woman should never leave her home without?
Dry shampoo
Protein Spray to protect your hair from UV rays
Lipstick of course
If you weren’t in this business you’d be
An artist as I love to paint
Three qualities that got you where you are today
Creativity
Perseverance
Hard work
One thing you’re really good at?
My work
Craziest thing you did for love?
You do crazy things for love so I’ve done many.
Best hairstyle according to face shape
Confidence is really all you need to pull off literally any haircut. And while we all think we can get whatever haircut we want, whenever you want, there’s nothing wrong with taking your face shape into cosideration before deciding on the most flattering look cut. This approach will draw attention to your best facial features. It will also give you peace of mind as you sit in front of the mirror and wait for the finished result.
These are the 6 different face shapes that we have:
Oval: Forehead may be slightly wider than the chin, and the length of the face is about one and a half times the width.
Round: Prominent, rounded cheeks with equal width and length of the face.
Square: Prominent jaw and square chin, with forehead and jawline roughly the same width.
Oblong: Often confused for the oval face, though an oblong face will have a longer shape that is not as wide as oval — often with a narrow chin.
Heart: Wider forehead and cheekbones with a narrow jawline and chin.
Diamond: Narrow forehead and jawline with cheekbones at the widest point of the face.
There are cuts designed to suit each. Talk to your stylist before the cut.
Mahlia S. Lon
Youth culture dominates the world. Not only are young people good to look at but edgier as well. Those of us who are older hopefully have wisdom to offer in return. Keeping this in mind, we have hunky Aimal Khan gracing our pages in a scintillating shoot for Deepak and Fahad’s edgy label. Yasmeen Hashmi, the model of the moment and the GT It Girl this fortnight, showcases her personal style and answers a fun rapid fire round. Having studied in Switzerland and a true Karachi girl at heart, she regales us with anecdotes injected with her enthusiasm. Additionally, the superstar of our beauty industry, Nabila refreshingly advises Pakistani women to look like themselves and not like ash-blonde clones. Embrace and love yourself and the world will follow suit. Be happy!
Who? Amal Khan
Why? Amal looks cool and stylish in black trousers and fun snakeskin heels
Who? Sahar Noon
Why? Loving Sahar’s delicate floral shirt and loose curls!
Who? Daneese
Why? The perfect Dior bag and feather slides make this ensemble a winner!
Who? Rabia
Why? All black with studded heels makes this look classic and chic!
Who? Maham
Why? By opting for culottes, she shows off her slim ankles while adding a dash of colour with the coral bag
Who? Sara
Why? The latest quirky Gucci bag and a classy scarf are always the right accessories!
Choli Ke Peechay
Belted
All That Glitters
Gearing up for Fall
Desi Menswear
Layer Cake
Post Modern Saris
Ethnic Embroidery
Statement Sleeves
Techno Fabrics
One classy dame, Nabila a has made a name for herself in the industry and come a long way from working out of a small one bedroom apartment almost 30 years ago. Today Nabila’s salons are a favourite amongst celebrities and socialites in Pakistan. The noted trendsetter, Nabila tells Sana Zehra the dos and don’ts of salon visits
What is the difference between styling hair for television and movies versus every day wear?
Every day you can’t lie. Your hairstyle has to be quick, efficient and real. Your everyday hair routine should be a shampoo and wearing it natural. The hair cut of choice should be such that your hair is versatile so you can put it up during the day or jazz it up if you have to go out for a fancy evening. It should be easy to live in. For celebrities, we use a lot of hair pieces and hair extensions, etc. Reality and fantasy are two very different things.
What is your #1 hair care tip?
A regular trim is the most important thing, even if you need to do it yourself. Trim your ends every two months.
What’s a celebrity hair secret we might not know about, but should?
Celebrities are usually extremely high maintenance and hair loss is a huge issue for a lot of them. Use of hair extensions and the hair grafting is done a lot to conceal the sparse hair line. Celebrities are real people with work done to make them appear unreal.
Do you believe in DIY recipes for hair?
Yes, for sure! I myself picked up the scissors at the age of 14. You should always experiment but with caution.
Your love for texture is evident in many of the styles that you create. What are some of your can’t-live-without-it products?
The list changes from season to season. Last year it was hair crème, this year it was coconut jam. Right now I’m wearing a very expensive product with sugar syrup. (Pauses) I think it’s sugar syrup.
How do you use hair to evoke sexiness from a woman, regardless of age?
I think clean, effortless and carefree hair is very sexy.
Any good hair tricks for when we wake up and our hair just isn’t behaving?
Gel it back. Always works!
One of the few people you haven’t worked with is the Duchess of Cambridge. What would you do with her hair, given the chance?
She has beautiful hair in a very classic style. It’s the perfect length, perfect colour, and has perfect layers. It’s so classic, it’s almost boring. I would kind of funk it up a little bit.
You think Nabila will go green in the near future?
Most people don’t know this, but I’ve already gone green. I am very conscious about sustainability and recycling. We got the freedom seal on our products and we don’t test on animals. I don’t talk about it just because it’s in fashion but because it is the ethical and the right thing to do and I believe in it. My children won’t have it any other way. Recently, almost a year ago, I also became a vegetarian.
What’s the most boring hair style to do?
It’s the long, layered brown hair that every single woman in Pakistan has. It looks beautiful don’t get me wrong but it’s so boring I have done it with my eyes closed on national TV.
What’s the hardest hair cut to do?
I think a straight line cut is the hardest thing to do. In the past, I’ve been accused of doing it because it was the simplest thing to do. A very famous hairstylist said that even a blind man can cut a straight bob. But that is so far from the truth. A straight cut is almost impossible to achieve. Just think how hard it is for a tailor to stitch a perfect white shirt.
“Celebrities are usually extremely high maintenance and hair loss is a huge issue for a lot of themâ€
If I were to tip the salon owner who gives me a cut, is that ok?
In my 32 year long career, I have never been tipped and I don’t know if I would accept it if I were. But a lot of my staff enjoy the perk.
Why does my stylist always try to sell me products at the salon?
Because they get a commission on it. At Nabila, selling is our biggest weakness because I will never sell what I will not buy myself. The other day a client of mine told me that she couldn’t come back for a root touch up for the next three months. I went back in the stock room and brought a cover up spray. Everyone exclaimed what was I doing as she will not come back then. I replied that we need to make the transition easier for our clients and not difficult. I will only sell products that I believe in and not anything else.
 “Is it actually rude to talk on your phone while getting your hair styled?â€
It may or may not be rude, but it is very irritating. Even crossing your legs will shift the balance even if you are doing a blunt haircut. It is important to sit symmetrical and still.
I have been told off in London, “Please don’t talk. I’m not here to make friends but to give you a haircut.†Talking too much to the stylist might not be a good idea, but talking on the phone can also be considered rude.
“Clean, effortless and carefree hair is very sexyâ€
Questions that people are scared to ask their hairstylist that we will ask now:
I have psoriasis/eczema/dandruff. Will my stylist get grossed out?
No, absolutely no. If someone walks in with that problem I’d quickly get them an appointment with my friend the dermatologist before giving him/her a haircut.
Can I ask my hairstylist to trim my facial hair?
At the N-Gents salon, the stylists are all trained to do facial hair trimming.
What can I do about thinning hair?
Unfortunately, not much. If someone is trying to sell you products to stop your hair from falling, don’t get sucked into it. Keep up with your treatments like Vitamins, Mesotherapy and Infrared Light Therapy and go for a Follicular Transplant at an early age when you still have a visible hair line.
Why does my stylist always take off more length than I want?
We are actually accused of taking less length off. I can always cut more later, but I can’t make it longer instantly. So stylists are conservative when it comes to cutting off length. It all starts with a good consultation.
 “Who chooses which magazines the salon has on hand?â€
I’m very particular about what I want show in my salon. There have been times I have tossed out tons of magazines.
“Is it weird if I don’t take that product my stylist recommended?â€
Absolutely not, don’t feel pressured to buy a product your hairstylist recommends. Go home make your own concoction and see what works best for you.
During the hair wash, is it okay to lie there with closed eyes, right?
We have specifically gotten those hydraulic beds for your shampoo so you can lie back, close your eyes during that time and relax.
Is it poor etiquette to rock up to an appointment with hair that hasn’t been washed for days on end? It’s only going to be washed anyway…
I think it’s okay to come in with dirty hair, like you said it will get washed anyway. But there was a time in the 80s when people used to come with mehndi and oil in their hair, which was too much. We allocate 10 – 12 minutes for a wash so anything that requires more than that would be considered impolite.
If you’ve given the customer a cup of tea/coffee at the start of the appointment, when is the most convenient time for them to drink it? Is it hard to work if they’re constantly leaning forward to take a sip?
(Laughs) Yes, I agree. We give them coffee and a magazine to read but then there is a cat and mouse game happening, which always keeps me entertained.
Eye contact through the mirror: How much is too much?
I always look in the mirror to check the balance and if the hair is sculpted okay. Sometimes the client gives me a nod thinking I might be talking to them. In reality, it’s just me doing my job. I will keep looking in the mirror no matter how awkward it gets.
ON PERSONAL Life
If you were to ask Emu (husband) three questions what would it be?
What time are you coming home?
What’s for dinner?
Is your Saturday off?
When do you think it’s okay to lie in a relationship?           Â
Never! And it’s not even okay to think about lying because if you are thinking about lying then chances are it will happen.
If reincarnation was possible, who would you want to be?
Myself for another 53 years
What is the funniest question you’ve ever been asked?
Why do you wear glasses?
Who makes your heart skip a beat?
Every morning when I look at the sun, it’s Nature.
What does love sound like?
Deaf!
Is it weird to talk about personal life?
Yes, we train our staff to always bring the focus back to hair in case personal life comes up as a topic.
Label:
DEEPAK & FAHAD
Concept & Photography:
MUHAMMAD HUSNAIN MASHMOOD (MHM)
Hair & Makeup:
FATIMA NASIR
Model:
AIMAL KHAN
Not just another carefree 16 year old, Aashir Wajahat has been working as a child actor since the age of 9, having worked with his father producer/director Wajahat Rauf in Sauteli Maa and Karachi se Lahore as well as having recently launched his music career with a solo single Naya Raasta. Sana Zehra sits down with this bright young spark for quick tete a tete
How did you first realize that music was your niche?
Great artists, like Asim Azhar, Strings and Noori have inspired me a lot in my musical journey. I hope my music connects with people of all ages. I’ve been told by a really senior musician that my first song Naya Raasta sounds way too mature to be coming from a 15 year old. I’m not exactly sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing.
Who helped you achieve where you are at today?
I told my father that I’m interested in starting my musical journey and he helped me get me an ustaad (master) to improve my skills. I learnt how to play different instruments, which led me to composing my first song.
What do you think are the biggest challenges you face being an upcoming artist in the music industry?
Tons! The market is very competitive and there are so many better singers than me. I have to work really hard to make a mark and do something unique.
What hopes do you have for your new song Naya Raasta?
I hope my single brings inspiration to all the young aspiring artists and of course that it is on everyone’s playlist.
How difficult is it to write your own songs?
I’ve always struggled with writing my own songs. For me, that is definitely the hardest part of composing any song.
Do you aim at trying to set your music/lyrics apart from the mainstream conventional music produced in the Pakistani music industry?
I think sometimes we try too hard to be different, hence, almost always end up losing the essence. I try hard to bring some uniqueness to a song or any cover song I attempt to do.
“I’ve always struggled with writing my own songsâ€
What genre of music would you be interested in working with that hasn’t yet been introduced in Pakistan?
I think most genres have been done in Pakistan but then the beauty about producing music is that you can play around and do something new every day.
Who is the one singer that you would dream to collaborate with and why?
I would love to work with Asim Azhar. He is one of my inspirations and who better to work with than your inspiration.
What insight could you give us on your next projects?
I’m working on Karachi se Lahore 3 releasing next year on Eid. Apart from that I will be releasing my second single soon, so stay tuned.
NABEEL & AQEEL, the brand, shot into the limelight in 1999 when its stunning collection of contemporary shalwar kameez with black velvet mandarin collars became a huge hit. With its stylish collections for men and women, the brand continues to impress customers from all over the world.
 “We want to make Nabeel & Aqeel one of the most desired label for men and women all over the world, by creating designs which are unique, desirable, durable, affordable and most importantly, wearable.â€
In their pursuit of perfection, the brothers behind the brand have worked day and night and traveled thousands of miles to make the best products for their customers at affordable price in collaboration with the finest and latest production facilities in the world. They are famous in introducing novel and unique products that render their brand apart from others in the same business; thus, being the only one, which always comes up with something different.
The only brand in Asia that makes cigars comparable with any top brand in the world, this is Pakistan’s first designer brand to make perfumes and the country’s only designer brand with such a diverse product line up. Across the board, the brothers, co-founders and partners impress everyone who loves fashion and appreciates finer things in life.
Let’s hear it from Nabeel & Aqeel themselves.
What are you passionate about right now?
It can be anything that inspires and motivates us from walking in the rain to visiting an art gallery, and from a particular colour shade to a person. It’s important to understand why this thing/person is so inspiring to you.
Right now, we are passionate about merging different heritages and cultures, old and new, east and west. The solid, timeless, grandeur of the Badshahi Mosque and the modernity of Kennedy Space Centre are both inspiring and motivational for us. We love Pink Floyd music for its depth, and Van Gogh’s art for its vibrancy. We revel in touring the world, and exploring new avenues, but we always love coming back home to our roots.
It is this attraction of opposites that invokes thoughts and ideas in our minds; it allows us to appreciate the best of everything; it also makes us value time because it never lasts.
Give us your background.
We come from a close knit family. Our father is an educationist, management consultant and a former bureaucrat. Our mother is a home economist and the key person to guide us on the path of fashion and style since our childhood. With the combination of our father’s academic attitude and our mother’s encouragement of fashion, we grew up in an atmosphere, which was very conducive to get our creative juices flowing from an early age. When we were in school, we used to save our pocket money to buy select designer accessories, and were always the source of envy in our friends’ circles. Hence, our tastes were refined at quite an early age. We decided to get our MBA, which provided us with the essentials of setting up our first business. We also obtained formal training in Fashion Design. Nabeel did his diploma from FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology), NYC, and I did an internship at Armani, UK.
Having strong family ties, we rely a lot on the guidance we receive from our parents to plan our paths, and I think it is this attitude that has helped us get Allah’s blessings and amde our path easier.
Tell us about your new collection?
We want to instill comfort in every detail of our collection. Once you try, you will buy.
In our 2107 collection, we tried to redefine comfort; we hope our new collection will change your perception for fashion. Everything changes, we change, fashion changes, what will never change is our passion for our work, to make everything with love. Elegance, style, superb fashion design, attention to detail, perfect wearability, fabric research, value and technological innovation are the most important elements that characterize the Nabeel & Aqeel collections.
What is your fashion philosophy?
We are doing some very new things. It’s all about evolution. What you’ll see is our response to what we have observed going on in the world. It’s about being positive, optimistic and personal. The zeitgeist? We’re on it. Our philosophy is to create things that reflects personality and individuality. It’s all about you. Anyone can dress up in designer uniform and express a certain economic status or trendiness. What’s really interesting is using your clothes to reveal who you really are. Express yourself.
Our aim is to provide you special items that will become a part of your life, garments and accessories you’ll wear in a completely personal way. It’s about being uniue. It’s all about attitude, texture, intelligence, versatility and personal style.
Tell us about your new perfumes collection.
This signature collection of fragrances is inspired by perfumery’s glamorous past when only best ingredients were gathered from around the world to create one-of-kind fragrances of sophistication and luxury. Featuring 11 aromatic new fragrances for men and women, they are a result of sculpting, refining and finishing the best ingredients with magical fragrances, all redolent of adventure and spice.
Tell us about your much talked about perfume INSANITY. Why did you choose this name?
We named it Insanity because of its power to seduce. It’s energetically earthy and sexually explicit. The rose lies at its heart note. Not your old auntie’s rose, but a raunchy rose.
“This rose has been up all night, smoking and drinking before staggering home as the sun comes up, loving every moment and looking forward to the next time.â€
“The ultimate seducer….This is one of the most gorgeous floral I’ve ever had the pleasure to experience; A love at first sniff; a beautiful stranger, an alluring beast…a master of disguise.â€
You are a queen and a princess, a lover and a heartbreaker; too beautiful to control and too wild to love. INSANITY is a seductive fragrance made for free and passionate women. It arouses the senses; woman’s hidden emotions and inexplicable passions with an exotic blend of lush florals and deep wood notes. It is not the one for office, we advise, but if you have seduction in mind.
When designing a perfume, what are the key factors you keep in mind?
The focus has always been on quality materials than expensive packaging. We create very special, original fragrances that are unconstrained by the conventions of mainstream scent-making. Our fragrances are designed with the true fragrance connoisseur in mind.
Where do you place yourselves in the world of fashion and what do you think of the fashion industry here in Pakistan?
The fashion industry in Pakistan is definitely on the right track. People are becoming more aware of contemporary global fashion, and their expectations from fashion brands in Pakistan are increasing. This directly puts positive pressure and demand on the fashion providers. It’s healthy for the growth of this industry.
Regarding our place in the world of fashion, I think I will let my work and clientele prove this for us. People have given us a lot of acclaim, and it’s an honor that everyone acknowledges the effort and soul we put in our work. The brand of Nabeel & Aqeel is known for its ultra-modern, futuristic, yet classy vision, blended with delicate finesses into its creations.
How much further do you think you have to go before you reach your ultimate goal in life?Â
We don’t believe in setting a limit on our dreams and aspirations, as this indicates a tendency to stagnate. We like to think that we are progressive and evolving, and this reflects our philosophy of life. As soon as we achieve one set of goals, we have another target to work for. This is how life goes on. The ultimate goal in our life would be to sit back several years from now and know that we have made a difference in the history of Pakistan’s fashion and culture—a positive difference!
Sidebar
You are a queen and a princess, a lover and a heartbreaker; too beautiful to control and too wild to love. INSANITY is a seductive fragrance made for free and passionate women. It arouses the senses; woman’s hidden emotions and inexplicable passions with an exotic blend of lush florals and deep wood notes. It is not the one for office, we advise, but if you have seduction in mind.
What about music?
We love music. It’s everywhere around us. Thanks to our father and elder brothers, we had the pleasure of enjoying a wide range of music at a very early age. We grew up solving math listening to Pink Floyd. We love all kinds of music from Tiesto to Saain Zahoor, cherishing the enigma of versatile echoes from singers around the globe. Soon we are launching NOSTALGIA, a collection of CDs, featuring unforgettable music that we love.
Tell us about your cigar collection?
We are the first designer brand in Asia to make cigars.
Nabeel & Aqeel Cigars are blended exclusively with select fine leaves from the best tobacco regions of the world. Its delicate aroma and delicious taste will make you revel in the unique pleasure of smoking a cigar.
We have two different collections: The Connoisseur collection is from Dominican Republic, while the Imperial Havana collection is from Cuba. Both the series have different sizes of cigars. I love our new cigar IMPIRIAL HAVANA 56 that offers exceptional character and flavour. You will fall in love with its taste.
Who is your target customer for your menswear?
Nabeel& Aqeel is targeting a man that aspires to a luxurious lifestyle, high in its style, fashion and elegance quotient. He is a professional man who looks for tasteful, subtle style, fashion conscious, but never a fashion victim; he expects a good relationship between quality and price.
Your favourite scent?
There are many, depends on the mood and the occasion. We love all the perfumes by Nabeel & Aqeel of course. Besides that Creed Aventus and Santal 33 by Le Labo are among our favourites these days.
The perfume you like on a woman?
Insanity it is!
How did the two of you end up working together?
Knowing that we are brothers, it shouldn’t be surprising that we are working together. We have been best friends for as long as we can remember; we went to same school, same college; we used to share our thoughts and ideas with each other and used to get inspired by almost similar things, which led us to start working together.
We have a good business relationship; we motivate each other to do better. Living in the same house, we get to share our inspirations, thoughts and fashion philosophy with each other constantly. This keeps a sense of coherence in our work and also helps us to bounce our ideas off each other to test their validity.
To keep the balance, however, we distribute and segregate the work load, so that both of us get a chance to see our ideas materialize our ideas. I, Aqeel, am more on a visionary side, the dreamer and Nabeel is the one who transforms those visions into reality.
