Photography: Shehar Bano Rizvi & Najla Nabils
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.