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FROM CHUNKY: NECKLACES TO CUT THROAT CHOKERS

Fatima Sheikh shares her favourite types of trendy chokers

Fashion comes in all shapes, forms and sizes and this time it came in the shape of a choker. These neck pieces have been trending like wildfire. Initially worn by American supermodels like Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid etc., the trend soon spread its wings around Asia. Now everyone and their aunt seem to be rocking a choker.

I remember I wore one last year on my birthday in March because my dress had a deep neckline and statement necklaces were hitting the shopping bags at that point. I was never a fan of chunky necklaces so I took a ribbon, cut it and tied it around my neck. As I stepped in the car my mother gave me a daunting look telling me that the strap around my neck looked hideous and out of place. I rolled my eyes and took it off. Last week not to my surprise she bought me two chokers.

This trend is even catching up with the not so fashion forward older set. The silver lining is that it is not too expensive nor pure cut throat fashion, (no pun intended).

HERE ARE 9 OF MY FAVOURITE CHOKER LOOKS SO FAR THAT YOU SHOULD TRY:

The classic

This one is my favourite. An off-shoulder top with a wide preferably black velvet choker. This is as classy as it can get.

Multiple chokers

To add a little funk you can mix and match your chokers and make it look as trendy as you please.

Matching separates

This look defines elegance in one colour. Wear the same colour of choker as your dress. The result will speak for itself.

Love for lace

Don’t forget the elegant lace chokers bringing back the Victorian touch to our outfits.

The tinier the better

Just a string can do the trick, It’s less, but more in the language of fashion. This look is effortlessly eye-catching.You can even add a little charm in the middle to give a cute effect.

Beauty lies at the collar

Beautiful jewels tightly around your neck instead of hanging. These are hard to find in stores, but you can get creative. Take your favourite necklace and adjust it tightly around your neck in the place of a choker and you can find yourself as the trendiest person at the party.

The leather goods

This is an edgier, more funky look – a leather choker with studs. A leather jacket or fur would go perfect with this one. It’s a good winter look.

Shoelace out of place

This look is casual yet adds definition. If I weren’t in love with the trend I would say it is a shoelace tied around the neck, but it is more than that. It is a statement widely recognized around the world that looks cool.

90s is the new 2000

This choker is an actual replica of the 90s look. I remember clearly finding these in my aunt’s dressing room from time to time because I was a fashion obsessed baby. I have stumbled upon some old family pictures too where my khalas are posing and flaunting these chokers. Generations change but fashion stills remains.

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In Feature

Faran Tahir: The Pakistani-American actor talks about his life in Hollywood

With roles ranging from Shakespeare’s Othello, to a concerned father trying to escape Syria with his family, to a playboy arms dealer, to the legendary Captain Nemo, Faran Tahir’s career seems to be bursting at the seams. One of the only Pakistani-actors in the world’s top film industry, Faran comes across as humble, caring and motivated. A trained and seasoned actor who moved from the theater stage to the silver screen, Faran talked to Kamil Chima about life in Hollywood, his journey starting out and his aspirations for the future

How were you introduced to the world of acting? Did you have any mentorship in your early days?

My family in Pakistan has been involved with the performing arts for three generations so my introduction was a natural one. I guess the mentorship also came from there by default as I grew up being part of a family of very talented people.

Over a long career you have now worked with so many of the top actors in the world. But everyone has to start somewhere. What was a fan moment for you starting off?

I started off in theatre and then moved on to film and television therefore I would not call one specific moment as the turning point. It has been a gradual expansion into different mediums and I have appreciated every step of my journey because it gave me the chance to learn a lot.

When was the first time somebody recognized you on the street and how did you react?

It was probably after one of my first stage plays. To this day, it is a humbling feeling. Espe-cially for someone to take time out of their day to say a kind word.

Which actor or director have you most enjoyed working with and why?

I have been lucky enough to work with some wonderful actors and directors throughout my career. All of whom have made me grow and I am very grateful. I always enjoy my work and have never faced a situation where I have not liked working with anyone.

What is it like working in Hollywood and rubbing shoulders with the who’s who of American society?

It’s funny but when you are working together all that does not matter. Everyone is so focused on trying to give all they have to the project. Of course I feel blessed to be a part of the Hol-lywood fraternity and my experience has been a positive one. Everyone I have met and worked with in Hollywood has been talented and I have found good in all.

You’ve performed at an international level and you also possess a trans-cultural identity. How does this figure in your acting?

Your own experience with life, culture, society gives you the ability to draw from all of these aspects. I certainly have tried to use all these as my resources to enrich the characters that I play.

Do you feel you are typecast due to your ethnicity? If so, do you feel it holds you back in any way?

Sometimes one is offered roles of a similar nature. One just needs to be careful not to keep on repeating similar roles too much or it becomes artistic suicide. I try to bring as much diversity in my roles as I can. For example, this year my roles have ranged from Shakespeare’s Othello, to a concerned father trying to escape Syria with his family, to a playboy arms dealer, to the legendary Captain Nemo. Variety is the spice of life.

With mainstream shows such as ‘The Night Of’, ‘Quantico’, and ‘Master of None’ all with South Asian leads, do you think American audiences are ready for a South Asian lead in a mainstream feature?

Audiences are smart. They want to watch content that is interesting, fresh and captivating. If that comes with a South Asian lead then so be it.

What movies do you find yourself watching on a Sunday evening after a hard week?

I think the little boy in me is still alive so anything that will get my adrenaline pumping. The last movie I watched was Jason Bourne.

What do you specially like about Pakistan?

The ability we all have to be hospitable and generous.

What are your future aims and aspirations? Any projects in Pakistan that we should know about?

I would like to keep finding diversity and challenges in my work. There have been instances when I have been offered projects from Pakistan. Would love to work in Pakistan provided it’s a good script and the logistics can be worked out.

And we look forward to seeing farhan play the lead in a Pakistani production!

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In Feature

FEATURE: Emirati It Girl Tamara Al-Gabbani

Dubai based fashion designer, Tamara Al Gabbani is a force of nature, who wears many hats whether it’s as a vibrant TV personality, actress, entrepreneur or humanitarian. She has earned many accolades: as Ahlan Magazine’s Hot 100 pioneer, an Emirates Woman of the Year Nominee, Cannes Film Festival’s Best Dressed and as a Pepsi Arabia Influencer. Labelled “UAE’s gem of a talent” she pioneered the first ever TV Special of film festivals in the region, compiling interviews with the likes of George Clooney, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Paulo Coelho, Steve Hickner and many more international celebrities. Beguilingly creative, Tamara always looks the part, and is bang on-trend. She established Dubai’s popular House of Glamo and her eponymous glamorous line, Tamara Al Gabbani, which consists of a scintillating variety of goddess inspired evening gowns, jalabiyas and abayas. The line is au courant, high quality and elegant and was launched at Burj Khalifa and. Tamara managed to sell the entire collection before it had even been viewed. Featured on the cover of magazines in the Middle East, and written about in such impressive international magazines as Vogue, Vanity Fair and Glamour, she is also featured on blogs, and interviewed on TV shows. Furthermore, she is an ambassador for Jaipur Gems and for Givenchy Beauty. Tamara spoke to Afshan Shafi in an exclusive interview detailing her style and her vision for the future

How would you define the term style? What people do you think exude a stylish persona?

Style is the capability of taking the mundane, unnoticeable, insane and even hateful and transforming it into something inexplicably appealing.

Daphne Guinness is someone with an extremely strong and stylish persona, I find her very interesting.

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What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?

I have a phobia of fruits and needles. However, I’m an adventurous person and can be quite spontaneous.

What discipline did you receive your education in? How does this aid you in the running of your blog and your label? 

I have a BA honours in Business & Finance from London. My business degree has added value to all my ventures by providing a foundation for my mind to understand how a business functions. However, nothing teaches you better than experience.

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Style is the capability of taking the mundane, unnoticeable, insane and even hateful and transforming it into something inexplicably appealing

If you could swap wardrobes with anyone in the world living today, who would it be and why?

I really love Victoria Beckham and Rosie Huntington Whitley’s styles that are modern as well as classy.

What has been your biggest “pinch me” moment since launching your blog?

Working with DKNY and Harvey Nichols was fantastic. With DKNY, I was the face of their Ramadan campaign and also had creative input on the pieces. For Harvey Nichols, I flew to London to curate a display of my favourite pieces from the season at their store.

Tell us more about your fashion label and about what drives you as a designer.

The brand is an extension of my personality, which is a harmonious balance of both traditional refinement and cutting edge innovation. I wanted the brand to be honest, from the heart and showcase outfits designed according to my own taste. When it comes to my designs, I have a very clear vision of what the collection is going to be, I just see it, it’s hard to explain. It’s almost like a visual dream. I have a knack for predicting trends, so that just naturally infuses its way in.

What are the most fashionable cities in the world according to you?

No doubt, London!

What is your favorite Evening wear /formal look? Which designers do you most enjoy wearing for these occasions?

I love Elisabetta Franchi; her pieces are both glamorous and classy.

Who are your favorite Arab designers and why?

I am definitely one for glamour and opulence! The Arab designers I love are Zuhair Murad, Elie Saab and Mohammed Ashi 

Who designs the best accessories, in your opinion? Any lesser known brands you think more people should be aware of?

Aura headpieces do amazing head gear. I love bags and accessories from Fendi, Bvlgari & Chanel.

What would be your go-to daytime look? What are your wardrobe staples and favourite designers in this regard?

Carolina Herrera does fabulous daytime looks that are polished, stylish and great for meetings.

What are your most adored pieces of jewellery, both costume and precious?

A Jaipur Gems diamond set and my Chanel earrings.

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The 70s are making a comeback this year, so I am excited to try new looks. I am also loving lilac, which is the colour of the season

Who are your real life heroes from beyond the world of fashion?

Princess Diana is a real inspiration for me, she was a tremendous force that did so much good for others and was always beautiful, glamorous and feminine. She was a doting mother and a kind soul.

Who are your inspirations from the world of fashion? Have you met anyone of them and had a chance to have a conversation?

I have had the opportunity to meet Anna dello Russo several times. She is a great woman, a free spirit and does a lot to support up and coming designers. She is also a spiritual person and a dedicated ashtanga yogi. She lives a very colourful life and has great energy.

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What is your most favorite fashion show that you’ve attended in person?

My own!

What elements would you say comprise your signature style?

Class, elegance and individuality.

What current trends internationally do you most like/dislike?

The 70s are making a comeback this year, so I am excited to try new looks. I am also loving lilac, which is the colour of the season.

Which people i.e. family, designers, and celebrities would you say have influenced your style the most?

My mother undoubtedly!

All jewellery by Jaipur Gems

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