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A YEAR OF LOVE Celebrating the Best Photographers, Makeup Artists, Stylists, Designers, and Jewelers

Celebrating the Best Photographers

The following curated list is a snapshot of the Pakistani wedding industry, that has withstood the test of time, emerged economically victorious form the financial impacts of a pandemic, and continues to evolve, with heart and innovation. While the breadth of this vast enterprise “the industry” cannot be addressed as a monolith, the following is an observational piece; celebrating those that are creatively and influentially at the top of their games. With so much to choose from, and artists left right and center that can rival the best of the best globally, the editorial desk had its work cut out picking only two of each. The following honorees, are based off of both critical, and popular acclaim, while also keeping in mind what has been done by them in recent times to advance the wedding market’s potential forward.

Saaish

In the editor’s note, i use the word catalyst. I feel no one on this list singlehandedly embodies the term more than Altish Yousaf. The origins of her styling journey predate the creative bridal styling agency Saaish, as her own looks for her wedding catalysed a new era of what the template for a Pakistani bride was. From pushing the envelope in presentation in ways never seen before, Saaish has presented the local bride with a global facing aesthetic, curated with the attention that only a true connoisseur of fashion could.

With a global connection, and an eye for the best, Altish Yousaf’s Saaish has truly mastered the “fresh”.

Pictroizzah

Izzah Shaheen Malik; the magician. Few have had the audacity to explore avenues that Pictroizzah has tapped; from opening doors to the international market and developing a taste for the upscale Pakistani photographer aesthetic, having her work featured in ELLE, shooting a crossborder campaign with Abhinav Mishra to making absolutely enchanting visuals for her brides, Izzah is a focused artist, and an intuitive business women who has opened possibilities many only aspire to.

With a sense of marketing, aesthetic, and an unmatched love for Craft, Pictroizzah is more than the photographer who covered Mahira Khan’s wedding, she is an aboslute visionary, spearheading women in business and aesthetic like few have.

Photo Credits @Izzahshaheenakbar

Shoaib Khan

Shoaib Khan; the artist. So much can be said of Shoaib’s talents, but succinctly; everyone’s happier that Shoaib Khan now does bridal makeup. From being an industry leader in the fashion market, to a viral sensation for his unbelievable makeovers on himself, Shoaib has pretty much experimented the extent of his craft in full view of the public, and is now perhaps one of the finest makeup artists that the country has to offer. His bridal work however, has brought the demanding finesse of the fashion market to the Brides of today.

With a mastery of his craft, and the unapologetic and kind nature of his persona, It would be safe to say that in his hands, many brides have had their best selves come forth on their big days.

Rano’s Heirlooms

There’s an aura about Rano’s heirlooms that sets it apart; a sense of individuality that feels both modern and timeless, reminiscent of bridalwear from the bygone, but catapulted into the modern day by its sensibility of colour and presentation. Some colors on the Rano’s palette have become such a mainstay of their brand identity and pushed forth general bridal sensibilities that it is no surprise it has become so sought after. Rano’s heirlooms, as the name suggests, is a consolidation of the old, with knack for the new.

Photo Credits @ranosheirloomsofficial

Lajwanti

Lajwanti has had a resurgence. It has divulged itself into having a more international appeal, and an aesthetic that is familiar to the desi palette. Spearheaded into this era by its young creative director Dania. The couture house has not only consolidated itself as a checkpoint of craftsmanship through its recent campaigns, but has delivered on the promise of evolution, in the age of saturation.

Farhat Ali

It is no surprise that cross border influences often navigate choices of brides, Farhat Ali Jewllers has taken that inspiration and embedded the overarching Indian Influence, into its generational craftsmanship. The word on the street has been positive for the family owned business for both their service, and exclusivity. While some may navigate the market through tactical marketing, Farhat has managed to consolidate itself as being simple, beautiful, and reliable.

Picture credits: Bisma Akbar

Sara Idrees

Hanif JEwellers

The Jewellers that have been on top of eveolcing trends, and associating themselves with the finest, with sparkle being a metaphorical extension of their name, have cemented themselves as reliable, generational tastemakers. From their marketing standing out in the local market, to innovating in luxury markets like what other counterparts may stay wary of, Hanif Jewellers is definitely here to stay as the flagbearers of what Pakistani JEwellery craftsmanship can possibly achieve.

Photo Creidts @hanifjewellers

Ayra Events

Sana Bhatti; the enchantress. Ayra Events, to even the most passing observer on instagram feels like an otherworldly space, punctuated with perfect harmonies, painstaking detail, and an attention to the finest. The labour of love on display not only feels like it was pulled out of a Bollywood movie and put in front of you, but one curated as an extension of the individual that it’s all about; the bride.

With curated spaces that could rival any of the biggest weddings of the world, It is a no brainer to not have this industry innovator on this list.

Photocredits @Ayraevents

GlamGency

The go getter, trendsetter; Zahra Sarfarz. In the short span of a couple of years, Zahra Sarfaraz’s brainchild has dressed the who’s who of film, fashion, weddings and beyond. A skillset set often exclusively associated with the fashion market was brought to the desi bride with Zahra Sarfaraz’s outward looking sensibilities, popularising the field of bridal styling itself, and structuring it in a manner previously unobserved. GlamGency has not only conquered the Pakistani Weddingscape with its creativity but has almost birthed it a new, defining a niche that wants to be curated to the smallest detail.

Zahra Sarfaraz is out there, styling one killer look after the other, and exploring the horizons of the wedding market with sense of style that feels rooted in our homegrown, earthy and palatable aesthetic.

Photocredits @zahrasarfaraz

Whimsical Parties

The desi wedding sensibility thrives on grandeur, and Sundas Mustafa the brain behind the brand has seemingly perfected it. Every season, larger than life sets that seem to outdo the prior have become a hallmark of this decore house. The sense of shear opulence that coincides with our local aesthetic is only shadowed by the towering presence of the creativity behind it.

Whimsical Parties, from its humble beginnings has grown into the benchmark of possibility, towering over an industry that looks at their curations with awe. Desis are extra, Whimsical Parties gets it, and for that it is an honor to have her in this list.

Photo credits: Opm Shoots

Sara idrees

Sehrish Amir

Treading that very fine line between desi bride aesthetic, and absolute craftsmanship, Sehrish Amir is seemingly a powerhouse that has cracked the code. The Makeup Studio by Sehrish has seemingly become the go to for any bride that wants the best of the best. With her journey of enamoring an entire industry by pushing out one killer look after the other, she doesn’t seem to catching a breath anytime soon.

The sense of individuality in each look that Sehrish crafts for her brides, observably comes from a place of love for womanhood. With a new Saloon space on the horizon, Sehrish is soon approaching the status of an icon amongst her peers.

Photo Credits: Sara Idrees

Outfits: Bunto Kazmi

Yratta Media

Saad Yratta; the Original. No one quite has the expanse of a portfolio like this legendary creative. Yratta Media in its stint has reinvented the face of what a wedding visual could be. From in depth metaphors, to breathtaking visuals that seem almost too surreal to be from a wedding setting, no one does it quite like them. From having shot for the Indian Couture House Tarun Tahillian, to directing some of the most memorable visuals in present pop culture, Yratta seems to be pushing the boundaries every time. Yratta has innovated from a place of artistry that seems to propel them from the realm of being just wedding photographers, but artists deeply invested in the emotion and narrative of their subject, furnished by their almost unreal cinematography.

Yratta Media keeps finding ways to perpetuate newer perspectives to what to many may seem like a saturated market, but this element of surprise is truly what sets them apart.

Photo Credits @Saadyratta

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In GT Lifestyle

Style Inspiration SAIM ALI

SAIM ALI

Dolce Gabba Full Suit, Gucci Royal Necklace, Gucci Studs Bracelet, Bulgari Bracelet, Chanel Bracelet, Zara Boots

Balenciaga Sneakers, Zara Shots, Dolce GABBANA T Shirt, Zara Woollen Upper, BOTTEGA Mobile Holder, Bulgari Bracelet

Loewe Necklace, Massimo Dutti Blazer, Zara High Neck, Massimo Dutti Floor Length Trousers, Zara Boots, Hermes Purse, MIU MIU Glasses, Harry Winston Watch

Alexander Wang Trousers, Massimo Dutti Linen Shirt, Reiss Blazer, Hermes Purse, Christian Dior Shades, Zara Boots

Valentino Shirt, Celine Glasses, Celine Holder, Massimo Dutti Trench Coat, Zara Tracks, Loro Piana Shoes

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In GT Food

Boost Your Health This Summer With An Anti-Inflammatory Diet by Nuria Al-Ahmad

Diet by Nuria Al-Ahmad

While inflammation is our body’s natural response to infection and toxins, living in a constant state of inflammation is extremely harmful to our health. Inflammation is normally temporary and the inflammatory cells that are initially produced by our bodies to protect often result in pain, redness and swelling. This is usually short-lived but for some, chronic inflammation remains after the body’s initial response even in the absence of a threat. This is often signalled by fatigue, fever, depression, and weight gain. Luckily, the right food can act as the best medicine so if you find that your immune system is inadvertently causing you more harm than good, you can make thoughtful changes to your diet to quell unnecessary inflammation and get your body back to normal.

Crafting an anti-inflammatory diet is pretty straightforward. Y ou should decrease or completely eliminate inflammatory foods like refined carbs, trans fats and sugar and instead replace these with fruits, veggies, whole grains and lean protein. These foods are rich in antioxidants and play a major role in reducing inflammation by suppressing the body’ s pro-inflammatory processes to create a more harmonic immune response.

Anti-inflammatory diets are totally customisable depending on your personal taste but here are some 6 essential foods you should incorporate into your diet if you want to beat inflammation:

  1. Salmon:

Fish, especially salmon, is an anti-inflammatory superfood. It’ s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EP A and DHA, which have been shown to reduce inflammation in the body . Regular consumption of salmon can also help lower the risk of chronic diseases associated with inflammation, like heart disease, arthritis, and even certain types of cancer .

  1. Green Tea:

If you’re a matcha lover , you’ll be pleased to learn that green tea is extremely beneficial for reducing inflammation. It contains powerful antioxidants called catechins, particularly which help fight excessive inflammation in the body . Green tea, especially a concentrated amount in the form of matcha powder, has various other health benefits too – it alleviates anxiety , promotes gut health and protects the brain from ageing.

  1. Berries:

Most people are surprised to learn that berries are not only a delicious fruit but also an integral part of the anti-inflammatory diet. Berries like raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries contain protective phytonutrients which help in balancing the body and eliminating oxidative stress (high levels of reactive oxygen species that can damage internal structures and trigger inflammation). Berries are also super easy to incorporate into your routine via snacking, smoothies, and salad toppings.

  1. Whole Grains:

In recent years, people have come to really appreciate the importance of fiber in the form of whole grains. Fiber is integral when it comes to improving gut health as it balances the permeability and pH of the gut. Fiber does this by reducing inflammation along with cholesterol and blood sugar . So don’t underestimate the power of whole grains like oats, quinoa and brown rice – they may not seem like much but they’re actually pretty powerful superfoods!

 

  1. Turmeric:

While a number of herbs and spices are great at lowering inflammation, turmeric reigns supreme. Y ou can thank polyphenol curcumin, the root’ s active compound, for its antioxidant effects. There are many simple ways to incorporate turmeric into your diet such as whipping up a golden-milk latte, shaving some turmeric over a salad, or simply incorporating the spice into your daily dishes for an instantaneous immune boost—and improved digestion. Aside from combatting inflammation, turmeric also inhibits the growth of cancer cells and helps enhance brain function while decreasing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Organic turmeric milk. The concept of healthy eating and diet.
  1. Extra-virgin Olive Oil:

Normally seed oils are a total no-go in anti-inflammatory diets but extra virgin olive oil is an exception. In fact, extra virgin olive oil may be the key to making you’re diet inflammation-free. This oil is a source of healthy fat and has been proven to reduce inflammatory markers, thanks (again) to its antioxidants, specifically oleocanthal. This is why olive oil is a staple of the Mediterranean diet, which is famously associated with a lowered incidence of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.

Using food to manage inflammation provides a natural alternative to medications, reducing the risk of side effects and long-term dependency on pharmaceutical interventions. Focusing on an anti-inflammatory diet encourages a holistic approach to health, emphasizing the importance oflifestyle choices, such as regular physical activity and stress management, alongside a healthy diet.

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In BEST OF

BEST DRESSED On our radar this fortnight

Manahyl looks like a dream in this outfit. We’re a sucker for solids and this outfit hits home. She wears her hair in a slicked back ponytail and accessories the look with the coolest white sandals ever. We’re obsessed!

Aleezey Jibran turns heads in this stunning Mirana Clothing Kaftan. This free size kaftan is perfect to beat the heat. She wears her hair in a sleek bun and keeps her makeup simple. Aleezey accessories the look with silver earrings and a Lady Dior bag.

Manal Saleem is a sight for sore eyes in this gorgeous outfit by Fahad Hussayn. We love her statement earrings and tikka. She wears a dark eye makeup look and pairs it with a pink lipstick. 10/10!

Amna Hassan Tahir always knows how to make a style statement and she does just that in this look. We’re loving her bright green dress. She wears her hair straight and keeps her makeup simple. Her bright pink bag and shoes compliment each other.

Hajra Lalljee looks absolutely fab in this funky outfit. We love the combo of the printed pink dress with an oversized white shirt. She adds a pearly belt and hoops to tie the look together. We love her gold accessories too!

Our fave fashionista Kiran Malik stuns in this casual chic outfit. She pairs a white crop top with brown pants and an oversized black blazer. She stays on trend with her brown shades and cross body handbag. We love it!

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In BEST OF

BEST DRESSED On our radar this fortnight

Amna Baber looks like an absolute babe in this hot pink outfit by Sadaf Kanwal Fashion. There’s something about solid co-ord sets that is so refreshing! Amna chooses to wear her hair in a bun and accessorizes the look with big gold jhumkas. Perfect for the summer.

Faiza Lakhani of Secret Closet looks like a vision in this outfit by Zarehs. We love the sparkly outfit with accents of emerald green. Faiza accessorizes the outfit with emerald jewelry and a gold clutch and heels. We’re obsessed!

 

Mehrunissa stuns in this black and white monochrome look. We love the intricate details on the outfit. Mehrunissa pairs the outfit with a sparkly clutch and silver heels. She wears her hair in a half tied ponytail and we’re loving everything about this look!

Momina is one of our favourite fashionistas. We absolutely love her style and this look is no different. She wears a flowly ice blue, floor length dress and pairs it with a blazer to add some extra oomph to the look. We love understated hair and makeup. She accessorizes the look with a blue Lady Dior bag.

Our favourite Hong Kong based influencer Batool makes a statement in this super sexy black dress. We love the peek-a-boo bodice! Everything about her look, from the slicked back hair to the bronzey makeup, is right on point.

Malaecah Malik turns heads in this all white outfit. The off-the-shoulder mini dress looks like a dream. She matches the sparkles on her dress with sparkly heels and a silver bag. She keeps her hair and makeup simple.

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In GT Beauty

BEST DRESSED On our radar this fortnight

We love ourselves a nice slip dress and Minahil is a sight for sore eyes in this one. We love the combination of white boots which adds a little bit of edge to the outfit. Her loose waves and earrings complete the look.

We love Ryan’s smart casual look. She wears a lilac oversized botton-down with cropped pants and heels. She pairs the outfit with chunky gold accessories and wears her hair down. 10/10!

Influencer Salama Hassan looks stunning in this outfit by Zain Hashmi. She pairs the gorgeous outfit with simple makeup and a coral lip. Salama wears her hair straight in a middle part and accessorizes with silver jewelry.

Shanzay Sheikh turns heads in this Agraani outfit. We love the combination of white and blue — perfect for summer. We love Shanzay’s traditional take on the outfit. Her big jhumkas and silver bangles complete the look.

Sasha turns heads in these saree pants. We’re obessed with this fusion outfit. The silver mukesh, the beautiful border and those classic flared pants are all to die for. Sasha pairs the look with a silver clutch and simple jewelry. Perfect!

Digitally printed sarees are all the rage right now and Ushna Shah looks striking in this white and blue one. Her low blouse and chunky heels go perfectly with the outfit. We especially love her straight her and simple makeup.

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In GT Lifestyle

Desi Baguette

In conversation with influencer Maham AKA Desi Baguette about her life as an expat, her favourite things to do in Lahore and more

You called yourself Simran but with chins, how did you come up with that?
Well Simran, is the equivialent for a brown Disney princess. The one who gets her Raj against all odds. But what happens once

Bau Jee lets her go and tells her to “jee lay apni zindagi”?
All I want to show on my platform is realness and eradicate all forms of these perfect lives and perfect bodies we see splattered all around us. I have never fit into the social norms that defines beauty but I still wear my flaws like a shining shield because they are what make me, me; and that is what makes me the happiest — my identity and the ability to be enough.

Tell us about how you started your blog. Was it a planned decision?
Desi Baguette was born out of intense nostalgia, loneliness, the awe fully inspiring city of Paris — which gave me marital bliss sometimes but consistent woes of an expat life. It wasn’t planned at all. I come from a big fat loud Punjabi family. Our after dinner mehfils are endless. When I went from that to eating alone and not even being able to communicate my order because of the language barrier, I felt like I needed to record that so one day I can tell my kids proudly, I survived this phase of my life!

How did you come up with the name Desi baguette and what’s the significance?
I was a true Lahori girl whose parathas were replaced by baguettes but I would still dip them in the aloo gosht shorba — that is what Desi Baguette means to me. There is no specific story behind it, just that this page was born out of intense nostalgia, sometimes marital bliss and the never ending woes of an expat life. Of course all of this was topped off by me swinging my saree palloo to Bollywood music no matter what the situation in my life. First around the Eiffel tower, where i was living right after my wedding and now someone near Harrods where I’m on a constant lookout for Karan Johar.

What are the pros and cons about being an influencer?
The pros of having a public account and a handful of people who follow you keeps me going so much. It has given me the utmost confidence, an ego boost, validation and definitely a source of motivation to find happiness in the dullest situations. The biggest example being the lockdown. I feel super lucky to have people along with me who accept me and love me for who I am. I’ll pull a Shahrukh here and I will say: it’s the most wonderful feeling in the world!
The only con for having a public image is the trolling that comes with it. However, I have learnt to embrace the fact that all types of comments will come in and they won’t always be what you want to hear. The love that I get overshadows the trolls.

If you could change one thing about social media, what would it be?
The cancel culture! When did we become so rigid and incapable of letting things go? I cannot deal with the apathy, heartlessness and giving the other person no room for error.

You talk about life as an expat a lot on your blog. What, in your opinion, is the hardest part about being away from home?
It’s literally an everyday effort. Some days takes its toll on you – being away from your loved ones. The hardest part of being away is always living in the fear that ‘what if something happens.’ The biggest what if was looming over our heads in the year 2020 when travel was restricted. It gave me straight up anxiety.

Tell us about your favourite places to visit at home in Lahore.
Haye. I picture Lahore as I write this: I step out of the airport and the familiar scene of people standing with phollon walay haar crosses my eyes. My eyes scan for my father’s familiar face. We drive down Burki Road and I see all the streets I know so well. The streets that raised me. Lahore always feels like home. Whether it’s the paratha rolls in H block or the grocery runs in Y block, friends’ hangouts at Rina’s (specially for their cold coffee) or secret dates at Hotspot, I will always fantasize about Lahore and every single place that has memories etched in the back of my head. I cannot pinpoint one single place but of course
When I step out of the Allama Iqbal International Airport and the familiar scene crosses my eyes of people standing with phoolon kay haar and my eyes scan for that one familiar face of my father. Driving down the Burki road, the familiar streets which raised me. From paratha rolls in H block to grocery runs in Y block. Friends hangout in Rina’s for their cold coffee and secret dates in hotspot. I fantasize Lahore and every place which has memories etched in the back of my head. I cannot pinpoint one place but ofcourse that every home that welcomes me with open arms, is my favourite place to be.

Do you have any regrets about your journey?
None at all! I truly believe everything happens for a reason, God is the best of planners and time is the best teacher. I wouldn’t change one bit.

You joke about your husband being sick of your blog but what does your husband think of the blog in real life? Is he supportive? Does he enjoy making content with you?
Haha! He’s a really private person but he married into a family who believes in extreme oversharing. He never in his wildest dreams imagined isolating that one person would result into oversharing with 60000 people now. Thus, the annoyed expressions whenever I try to include him in the blog. However, I know he secretly loves the attention and the fact that I flaunt him proudly to the world. He is extremely supportive in shooting my content. He’s the one who encouraged me by taking pictures with literally every coloured wall while travelling. He is quite a wiz behind the camera. He knows the blog means a lot to me emotionally and he has always encouraged me to make this a full-time paid thing. I have never been able to do that due to my own hesitations. However, the minute I ask him to come in front of the camera he gets uncomfortable. So I never ask him to do something that I know I would be overstepping his boundaries. So him being featured is mostly nonconsensual. It’s just how it works.

What advice do you have for girls that are trying to become bloggers or influencers?
Please be genuine and real. There is so much need for original content and genuineness to break the cycle of ridiculous societal pressures of unrealistic body standards that are just so toxic. Follow your heart, don’t get sucked into the numbers game and you will connect with your crowd right on!

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In GT Lifestyle

6 SMALL BUSINESSES TO LOOK OUT FOR By Maryam Raza Meh

Running a small business is no easy feat.
A small business owner is responsible for overseeing every aspect of their business. This ranges from the creative side to the very different, business side of the small company

Listed here are 6 unique, small businesses that have been knocking it out of the park!

1. Simana Shop
@simana.shop

This clothing brand specialises in lounge wear. Most of their pieces are locally handmade from natural fibre. With a built to last ideology, this brand is part of the slow fashion revolution. This means that their brand identity resonates with a minimal environmental impact. The production (including packaging; handmade paper tags) and usage of their products promotes sustainability. This brand’s minimalist approach and solid colours caught my eye. My personal favourite has to be the ribbed sweater pants. Their products are perfect for the current fall and upcoming winter season. Comfortable yet chic, wear it on a winter morning while enjoying a hot cup of coffee.

2. Chanoor
@chanoor

This brand uses textile material to make handmade, lightweight jewellery. From intricate embroidered pieces to thread bangles, all items can be categorised as unique and one-of-a-kind. For all the brides-to-be, the gota bangles might just be the perfect fit for you. Look beautiful without having to compromise on safety! Moreover, these pieces can be worn with both — eastern & western outfits.

3. Wild Yeast
@wild.yeast

For all the carb-o-holics out there, you need to get your hands on these handmade artisan breads! My personal favourites are definitely the sourdough, focaccia bread and the dark chocolate babka. This small business keeps updating their menu with mouth-watering items. Recent add-ons include apple pie jam, chilli oil, pesto rosso and basil pesto. Isn’t bread just the best?

4. The Kandle Co.
@thekandleco

This small business specialises in handcrafted and aesthetic looking candles and reed diffusers with a variety of scents to choose from. All materials used to make the products are ethically sourced, recyclable and plastic free. I, myself, am a repeat buyer of the “double espresso shot” candle. The owner’s perspective was to focus on the power of scent. And that’s exactly what this candle did for me — it’s a part of my everyday feel good self-care routine!

5. Khussa Gar
@khussa_gar

When you think of something different, turn it into an income generating business and are super good at it! This is how I’d like to describe this quirky, small business that specialises in hand-painted traditional khussas. With the customisation option available, these khussas can jazz up and add an ethnic twist to any outfit. If any of my friends are reading this, (hint hint), I want this for Christmas!

6. Pk Fashion Fairy
@pkfashionfairy

This small business makes Balochi inspired handmade items including kurtis, shalwars, ralli, and neck pieces etc. However, what really caught my eye are the boho style, vintage bags etc. Colourful, super fun, vibrant and quirky!

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