1. Cafe SolastaÂ
Cafe Solasta is now open! We cant wait to try out the latest addition to Lahore’s food scene! #CafeSolastaLahore Instagram @cafesolasta Gulberg Lahore.
2. Book of Dust by Philip Pullman
Pullman is one of our favorite writers of magical fiction and his latest offering is a delight! Grab your copy from The Last Word.
3. Soma
Loving these candy pink beauties from Soma! We all need some pink in our lives!
4. Shoeplanet
These fantastic heels from Shoeplanet are on our wishlist! Love the pewter tone.
Mishal Asad’s sense of style is flawlessly elegant and speaks volumes about her aesthetic as creative director at CrossStich. The brand continues to reach new heights under her helm. Afshan Shafi caught up with Mishal, as her beautiful muse Zainab Soofi dons some of the label’s latest offerings
What is the most fulfilling aspect of your role at crosstich ?
It feels great when people come and appreciate all the hard work you put in and tell you that your brand is a life saver!
Where do you seek inspiration?
Everything! colours, travel, nature, architecture! The world is such a gorgeous place and there is so much to get inspired from!
Who is your eternal muse ?
A confident modern day girl who loves fashion!
What is your vision for the future of pret in pakistan ?
It’s very promising at the moment-the concept of pret has taken the country by storm in the past few years and everybody has cosied upto the idea of picking up ready to wear rather than getting their own stuff stitched and with so much talent pouring in the industry it’s seemingly a bright long trail for retail and pret wear in the country!
How would you describe your aesthetic in three words ?
Innovative
Unique
Affordable
Makeup: Anna Jawad Jafri at Anna’s Beauty Mark
Coordination: Sumrina Khan, Shireen Rehman & Afshan Shafi
Photography: Abdul Mutal Sani.
Those caramel bows on the sleeves are exquisite along with the delicate fringing along the hemline.
Loving the metallic shimmer on the eyes and the loose waves
Loving the Icy hues on Zainab here especially when coupled with those sparkling Loubs!
That carmine pout and Jimmy Choo Clutch finishes the look off perfectly
We love us some pearls so the cuffs on this shirt have us sold! A deeper lip and elegant pants round the whole look off to a tee!
Just the right amount of frill elevates this outfit without the fuss! A pale pink lip and Bottega clutch provides the right accents for an evening look
Natasha Zubair’s oeuvre defies hackneyed description. Prodigiously gifted, she lends her unique perspective to all she captures. Whether its wedding, fashion or editorial photography, she is setting benchmarks for young photographers. Natasha spoke to Afshan Shafi for this fortnight’s For Art’s Sake about all the aspects of her vision
Please tell us about your background as an artist and your education in this regard.
I’m currently a 4th year Communication Design student at National College of Arts. I work as a freelance graphic designer, photographer and videographer and I have my own stationery line!
Which artists, local or international, have influenced or informed your point of view the most?
Locally I have looked up to Sir Umar Nadeem and Naveed Amjad who are both my seniors at the National College of Arts (NCA). As an artist who is always ready to learn, I feel I would have never evolved without them. They’ve been a great help and inspiration in my work! Internationally my favorite artists are Maya Beano, Laura Makabresku and Ben Sasso. They’re a mix of 35mm film photographers and digital photographers.
Which of your creations are you most attached to and why?
My photographs that I’ve taken in 35mm film are the closest to my heart. The time, prayers (hoping they’re not destroyed) and effort that’s taken to develop these photographs can not compare to the effortless process of posting a digital photo. I’ve recently started to experiment with mix mediums on my films such as bleach, lemon juice, salt and coffee. The late nights I’ve spent taking old reels and trying to make new works of art have been more therapeutic than words can describe!
If you could travel back in time to an era in art history which period would you choose and why?
The early 20th century, when the art movement Dadaism was alive. This movement fascinates me because artists at this time strived to create something different than what was expected from them and they did this by poking fun at modern art. Man Ray is one of my favorite artists from this time.
Which artists living or dead would you have loved to collaborate with?
Salvador Dali and Laura Makabresku.
What memorable responses have you had to your work?
Every single response has truly been memorable! Whether it’s about my photography or my stationery line, people are so much kinder than I would have expected and that’s why I always get super awkward or red whenever someone compliments my work.
A Dance with the Devil
Natasha Zubair X Eman Suleman
Uzma Hassan is not a new name in showbiz. She made a mark on the small screen with projects like Shashlik Xtra Hott, Mr Mom, Sitcom, Ullu Baraye Farokht Nahin, Pal Bhar Mein, and Aao Kahani Banaty Hain. She is currently starring in the much-awaited movie Arth starring opposite Shaan. Sana Zehra sat down with the beautiful Uzma for a tete a tete
What was your initial response when you were offered Arth?
Utter shock and disbelief! I was working on a play about Manto with Ajoka theatre back in 2013. Shaan had come to see one of the shows we staged. It was post performance that he offered me a part in a film that he had been planning for a while. The only response my brain could come up with was a ‘does not compute’ error. It wasn’t until months later, when I was handed over the advance payment that it hit me that this could actually be happening!
Ever felt challenged working with stars like Shaan and Humaima considering this is your debut?
The actual challenge was the task at hand. Being a part of the remake of a cult classic, one that I loved and had grown up watching and playing the character that was originally enacted by the legendary Shabana Azmi.
I was taught at the very beginning of my career that in order to do justice to a character you’ve been assigned, you must leave behind who you are, step out of your comfort zone and into the skin of the character. Once you’ve done that, everyone else, whoever they may be, are just characters of the story. There’s no margin for error or intimidation.
How was Shaan as a director?
Shaan is a force to be reckoned with! He’s a master of his craft, a workaholic. Extremely passionate and tireless when it comes to his work. And he expects everyone else to share the same enthusiasm and energy. Which isn’t an easy job, to put it mildly.
He had a vision, one that many did not share, when he casted me for this role. He believed in me when I didn’t even believe in myself so there was a lot of pressure, because not only did I have to live up to his expectations of me, I had to also prove a lot of other people wrong, but it was his unwavering faith in me that got me through it in the end. I’m extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with him and learn from him.
Why should people go watch Arth? What is so special and different from the original?
Arth is not only a remake of an Indian cult classic, it’s a story that everyone can relate to at some level. It’s not only about love, passion and betrayal, but also about finding yourself, picking yourself back up when the world has thrown you down on your knees.
It’s about having hope in the face of despair keeping the faith against all odds, it’s a second shot at life. it’s a brilliantly directed film with stellar performances and great music line up by Sahir Ali Bagga and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan sahab. And if that’s not enough reason to go watch it then one should do it for the sake of supporting our industry and its revival that everyone keeps raving about.
Any fond memory you have from the sets of Arth?
I was too busy freaking out while we were filming to actually relax and enjoy the process but looking back, everything is a fond memory, be it the wardrobe malfunctions, the panic attacks, shooting for winter in summers, wearing chiffon shirts and romancing in the freezing cold, tears of joy after successfully filming a difficult sequence, physical injuries, losing track of my team and getting lost in London. . it’s been one hell of a crazy, wonderful roller coaster ride!
What has frustrated you in the recent past? Explain.
I’m an overly sensitive and highly active person so I’m easily worked up and I allow lot of things to get under my skin. But what really ticks me off is how pretentious and hollow the world has become and how desensitised we have become as a society towards pain, cruelty and injustice and how comfortable we are with mediocrity.
How do you think your career will change after Arth?
For the better, I hope! Most importantly, I hope that through Arth, we can change the perception of our industry, actors and people in general and help them understand that acting, although a visual medium, is not only about looking good. It’s about the ability to emote and connect. One doesn’t have to be glamorous to be a mainstream actor.
Tell us three things people don’t know about you.
I’m allergic to liars and pretentious people, I’m an incurable animal lover and I’m not easily impressed.
What should every woman try once in her lifetime?
Not succumbing to societal pressure, standing up for her rights and being comfortable and confident in her own skin.
What brings you the greatest satisfaction?
Pampering people, and I also love rescuing and rehabilitating animals.
Last three items you bought?
Dog/cat food. Tintin comics and a whole bunch of DVDs for my collection.
Greatest indulgence?
Food! I live to eat!
One thing you wish you knew you were younger?
The value of time.
What does love sounds like?
I’m a die hard romantic and I live by what Rumi said; ‘Love is the reason. Love is the goal.’
By Nimrah Khokhar
Anoushey Ashraf is Pakistan’s perennial sweetheart! Her bubbly and upbeat attitude truly sets her apart from other celebrities. She recently got engaged in a whirl of romance to Salar Farooki and Sana Zehra got to ask her all the nitty gritty of this real life romance!
As you are about to get married thought it would be fun to ask, why do you think men will not commit?
Well it depends from man to man. If he’s not the sort to commit, he will always have trouble committing. However, if you come across a genuine soul who is willing to settle down, he will commit! So the willingness to commit needs to be there. If you need someone like that, then find someone like that!
When did you know that Salar was the one?
I don’t think there was one particular moment when I thought that “Oh my God! Salar is the one!†but it’s happened consistently over the past few months when I felt like he understood me, he knew me and has been with me through my best and my worst and most importantly, is still willing to be there. That’s when I decided this will work!
Which of you apologize first in the argument?
Umm, none of us actually says I’m sorry first but one of us just starts talking first.
Who will be cooking after marriage?
Whoever is in the mood to cook is most welcome to but we are planning to hire someone for cooking as we both have an extremely busy schedule so if you know of anyone good – please let us know!
Who asked who out first and how did it all happened?
Well, I remember Salar asking me out to some show and then I asked him out to a friend’s house and then the cycle went on! But yeah the first time we got together he asked me out! Woohoo!
How difficult is it for you to forgive someone who refuses to apologize?
I forgive easily even if someone does not apologize. Not because he or she needs my forgiveness but because I need to move on in my life and not keep it sour with anyone else.
When have you had to agree to disagree? Â
Many times! Many times when you’re having an argument with your loved ones and it’s getting into dangerous waters, you’re just like OK let’s just end it here because you have the right to your own opinion and I have to mine so let’s agree to disagree!
Any bad habits you broke in 2017?
Well, there was no bad habit as such but a circle of some unhealthy friendships I felt I needed to distant myself from and I did, for which I am very proud!
In what situation do you find yourself walking on egg shells?
I think we are always walking on egg shells because life is made up of very fragile and sensitive situations in general. So one needs to be very cautious at every step of the way, be alert and tread carefully!
Do people really get any wiser as they get older?
I’d like to hope that people get wiser as they get older but they also get a little more sensitive with age. So a lot of things upset them and they react over unnecessary issues and that’s not very wise. But generally I feel you get better at life decisions you get better as you age.
Ever got any botox/fillers done?
No, none as yet but I’m not averse to the idea neither am I against it, just BTW!
If you could trade lives with anyone for a day who would it be?
Umm, well if I ever got a chance to trade lives with anyone, it would probably be someone like Abdul Sattar Edhi or Mother Teresa just to do a lot of selfless work through the course of the day and not think about oneself; Rather, think about other people for once and work for their interest because we are extremely selfish creatures otherwise!
If you could ask 3 questions from the Prime Minister of Pakistan what would you ask?
OMG I have a long list of questions for the PM of Pakistan so I don’t think 3 questions would be enough. But I would definitely want to ask him about the current security situation of all the Pakistanis and why it is so weak, the rising prices in terms of gas, electricity and just general expenses and to see to why there is so much garbage all around our country. I mean I know this isn’t directly linked to him but someone needs to address these issues!
Name one tv sitcom you would love to be a member of?
I’m not much of a sitcom person but yeah I wish I could lend my voice to one of the characters of Family Guy or some weird sitcom characters!
Quality of life or quantity?
Quality of life! I really try to declutter and I think I’m at a better space at least in my head!
What does GT mean to you?
GT was the first of its kind in Pakistan. I remember the good old days when it was the only one with good pictures and up to date information. It’s always an advantage to be the first in what you do so good luck GT! And may you continue to stay on top for all your years to come!
Who? Dakota Johnson
Who? Christina Hendricks
Who? Jessica Chastain
Who? Ali Rehman Khan
Who? Nimrah Khokhar
Who? Syra Shahroz
The scintillatingly suave male leads, Ahmed Ali Akbar and Ali Rehman Khan of newly released Parchi sit down with Afshan Shafi to discuss their ideal girl, dream co-star and more
Models: Ali Rehman khan & Ahmed Ali akbar
Hair & Makeup: The lounge by Depilex Men
Designer: Munib Nawaz
Photography: Ali Asad studio
Coordination: Afshan Shafi
Ahmed Ali Akbar
This quintessential boy next door has made a name for himself in very short time. His star promises to keep ascending as he is naturally funny and down to earth. Read on for his fun
Rapid Fire
Describe the film in three words
Crazy, fast and funny
Who was the most fun on sets?
Mojiz, Shafqat Khan and Usman Mukhtar
How is Parchi different from recent local films?
It’ll be really fast paced.
Rapid Fire
Describe your ideal girl in three words:
I wish I could
Local Crush:
You guys don’t know her
International Crush:
Audrey Hepburn
Dream co-star:
Meryl Streep and Hugh Jackman
What scares you:
Being a burden on someone
Who intimidates you:
Everyone when I was a kid, no one anymore
Love or Money:
Love
Alternative Career:
Astronaut ( More like a dream career)
If you woke up as a woman, who would you want to be?
El from Stranger Things cos she’s young with an established career from Hollywood
Dogs or Cats:
Dogs
Historical figures you would love to meet:
Adam and Eve. I would have all the answers then.
Ali Rehman Khan
Ali Rehman Khan is undoubtedly charismatic and those eyes *swoon*. We hope he continues to choose roles which challenge him as a thespian!
How would you sum up your experience shooting for Parchi?
Wonderful. I really had a great time. It was so much fun throughout and it was sad saying goodbye to the team but its also exciting that now that the film is out.
Describe the film in three words
(It will) Blow your mind
Who was the most fun on sets?
Mojiz was definitely the most fun on sets. He had great energy and a great sense of humor.
How is Parchi different from recent local films?
It tackles a completely different subject matter. Even though its a comedy, it tackles a very different part of society and a different time in the country’s history which hasn’t really been dealt with before.
Rapid Fire
Describe your ideal girl in three words:
Does. Not. Exist
Local Crush:
Always has been Nazia Hassan
International Crush:
Jennifer Lawrence
Dream co-star:
Again, Jennifer Lawrence
What scares you:
Losing sense of reality
Who intimidates you:
I don’t get intimidated by anyone
Love or Money:
Love. Absolutely, any day.
Alternative Career:
The U.N!
If you woke up as a woman, who would you want to be?
Diana, also known as Wonder Women
Dogs or Cats:
Dogs
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Mahlia S. Lon
We’ve got the best of fashion and film for you this fortnight as wlonee cover a range of established and emerging stars. Our cover presents two handsome leading men, Ali Rehman Khan and Ahmed Ali Akbar for their film Parchi which promises to be fast paced and wickedly humorous.
Mishal Asad of Cross Stich speaks about the best part of her role at the retail giant while the charming Zainab Soofi dons Cross Stich’s fabulous formal wear. Natasha Zubair a brilliant young photographer speaks to us about her alternative aesthetic. Her captivating shoot with Eman Suleman will truly blow you away! Anoushey Ashraf’s fun interview will give you an insight into her real life romance. Read on to see Nimrah Khokhar’s exquisite bridal collection and other visual delights!