1. Tabya’s gorgeous summer bridal collection
Tabya’s gorgeous Summer Bridal Collection is now available online. To get yours, PM Facebook/tabyaofficial. For more details follow @tabya_official on Instagram.
Whatsapp 0322-2157538 or
call 0302-8429900 for appointments.
2. Ali Josh
Ali Josh, the dapper, the humble, the super talented and the BIG CHEESE in the showbiz has set the screen on fire. roles in a drama named ‘Khan’ on Geo as Kamaal Khan, followed later by the successful drama ‘Aadhi Gawahi’ as a phenomenal hero as Saad which just got on air this July. Moving on to his much anticipated tele film ‘Ishq Main’ as Shayan. Ali Josh is ONE truly talented and God-gifted artist who’s definitely in the industry to make it HUGE and make our Pakistani entertainment industry proud. We’ve got all our eyes on him.
3. Tripod Studio Light
By Dolce Vita HomeÂ
Get your very own Hollywood style tripod lamp, featuring a metal base with an authentic flood light and a black and gold colour combination.
Azmat Alibhai recounts the tale of her therapeutic Bangkok trip to Sana Zehra
To those of you unfamiliar with Elizabeth Gilbert’s book Eat, Pray, Love, it’s the memoir of a woman in her early thirties left broken after a terrible divorce. She decided to spend a year around the world: four months in Italy, where she would rediscover pleasure (EAT); four months in India, where she would meditate in an ashram (PRAY); and four months in Bali, where she would learn how to fuse the two (LOVE).
And without giving too much away, she rebuilt her soul in a beautiful way and I was hoping to achieve the same. Thankfully, I am not going through a divorce but the last two years have been trying for me health wise nonetheless. So I decided to take a short trip to Bangkok to heal and recharge.
No matter what you seek as your therapy, you will be able to find it in Bangkok. It’s a fantastic city, filled with great beauty and delicious food and perfect weather and incredibly kind, smiling people. Bangkok is a perfect place to heal your soul.
I checked into the COMO —Metropolitan and, although I was skeptical judging from the location, I decided to listen to my inner voice and I was ecstatic. As I jumped into the cab, and on the way to the Met, I passed by the central business district. The cab took a left turn into a beautiful tree lined street. As I approached the hotel, I felt a sense of calm. I hopped out of the cab and entered the hotel lobby – There was an underlining Zen kind of vibe. This translated in the staff’s demeanor, the architecture and interior design of the property right up to the basics in the room. High style is the part of the hotel’s DNA but it’s the small actions that make a big difference. You know its right when you get a feeling of “home.â€
It is very rare for me to travel to anyplace without engaging in a learning experience and Bangkok was no exception.
Healing through
learning:
If you’re looking to learn a new skill, Bangkok offers the opportunity to learn everything from cooking to massage to yoga. In my 5 days in Bangkok, I attended a cooking class and a restorative yoga workshop.
Healing through food:
With a street cart on every corner, you’re in the right place. I was lucky to meet Chef Prim Polson in his kitchen at Nahm restaurant, which has been rated repeatedly as one of Asia’s top restaurants. Just last year, Nahm was voted number one in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants List sponsored by San Pellegrino and Acqua Panna. Chef Polsuk exudes confidence, and rightly so. I was told by my local friend that Thai and overseas visitors are known to book a table a month in advance to secure a table. What I found special about him is his passion for creating. He explained that Nahm is influenced by the street food of Bangkok and by centuries old cookbooks belonging to private Thai households. His culinary style combines big, bold flavours with meticulous attention to detail, fresh local produce and traditional cooking methods, maintaining traditional Thai recipes and ingredients. Even the fish sauce is made from scratch. Chef Polsuk prepared a tasting menu of Scallops with Pomelo, Lemongrass and Lime, Aromatic Crab Curry and Stir Fried Morning Glory, just a few dishes from the vast feast he prepared.
Healing through Yoga: I have had the good fortune to meet and learn from fantastic teachers from all over the world, and Yogi Jutharat was no exception. She took me through a restorative flow. I was amazed with her yoga knowledge. There was much to learn from her and I was excited to take it all in.
Healing through nature: I walked down to Lumpini Park, which was a 10 minute walk from the hotel. Upon entering the park, the hustle and bustle was left behind. There was an open air gym with regular exercise machines. It was a serene walk and I felt one with nature. There was a step class with 80s music to set the mood of the class. Although I didn’t take the class, I could feel the endorphins release creating the feel good mood after a workout. I was told gym teachers volunteer their time teaching at the park. There is something magical about healing through volunteering — working for the good of people or for the less fortunate than you is a surefire way to put things into perspective.
Healing through partying: Should you fancy live music whilst grabbing a bite or if you want to blow off steam with buckets, parties, and nights out with friends, I suggest you make your way to the lively party streets. The unbeatable energy, happy people comfortable in their skin just looking to escape and have a good time. Tons of bars, clubs, roof top bars where DJs spinning and mixing music or just people loitering on the street listening to the music. Maybe have a foot massage or browse through the souvenir shops. That high energy vibration was apparent all over.
Healing through spirituality: Bangkok is a great place to delve into Buddhism, meditation or general spirituality. There are all kinds of meditation retreats in Bangkok, including silent retreats. What I found incredible is that there is a temple to be found on every street. Amidst the incredibly busy streets of Bangkok, the Thai people actually practice the “Pause.â€
As I bid farewell to Bangkok with a feeling of melancholy, I remembered a person who once said to me, “Make friends with reality.†With those wise words in mind, I let go. I surrendered. It was time to say good bye.
Lakorn (Goodbye) Bangkok.
Fatima Sheikh discovers crucial tips on applying the perfect tone of foundation from certified makeup artist, Saima Yousaf, owner of SYS salon, Lahore, who has taken makeup courses around the world
Myth:
Our face needs to be covered with skin coloured foundation to appear flawless.
Reality:
Saima Yousaf completely differs on this point. She tells us that women here are using the same base tone and shades, like NC-5, or FS-45. They are a little too dark for darker skin and a little too pale for fair skin. The base is a composition of pigments and tone, which we should calculate before applying. The shade and the tone are to be decided before deciding the colour. Some women should acquire pigments that consist of more red, some should acquire more yellow, green, blue and some purple. They are all different from each other and they produce different results, which only experts can fully judge before application. The perfect natural end result is apparent to everyone when it appears undetectable. Simply put a person with yellow skin tone cannot apply a red base colour. Suppose a person has pale skin, if we directly apply a skin foundation on it, the end result will never be smooth and subtle, instead it will give a cakey and cracked effect.
“Makeup is an art, but without blending with the right colours it’s lifeless”
—Saima Yousaf Sheikh
These are magic tips and tricks to apply a smooth base. The difficult areas to apply are under the eyes and around the lips. These are the areas where the skin tone is different. What we have to do is accurately reflect the colour of our skin and according to that apply tones to neutralize the shade. You can mix two different shades. 90 per cent skin is two-toned, which is why different shades are mixed. These colours are called colour correctors that neutralize the tone of our skin and make it ready for applying foundation. Mostly, orange tone is applied underneath the eyes because the skin under the eyes is black or brown. Around the lip area the skin is green blue or purple so mixed shades should be applied to neutralize it. Then, the diversity of the tone should be minimized by blending properly.
The side effects of directly applying foundation can be that the face looks very pink or grey, because when applying light foundation on dark skin, it gradually looks a little grey. Also when you apply the same foundation on your cheeks, under the eyes and around your lips, the cheeks take it well, but slowly the other areas start become grey and look odd.
The correct character tone of colours and pigments is very important according to our skin tone. Only then our foundation will become flawless, won’t show any cracks and give a smooth end result.
By Staff writer
TV Series:
Kosem Sultan
A spin off to the most popular Turkish drama to grace Pakistani television screens, A Magnificent Century or, as it is known here, Mera Sultan, Kosem Sultan is set 37 years after the death of Suleiman the Magnificent and recounts the life of Mahpeyker Kosem Sultan, a female rule of the Ottoman Empire through her sons and grandson.
Kosem Sultan comes to the Ottoman harem of Sultan Ahmed I as a slave and ends up becoming one of the most powerful women in Ottoman history, even counting Hurrem Sultan, the clever wife of Suleiman the Magnificient.
This show brings with it the same grandeur, beautiful period setting and costumes of the afore mentioned Mera Sultan, and once again highlights the powerful women of the Ottoman Harem.
A must watch for all history buffs or anyone who likes to see shows about strong women in power.
Movies:
Battle of the Sexes
Based on true events, this movie takes a look at the most watched televised sporting event in history—the 1973 tennis match between Billie Jean King (Emma Stone) and Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell).
A symbolic face-off about gender-equality, the match brought the media spotlight on the two players but beyond the court both fought more complex battles. King, encouraged by her husband to fight for equal pay, was also coming to terms with her own sexuality, while Riggs gambled his reputation in a bid to relive past glories.
Also starring Sarah Silverman, Elisabeth Shue, Alan Cumming and Bill Pullman, the film shines a light on the match that sparked a global conversation on gender rights, a conversation that is still as relevant today.
Music:
HOT 100
| # | Song Name | Artist |
| 1 | Despacito | Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee Featuring Justin Bieber |
| 2 | I’m The One | DJ Khaled Featuring Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper & Lil Wayne |
| 3 | Wild Thoughts | DJ Khaled Ft. Rihanna |
| 4 | That’s What I Like | Bruno Mars |
| 5 | Shape Of You | Ed Sheehan |
Books:
Mountain Berries & Dessert Spice
—by Sumayya Usmani
All foodies will want to get their hands on this book written by Sumayya Usmani, a Pakistani food writer and cookery teacher. The book introduces home cooks to Pakistani desserts and their unique significance in our country’s culture and traditions.
The 70 recipes are sourced from all over Pakistan, ranging from the foothills of the Hindu Kush (where berries and fruits are the main ingredients) through the fertile Punjab where rice and grains are the mainstay of the desserts to the Arabian Sea in the South where saffron and cardamom flavoured desserts are most favoured.
With desserts for every occasion and all taste buds, and a pinch of historical knowledge thrown in, this book is a must have for anyone with an interest in all things FOOD.
Marina Homes’ chief operating officer, Rehana Rajput In conversation with Fatima Sheikh
How does Marina Home stand out from the competition?
Rehana: Marina Home honours the spirit of adventure. We embrace the escape of the ordinary and revel in the magic that is found in the unexpected. Our artistic ability shines through in our choice of contrasting designs that challenge conventions, tailors trends and brings out the creative flair in our customers too.
Which celebrities have chosen to buy their furniture from your stores?
Marina Home has a huge celebrity client base of stars like Ali Zafar and Fawad Khan, as well as supplies furniture for the Gulzar House.
When did Marina Home open its doors in the country and how has it evolved?
We launched Marina Home in Pakistan in 2015, and from day 1 we have been the pioneers in fashion furniture, while still having the competitive edge over other brands. We have evolved in such a way that we are constantly bringing one-of-a-kind pieces.
Did you receive instant success or your work took time to set a benchmark for itself?
The response has been wonderful from the very first, not just in Lahore but in Islamabad too. Marina Home has been delivering quality and originality for over 20 years now internationally. It has already set the precedence for high in the furniture industry.
What type of home does Marina Home best cater to?
All our clients bring us something exciting and challenging. There is an immense love for fashion and home living that has grown over the last few years in Pakistan. People are much more aware of what the latest trends in home furniture are globally. They are more willing to take risks and experiment with their space these days. Marina Home doesn’t just design spaces; all our furniture pieces are inspired from stories around the world. So all spaces are equally exciting and challenging for us.
An interesting incident with an overly fussy client?
We don’t believe any clients are fussy. It’s about understanding their requirement and giving them the furniture and accessories, which fit their lifestyle.
What are the latest trends and techniques in the furniture market?
New trends of visual merchandising are talk of the town these days. Exotic and modern furniture is trending within the furniture industry.
What is Marina Home’s niche and what does your brand specialize in?
We specialize in the urban and exotic furniture line that means not just the quantity but quality.
What do your clients mostly ask for?
There are a lot of different demands from customers in furniture and accessories. But leather furniture is probably the one thing that is most demanded.
What do your pieces usually represent?
Marina Home is all about creativity and innovation. Our pieces are more than just beautiful designs but are all inspired from different stories around the world.
Tell us about your latest collection?
Our latest collection is inspired from India, so there is a lot of colour and vibrancy in all our pieces.
Describe your personal style at home?
I am a wood lover as well as like tactile textures. Rustic décor with style and comfort is represented in my personal collection
Where do you see the brand in 5 years?
As per the current response, we want to open doors in all major cities of Pakistan over the next few years.
Ideally who would you want to collaborate with from the furniture industry?
Being an international brand, we are not looking to collaborate with one brand at the moment. However, we do work with a lot of interior designers and architects.
Describe Marina Home in three words?
Marina Home is difficult to describe in only three words but if I had to they would be:
Urban
Exotic
Contemporary
Favourite quote about furniture?
“I look at every piece of furniture and every object as an individual sculpture.“–Kelly Wearstler (American furniture designer)
Iman Moghul’s blog, The Pakistani Bride, is a beautifully executed assemblage of bridal trends and exquisite shoots, and sure is one Insta to follow! Afshan Shafi speaks to the blogger about all aspects of her style
What discipline did you receive your education in? How does this aid you in the running of your blog?
I am a doctor by profession. Having had to study a lot for my exams, I’ve learnt how to balance university and my love for fashion, in order to stay on top of both. I’ve always been told by my family and friends that I have a keen eye for fashionable clothing, beautiful jewellery, and amazing makeup. I decided to take the leap and started blogging in order to provide inspiration for those planning their big day, and for those who love the same things as I do.
What is your favourite evening wear /formal look? Which designers/brands do you most enjoy wearing for these occasions?
A black gown is always my favourite evening look hands down. I think I’ve actually worn one to every gala and formal event I’ve been to over the last five years or so. You can’t really go wrong as it looks incredibly sophisticated and chic. I usually pair my gowns with a glitzy clutch, high heels and statement earrings to complete the look. In terms of fashion designers, Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad are some of the best around.
What would be your go-to daytime look? What are your wardrobe staples/favourite designers in this regard?
A pair of denim jeans with an oversized white t-shirt, some sandals and a tote that can fit just about everything. I swear by Zara and Topshop for my wardrobe essentials, and my Louis Vuitton tote goes everywhere with me.
What are your most adored pieces of jewellery, both costume and precious?
For costume jewellery, Rang Posh has some of the most stunning pieces I have ever come across. You can pair their contemporary jewellery with western wear too. For precious jewels, it would have to be my gorgeous diamond and emerald earrings that my mother had made for me years ago by Karat.
How would you define the term style? Which people do you think exude a stylish persona?
To me, one’s sense of style should be an accurate representation of their personality. As Rachel Zoe said, “Style is a way to say who you are, without having to speak.†My current major style crush is Amal Clooney! Who on earth can muster up the effort to dress that well up until their 9th month of pregnancy?!
“As Rachel Zoe said, ‘Style is a way to say who you are, without having to speak’â€
Who are your major inspirations from the fashion world?
Huda Kattan is successful and intelligent, with an incredibly successful make-up line, online tutorials, and a huge online fanbase.
There are also so many other women, such as designer Coco Chanel who changed the game entirely for women in fashion and influenced the feminist movement in a remarkable way (doing away with the idea that women mustn’t wear men’s clothing). Model and body-activist Ashley Graham who has now become the most successful plus-size model to date, walking the runways for Michael Kors, and appearing on the covers of Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Sports Illustrated and Elle, as well as pushing the social boundaries surrounding “ideal body types.†Artist Pat McGrath is considered the most important make-up artist in the whole world, despite absolutely no formal training, with her own makeup line that sells out instantaneously (and she’s also black, which means her success is one that is truly inspiring in a time when women of colour all over the world aren’t represented nearly as much as they deserve to be). These women are only to name a few. Although they do not specifically represent South Asian fashion, they are definitely ones to aspire to and take example from, when it comes to broadening the horizons of Pakistani fashion and taking its people and talent to heights that have not yet been achieved.
What’s your most favourite fashion show that you’ve attended in person?
I would say my favourite fashion show to date has been the India-Pakistan London Fashion Show that took place in Gibson Hall earlier this year. Nomi Ansari headlined the show, alongside many well-known Indian designers such as Ekta Solanki. It was inspiring to see all the beautiful designs on the runway, and the countless similarities and distinctions between Pakistani and Indian fashion. They also had some really fun acts to follow up and a remarkable after party, which definitely makes or breaks a show like that.
You’ve collaborated with a number of leading fashion brands. Please elaborate on which collaborations you particularly relished?
After having collaborated with a number of brands, you always cherish the couple of people who have come to develop a strong and understanding professional relationship with you. I’ve recently collaborated with the incredible Aneela from Rang Posh jewels – her items are absolutely breathtaking. Neemar Jewels is also a regular collaborator with me, and I have an extremely good working relationship with them due to their incredibly professional attitude.
What current trends internationally do you most like/dislike?
I’m in love with the return of the bell-bottom trousers, paired with short shirts. It brings back so many memories from my school days. Also, the off-shoulder trend is very cute. However, I’m not a huge fan of the two-legged shararas with lawn suits; never have been. Also, crop tops is a trend I’m just not into, although I do appreciate that some people can really pull them off.
Which people (bloggers, designers, celebrities, etc.) would you say have influenced your style the most?
I don’t necessarily take a lot of inspiration from anyone in particular. I’ve always been one to dress comfortably, and wear items that make me feel most myself. In fact, comfort is a big thing to me. Wearing heels can be incredibly painful (Louboutins, I’m looking at you!) and I always end up taking them off after a while. In terms of brands and designers, I have a few shirts from Sapphire and Khaadi in my closet, as their designs are really trendy and are easy to wear.
What are your future projects?
I’m working on a few exciting shoots this summer, one of which is going to be in Amsterdam so I’m particularly looking forward to that. (I won’t reveal too much at the moment!) I’m also seriously considering setting up an e-magazine, so I can talk about my favourite fashion trends, inspiration and designs in more detail. In terms of collaborations, I’m in talks with my absolute favourite clothing brand of all time (you can guess who) and I have a few giveaways lined up for the summer—so watch this space!
Your five beauty essentials:
Power lip, like Russian Red by MAC cosmetics
Signature fragrance, such as Pure Poison by Dior
Eye-catching skin glow, using Soft and Gentle by MAC cosmetics
Beautiful baby like skin, achieved with Pixi’s rose oil blend
A dense, buffing brush to create a super blended base for make-up, such as the Oval 6 Artis Brush.
Osama Tahir made his debut in Chalay Thay Saath and left a strong impression. Not only was he one of the strongest cast members, but in a role copposite Mansha Pasha, according to one audience member, “he totally outshone everyone in the movie.â€Most embarrassing moment— “I farted in an elevator with a person next to meâ€Sana Zehra sits down with Osama for an illuminating rapid fire round
Any weird habits?
I talk to myself
If you were to do a cameo on a tv show what would it be?
It’s cancelled now but I would love to be on The Newsroom (American Emmy award winning show)
What was your first impression of Kent?
Confident
Beenish (producer)?
Sweet
Mansha?
Reserved
Syra?
Smart
Zhalay?
Hyper
Faris?
Extremely hyper!
Something you’ve been intending to do today but haven’t?
Workout
What’s your most embarrassing moment?
Farted in an elevator with a person next to me
What do you imagine life is like for a woman?
It’s great and really tough at the same time.
When was the last time you danced?
At a friend’s mehndi
Your dancing ability on scale of 1-10 is…
An 8
What is better certificate or experience?
Experience
A fictional character you want to spend the day with?
(Laughs) Rick from Rick and Morty (American animated sitcom for adults)
Award-winning fashion designer Syeda Amera makes absolutely stunning womenswear, ranging in versatility from ready-to-wear, western evening dresses from structured corset dresses to sensuously draped ones, as well as traditional bridals, combining delicate embroidery with sumptuous fabrics, workmanship and glamour for a well heeled clientele. She is the first Pakistani designer to be featured in British Vogue, Glamour UK and ELLE UK and has participated in many fashion shows on the international stage. Just last month, she represented South Asian designers when her S/S 17 collection Flower Power was featured amongst those of other international designers in J Summer Fashion Show 2017 set against the back drop of the Hoover Dam, Nevada, on a 100 metre curved runway. This is Amera’s fifth collaboration with theatrical fashion show producer and Vietnamese model Jessica Minh Anh. Syeda Amera tells Mahlia Lone about her gorgeous yet surprisingly affordable dresses that have grabbed the international spotlight
Have you studied fashion designing?
Ever since I was child, I wanted to become a designer. It just seemed natural to want to translate my ideas into fashion. My love for fashion and glamour brought me into this profession. I am a self-taught designer and I think the talent was there since the very beginning but to polish my skills I acquired my fashion education from London School of Fashion, Sota School of Arts Singapore, TFWA World Exhibition and ESMOD Fashion School in Paris.
Are you involved with the construction of dresses or just the designing and business aspect?
Well, I would say that’s what I enjoy the most. The best thing about being a designer is the process when I translate my drawings into a real piece. I enjoy overcoming the little challenges I face with the materials and design technicalities then watching my creativity come to life.
Which are some celebrities apart from Jessica Minh Ahn that have worn your creations and for which high profile events?
I have been really popular amongst celebrities when it comes to rocking the red carpet, hosting a TV show, or a performance in an award show. Apart from the many international celebrities, locally I have had the honour of making dresses for Humaima Malick, Sajal Ali, Mehwish Hayat, Nadia Hussain and many more.
Your gowns are certainly eye-catching and beautifully made; do you mostly specialize in western evening dresses?
I specialize in ready-to-wear, traditional bridals and western evening dresses. I would also like to mention that we do not compromise on quality when it comes to any of our creations.
Where are you based in and how does one buy one of your dresses, apart from your website?
I am originally Karachi based and operate via my outlet at Park Towers in Karachi and my studios in Karachi (Pakistan) and Business Bay Dubai (UAE). I also stock at various multi-brand stores locally and internationally and have numerous website and fan page clients as well.
You have quite an inspirational journey, what are some of your achievements of 2017?
2017 has proven to be an amazing year for me. With many local and international projects, I was recently honoured with the Women Empowerment Award for the most inspiring woman of 2017 at the Women Empowerment Gala in New York.
The event was organised to recognise the work of outstanding individuals of different professions from all over the world where I became the first Pakistani to have received this recognition and award for my tremendous stand as a woman.
Then in June 2017, I showcased my Flower Power SS’17 collection at the J Summer Fashion Show atop American engineering masterpiece Hoover Dam in Las Vegas. It was a dream come true to showcase my collection at such an amazing venue and my collection was the most appreciated collection of the show. I was the only designer selected to represent the whole of South-Asia among the carefully selected designers from all over the world. With a natural backdrop featuring the world’s largest man-made reservoir, Lake Mead, and the majestic Black Canyon, as reported by celebrities and journalists present at the show, it was pure magic to watch Syeda Amera’s creations go down the ramp as the models walked on the 100-metre curved catwalk.
You look like a model yourself. Give us some tips on looking half as good.
“Nothing makes a woman more beautiful than the belief that she is beautiful,†so believe in you and love yourself. Beauty is confidence, how you feel inside and it reflects in your eyes.
What’s on trend right now?
Head-to-toe floral is definitely one groundbreaking trend of Spring/Summer 2017 and Syeda Amera SS’17 collection showcased atop the American engineering masterpiece Hoover Dam was centered on this very simple concept. Trends like super bright tones and ubiquitous detailed sleeves were also highlighted in my latest collection, which proved to be very impressive.
Give us some styling tips.
I strongly believe that effortless is chic; you should keep it simple and not too complicated. One should be relaxed in what you wear as being comfortable is the key. We should all observe the trends but try your best to be an individual.
By Afshan Shafi
Esteemed couturier Fahad Hussayn’s latest collection is a testament to his deep learning and faultless craft. Taking its inspiration from Punjabi folklore, each piece is truly original and needless to say–exquisite. Shot at the Fakir Khana Museum, this editorial will thoroughly enchant your senses
Favourite city?
Lahore/Berlin
Favourite designers International?
Christian Lacroix, Gareth Pugh, Valentino
Favourite designers local?
Umar Sayeed
Music on your playlist?
SIA and vintage classical music.
When not working you can be found?
Reading
Who would you love to see wearing your clothes?
Cate Blanchett
How do most of your ideas come about?
By delving into the history of the Subcontinent, researching different techniques of indigenous embroidery and travelling.
Favourite quote or motto to live by?
No quote as such, but I believe that artists/designers, etc. should be influenced by their roots and shouldn’t borrow heavily from other countries.
Mahlia S. Lone
Petrichor (derived from Greek) is the name of the fragrant, earthy scent that wafts on the cool breezy air after a refreshing summer downpour has drenched the thirst of the dry soil. You must have inhaled it deeply after rain in the summer as I have. I always thought the scent of geeli mitti was unique to our region during the monsoons, but apparently not. This fresh, soft and romantic scent should be bottled for homes as air fresheners, diffusers and even candles, so we can spray it at will in our clinical, air conditioned interiors, or if it is I haven’t come across it as yet.
Fahad Hussayn doesn’t have a loud, brash, “look at me†personality that many other fashion designers do. He is soft spoken, hardly socializes and always wears a black kurta shalwar. Despite hiding in the shadows, because he produces meticulously crafted and thoroughly researched one-of-a-kind couture outfits that are veritable works of art, he has carved a niche for himself in the fashion industry. Feast your eyes on his Dara Shikoh Aur Sunehri Churail latest bridal collection in this issue. The detailing is exquisite.
In a completely different style are Syeda Amera’s western evening dresses of her Flower Power summer collection as showcased at Jessican Min Anh’s fashion show on a 100 metre curved runway at the Hoover Dam, Nevada, US. Amera is as young, slim and lovely to look at as all the models in the show, and her dresses are glamorous, luxurious and modern as well as relatively affordable to boot. Jessica Min Anh, a Vietnamese theatrical fashion show producer and model, frequently invites Amera to participate in her stunt fashion shows that are put on at major international landmarks the world over. This feature I found to be quite interesting and a little different.
Syra Shehroze and Sheheryar Munawar, stars of the new superhero movie Project Ghazi, have become good friends with each other and their easy camaraderie comes across in the tête-à -tête the two indulge in exclusively for GT. If you want intimate details of their respective private lives now is your chance. Actor Osama Tahir also reveals personal information that he has up till now kept close to his chest just for our dear readers.
Relish the rain and the petrichor after!