By Good Times
Influencer and socialite Mahnoor Arshad Mahmood takes us inside her closet
My personal style in three words:
I’d say my sense of style is super feminine and very trend driven. Also, sophisticated — very mindful of intricate details.
My top 5 wardrobe essentials:
Oh well that’s surely my favourite question but 5 is a tricky number so excuse me if I exaggerate a bit too much. I’ve always been a pants girl; I love me a good pair of pants! You’ll find my wardrobe flooded with black, beige and white culottes and bootleg pants. Super easy to style anything and everything with them. Second, a white button down shirt. You can pair it with some colourful accessories to add that extra oomph. Third, an oversized chunky sweatshirt with black leggings or basic jeans depending on if it’s a casual day or if I’m feeling a little extra. Lastly, bodysuits are my latest obsession — they give such a good fit and can be paired easily with almost everything.
My favourite vintage item:
My dad’s sweatshirt from Boston University — a go-everywhere, do-anything essential. It’s oversized, super comfy and so close to my heart.
My top 5 shoe essentials:
1. An affordable pair of black patent leather pumps for everyday use
2. A pair of nude loafers making everyday outfits chic
3. My mama’s white Hermes Oran sandals to pair up with all my colourful lawn outfits.
4. A minimalist pair of sneakers
5. A class pair of gold Louboutins to make all my boring outfits a tad bit extra. They are so worth the splurge.
My most prized possession:
A hyperbolic gold anklet given by my late grandfather to celebrate my birth, since I was their first grandchild it meant a lot to them.
Musician and It Boy Haider Mustehsan talks to us about his career, his bucket list and more.
Did you always want to be a singer?
I’m not sure but the art of singing/making music was and is an integral part of my life. I’m pretty sure it will remain that way.
What’s your favourite thing about being a musician?
My favourite thing is being able to connect with people that I don’t know. To be able to produce and render an emotion that was personal to me and giving it to the world.
If you weren’t a musician what would you be?
I have a dual bachelor’s in Political Economy and Sociology, and I’m currently a Masters student in the field of Peace and Conflict Studies. This is a path I’m pursuing in conjunction with my music.
What do you do on days that you’re off from work?
Football. And I usually listen to podcasts and utilize other avenues that help keep a constant flow of knowledge to myself. Also, I like to travel.
Name three things on your bucket list.
1- Win a Grammy
2- Write a song with Ed Sheeran
3- Be proud of myself 20 years from now
Who is your inspiration?
My brother and sister.
Do you it is still consider it a taboo to be in the entertainment industry in Pakistan or have things changed?
I’m pretty sure it is. Specially for our women. But then again, my music (I’m sure I speak for the majority of my colleagues) isn’t for the people that think this is a taboo. So it’s not really of any concern to me. We have ways to go and progress as a society, and unfortunately the music is just the tip of the iceberg went it comes to nonsensical taboos.
There is a major cancel culture these days. Do you ever feel the pressure of that in terms of what you post or say?
Not at all. I post what I feel like.
What’s the best thing about performing?
It’s something about the energy you get that reverberates from the crowd and onto the stage. Especially when the crowd knows the lyrics and sings it back to you. It’s magical.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
Don’t indulge yourself in machine driven views. Stay true to yourself and your craft. Consistency is the only way.
Actor and designer Rehmat Ajmal speaks to us about her brand Rehstore, her time at NCA and life after marriage
How did Rehstore come about?
Rehstore was born in 2019 shortly after I graduated from NCA. It combines my love for both art and fashion. Today, 3 years later it has surely become the most important part of my life. It is true what they say “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.”
Tell us about your new collection.
Sona is a step forward for Rehstore as we introduce hand embellishments. Like every other custom article that is part of our work so far, these can also be customized and so it becomes a personalized, individualistic experience for the buyer. This collection is all about luxurious drapery that encapsulates festive energy while also remaining minimal. It is perfect for intimate weddings.
Who is your inspiration?
I always say I draw inspiration from nature. Sometimes I design around it and sometimes it designs around me.
What’s your favourite product?
It has to be the new hand painted envelopes and notecards set. It makes for a perfect gift for all stationery lovers.
You studied Textile and Design from NCA. Do you feel that gives you an edge over other designers that haven’t?
I feel everyone holds a unique expression as designers and artists. Personally, spending four years at NCA studying the subject has definitely helped me technically but I believe experience and hard work can take you a long way ahead in life with/without a degree.
How is married life going?
It is going great. Can’t believe it has been over a year!
How do you like Karachi?
I fall in love with Karachi everyday. There is something about the wind here that really lifts my spirit up. I also love the concept stores, coffee shops and local art running through the veins of the city. I cannot wait to have my friends visit so I can show them around!
How do you find the perfect work life balance?
Being a freelancer gives me the freedom to draw a perfect balance. It allows me to run my business, keep my marketing consultancy going and work hours that suit me. With a little bit of structure, discipline and empathy for yourself you can get the engine running pretty smoothly.
We see from your Instagram that you’ve taken up baking recently. How did that happen?
Well I have always been fond of cooking and baking. It is just that I am taking out more time to record videos and create content around it. I am finding it so soothing and therapeutic just like painting.
What are the differences between the two big metropolitan cities that you’ve operated from, Karachi and Lahore?
In some moments it feels like both cities are the same and in other moments it feels like they are not. I have found Karachi to be more diverse and also more fast paced in comparison to Lahore. But then Lahore is my home that is so culturally and historically enriched so really, one I am falling in love with and one I already love.
Does the pressure of cancel culture and posting the right thing ever get to you?
No, not really.
What advice would you give to young people who are trying to get their big break?
There are two things that will never fail you; hard work and consistency. If you are working hard to be consistent and are consistently working hard you will not have to find your big break as it will find you.
Is there a message that you would like to give to our readers?
I would definitely like to thank everyone who has ever helped me in regards to my small business. Your kindness and sincerity truly elevates the experience of it all. Be it the teams that come together to create artistic photographs or friends and family extending support and love. None of anything would be possible without all of you.
Photographer: Mehlum S. Sadriwala
Muse:Â Sona Rafiq
Hair & Makeup:Â Bryan William
Jewelry:Â Ali Javeri Jewelers
Risham stuns in this Rishmal outfit. The white on white is the ultimate look for an intimate wedding or Eid! Keeping it simple, she accessorizes the outfit with long dangly earrings, a sparkly clutch and heels proving that less is definitely more!
Influencer Alizeh Pasha looks absolutely stunning in this teal and white outfit. We love the embellishments on the neckline and shoulders. She accessorizes the outfit with a cute bucket bag and silver heels. 10/10!
Misha is our new favourite fashionista who makes no mistakes when it comes to fashion! Misha looks fab in this Sehrish Rehan outfit. This look is perfect for Eid or family dinners. She wears her hair down and pairs the outfit with black strappy heels. We’re obsessed!
There’s something about Mommy and Me outfits that makes us swoon. Supermodel and now mom Amo B and her daughter Baby Naz twin in these gorgeous kurtas by Minikins. Amna wears her hair in beachy waves and pairs the outfit with her Hermes Oran Sandal while little Naz accessorizes hers with sparkly sandals and a teddy. So adorable!
Manahyl turns heads in this stunning lime saree by Kokab Zia. The saree truly is a work of art with gorgeous embellished borders and a long pallu. Manahyl ties back her hair and keeps her makeup simple. We love it!
Ushna Shah is the epitome of grace in this Elan number. The dress is definitely a sight for sore eyes. We love the embellished bodice. Ushna wears her hair in loose waves and accessorizes with big silver earrings. It’s giving!
Zunaira Hameed launched her flagship store alongside her latest Pret collection with much fanfare in DHA.
Hira Khan Amna Wahaaj Rija & Sara Amina & Tahmina Sara Gillani Mashaal Malik Amna Adeel Annie Areej Fatima Maleeha Akram Zunaira
The annual Fashion Pakistan Lounge festive exhibit took place with much fanfare. Muzna Danish Momal Hajira & Taimur Javeria & Sarah Injila Zara Wasif Zahra Naveed Ayesha Fazli Asifa Nabeel Amna Wahaaj Sidra
