Designer: Shehla Shaharyar
Collection: Utopia Raw Silk
Production: Centaur One
Model: Tehreem Gohar & Celina Arif
Photographer: Tajwar Munir
MUA: Saad Sami
Art: Mehrunissa Kabir
Jewellery: Beedazzled
Influencer Sophiya Salim Khan of Keeping Up With Khan takes us inside her closet
How would you describe your personal style?
In the moment! So one thing I learnt from my grandmother is just to wear whatever you feel like wearing on a particular day. Be it clothes, shoes or accessories. Mostly I dress in the same outfit everyday, which is a black T-shirt and black pants. I let the day and my mood decide how much I’m going to dress up or down.
Your favourite fashion designer?
This is a tough one! I really can not pick one as they all shine bright for their own genre & what they bring into the fashion scene. Currently drooling over Ansab Jahangir – their cuts, colours and prices are just on point.
Do you believe in sustainable fashion? Have you changed your wardrobe to make it more sustainable in the recent years?
Definitely a recent awareness came about, and it’s here to stay. Once you start learning about true sustainability, it’s hard to unlearn some facts about the fashion industry. Sustainable fashion begins with sustainable choices. The transition from buying cheaper to buying sustainable is a habit that doesn’t reflect in price points as much as it does in the amount we buy. Also what we do with how much we already have. Rather than buying and donating, I’ve started to buy less & to upcycle my wardrobe more.
Where is Pakistan do you love to shop?
Instagram!! I absolutely love how Instagram has helped me discover & be able to shop from so many local brands. No matter where they may be located in Pakistan, through great logistic services & social media, I feel unique brands have never been more accessible.
What is the oldest item in your closet?
That would be my great grandmothers shawl collection, which I was lucky enough to inherit & shall be cherished for generations to come.
What, in your opinion, are must have items that are essential to a great closet?
The basic everyday shalwar kameez, jeans, simple T-shirts, a good pair of black joggers & you are good to go!
Your most prize possession?
My great grandmothers Shahtoosh shawl
Your favourite accessory?
Rings
What item in your closet makes you cringe?
The items I bought when I was in college on sale thinking I’ll fit into them later, totally unnecessary.
How does style differ in the two big cosmopolitan cities that you live in, Lahore and Islamabad?
Having lived in Karachi, Lahore & Islamabad, I can see how totally different each city’s fashion expression is.
Islamabad kind of reminds me of Karachi, very chilled out & relaxed fashion sense, putting comfort first. As compared to lahore which is such a fun cosmopolitan for fashion, as you will see all forms of fashionable expression wherever you go together & no one is bothered by being over or underdressed.
Urwa Hocane on self love, passion and life beyond acting
How does it feel to see yourself on the cover?
Always a pleasure collaborating with GT! The team is super cool and it’s always been a great experience.
How did you decide to pursue a career in acting and filmmaking? Is this something you always wanted?
It happened by chance. I used to do theatre in Islamabad and started getting offers for hosting and acting. I would say the career chose me.
How are things in your personal life now?
I am in a very good place Alhumdulillah. My personal growth expedited in the last 2 years and I am focusing a lot on self love and self care is important not just for me but for everyone around me.
What are your hobbies outside of acting and filmmaking?
Gardening is my favorite hobby and I definitely have a green thumb. I also enjoy painting and reading books. So yes art and nature have always have been my soul food.
Has your perception of the entertainment industry in Pakistan changed overtime? If yes, how?
With experience you get to learn a lot more about your respective field. I always believe in growth. I don’t stick to same perceptions for a long time. Things always evolve and grow as time goes by so should the perceptions.
What is your beauty routine?
Lots of water and sleeping on time. I like to keep educating myself about eating healthy and I practice things that resonate with my well being. Like I said earlier, all this falls under self love and self care and that’s what helps me.
Do you work out?
No. I guess I’m always on the go and that is enough exercise for my mind body and soul.
People in Pakistan don’t consider acting a proper profession. What do you have to say about that?
I think it’s a profession of passion. I work 12 hours a day and sometimes also on Sundays! It’s very much a profession that requires a lot of hard work and patience. I firmly believe that with time this perception will change and acting will be considered as a solid profession. As a matter of fact, I feel that change has already started to take place in our society. The quality of Pakistani content has improved in volumes and so will the perceptions InshaAllah.
Acting in Pakistan is still considered very taboo. Did you face problems when you decided to enter this career?
Not at all. My parents are very progressive who trust me and my choices. I have been blessed with family and friends who have always supported me and been my strongest support system when it came to my professional choices.
Do you like the fame that comes with becoming an actor?
I love the creative process more than the exposure that comes with it. I enjoy it as much as an introvert could. For me fame is when what I do and what I produce is genuinely loved and appreciated by all.
What’s your favourite part about your work?
Telling stories
What are your upcoming projects?
I can’t wait for the world to see my upcoming film called Tich Button. It is a true labour of love and I’m thrilled to share it with everyone.
Who’s your favourite designer?
I don’t have a favourite as I happen to be a very simple person. I will wear whatever fits my mood. My personal choices are very basic.
Name three things on your bucket list.
I believe in living fully everyday as it comes but if I must answer it’s mostly travelling and exploring new places in the world.
Who is your inspiration?
I find inspiration in every day. Passionate and hardworking people inspire me. And for me, living and being in the now is extremely inspirational.
Tell us about your first shoot.
It was a photo shoot for my first job as a VJ. I remember being very nervous and overwhelmed.
What advice do you have for aspiring actors or filmmakers?
Follow your heart and tell stories that matter to you and be true to yourself first because when you do that you are automatically true to your work and to your fans. You will always deliver projects filled with love and passion.
As a first time producer, how was your experience producing a film for the silver screen and of that magnitude?
It took endless hours of hardwork to be honest. Yes initially it got very intimidating doing this for the very first time, but if there is one thing I have learnt in this journey of Tich Button, it is that with true dedication and hardwork one can over come all hardships and find solutions for anything. Project on such a big scale always comes with its challenges but the key is ones grit & resilience and not giving up no matter what. There were days when I thought I couldn’t move on but my team has been amazing and like they always say “Team Work Makes the Dream Work”. So yes tons of positivity and always knowing that sky is never the limit and one can always achieve higher.
Photography: Mohsin Khawar
Makeup: Nabila
White dress: Elan
Eman Suleman looks like a dream in this stunning saree by The House of Kamiar Rokni. The saree itself is such a masterpiece. Everything about it from the bedazzled blouse to the sparkly fabric is mesmerizing. Eman keeps her hair straight and accessorizes with a chunky bracelet.
We love ourselves a good risk-taker. Hassan surely brings the drama with this look. We love the oversized pants and chunky shoes. He accessorizes the look with a crossbody mini bag.
Mehreen turns heads in this white men’s starched shalwar kameez paired with a navy blue waistcoat. Thought this is mostly seen as a masculine outfit, we feel like Mehreen pulled it off perfectly. We hope to see more ladies rocking this attire.
Sarah Khan stuns in this gorgeous Farah and Fatima outfit. We love her simple look. She wears her hair straight and keeps her makeup simple. 10/10!
Style star Aamna Rizvi always knows how to make a statement and she does just that with in this saree. We love the multicoloured pallu with the black blouse and saree. Aamna accessorizes her outfit with silver Afghan Jewelry which is all the rage right now.
We’re obsessed with Aima’s rock star look. She pairs a black sheer top with an oversized blazer, leather pants and leather boots. Her Christian Dior Bag completes the look.
