MACAU: IIFA’s green carpet at the Venetian Macau was replete with glory and glamour, as Bollywood biggies descended upon it at their best. From exquisite Roberto Cavalli gowns to traditional ensembles by Indian designers, Bollywood divas were seen in a variety of stunning looks. The metallic hues definitely stood out amongst other trends. Here is a round-up on fashion’s head-turning moments at IIFA 2013.

Shahid Kapoor

The Jab We Met heartthrob looked like a fine gentleman in a crisp black and white tuxedo. Shahid adds a bit of funk to his outfit with a maroon bow-tie. Although, it does seem he has put on some make-up, his voluminous wavy hair, rugged look and that million dollar smile has got us our hearts beating faster than ever.

Vidya Balan

The talented actor stuck to her typical traditional sense of style, however, chose not to wear her all-time favourite designer Sabyasachi. Instead Vidya opted for a black and gold lehenga by Anand Kabra. By smartly wrapping the lehenga in a ’70s style sari, the actor successfully managed to accentuate her curves in all the right places. We must admit here that we are getting slightly bored of Vidya’s rather monotonous choices.

Sridevi

This timeless beauty never seems to fail on the red carpet. The English Vinglish star looks stunning in a sparkling gold bodycon gown and matching accessories. Her bright red lips, well-defined eyes and full-on-volume curly hairstyle do complete justice to her ultra-glam look.

Anushka Sharma

The bubbly and baby-faced actor from Band Baaja Baaraat looked angelic in a flowy, nude gown by Roberto Cavalli. The corset-inspired upper-half of the dress with gold embellishment around the waist — accentuates her petite figure well. With her razor-sharp bangs, glowing make-up and cute dimples, Anushka truly looks ravishing.

Deepika Padukone

The sexy Bollywood diva remained true to her sensuous self. Deepika was seen wearing a coral body con high-slit gown full of metallic embellishment. We love the splash of colour that otherwise was missing on the red carpet. With that daring thigh-high slit, bright pink lips and those ever-so-gorgeous teardrop diamond earrings, Deepika must have definitely broken some hearts. However, the neatly tied bun has been a regular in a Deepika’s list of hairstyles, care for some risk-taking?

Shahrukh Khan

King Khan is like old wine — he keeps getting better and better with time. Even though SRK had an injured arm, he looked dapper in a black and white tux with a metallic shimmer to it. And boy, are we drooling over the sexy stubble. However, the shoes have left us slightly confused. Did he just walk on the carpet in a pair of patterned socks or bathroom slippers? We understand the need for comfort in such a condition so I guess we’ll let it pass just this once.

Madhuri Dixit

The dancing queen wore a black and gold lehenga choli — the evening’s most popular colour combination. However, the heavily embellished blouse and heavy gold accessories were a bit too much for an award function. It seemed more like she was attending a wedding. Her puffy up-do and kohl-lined eyes did not bring much to the table either. Not much in your A-game Mrs Nene?

Published in The Express Tribune, July 9^th, 2013.

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When asked about her beauty regime, she said, “I think looks are important but not as important as your skill as an actor. It’s your craft and your ability to perform that needs to shine the most. The audience will come to see a pretty girl on the screen, maybe twice, but after that they want you to bring more to the table,” Nargis told IANS in an exclusive interview.

Even though the actor has been blessed with flawless beauty, she said it is “annoying” to look her best at all times. “It all depends on what your idea of perfection is. It’s not a struggle as much as it is annoying and time consuming. I enjoy fashion, so I like experimenting with looks, but make-up is one thing I could do without,” said Fakhri.

Having said that, the actor says taking care of her tresses and skin during monsoon is important. “I need a beauty regime that guarantees results. During the monsoon season, my hair becomes unmanageable as the moisture in the air swells up the hair. I get a 20-minutes deep conditioning treatment with hot, coconut-based hair oil. It works wonders for my tresses,” said the actor. “It is also important to keep your scalp dry during monsoon as dampness leads to hair fall. I try to carry an umbrella when I step out in the rain to ensure my hair isn’t exposed to rain water,” she added.

Talking about her skincare regime, Fakhri said she makes it a point to cleanse and moisturise her skin in rainy weather. “Cleansing and moisturising your skin is very important during monsoon. All my skincare products are light, so they allow my skin to breathe in the humid weather. I never skip moisturising my skin with a natural ingredients-based moisturiser. This beauty ritual is important in all seasons.”

“Last but not the least, drinking plenty of water is always a good idea as it keeps skin hydrated and supple,” she advised.

The actor also makes it a point to wear comfortable and light clothes in the rainy season. “Clothes made of any light fabric, which can be dried easily, are perfect for monsoon. Cottons are my personal favourite. I avoid wearing light-coloured clothes. Also, carrying wet wipes always come in handy if you ever receive an unexpected splash,” she said.

The actor said that her style statement for the monsoon season is “comfortable and easy”. “I stick to shorts and T-shirts with gum boots,” she said.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 10^th, 2013.

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Things have changed drastically, and for the better. Gone are the days when a home-bound ‘maalish waali’ would be sufficient to help you make it through an aggravating day. Women now spend days off from home or work at a relaxing spa that offers salon services. Facials are not only a luxury taken prior to Eid or a wedding, but have become a necessity after every fortnight. This makes one wonder — how have these spas so quickly proliferated into our society?

Rukaiya Adamjee of Rukaiya Salon and Spa suggests two prominent reasons, “It is probably because people are traveling more to places like Thailand and other Asian cities, where they have tried these facilities and enjoyed them,” she says. “Or it could be that women have stopped feeling guilty about pampering themselves and have more disposable income now.”

With lives in urban centres getting busier than ever, Hina Shah Farid, a specialist in Caci treatments at Blush Spa and Salon, feels that spas offer a great opportunity to unwind. “As our lives are getting busier day by day, we need a place to relax, unwind and get rid of the stress from our hectic schedule — whether it’s household chores, children, traffic or work,” says Hira. “Spas just offer all that we need to pamper ourselves and rejuvenate our bodies. Other than that, they are also outlets where ladies can socialise and catch up with friends,” she adds.

Considering the amount of money spent on spa services — between Rs2,000 and Rs25,000 — it seems that only affluent members of society can afford the facilities. However, Afreen Shiraz of Ellemint Pret disagrees. “Spas are not only for the elite. They are for anyone who needs a break from their daily routine and wants to feel pampered and relaxed. They offer a great escape from stressful lives through rejuvenating your body and mind and improving your total well-being,” she says. Adamjee, too, differs from the notion that only women belonging to higher income brackets indulge in spa treatments.

While massage options were earlier limited to foot or body massages, there are innumerable variations today. But why are they gaining so much popularity and how are they beneficial? Shiraz says, “Massages not only relax the muscle but also improve blood circulation. Certain techniques also help remove toxins from the body.”

Clearly, the rising number of spas is an influx of foreign culture, since Pakistan has not always been familiar with it. “Relaxation methods in spas go back to ancient times, however, since the Far East is closest to our region, it can be said that we have been inspired by them,” says Shiraz. However, Shah, on the other hand, asserts that it is surely an inspiration from the Far East.

So far, there about 15 popular spas in Karachi, excluding the countless spas which are open in private houses. Do we then see a growing industry? Shah says, “Apparently, it seems that there will be more spas and salons and less houses! On a serious note, the way things are now, the spa trend will certainly be booming. But only spas that maintain their standards and the quality of products used will succeed.”

Shiraz, too, feels that the spa culture will continue to pick up in the metropolitan city. “The spa culture is certainly growing in Karachi. Salons have expanded into mini spas and I feel that in the next five years almost all reputed salons will offer spa facilities,” she says.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 10^th, 2013.

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Delhi-based makeover expert Aashmeen Munjaal says the style is “evergreen”.

“Cat-eye makeup is evergreen in its own way as it manages to make the female actors look stylish, sexy and Indian,” said Munjaal.

It is a versatile style. Just as it complemented Sharmila’s sari-clad look in the 1969 film Aradhana, the cat-eye style also suited cabaret queen Helen, who sported it with a red and black frill dress in the hit song Piya tu ab toh aaja.

From the new age lot, actors like Bipasha Basu, Aishwarya Rai and Anushka Sharma apply similar make-up to enhance their look. Here is how you can try out cat-eyes on yourself.

Day look

1. With an extra creamy gel eye-liner, drag the liner using an angled brush starting from inner corner to the eye’s end. You must make the liner slightly thicker as you move your brush.

2. Start a tail in the opposite direction with the tip of the brush facing your temples. Draw the line until it’s connected with the previous line. Either make it thin and pointy or thicken it by adding another line to the shape.

Evening look

1. Extend the liner to make it thick. Make sure to use black shimmery eye-shade to top the liner.

2. Add a thin line underneath the eyes to give it more impact.

Lip colours

Make sure to have the best lip shade to suit your look. Bollywood beauties now experiment with bold and bright colours with their cat-eyes.

1. Try wearing a bright red lipstick or hot pink shades for an evening out.

2. For a day event go for soft corals or neon shades with your look.

So make your pick, and get set for a catty party!

Published in The Express Tribune, July 10^th, 2013.

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Fashion designer Wardha Saleem and design coordinator for Pakistan Fashion Design Council (PFDC) Maida Azmat were spotted at the Lux Style Awards 2013 red carpet. Both ladies looked hot in these digital printed silk dresses which caught our attention. Here’s a breakdown of their looks:

Wardha Saleem

Hair & Make-up

Wardha had her brown straight hair half up, showing off her earrings. While the designer pinned half of her hair, she still had volume on her crown. We love the bronzy make-up and thickly lined eyes.

Outfit

Wardha’s choice to wear a flowy, printed gown seemed to work for her that night. While the dress has no shape or slits, the beautiful gold-and-black abstract design on her dress, that is her own creation, looked appealing.

Accessories & shoes

The designer carried a clutch which camouflaged with her dress. A bright coloured purse would have been a better choice. We can’t see the shoes, but her dangling earrings matched perfectly with the dress.

Maida Azmat

Hair & Make-up

The design coordinator Maida chose to brighten her look with a peachy lip-shade. Her eyes stood out with her dark make-up and heavy mascara.  She left her hair down, parting it right through the middle. Two thumbs up for maintaining volume!

Outfit

Maida rocked in her printed sleeveless flowy dress, designed by Wardha Saleem. The graceful lady pulled off this half-colour print, half black-and-white with confidence.

Accessories & shoes

Unfortunately, Maida didn’t accessorise her outfit. We would have liked to see some funky bracelets or earrings for the red-carpet event. While we can’t see her shoes, we hope Maida wore a nice pair of open-toed heels.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 10^th, 2013.

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KARACHI: Most Pakistanis have an eye for solid, classic and vintage furniture; but there are some who like to experiment with contemporary pieces for their homes. As this pool of imaginative clients swells, local entrepreneurs are introducing foreign furniture brands to the market. Another one that can be added to the list of international furniture chains in Pakistan is the Far East Furniture group, whose Contradictions collection includes high quality living, dining and bedroom furnishings as well as supplementary home accessories for high-end hotels and homes.

After 35 years of being in the furniture business, the Philippines-based company Contradictions came to Karachi’s Ocean Towers on Saturday with the help of Syed Mazhar Hussain. While Hussain is the CEO of Contradictions, his brother Syed Mubashir Hassan is the senior vice sales representative. Together they also run a local furniture store, Perceptions. The duo has been making furniture since 1996.

“Importing furniture from the Philippines is the need of the hour,” said Hassan. “People need to be made aware of what kind of furniture is easily available in the Pakistani market. We are still inclined towards traditional and classical pieces.”

Hassan describes the pieces showcased at Perceptions as “simple, modern and straight”.

“With [most] people renovating and redecorating their homes, we are sure Contradictions is going to do great business,” said Hassan, referring to buyers who have moved away from the more traditional furniture pieces.

From suede sofas and cow leather lounge sets to dining tables made from tiles, glass and wood, a range of contemporary pieces were displayed in the expansive store. The furniture has a modern European touch, which Hassan said is not typical to Asian furniture stores.

“A house can only be enriched by the furniture you place inside it,” said Hassan. “One should make their living stylish and the furniture should make you feel good about it,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 11^th, 2013.

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Hair stylist at Tariq Amin studio, Shazdeh looked stunning when she arrived on the red carpet for the Lux Style Awards 2013. Here is a breakdown of how you can mimic her look:

Hair

We love Shazdeh’s ombré hair, curled to perfection at the ends. Consult your beautician on how to dye your hair as it’s the hottest trend this season and don’t try it at home!

Make-up

We are glad that Shazdeh did not cake her face with layers of make-up and went for this glamourous, barely there look instead. Line your eyes with Color Studio’s Knock Out Marker (Rs450) and then flick your eyelashes generously with Lancôme’s Definicils Mascara (Rs2,700) to get those thick, defined eyelashes. Brighten up your cheeks using The Body Shop’s All in One Blusher in ginger (Rs1,700) and daub some Mac’s Culture Clash Lipglass (Rs1,800).

Outfit

This deep purple silk couture by Feeha Jamshed is ravishing, and fits Shazdeh like a love. Place your order with the skillful dressmaker or hit a high-street store to find an alternative.

Accessories & shoes

Shazdeh’s chunky pearl earrings are a win. You can score similar ones at Sentiments (under Rs1,000) or Tariq Centre (under Rs800). Her black peep-toe shoes are mostly hidden by her floor-length gown, but you can find a pair at Charles & Keith (Rs6,000).

Published in The Express Tribune, July 11^th, 2013.

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KARACHI: Meet Nighat Tariq, yet another housewife who has taken up fashion design as a full-time occupation. From looking after four children, her husband and home, Nighat has now decided to design clothes and retail those made by other designers.

Her retail outlet Designer’s Lounge was recently launched at Ocean Tower. According to Tariq Puri, former Chief Executive of TDAP and a friend of Nighat’s husband, “Bhabi [Nighat Tariq] had a hidden talent inside her. We are seeing it highlighted today.”

Nighat explained that she has, in the past, designed clothes for close friends and family, and is now pursuing it full-time as her children are “married and settled”. “It was time to start something new in life,” she said with a smile, referring to the opening of Designer’s Lounge, that also houses the collections of  Shaiyanne Malik, Trevor Castelino, abayya designer al Aneeq, Ruby Shakil and Shaista Barry.

Nighat’s line displays cotton and georgette shirts, along with some fine chikenkari saris. She also stocks Explora, her husband’s denim export line including jeans and jeggings. Overall, the store showcases a variety of fabrics and designs, from pure cotton, georgette and raw silks to block and digital prints. Embellished abayyas are also available.

But with only five designers on display, her venture does not look like it will be attractive to a walk-in client. Nighat says that there is more to come. “As many as three more designers will be added this year,” she said, as she greeted friends and family who walked into the newly opened store.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 11^th, 2013.

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Standing next to singer-actor Atif Aslam and his wife on the red carpet of Lux Style Awards 2013 was Shahbaz Aslam. Being the brother of a pop-singer is not the only claim to fame for Shahbaz. Rather, he is a men’s fashion designer with a quirky sense of style — but that gives him no right to dress like he stepped out from the Mughal era!

Maybe Atif can ask his designer friends to give Shahbaz some tips since he seems to have forgotten he was attending an award ceremony, and not a fancy-dress party. Here’s everything that went wrong with Shahbaz’s outfit.

The charge sheet

HAIR

Okay, Shahbaz has the bald thing going, but the that turban around his head looks like a gigantic tissue roll. There is no structure to the head gear, and it reminds us of something we once read in a Harry Potter story — wait, is Nagini hiding inside!?

MAKE-UP

Thankfully, Shahbaz stayed away from make-up that evening. However, his facial hair got all our attention. We’re sure Shahbaz worked hard on his short pointy moustache and a designed goatee, but that didn’t take our focus away from his outfit.

ACCESSORIES

While Mughals loved jewelry, Shahbaz only managed to wear one pearl necklace. We’re going to thank his mommy for only lending him that one piece for the night.

OUTFIT

What in the world was he thinking? The wrinkled, shiny embroidered frock with a loose churidaar is neither stylish nor cool. Even if he was trying to pull off a traditional look, he failed to do so because it was too much put together. Sadly, this designer needs more than just confidence (like creativity and taste) to make an outfit look good.

SHOES

Shahbaz matched his shoes to his moustache for the evening. The not-so-regal look ended in office shoes. Sigh! Oh Atif, please double check as to what he’s wearing next time you all step out.

Bail out!

Wasim Akram

Cricketer Wasim Akram looked brilliant in a fancy sherwani embellished with gold work and wore it with a dhoti. The untraditional groom’s outfit suited him from head-to-toe. We love the khussay that matched his ensemble.

Deepak Perwani

Designer-actor Deepak Perwani looked sexy in his black sherwani on the ramp. His look was simple yet elegant. It shows that you don’t have to overdo yourself to look good. Unlike Shahbaz, he matched his shoes to his attire.

Fawad Khan

Actor-singer Fawad Khan walked the ramp in a groom’s sherwani, with full work on it. We’re sure your heart skips a beat when you see him, especially in this regal look. Two thumbs up for the perfectly fitting churidaar.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 12^th, 2013.

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Shehla Chatoor signatures

Whether one likes to admit it or not, it was more than just PR skills that got Shehla Chatoor to rule the red carpet this year round. With some actors and models shimmering in her metallic, slinky and sultry bodycon gowns and others flaunting her signature printed silk wraps, the red carpet was surely an ode to Shehla Chatoor.

Ethereal whites

There is a fine line between an elegant and serene white evening gown and an over-the-top wedding outfit. You will definitely turn on some heat if you wear something like Aamina Sheikh’s shimmery, peek-a-boo gown. However, apart from a hand full of people rocking the ‘evening in white’ trend, most of them looked like as if they were attending a wedding. We advise that to make your pick wisely!

The evergreen black

Despite numerous statements that white is the new black, the colour black continues to reign the red carpet. A black dress not only enhances your sex appeal but also gives a slimming effect. However, the important thing is to wear it right. While model Amna Ilyas and designer Khadijah Shah looked uber chic in black, actor Sana was a hot mess!

Swanky metallics

The other accent that seemed to be the highlight of the evening was the dusky, dewy gold. Even though Meera Ji destroyed the beautiful and vibrant Maheen Karim dress, a gleaming gold dress is the perfect way to give your red carpet look a boost.  Get ready to light up your evening in a glittering gold gown and hit a strike.

Surreal ina sari

Though most stars were inspired by the West and treated the LSAs as more of an Oscar’s party, we were pleasantly surprised to see a few traditional ladies in intricately worked saris. While Ayesha Fazli looked bright and fresh in a banarsi mutli-coloured sari with a Bottega clutch and polki ring, Mehreen Syed was a divine goddess in a chikankari white sari by Mehdi. Kudos to these ladies for bringing out the best from the East.

Popular polkis

If you have been following the latest trends, then you are bound to be mesmerised by the distinctive yet elegant polki accessories. While polki is the most popular bling on weddings, it seems that celebrities are not far behind either as many of them chose to wear the au natural polki on the red carpet. Paired with a simple outfit, these enchanting and edgy polki accessories add the much-needed oomph and glamour for the red carpet.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 13^th, 2013.

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What if you didn’t have to spend $2,300 on your shiny arm candy, and could have it for an entire month for just $200? If this sounds too good to be true, pinch yourself. The concept of renting hand bags, shoes, jewellery and dresses is not new to the West. The industry is booming.

Designer handbag rental companies Bag Borrow Or Steal Inc, Rent the Runway, fashionhire.co.uk, girlmeetsdress.com and mycelebritydress.com are a few amongst several in the  rental market that allow consumers to get their hands on designer wear they can’t afford to buy. The industry of rental goods seems to work very well in the West, but would it do the same in Pakistan?

Accessories designer Mahin Hussain thinks it’s a great idea. “I’d be interested [in the business venture],” she says. “It’s a great marketing idea and basking tool,” she adds. “It’s a different approach to advertising a product but yes, [I would] lend bags. I see no harm in doing it.”

But fashion designer Shehla Chatoor begs to differ. “This will not click in the Pakistani market for several reasons,” she says. “I don’t think people will wear clothes that have been worn by others. They will not be caught dead in a store renting outfits.”

Size, she feels, is another issue. “You can’t alter a rented outfit and everyone wants customised outfits.” Shehla also points out that designer wear is expensive and for any investor, it would be a capital-intensive project; the risk of specific trends becoming obsolete will also be an issue.

But there are some who are brave enough to test the market. Based in Lahore, 21-year-old student Imran Bhatti is introducing this business in Pakistan for the first time. He had heard of people using rented watches abroad and thought it would be a profitable venture here. “Only a few people buy expensive watches; some really want to splurge but can’t. So this idea will definitely appeal to them,” says the young entrepreneur. “Our target market would be the youth and the brand conscious who want to enjoy such accessories.”

Bhatti and his friends Hasan Mansoor, Hamza Javed, Saad Shamsi and Shubkhaiz Javed — students of Entrepreneurship at the University of Central Punjab — were told to come up with a new business idea and Rent a Watch was the end result.

This is how it works

If the desired watch is worth Rs90,000, the borrower has to pay that amount (for security purposes) plus an additional amount (10% of the price of the watch ie Rs9,000 in this case). However, by the end of the month, only 10% would be deducted and the remaining amount (Rs90,000) would be returned to the borrower.

His collection of watches includes brands such as Tag Heuer, Mont Blanc, Rolex and Mega, along with several others which will be rented out at their current market prices starting from Rs8,000 and going up to Rs150,000. A single watch can be rented out for a minimum of 15 days up to several months.

“For now, it’s only watches. However, we will introduce more [products] like bags, belts and other branded items later,” says Bhatti. “Nobody has introduced this in Pakistan before; internationally, Steal the Time and Borrowed Times Watches are profitable ventures.” He is confident that there is a demand for rented watches in Pakistan.

With a base in Lahore, the online service www.nexus.rentawatch.pk, which opens end July, will be available countrywide.

Socialite Neshmia Ahmed, however, points out at one very obvious risk. “There are so many robberies in Pakistan. Thieves they take away your wallets and watches in the first attempt,” she says. “A lot of funky [cheaper] watches are available and people enjoy wearing them because there’s no risk of losing them.”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 15^th, 2013.

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Sania Maskatiya has been causing quite a stir on the fashion scene with her super sassy choices. The designer was spotted at the Lux Style Awards 2013 looking surreal in a three-piece layered outfit with a bright pop of orange colour. Here is a breakdown on how you can score a similar look!

HAIR

Though a front puff ponytail is so 2012, we will give it to Sania for making an effort to complement her outfit with a neat and put-together up-do.

Although a trip to your nearest parlour will only cost you about Rs800 to Rs1,000 for this look, if you are a gifted stylist on your own then first apply a tad bit of untangling serum to your hair and straighten it if your hair is way too frizzy.

Separate the front have and tie the rest in a high ponytail.

Now backcomb the front bit and pull it together on the crown with a clip. viola! You are all set to go!

OUTFIT

It is pretty obvious that the talented designer is wearing an outfit made in-house so there are no points for guessing.

Sania surely knows how to layer her outfit.

We love how she has paired her citrusy orange, textured tank-top with a sheer printed jacket.

She keeps it on-trend with a pair of gorgeous white, textured palazzos that we just can’t stop drooling over!

You can grab these pieces from Sania Maskatiya’s new retail outlet at Dolmen City Mall or take a trip to the market and get it stitched for less than half the price.

ACCESSORIES & SHOES

Boy is she turning on some heat on the red carpet with those stunning Polki statement pieces! Search Facebook for some home-based jewelry designers and their signature Kundan Polki collections (Rs6,000 to Rs16,000) or try out Tariq Centre for cheaper alternatives.

Sania is ever-so-stylishly carrying a trendy tan clutch by Chanel. Check out Charles and Keith (Rs3,500) or Accessorize (Rs2,500) for similar options.

Although we can’t seem to figure out what shoes she is wearing, we suggest you wear a pair of camel-coloured peep toe heels that will perfectly complement the overall look.

MAKE-UP

Sania keeps it sweet and subtle with a toned-down make-up with few glimpses of bright shades.

For those fresh pink cheeks, try MAC’s Pink Swoon powder blush after you have concealed your skin properly. Use MAC’s lipstick in Rose shade for such bright full lips and to get those attractive well-defined eyes, apply MAC’s Rapid Black eyeliner from its Venomous Villains Collection and top it off with MAC’s Zoomfast Black Lash Mascara.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 15^th, 2013.

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Model Zara Peerzada and Faatima Khan, wife of TV show-host Ahmed Ali Butt, arrived at the red carpet of the 12th Lux Style Awards, dressed in black and white. Here is a breakdown of what they wore and who we picked as our favourite:

Zara Peerzada

Hair & Make-up

We loved Zara’s make-up at the event. The Gatsby girl look is totally meant for those chiseled and defined features. There is nothing that she missed out — red hot lips, Marcel waves and those well-defined eyes are all winners.

Clothes

Kamiar Rokni’s monochrome separates look fab on Zara’s petite frame. She’s rocking that strapless top and fitted pants — we’re in love!

Accressories & Shoes

Except for the dangly silver earrings and a gold anklet, the model was not seen sporting any other accessory. And it’s good for us, we are happy that a cluster of accessories is not taking attention away from her beautiful face. We love those black velvet peep-toes. She’s definitely one of our red carpet favourites.

Faatima Khan

Hair & Make-up

Being a celebrity wife, we would like to advise Faatima to start following the trends right, as she will frequently be in the media’s eye alongside her husband. Up-dos are all the rage this summer, but this side-parted bun looks very unexciting and that loose strand of hair adds to the somberness. We do like her smokey eyes, but that bland shade of lipstick makes us think before we give her any brownie points.

Clothes

While that Armani gown might be hot, it just looks unbecoming on Faatima. We wish she had opted for another dress which complemented her frame better. This one just scores low on our style-o-meter.

Accressories & Shoes

Although, stunners on their own, we are so sad to say that the Alexander McQueen clutch and those Chanel pearls failed to up Faatima’s overall look.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 16^th, 2013.

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LAHORE: Seher Tareen of Studio S launched her bridal and evening couture line, The Garden of Eden, on July 13. Open to close friends and family, the launch event also presented a live showcase. Most people confuse showcases with fashion presentations but Tareen ensured that her audience got a full feel of what a showcase is. With a live photo shoot composed by Athar Shahzad taking place alongside the launch, the guests were able to not only view the clothes but also witness the making of the fashion spread that will later be seen in magazines.

The Garden of Eden conjures certain images in one’s mind, such as the forbidden apple tree and the birds of paradise. The motifs incorporated in the collection are based on the flora and fauna of the enchanted garden; from peacocks and birds to serpents and allusions to the forbidden fruit.

“The perfect bridal [outfit] is a celebration of the bride and her wedding day,” says Tareen, Creative Director of Studio S. “Not only should it complement the bride but it should be the crown jewel in the bride’s trousseau; an heirloom that passes from one generation to the next.”

The general aesthetic of the collection will have to be old-school chic; the use of zari instead of crystals gives the collection a vintage feel and revives the notion of conventional romance. Tareen uses ample tissue to add to the regality of the outfits and give them an instant oomph. What is interesting is that each outfit has many layers to it and comprises of individual separates that make a statement. She recreates the serpentine weave in zari on a column dress to give it a modern look. The use of icy blue tones and evergreen metallics shows that the collection is classic and not subjected to seasonal changes.

“I love the old-school charm. I am obsessed with my mother’s clothes from back in the day,” continues Tareen. While we talk about Eden, one has to appreciate the Roman influences it has had and Tareen keeps it in mind as she incorporates column dresses, excessive draperies and pleats in her line. While some of the cuts would not be suited for all body types, Tareen shows a diversity that can be flattering.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 16^th, 2013.

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Isloo’s very own fashionista and the fiancé of Mikail Khan, Izza Sami looked ravishing at the launch of Seher Tareen’s bridal and evening couture collection under her label Studio S. The girl surely knows how to layer a simple outfit and make it look super elegant. With a vintage hair-do and sultry make-up, Izza looked like a true diva! Here is our breakdown on how to get a similar look. 

Hair

Hats off to Izza for going the old-school way in this sophisticated yet stylish hair-do. Apply a tad bit of untangling serum on your hair followed by a mousse. Blow-dry your hair leaving some curls at the bottom. Now backcomb the other half of the side part and pin it to the back of your head. Leave the other side open and on the front for a similar hairstyle.

Make-up

That eye-catching, bright pop of orange lipstick has definitely caught our attention. For a similar shade try out L’oreal’s Colour Riche lipstick in Volcanic colour. For a glowing, flawless skin of hers, apply a good quality tinted moisturiser, conceal any visible spots and then daub MAC’s powder blush in Honey Jasmine shade on your cheeks. Use Rimmel’s Glam’ Eyes liquid eyeliner and Rimmel’s Glam’ Eyes Lash Flirt mascara to get well-defined eyes like hers.

Outfit

Izza looks like the classic vintage beauty in this uber-hot outfit. With a simple black maxi dress paired with a contrasting grey-coloured embellished cropped blazer, she is definitely breaking hearts left, right and center. A similar maxi dress and the blazer can be found at Mango (Rs6,000) or Monsoon (Rs7,000).

Accessories

Izza ever-so-stylishly pairs a metallic gold skinny belt against her silver-grey blazer. You can find a similar belt at Accessorize for Rs2,500. She is also sporting a pretty pair of two-toned silver and gold earrings and a silver round-dial watch. We are so in love with her faux snakeskin black envelope clutch with gold metal detailing. Check out Mango (Rs3,500) or Accessorize (Rs3,000) for a similar grab.

Shoes

Following fashion’s number one rule, Izza cleverly matches her shoes with her bag. The black and gold platform, peep-toe heels are to die for. Stop at your nearest outlet of Charles and Keith (Rs6,000) to grab these beauties!

Published in The Express Tribune, July 17^th, 2013.

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LONDON: Our hair goes through a lot in our daily lives. Hairstyling, treatments, pollution and stress can take a toll on your hair and make you look older. So don’t take hair care lightly! Norris Ogario, founder and creative director of Ogario London salon, feels hair needs care at every stage of life.

“We might not realise or think about it much but our hair can take a bit of a lashing over the years, which is why whatever age you are, you need to look after it,” Ogario said, reported femalefirst.co.uk. “Treatments, colours, excessive heat, over-styling, stress, pollutants and even our diet can have a part to play and can take its toll if we aren’t careful.” Ogario reveals the secret to healthy hair for different age groups.

Thirty plus

Women over thirty are usually busy with career and family. If time is a luxury you can’t afford, go for a good quality haircut. Consult your hairdresser before getting your hair washed. “When I talk to a client, I can tell a lot from their mannerisms about how they wear their hair. They might push it to one side, away from the face,”  said Ogario. “You can’t spot this when the hair is wet. It’s important to understand the client so we can create a hairstyle that suits them and their lifestyle.”

Forty plus

Once women reach 40, they often think about getting their hair coloured to cover the grey strands. They should go for the ones that are gentle on hair. “For those who have a small amount of grey hair and are getting their hair coloured for the first time, I recommend a vegetable tint, a semi-permanent colour that rinses out over time.”

“They give great, effective results and are much gentler on the hair. Use an intensive and nourishing hair mask once or twice a week as this will feed the hair helping it to repair and restore suppleness and strength,” he added.

Fifty plus

Apart from graying of hair, women in their fifties start experiencing hair thinning. The ones with longer hair should frequently trim their hair. “Longer hair can look very elegant. However, remember it is likely to be finer and thinner at this age which means less body and bounce, so give it some regular trims. Shorter cuts help the strength of the hair, but make sure you have a consultation to work out the best shape for you. A fringe can often be flattering,” Ogario said.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 17^th, 2013.

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For that one-off slightly formal iftar party, a Mahgul outfit by Nasreen Sheikh will be just the right option. With its simple and delicate embroidery and a rather edgy cut, this en vogue black and white number is a classic piece for an extravagant iftar plus dinner. It is from her Archival Collection and is available at PFDC, Ensemble and L’atelier Lahore for Rs8,500.

Pareesa Midsummer Lawn

Lawn remains the biggest trend of the summer season. With a lightweight fabric and a variety of colourful prints with embroidered accessories, lawn seems like a great option for a casual iftar party. Check out Pareesa’s new midsummer lawn collection to add some variation to your wardrobe. It is available at Chen One with a price range of Rs2,799 and Rs2,999.

Sublime by Sara

For those of you who like to add a little bit of funk to your look, try out this neon-coloured tunic from Sublime’s latest collection called NOW. The chiffon tunic with embroidery cut work detailing is a hassle-free choice that is bound to make you look fierce! It is available at Sublime’s Flagship store on MM Alam Road in Lahore for Rs8,500.

COCO

Coco’s latest collection includes 20 diverse designs in pure cottons. While minimalistic embroideries and floral prints remain creative director Zara Shahjahan’s forte, the designer matches them perfectly with fusion cuts. A great choice for an evening out on iftar, this collection is ready for grabs at Coco’s flagship store in Mall 94, Lahore, and the outfits are priced at Rs2,200 and up.

Despite the sweltering heat, Karachiites are experimenting with all sorts of fabric, including short silk, cotton net and malai lawn. Straight shirts and block prints are trending high on the fashion scene this Ramazan. Here is a round-up on our top picks for your iftar parties.

By Saadia Qamar

Maheen Khan

This pure crepe silk digital print tunic, with dark blue sequins highlighting the flower print from Maheen Khan’s Athena Collection, is a super-chic choice for an iftar dinner with friends. The fabric, which has been used from Maheen’s digital print collection, has the perfect silhouette to help anybody make a fashion statement. The outfit is priced at Rs31,800.

Shehla Chatoor

This beige cotton net outfit with kaftan style Chinoiserie sleeves and exquisite hand-embroidered neckline from Shehla Chatoor’s luxury prêt collection, can surely make you stand out at a formal iftar party. The outfit is priced at Rs45,000.

Sania Maskatiya

Her latest collection comprises light summery fabrics combined with minimal embroidery and structured silhouettes. You can either wear them on their own or layer them with stylish separates to create an exciting look. These single pieces are easily available at her retail outlet at Dolmen City Mall and fall in the range of Rs7,000 and Rs10,000.

Shamaeel Ansari

The designer introduces her latest Eastern wear collection that includes beautiful self-printed monochrome outfits and digital prints. This self-printed white silk net outfit with intricate hand embroidery and lace detailing is a great catch only for Rs9,000.

Nida Azwer

This two-toned silk outfit with a sequined bird motif on the front and a screen-printed back, will add the perfect sparkle to an iftar outfit. The outfit is part of the designer’s Eid collection which includes colourful digital prints and trendy layered jumpsuits. Look for the dress at Nida Azwer’s recently-opened retail outlet at Ocean Mall with a price tag of Rs30,000.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 17^th, 2013.

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Cast members arrived at the premieres of Hollywood films The Conjuring and Red 2 in Los Angeles on July 14 and July 15 respectively. These beauties were dressed in monochromatic ensembles, which have quickly become this season’s hottest trend.

Vera Farmiga

The actor wore a black sleeveless V-neck top with a printed jacquard skirt by Viktor & Rolf. We are impressed by this look because it fits well into the horror flick theme. However, we really wish she had done something dramatic with her make-up and hair.

Joey King

Teen star Joey went all out trying to look like a dramatic glam diva. She wore an ivory layered dress with lace detailing and black ribbon-like belt. Her crimson lips, Marcel waves and that black choker look good on their own, but somehow do not suit her age. We love the nude Christian Louboutin lace-up shoes, though!

Mary-Louise Parker

Mary-Louise Parker joined her co-star Catherine Zeta-Jones on the red carpet. The actor looked dazzling in a Memeka by Gustavo Cadile silver sequin mini dress. She accessorised her ensemble with Lauren Merkin’s ‘Lucca’ metallic snake-embossed clutch. Her minimalistic make-up — peachy pink cheeks and a glossy pink mouth — is a breath of fresh air.

We like her look. However, we are unsure why she chose to wear those black pointy heels. They don’t match her outfit or look at all.

Catherine Zeta-Jones

Refusing to age, Catherine Zeta-Jones is ‘red carpet perfect’ and always dressed to kill. At the LA premiere, Zeta-Jones wore a Maria Lucia Hohan black lace gown. She paired her strapless frock with black Jerome Rousseau ankle-strap sandals and Neil Lane jewels. While we love her shiny wavy hair, we wish her make-up was a little less heavy.

Holland Roden

Actor Holland Roden got it right — she upped her monochrome dress by contrasting scarlet against her black-and-white Naeem Khan outfit. Her side-swept brunette curls rev up her look. She paired her summery embroidered dress with black pointed pumps and diamond earrings.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 18^th, 2013.

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KARACHI: Designer Asim Jofa, famous for his uncanny advertising campaigns, opened the doors to his first couture and bridal wear studio next to Ocean Mall in upscale Clifton, last week. The studio reflects Jofa’s philosophy that women should be indulgent, in that the collection offers bridal and formal wear starting at a few hundred thousand rupees each.

The detailed work done on the dresses mirrors Jofa’s love for jewellery designing, which he does as he strikes a balance between doing bridal and lawn suits. General Manager for Asim Jofa Design Studio, Uzma Jehangir, said, “Asim Jofa takes inspiration from jewellery designs and his aesthetics shines through them. It is, after all, his first love.”

The studio space has a vintage feel to it, with shades of grey and bronze accents. The racks are placed underneath spotlights.  Overall, the studio is dimly lit. “This is our very first ready-to-wear bridal studio in the city,” added Jehangir. The bridals displayed on the racks start from Rs300,000. “Lawn is for the masses, hence we stock it at retail stores,” says Jehangir. “Over the years that Asim Jofa has been designing, we did not highlight his bridals and couture before; mostly people do not even know about it. But now, we will be operating our bridals and prêt wear from this store.”

The work done on the dresses mirrors Jofa’s love for jewellery designing. PHOTO: PUBLICITY

Encouraging women to drop by at the store, Jehangir said, “It’s exclusive, feminine and classy. The clothes displayed are suitable for every woman in town.”

The embroidery is centered on kora and dabka work, which is done on a range of fabrics – from charmeuse silk to chiffon. The pieces are heavily embellished with Jofa’s signature diamond-cut work, done with gold wire. His prêt wear features dark colours, including grey, blue, maroon, yellow, red and orange. The store’s plus point is that it retails three-piece suits only – with some pieces paired with digital print dupattas. The store also features his jewellery collection.

Speaking about the price range, social media and communications specialist for Asim Jofa Sarah Manzar, said, “People are very happy about the studio. Some walked in thinking that we are stocking our lawn collection here, but we are catering to the high-end market through this place. While some people have placed orders, others have just picked prêt wear off the racks.”

Manzar added that the brand stocks its clothes in various countries across the world including UK, USA, Canada, Dubai, Bahrain, Bangladesh and India. “We have a strong presence on Facebook and have garnered 800,000 fans worldwide,” she said.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 19^th, 2013.

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The entertainment industry worldwide has definitely got the blues! From Hollywood’s shining stars to Pakistan’s very own fashionistas, literally everyone seems to be indulging themselves in the charm of the bold, bright and uber-edgy cobalt blue.

Despite the sweltering hot summer season that often calls for calmer, pastel hues, this flashy colour seems to be ruling streets and red carpets. While some of you may not be fans of the risky neons, luckily cobalt blue seems to suit every skin tone. A head-to-toe cobalt dress will guarantee attention. However, if you aren’t the daring kind, you can simply accent your overall look with a cobalt blue accessory, wrap-around scarf or a pair of cropped skinny pants.

Keep it subtle yet eye-catching by wearing it as a top paired with white pants like Ayesha Omar or simply dazzle in the exquisiteness of the royal colour through a jumpsuit like Sanam Chaudhri. It’s playful, chic and picture-perfect. So dish out those old granny navies from your wardrobe and embrace this hot colour as your new BFF.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 19^th, 2013.

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