Pakistan: A country often in news for arms and men. Pakistan: A high-end fashion market where designs amalgamate from across the world. Both the statements are oxymoronic yet both are true, who knows. Revealing the mesmerising fashion industry behind the hidden veils of Pakistan is the celebrated fashion designer Huma Nassr, who was in India recently for the announcement of Shaan-e-Pakistan scheduled for September 10. The two-day event will see participation of Indian and Pakistani designers.
On the state of fashion industry in Pakistan, Huma, who is curating the event, said, “Pakistani fashion scene is picking up. Designers from Pakistan look towards India because India is a big market and has rich traditions, which are similar to Pakistan.” With her works available in Archana Arcade in Greater Kailash-I, Huma has been coming to India. “During my visits I figured out that there is a vacuum present between us and I thought why not bridge the gap and incorporate the best of both the countries in an exhibition.”
Rejecting the allegations of conservatism in the fashion industry of Pakistan, Huma said, “See, there is a lot of difference between what people perceive about Pakistan and what in reality it is. Everything is within the parameters though.” She explained that though her country’s designers follow the global fashion scene yet they have their own fashion aesthetics which is in respect with their age-old traditions. “The only difference is if in India the kurtas and dupattas can be short, on the other side of the fence they’ll be longer. It doesn’t make us conservative.”
The designer proudly gave in a list of big names in the Pakistani fashion industry that have an international presence. She recounted Sana Abbas, Umar Syed, Seher Latif and her own brand Braahatii. Huma said, “Like you have Manish Malhotra and Sabyasachi Mukherjee we too have many. People in Pakistan don’t know much about them and in India people are not aware about us.”
Huma said one should not fall for comparisons. “I never say that Pakistan has something which India doesn’t and vice versa. If India has Rajasthani lehengas, gotta work and chikankari, Pakistan has lawn, prints of silk, gararas and so much more.”
Talking about her latest collection named “Wagah”, which will be showcased in India next month, the celebrated designer explained that Wagah belongs to both the countries. “People coming from India say they are coming from Wagah and people coming to India also say they are coming from Wagah. My collection is an amalgamation of the best designs and motifs both the countries have to offer. So there is Sindhi kadhai on a Rajasthani lehenga and gota and kundan work on a lawn fabric.”
Talking about the strained bilateral relations between the two countries, Huma said, “She was never sure if she would get a visa to present her own show in India but by and large fashion industry has remained untouched by the political turmoil. This is because artists are way too involved in themselves and their art to be bothered about it.” She is inviting organisations like Dastkar and many more NGOs to Pakistan to exhibit their work
