The Express Tribune Ms.T - June 23

Ms JUNE 23, 2013

ISSUE NO. 53

Foxy Fashionista

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Amna Ilyas Laid Bare

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inside unwind—

All that is hot, hip & happening

domestic goddess —

Going green

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Section In-Charge: Batool Zehra Send your feedback to women@tribune.com.pk

Grab the Crab

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the buzz

Amna Ilyas: The mysterious beauty of the fashion industry

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, JUNE 23, 2013

Amna Ilyas d do doesn’t just walk into a room: she strides in the café with a leggy, coltish h grace reminiscent of her catwalk, causing more than a few glances to ssh shift interestedly in her direction. Her own gaze remains glacial, the practiced practice e unseeing stare of the model who has to deal with attention by disrega disregarding ar a it. She throws her keys on the table, says hello in that worldly, yh husky voice, but then notices that we’re in the non-smoking section and and makes m me move to the smoking zone where she immediately lights ts up up. p.

If I hav have ve been anxious about this interview thus far, I am now truly petrified. I spent s hours last night deliberating over what to wear today and have dr drafted ra a list of impressive questions but will that suffice? Ilyas may no not o yet be a household name but with titles such as ‘Pakistan’s C Cou Couture turre Queen’ and ‘Best Pakistani Model’ being bestowed upon her, tha that h t is llikely to change soon. She will be bursting onto the big screen this year, yearr, alongside the legendary Naseeruddin Shah in her upcoming debut fil film, m Zinda Bhaag. A favourite at every fashion event, Ilyas is

If someone is being an idiot, I won’t hesitate to sunaofy them nomina nominated a for the Best Model at the upcoming Lux Style Awards and anyone e who has seen her strut on the catwalk or pose for a shoot can tell why. wh hy Her talents as a model have been vouched for by renowned fashion n photographer Fayyaz Ahmed who says, “Ilyas is one model I don’t think thin twice before working with; she is just effortless and professional in frontt of the camera!”

Between inte intermittent er drags on one cigarette after the other, she talks about her experiences iin the fashion industry. Like most models, Ilyas began her career when she was w a teenager and now, at 22, has become one of the most sought-after models mode el in Pakistan. Her irresistible ‘naughty but nice’ appeal has rendered her the sexy se ex must-have model for designers such as HSY and Karma. Her famously slender legs leg gs are her USP, as are her dusky, sculpted features, and that indefinable something somethin ng in her attitude. She exudes a bold, unconventional sexiness.

While the boys go ga-ga ga- over Ayyan’s rosy-cheeked, desi-girl charms, Ilyas’ urbane style finds a fan amo among n women who instantly appreciate her fashion sense.

Today she is dresse dressed e in faded jeans and an understated white t-shirt which highlights her toned d physique and tan skin. Ilyas is already causing a stir around the café and our ta table ab is getting more than its fair share of attention. She speaks animatedly about h herself with exaggerated hand gestures and I can’t help but wonder how a mo model od of such stature can be so… chilled out! In the course of our conversation, I rea realize al she is just another twenty-something, albeit with a job seemingly more exciting exx that the mainstream investment-banking and medicine most of us opt for.. “I get to ghoomofy so much!” she says when I ask her what she likes best about m modeling. o “Plus, you know na, models always get a lot of attention,” she adds wit with th a naughty laugh.

A natural at be being in under the spotlight, she is confident and self-assured, undaunted by tth the media. She grew up in the shadow of her elder sisters Uzma and Salma, both bo ot of whom have remained successful models themselves. “I don’t pay attention atte en to the media, I do what I do for me,” she claims. I think it is safe to conclude con nc that she is simply one of those people who attract a lot of attention a and revel in it. The secret glances being shot our way have not died down dow wn yet but this is Ilyas’s domain. She jokes and laughs and shares stories u unsuitable for printing but she entertains throughout.

It may ma be just the spotlight she relishes, but Ilyas had developed a tru true ue passion for her profession. I am shocked to hear that she has tta taken next to no time off in the past three years, without any inten intentions n of doing so now either! Between back-to-back shoots, showss and travelling, she must be a workaholic, I ask. “Array no, yaar,” she rre responds, waving her hands as if to brush aside my assertion.

“I love to cch chill too but my career is my top priority. Plus, I really, really enjoy get getting tt my hair done,” she jokes.

But the e pampering isn’t what drove Ilyas towards modeling. Her successs can ces can n be attributed to her close friend, Aakif Riaz, who discovered and launched la laun un nc her in the market. “Shuru mein I never really want to mo mod model. el. But B one day, Aakif took some snaps of me and showed them to ad designer esig esi ig gn aur buss, that is how it all started. Thanks to my sisters, I

I don’t pay attention to the media, I do what I do for me

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, JUNE 23, 2013

by Amna Hashmi

The 22-year old welcomes comes Ms.T into her work hard and nd play hard life, talking about her career, eer, modeling and what the future mightt hold old knew the work well already.” So were they your inspiration, atio tion, n, I in iinquire n ire to which she jokes ““II am nq nqu am my my own inspiration.” Ilyas truly seems to have mastered the pleasure, h art of mixing business with pl he pleas easure e, so s much so that she finds posing without music hard and prefers d sso o prefe ers indoor shoots. “B “But ut kkabhi abhi hi kab kabhi hi shoots get very annoying. Like once, I shouted at the lighting they were being ighting guys g because th hey wer we eb ei g lazy ein la and not doing their work right. Sab ka time waste ho raha tha!”

This reminds me that an hour has gone by already and nd we must must speed speed up u to o accommodate accom ac mmod m ate Ilyas’s next appointment: a martial arts class which she says is a great str stress-buster. had tre e -bust ess-bu ess ster.. I ha h ad bee been n made aware of her penchant for punctuality and professionalism earlier when when she she criticized crittici icized ze other other models for arriving late to shoots, throwing tantrums and not taking their work seriously seriousl uslyy enough. enou ugh. For Fo F r Ilyas, this indicated a lack of drive and never would she ever behave so “badtameezily” zily ily” y” ass to to keep k people waiting! I begin to appreciate the dichotomy of her character: she is a combination o off carefre ccarefree ee indulgence with a diligent work ethic. Ilyas works hard but parties harder. She likes to take matters her ers into he er own hands, to the extent that she would rather wash her dishes herself than hire domestic help! child p! This ch hild of the 21st century is unafraid to speak her mind and unapologetic about how she might speak ak it, declaring declaring that “If someone is being an idiot, I won’t hesitate to sunaofy them.”

Unfortunately, this kind of audacity does not alwayss bode we well ell in the showbiz industry and can lead to slander and libel. “She is known to have a bit of an attitude problem,” itude pro oblem,” says Umer Mushtaq , a freelance

Modeling is still a taboo in Pakistan and people remain apprehensive of it. But I want to change that and make them see it as a respectable profession and promote a positive image of Pakistan through it! fashion editor. “But I have known her personally since her scho schoolgirl oolgirl days and have never met a more professional and hardworking young model. She is very ry genuine genuin ne and straightforward. No dramas, no nakhray…sirf mehnat. No wonder every designer wantss her!”

With her confidence, ambition and the massive success cess Ilyas has garnered in her short career, one would think she is all set for life but in reality, she is as confused confused about her future as the average 20-something. I inquire about her vulnerabilitiess and a fe fear ear as a person and her instant answer is “Shaadi!” In my head, I laugh at the image off her jugg juggling gling to children whilst having her makeup done. “I don’t know if I can handle bachay wachay w y but I will try!” she confesses. “I can’t be a model forever so I am focusing acting g on actin ng as well. Career tau bana liya hai but ultimately, I want to live a quiet life with doting ith a doti ing husband,” she adds and I can’t help but feel a bit surprised. She senses reaction es my rea action and quickly explains herself. “Kya karoun… I am a total romantic too oo na!”

For now, Ilyas’s chief concern remains her work. She believess she is currently living the peak of her career and showing no signs gns of slowing slowing down, at least until she manages to give something back to the indus industry stry which has given her so much. “Modeling is still a taboo in Pakistan and kistan an nd people remain apprehensive of it. But I want to change that and make e them see it as a respectable profession and promote a positive image mage of Pakistan through it!” As a closing note, I ask her to give some advice dvice for young girls seeking a career in the fashion industry and she pa pauses moment, pause usess a mo use momen ment, men t, t, as if reminiscing about her own days as a newbie model. del.. “It del “It is crucial c ciall to crucia cru to do your homework and learn the tricks of the trade. Gandagi Gandag Gan dagii har dag har jag jaga a hoti hai magar you have to stay clear of it. It is very easy prey sy tto o fall fall pr pre ey to exploitation if you aren’t careful,” she advises.

As Ilyas gets up to leave, I feel a twinge of envy and can’t help p but compare myself with her. Not many people are blessed the d with th he kind of energy and raw passion displayed by Ilyas. Suffice fice it to that t this girl is on fire! This may have been the first time you ou have have heard of her but I can assure you, it definitely won’t be e th the e last llast. astt.

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en vogue

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, JUNE 23, 2013

Amna Ilyas redefines sugar, spice and all things nice

Coodination: Umer Mushtaq

Hair & Makeup: Saba Ansari @ Sab’s Salon

Designer: Ahsan Hussain

Photography & Styling: Fayyaz Ahmed

Model: Amna Ilyas

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, JUNE 23, 2013

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Unwind

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, JUNE 23, 2013

Do

Summer Sales

Give your summer a boost with Ms.T’s latest recommendations for all that is hot, hip and happening this month

Read

The Honest Toddler

WATCH

Load Shedding — The Inside Story

At Ms T, we love to have a good laugh and always remain on the lookout for anything worth sharing with all our loyal readers out there. The latest we have to offer a humorous, pseudo parenting guide written from the perspective of a hilariously-precocious little fellow who wants to advise all the parents in the world on how best to treat their children. Check out the blog at http://thehonesttoddler.com/thehonest-toddler-a-childs-guide-to-parentingbook/ or visit its Facebook page at https:// www.facebook.com/honesttoddler?fref=ts for some tummy-tickling tips and one-liners regarding a range of toddler issues including ‘toddler fashion trends,’ ‘toddler entertainment’ and even ‘poop on the wall.’ Make sure to give this page a read to see where you may have gone wrong as a mother!

Who knew there could be a silver lining to our nation’s electricity woes? A bunch of youngsters from Islamabad did and what’s more, they decided to share it with the world! Watch this comical satire of our government’s top-secret agenda to save our lives by virtue of increasing load shedding and killing our comfort. With indepth interviews and announcements from prominent politicians, field officers and ever common citizens, this talented group of seven has covered all bases and managed to make the nation laugh with their hilarious impersonations. Tickle your funny bone by catching this documentary at https://www.facebook.com/photo. php?v=10151730067004750, i.e. when you have electricity, of course!

Ladies it is finally that time of the year again! Summer is in full swing, as are the many sales and offers it brings with itself. Retailers across the city have already begun their holiday discounts, some granting up to 75% off and people have been flocking to the malls for some ridiculously cheap retail therapy. With Ramazan and Eidul Fitr right around the corner, we advise you to hit the shops and replenish your wardrobe without a putting a strain on your pockets, before all the good stuff runs out. Don’t forget to warn your husband about your forthcoming shopping sprees beforehand though!

domestic goddess 7

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, JUNE 23, 2013

Recipe

Green Salad Zeenat Iqbal is a stay-athome mother of three. In her free time, she enjoys devising new recipes and writing short stories for children. Email her at zeenat. hakimjee@gmail. com for some great cooking advice

The perfect tossed green salad is a mark of a great cook and a salad made of fresh greens can truly make a meal. Take a moment to learn this recipe for the ideal salad and push yourself a step further towards health and fitness!

Method • Dice the eggs and tomatoes.

• Separate the broccoli flowers from the stalks.

Ingredients:

• Split the cabbage leaves into 2 pieces.

• Slice the French beans and then cut them into two.

Eggs 2

Tomatoes 2

Broccoli 4 stalks

Cabbage leaves 3

Virgin oil 2 tbsp

Lemon juice to taste

Sugar to taste

Salt and pepper as desired

• Toss all the vegetables in virgin oil.

• Add the salt, pepper, lemon juice and sugar mixture and mix thoroughly.

French beans 3 stalks

written in the stars 8

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, JUNE 23, 2013

Match made in heaven

Cosy up to the

Cancer Man — Scorpio Woman

man

June 22 — July 22

The Cancer man is a well of sentiments and deep desires, much like the emotionally-intense Scorpion woman who seeks everything that the former needs – a stable home, family, kids and privacy. Both signs set great store by fidelity and share prominent possessive streaks with the Scorpio woman often feeling even more jealous than the Cancer man! She can easily identify with the Crab’s torrent of feelings as she herself is just as passionate and their shared interests indicate a long and happy family life together.

Crazy for a Cancerian? Check our helpful tips on how to bag him!

l l e h s s ’ b a r C Inside the

ns! Ladies who rlwind of emotio hi w a g in be r fo s deeply tion leman for he feel ater sign’s reputa nt w ge e n th ia to er nc ce Ca en alth, e the lends cred d to his home, he ill absolutely ador te w la The Cancer man re de si ng e hi in yt in m an ne with his fe uinely caring ely sincere with relish a man in tu ood swings. Gen is man is extrem m th , nt ct ue fa eq In fr it. to e on nstantly to show siveness and is pr el at home but co fe es and is not afraid ss rs po he ot of g nt in te ak gs, to the ex He is adept at m ve. But don’t be family and feelin with all his heart. y and oversensiti s ed ve lo ne g ab in Cr l ar ia pe st ap thoritarian Cele ten and sensual, the and ambitious au nce in return, of ra ex su pl as m re co l a na s io rk ty and is this lu d emot an craves stabili exterior! Behind m needs physical an n le ia ab er er nc ln Ca vu e d romantic an m than finding ronged. While th fooled by their e important to hi wn if they feel w or do m is de g si in up th ld no e or caus ur w er, if you do rush into love be that can turn yo mpletely. Howev to co y n el w lik do un d is ar he gu tionship, will he let his st a lifetime! happiest in a rela life and only then mountains and la s e hi e ov et m pl ill m w co at ill th w for an epic love the woman who nces, be prepared fe de s hi er w lo manage to

Celebrity Cancer

These celebrities are proof that Cancer men are some of the hottest men around.

DON’T even think about it

Cancer Man — Libra Woman The Cancer man’s emotionally irrational nature is in stark contrast to the Libra woman’s objectivity and rational mind. Should a problem arise, the cool and collected Libran will seek more confrontation than what her meeker Cancerian counterpart may be comfortable giving, leaving the former dissatisfied or perplexed. The Crab’s emotional baggage can be a sign of danger for the Libra woman.

Not to mention, she will desire an egalitarian relationship wherein both signs play equal roles while the Cancer man will want to maintain the upper hand. This can cause feelings of suppression in the free-spirited Libran and lead to serious problems in the long run.

How to grab the crab?

1) The key to scoring your Cancerian crush is to remain determined! This guy will die before he rushes in to anything love-related and much to our dismay, there is no manual detailing how long that will take. But he will surely be worth the wait!

2) A true softie, the Cancer man is a sucker for romantic, intimate settings. Organize a cosy dinner at a quiet restaurant with soft lights, gentle music or take a trip to a local museum or other historic location. Remember, it is his emotions that need to be sparked. Once that is done, assume you are set for life!

Recipe for disaster!

1) Cancer men often have very close relationships with their mothers. No matter how horrid his mother may be, try not to criticize her lest his possessive streak arise and lead to a conflict between you two!

Tom Cruise

2) If you are not seeking a long-term relationship, do not bother with the Cancer man. Not only will your attempts prove futile, he is also just way too caring and softhearted to be wronged!

Tobey Maguire

Harrison Ford

Chace Crawford