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Numb ust when you think that you have hit rock bottom, and things couldn’t possibly get much worse, Pakistan surprises you with a completely new disaster that makes the past few look like cartoons. I believe that we as a nation have reached a mental state that is perfectly defined by the term ‘numb’. The emotional battering that every Pakistani has taken over the past 4 years is enough to make any human being insensitive to the most horrific tragedies. Every quarter has a new tragic headline that haunts us for those three excruciating months and just when we all have become immune to that issue, we are hit by yet another crisis that sends everything around us into another tailspin. What most of us don’t realize is that this has become part of our every day lives and we have all become a product of all this madness. It breaks my heart to say that I have
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When you witness a certain level of brutality and injustice to a fellow human being by people who define themselves as being patriotic and protective of the ideology of Pakistan, it puts you off the whole spirit of national pride for quite some time
become jaded by the events that I have witnessed in my country over the past few years. I have lost the ability to feel sympathy for all the misery that plagues this beautiful country. I know that most of you are thinking that being truly patriotic means never giving up and never loosing hope but in my opinion, basic humanity trumps patriotism by a huge margin. When you witness a certain level of brutality and injustice to a fellow human being by people who define themselves as being patriotic and protective of the ideology of Pakistan, it puts you off the whole spirit of national pride for quite some time. I was discussing this with a friend yesterday when he remarked, ‘How can you expect humanity from something that has stopped behaving like a human?’ Yesterday, my wife’s cousin was kidnapped at 10:30 am on MM Alam Road, Lahore while he was on his way to work. His father was brutally assassinated
by his own security guard only 6 months ago who claimed that he committed blasphemy while trying to protect a woman facing capital punishment for crime that many believe she did not commit. As I sat with my wife’s family, I couldn’t help but feel so much anger and despair towards the current state of affairs in our country. The value of human life has just deteriorated beyond comprehension. The past three months of target killings in
Karachi make this place feel like the set of a John Wayne movie. It took me a long time to get over the images of the Sialkot boys that were beaten to death by a mob that cheered while the atrocity took place. Last night, I couldn’t sleep thinking about how a mother or a wife can even close an eyelid when a son or a husband has gone missing. The Pakistan that I grew up loving has been stolen from me by the people who are in love with power instead of Pakistan. We have come so far away from the actual ideology of this nation that I don’t even know what it means to be a Pakistani anymore. This piece is a call to all of my readers for a basic sense of humanity that we need more than any kind of national pride. Shahbaz, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
A vacation to remember
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By Amara Javed
op 5: Luxury Hotels in South Asia – When we think of holiday destinations, there are 4 places which automatically come to mind: Thailand, Malaysia, London and Dubai. How tragic is it that we neglect our own region for tourist’s hot-spots which are used and abused. Next time you’re planning a getaway, pick one of these gems.
Nepal – Dwarikas:
Heavily inspired by the ancient Newari civilization, the Dwarikas isn’t just a high-end hotel, it’s a cultural experience. Nestled in between historical landmarks in Kathmandu, the hotel is home to 13th century artifacts. Great attention is given to detail and no compromises are made; each room has handcrafted furniture and hand-woven linens. No luxury is spared. The Royal Suite is styled after the living quarters of ancient Nepalese kings and spans 3 floors, definitely a good way to spoil yourself.
Bhutan - Uma Paro:
The Uma Paro is the perfect blend of traditional and modern, bringing together the rustic Bhutanese character with a sleek, simplistic décor. The hotel is situated deep within the picturesque Paro Valley, ensuring a tranquil experience in a hub of luxury. The main building, which was once a Bhutanese aristocrat’s home, forms the foundation for this sprawling hotel. Deluxe rooms, suites and private villas built with smoked timbre and handcrafted stone, elevate your experience.
Maldives – Taj:
The Taj Group of Hotels is one of the most esteemed in the world, and their Exotica Resort and Spa in Maldives will leave render you speechless. A group of villas are erected in the ocean along a private island reachable by boat. Each villa comes with its own butler and a knowledgeable staff is on hand to arrange a most memorable stay.
Sri Lanka – AmanGalle Resort:
Brimming with 17th century Dutch colonial architecture, the Galle Fort is one of the most scenic landmarks in Sri Lanka. For those looking for a very clandestine stay, a private two-storey house nestled deep within the gardens is available. The experience of staying within Galle Fort is one of a kind, and the Aman Galle is an integral part of that experience.
India – Oberoi Tajvilas Jaipur:
Two words – breathe taking. There are a lot of palace hotels in India; Rajasthan alone is full of them. But the Oberoi Taj Villas in Jaipur will leave you speechless. The hotel puts you in the midst of Rajasthani royalty – in all its opulence and glory. Covering 32 acres, the Taj Villas is a sprawling paradise. All rooms offer views of private walled gardens and are decorated to echo the grandeur of the Rajasthani princes. 36 I September 04 - 10, 2011
Shoes with an attitude By Rubia Moghees
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hat people wear on their feet says a lot about their style. Entrepreneurs within the Pakistani designer shoe industry; Samia & Azmay are sisters with popular acclaim, renowned for providing unmatchable quality, exceptional detailing and global trends to the local designer shoe industry. What makes them different is the fact that they are work with impeccable materials and outstanding craftsmanship. ‘We are the pioneers for adorning our creations with the likes of brooches, Swarovski crystal mesh and design aesthetics manifesting within the brand,’ says an exuberant Samia. What is your design philosophy? Smart, sophisticated, elegant and sometimes quirky. Please tell us a little about how you started off with designing shoes? We came back from college and immediately noticed that there was a dearth of designer leather shoes for women. Short stubby heels were in fashion and we could never find the stilettos that we craved for added height and style. So that got us thinking that we should learn how to make shoes. Today, the brand ‘Samia & Azmay Shahzada’ has evolved over the past 12 years into a retail network with three stores in Karachi, two in Lahore and one in Islamabad. How has been the response so far? The response so far has been very positive, which has allowed us to expand both the business and the product categories. What compelled you to go about designing foot wear? What compels us every day in our designing is the beautiful variety of leather. Foot wear is so interesting in how an upper design, a heel or a style can completely change a person’s look.
How much do both of you coordinate when handling the business affairs? We’ve segmented our business affairs into areas handled by us individually at times, but we keep changing those responsibilities to keep it interesting! What makes you different from other shoe brands? We are different from other shoe brands because of the materials we use in our creations just like a silk outfit looks different from one made with a cheaper option. Our shoes are made with leather and we always alternate between plain and patterned leather to keep the design aesthetically appealing. The brooches, and mesh used by the brand have always
used to make it, the color combinations involved and the how well it suits the foot. 2. Integrity: No matter what the market was doing, we decided that we were never going to cut costs and bring a cheaper shoe to the market. Even though we have been profoundly aware that consumers are unaware of what they are paying for at times. We never compromised on the sole we were using in our flats or on the quality of leather used. We never work with artificial leather or substitute Chinese stones for Swarovski. 3. Innovation: the brand is build around innovation and introducing new concepts, heels and styles to the customer. We want that a shoe bought from our store in Pakistan should be completely in vogue with trends abroad when she travels and that the shoe should be comfortable.
We are the pioneers for adorning our creations with the likes of brooches, Swarovski crystal mesh and design aesthetics manifesting within the brand been Swarovski, to ensure that the sparkle is truly dazzling and durable. Indeed design philosophy needs to be revamped constantly otherwise it becomes boring. Last year, we replaced the ‘bling flat’ with more sophisticated options where the design centered on simple creativity with leather. A Samia-Azmay shoe stands for? 1. Design: The shoe business is highly trend based and design lies at the crux of it all. Design isn’t just about the cut of the shoe, it’s about the type of leather
Please tells us about the variety of shoes that you are displaying in your outlets? We offer the complete range of shoes that any stylish, sophisticated woman should have in her shoe wardrobe from ballets, skimmers, flats to wedges, platform, peeptoes, d’orsays and shoes for little girls.
Do you cater only to the ladies or you have options for men and children? We do not have options for men, but two years ago we started our line of shoes for little girls - which have been very popular. Ballets & flats are available for the 2 year old to the pre-teen years. What is the style for the season 2011? Smart and casual; we are looking at shoes that are unique, colorful, and quirky and made with outstanding materials and workmanship. These qualities should stand on their own and not be supported by brooches or stones.
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Profile
Emaad Irfani; Not just a model
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By Behjat Tahir
maad Irfani is one of the most successful male models in the Pakistani fashion industry. A protégé of Ather Shahzad, he’s truly an asset not only for Ather Shahzad but also for the entire fashion fraternity especially the likes of Umer Saeed and HSY.
I can say based from my experience that we have immense talent and young people wanting to enter the field but hardly have a direction to channel their energy into something constructive Q. What do you think makes you successful as a male model?
I think apart from talent your personality plays an imperative role. I can say based from my experience that we have immense talent and young people wanting to enter the field but hardly have a direction to channel their energy into something constructive. Being resilient and perseverance plays a part as nothing happens overnight.
Q. What makes Emaad Irfani successful?
I guess my credentials and my work over the years is there for everyone to see. I don’t think I’m one of those who shamelessly praise themselves. You don’t look in the mirror at all and say, “OK, I see what other people see in me and that’s what is making me a success, that’s not it because looks are only skin-deep. Your personality plays a role in whatever field you’re in.
Q. It must be a really hard transition to make, wanting to become a cricket player then suddenly working as a model. How hard was that?
It was hard personally to come to terms with not becoming an athlete, however, it is my wiry physique and sporty attributes that are the reasons for my success. I am still very passionate about cricket.
Do you think there is a lot of jealousy in the industry about the success you’ve had from the other boys?
Unfortunately you have a lot of insecure competition so I guess it’s natural.
Is there a way to be creative in this job? Or are you just an object and a clothing hanger?
Of course you have to be creative. If it were easy everyone would have been doing it.
Q. When a photographer asks you to become
a character or a stylist wants you to embody a certain idea do you understand always what they’re saying?
Experience makes you wiser, no one’s a born master or expert, everything in life you learn over a passage of time. Same is the case in modeling; gradually you learn the tricks of the trade.
Q. Would you classify yourself as a runway, fashion shoot or a commercial model?
Only a few models tap the entire three mediums and I am glad that I’ve been member of the ‘elite’ club who has established themselves in all the three formats.
Q. Who do you like working with in the industry? And why?
Yes it’s very much true that I am an Ather Shahzad model. It is not that I don’t like working with others. They are the best in their field and I have an excellent working relationship with them. I’ve consciously selected quality over quantity and maintained an image that’s exclusive and has substance.
Q. What do you do other then modeling?
I have a few other projects in the pipeline. I do have big plans but don’t want to jinx them by talking about them too soon.
Q. Has marriage changed you as a person and as a model?
It must’ve had in some way. I consider myself lucky to have a partner like Maryam who supports and backs me up with all my decisions.
Q. What are you future plans? Where do you see yourself?
Having invested almost 10 years in this field I’d surely like to use my experience and evolution for the next step. As far as where do I see myself? I don’t know! Sky is the limit.
Q. Advise to other aspiring models
Avoid Shortcuts. It takes time. And incase you do make it, be humble and never forget where you come from. September 04 - 10, 2011 I 41
I can say based from my experience that we have immense talent and young people wanting to enter the field but hardly have a direction to channel their energy into something constructive Q. What do you think makes you successful as a male model?
I think apart from talent your personality plays an imperative role. I can say based from my experience that we have immense talent and young people wanting to enter the field but hardly have a direction to channel their energy into something constructive. Being resilient and perseverance plays a part as nothing happens overnight.
Q. What makes Emaad Irfani successful?
I guess my credentials and my work over the years is there for everyone to see. I don’t think I’m one of those who shamelessly praise themselves. You don’t look in the mirror at all and say, “OK, I see what other people see in me and that’s what is making me a success, that’s not it because looks are only skin-deep. Your personality plays a role in whatever field you’re in.
Q. It must be a really hard transition to make, wanting to become a cricket player then suddenly working as a model. How hard was that?
It was hard personally to come to terms with not becoming an athlete, however, it is my wiry physique and sporty attributes that are the reasons for my success. I am still very passionate about cricket.
Do you think there is a lot of jealousy in the industry about the success you’ve had from the other boys?
Unfortunately you have a lot of insecure competition so I guess it’s natural.
Is there a way to be creative in this job? Or are you just an object and a clothing hanger?
Of course you have to be creative. If it were easy everyone would have been doing it.
Q. When a photographer asks you to become
a character or a stylist wants you to embody a certain idea do you understand always what they’re saying?
Experience makes you wiser, no one’s a born master or expert, everything in life you learn over a passage of time. Same is the case in modeling; gradually you learn the tricks of the trade.
Q. Would you classify yourself as a runway, fashion shoot or a commercial model?
Only a few models tap the entire three mediums and I am glad that I’ve been member of the ‘elite’ club who has established themselves in all the three formats.
Q. Who do you like working with in the industry? And why?
Yes it’s very much true that I am an Ather Shahzad model. It is not that I don’t like working with others. They are the best in their field and I have an excellent working relationship with them. I’ve consciously selected quality over quantity and maintained an image that’s exclusive and has substance.
Q. What do you do other then modeling?
I have a few other projects in the pipeline. I do have big plans but don’t want to jinx them by talking about them too soon.
Q. Has marriage changed you as a person and as a model?
It must’ve had in some way. I consider myself lucky to have a partner like Maryam who supports and backs me up with all my decisions.
Q. What are you future plans? Where do you see yourself?
Having invested almost 10 years in this field I’d surely like to use my experience and evolution for the next step. As far as where do I see myself? I don’t know! Sky is the limit.
Q. Advise to other aspiring models
Avoid Shortcuts. It takes time. And incase you do make it, be humble and never forget where you come from. September 04 - 10, 2011 I 41
Weekly International Trend guide, spring / summer 2011
Fashionista Fatima
From the catwalks of Paris to the Fashion Houses of Milan, walking the streets of New York to the boutique lanes of London, Fatima Khan, fashion stylist, designer, graduate of NCA and The London School of Fashion is a self proclaimed Fashionista. Her unique aesthetic sense coupled with her experience as a fashion buyer/merchandiser for various Fashion Houses in London has helped to launch herself as a fashion connoisseur par excellence. Meet her every Sunday and learn what’s hot on the high streets in the global fashion village as well as the season’s must-haves and how to wear them.
A Sea Of Cobalt Blue Intense blues make a serious splash for spring/ summer 2011
As the fashion world moves into their summer wardrobes, savvy fashionistas are starting to bore of all the bold pink shades and move towards an easier shade to wear; cobalt blue. Add a touch of electric blue to your wardrobe for the hot season. There is no denying that 2011 is the year of colour. But if you have to pick one safe shade make it cobalt blue, as it is the new Black. This electric and bold hue is very versatile and suits all skin types and hair tones. Designers have favoured the hue over pink and cobalt blue has begun to take over the racks at fashionable retailers throughout the globe.
Runway
Cobalt blue enjoyed the walk down many runways during the spring 2011 fashion shows. A glorious colour for summer, the deep sea blues, turquoises and cobalt’s on the catwalks make a statement in flowing shapes, drapes and two-tones. Mulberry, Akris and Prada showed how to wear it all over whilst DKNY, John Galliano and Emilio Pucci mixed the shades. DKNY’s silk turquoise shirt with electric shorts and a neutral belt create a great daytime look. The trend was best seen at Jason Wu, Diane von Furstenberg, Mulberry, Matthew Williamson, Isabel Marant, Christian Dior, Miu miu and Prada collection. SS11 Runway was flooded with rippling silks and slippery satins, drenched in oceanic hues that flowed throughout the collections.
For my Pakistan
Bring a subtlety to bold blue by partnering it with black. A glossy black belt or bag, or silky black blouse will soften the impact of powerful cobalt. A touch of bright coral makes a gorgeous accent shade. Lively yet ladylike, blue is the go-to shade for carrying vibrant colour into the workplace. Cobalt blue can be worn in many different forms from a tonal dress to a pair of suede Louboutin’s to a bold and blue handbag paired with an all-black or allwhite ensemble. Since color is a personal preference and can make a fashionista look like a fashion-victim in matter of seconds, cobalt blue is not the only colour to wear this summer. Always remember to pick a colour you love and makes you feel beautiful. Use metallic, gilded and nude accessories to really make the colour pop.
Key inspirational pieces
Here are some key pieces from international market so you can take the inspiration and translate the upcoming trends into your outfit A. Blue canvas bag, £870, Prada B. The classic wrap dress, £84.15, Isabella Oliver C. Soft stripe top, £55, Warehouse D. Blue Caligula ankle strap sandal, £395, Sergio Rossi E. Blue ‘Errol’ sandals, £215, Stella McCartney F. Blue shift dress, £30, Asos.com fashionistafatimakhan@gmail.com G. T-bar strap heels, £29.50, Marks and Spencer
facebook.com/fashionistafatima
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Movie
The slowest gun in the Wild West Sci-fi meets western, what could possibly go wrong? Everything!
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aving just been through 1 hour and 58 minutes of cinematic nonexperience, the only response I can come up with: What the bloody hell was that!? Okay, so it’s 1873. We have aliens – as dumbwitted as peanuts, we have cowboys, fully loaded with stereotypes, and then we have the mother of all combats. Sci-fi meets Western, what could possibly go wrong? Well, that’s where the buildup ends and the film happens! The start is intriguing, and just when the plot captures you, it lets you drop into a pointless stupor. Daniel Craig is an unnamed stranger who comes to a town called Absolution (you have got to be kidding!) in the Wild West of the late 19th century. He is tightlipped and mysterious, and has no recollection of his past. Hang on a minute. Man with no name? That’s blasphemous after what Clint Eastwood achieved with that pseudonym! For, not only did Craig’s character not have a name, he also had no charisma or captivation. Much of that lack of allure can be attributed to the meticulous manner in which the movie toils with the viewers’ attention. 46 I September 04 - 10, 2011
Mr No Name then bumps into a bucket full of clichéd characters in the town: the frail salon owner (Sam Rockwell), the wailing son of an intimidating cattle baron (Paul Dano) and the anxious sheriff (Keith Carradine) – just to mention a few. After director Jon Favreau is through with sorting out his Western pigeonholes and lining them up in front of us, the spaceships arrive to save us from all the chestnuts – or so we wish. The aliens appear, apparently with all the menace of the outer space and threaten to swallow up the town. That’s when you’ll realize that the clichéd Western part was actually more compelling than the weary Sci-Fi portion! But sadly, it’ll be too late and after about 23 minutes of the enlightenment you’ll wish you hadn’t bought the DVD in the first place - or maybe not if you are an uncompromising buff of either of the two genres. Miss Kitty, or Ella if you prefer, has been assigned to provide the eyecandy. Olivia Wilde has more pictorial suitability for the depiction of a 21st century ‘Girl Next Door’ (incidentally the name of one of her films) than of a puzzling 19th century woman who knows well where the strings of our
By Kunwar Khuldune Shahid principle protagonist are. But to be fair to her, she does make up for it with an impressive performance. In this hotchpotch of genres and clichés, Harrison Ford’s cantankerous character as the Civil War veteran and cattleman fails to hit an exciting chord as well. One feels a couple of decades ago, Ford might’ve been the one playing Craig’s role of a mystifying outlaw, and it goes without saying that he’d have done a more exhilarating job. Cowboys vs. aliens, the concept is fascinating but the actual mélange of genres gives the picture a disjointed look. It’s almost as if the team looks to cater the aficionados of both science fiction and Western movies, without providing sufficient entertainment to either. Like two movies stuck together with the glue of a stereotypical bore-fest.
Fifteen producers and eight writers create a cliche circus in an attempt to fasten together two eminent genres
A taste of Italy at
Ciro’s Pomodoro By Injila Baqir Zeeshan
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n a sweltering s u m m e r afternoon last week, I found my way to Ciro’s Pomodoro of Knightsbridge, where I gorged myself on savoury Italian delights. Upon entering, a striking colour combination greets you, comprising of shimmering red and shining black used as a theme for the interior of the restaurant. The walls are thickly populated with photos of Ciro Orsini and his countless celebrity friends and you instantly feel transported to a zone that radiates pure energy infused with a spirit of celebration! Beginning with the bread basket which came with three types of dips, we moved onto our starter. I would not recommend the garlic cheese bread, which was a little dry and bland. But the
main courses were not as disappointing. I for one was thoroughly satisfied with my order of Rollato Di Pollo. It is rolled chicken stuffed with four cheeses and radicchio, served with a side of fettuccine pasta in light cream sauce with cherry tomatoes and red bell pepper. This, I thoroughly enjoyed as the four types of melted cheeses sent my taste buds into pure delightful frenzy. But I will not be able to say as much about our other orders. If you are a fan of Alfredo, then you are bound to be tempted by their Tagliatelle Alfredo con Pollo. And if you are aged somewhere between six to ten, or are not a fan of flaming hot spicy food, then you will not be disheartened by this. As for me, I prefer something a little less monotonous. And mind you I am a total fan of Alfredo sauce. The third item I got to taste was the Red Snapper. For the health conscious eaters, this would be a truly wise choice.
As for me the two simply cannot go hand in hand. It’s just not right, if you know what I mean- food and health hand in hand, just defeats the purpose of eating out completely! But I’m quite sure the intelligent ladies will love the Pan Fried Red Snapper that came with cherry tomatoes and black olives, served on a bed of veggies. The taste was just about the right kind of spice. And the fish was done to perfection. Ciro’s Pomodoro now offers many lunch packages for the business executive. Apart from the above, there is a variety of pizzas to pick from. After all, it is an authentic franchise of a genuine chain of Italian restaurants located all over the world. The menu is not elaborate, yet offers something to interest everyone. Out of the desserts what caught my eye was the chocolate fondant, but be sure to have the extra 15-20 minutes preparation time required for it. And if you are a chocoholic, go for it! It’s not going be a budget meal for you but it’s not ostentatiously extravagant either. Perfect for a romantic evening out with your loved one, the live music is sure to enthrall you; which makes night a better time to visit Ciro’s Pomodoro, but the place is an all day dine in venue.
Ciro’s Pomodoro now offers many lunch packages for the business executive. Apart from the above, there is a variety of pizzas to pick from September 04 - 10, 2011 I 47
Recipe
Pizza on grill Ingredients
Method:
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast 1 cup warm water 1 pinch white sugar 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 tablespoon olive oil 3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil 1/2 cup olive oil 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1/4 cup tomato sauce 1 cup chopped tomatoes 1/4 cup sliced black olives 1/4 cup roasted red peppers 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 4 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water, and mix in sugar. Proof for ten minutes, or until frothy. Mix in the salt, olive oil, and flour until dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Turn onto a lightly floured surface. Knead until smooth, about 8 minutes. Place dough in a well oiled bowl, and cover with a damp cloth. Set aside to rise until doubled, about 1 hour. Punch down, and knead in garlic and basil. Set aside to rise for 1 more hour, or until doubled again.
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Preheat grill for high heat. Heat olive oil with garlic for 30 seconds in the microwave. Set aside. Punch down dough, and divide in half. Form each half into an oblong shape 3/8 to 1/2 inch thick. Brush grill grate with garlic flavored olive oil. Carefully place one piece of dough on hot grill. The dough will begin to puff almost immediately. When the bottom crust has lightly browned, turn the dough over using two spatulas. Working quickly, brush oil over crust and then brush with two table spoons tomato sauce. Arrange 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes, 1/8 cup sliced black olives, and 1/8 cup roasted red peppers over crust. Sprinkle with 1 cup cheese and 2 tablespoons basil. Close the lid, and cook until the cheese melts. Remove from grill, and set aside to cool for a few minutes while you prepare the second pizza.
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