Sunday Plus

TheNation

March 11, 2012

50 | Rendezvous |

things you di dn’t know about

Khadija Shah

| music |

EMERGING against

ALL ODDS | interview |

Return of

Uth Records

STYLE | TRENDS | BOOKS | INTERVIEWS | art | q&A | SOCIETY

inside this week March 11, 2012

08. Rendezvous

Khadija Shah, the woman behind the iconic label Élan, lifts the lid on her personal taste,and her debut lawn collection Kamal Lawn by Élan

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18. music

Promising musicians are coming in front from emerging Peshawar music scene to open a new chapter in Pakistan’s music industry

Fashion trends Spring/Summer 2012

34. Style

See the latest Zunn collection by LSM Fabrics.

Editor’s note We are back with another exciting issue of your very own Sunday Plus.

This week we are in conversation with Khadija Shah, the woman behind the iconic label Élan, who lifts the lid on her personal taste, her favourites and her debut lawn collection Kamal Lawn by Élan. The first season of Uth Records was big.

High expectations are now pinned with the second season. Meet first participant of the new season Jarar Malik, who talks about his experience and song ‘Bewafa’. The emerging Peshawar music scene is interesting as a new chapter in Pakistan’s music industry has opened up. We have this week exclusive interviews of the talented and promising musicians Yasir & Jawad and Ismail & Junaid. Read review of restaurant Opium Thai and learn about mystic of Thai cuisine. On our style pages see the latest Zunn collection by LSM Fabrics. Also don’t forget to check your astrological forecast and the best picks of the season.

08.

rendezvous

Things you didn’t know about Khadija Shah

Report on the happenings and events in your metropolis

56. Gastronomy

Review of Opium Thai, the place for the lovers of Thai Food strictly adhering within its art of culinary fusion and unique ingredients

60. Horoscpope

Astrological forecast for the year 2012

Sunday plus Editor-in-Chief Majid Nizami

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62. Picks of the week

Go through the smart wish-list for the best buys and best picks for everyone

Deputy Managing Director Rameeza Nizami Editor The Nation Salim Bokhari Editor Magazine: Emanuel Sarfraz Editorial Staff: Bishakha Khadka Kunwar, Madiha Syedain, Sadaf Pervez & Navirah Zafar Creative Head: Faiz-ur-Rehman Creative Team: Talat Mahfooz Butt, Shoaib Qadir, Faisal Fazal, Hafiz Muhammad Nouman GM Marketing: Bilal Mahmood For advertising: Muhammad Zaeem: 0301 - 8463306 Salman Ahmed: 0300 - 4116792 Khalid Sheikh: 0345-5130728 Shiraz Akbar: 0333 - 2310851

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interview Emerging against all odds

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44. Society

Send us your comments and feedback at splus@nation.com.pk

TheNation

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08

08 Rendezvous

By Bishakha Kunwar

50

things you di dn’t know about

Khadija Shah of Elan

Elegance, glamour, and opulence that inspire confidence are her signature stylesadd it all up and what you get is fashion with panache- Élan. Now to this add a bevy list of celebrities and clientele. The force behind the label Elan is Khadijah Shah. It is not very often that words epitomise the people they define. But when it comes to describing Khadija Shah, it is seamless fit. And that’s because Elan is a lable to reckon with equally for its pret, bridal and couture.

Khadija has evolved beautifully over the years. Her work is urbane and appeals to a larger variety of women from Lahore to London, Paris to Karachi. She has brought Pakistani couture to the younger generation and made it fresh, young and exciting. Her one-of-a-kind pieces stand for what they are rather than give into commercial pressures. We love her refined sensibility and the way she combines fabrics; modern or traditional, with elegant embellishments that exude timeless sophistication.

The newest feather in her cap is her collaboration with Kamal Limited to come out with Kamal Lawn by Élan. Drawing design inspiration from Sub-continental, Central Asian, Oriental and European aesthetics, Kamal

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Lawn by Élan presents a wide array of designs in various geometric and floral patterns with the diversity of both vibrant and pastel-based colour palettes. Élan is stocked in the most exclusive fashion outlets all over Pakistan and in Dubai. Kamal Lawn by Élan will be exhibiting its collection exclusively in Lahore on 14th March 2012 and will be available at select retailers in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Faisalabad, Multan and Gujranwala, as well as in India.

Khadija Shah, the woman behind the iconic label Élan, lifts the lid on her personal taste, her favourites and her debut lawn collection Kamal Lawn by Élan.

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Rendezvous

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March 11, 2012 Sunday Plus 09

Rendezvous

1.

Tell us about your initial journey.

Khadija Shah: Elan was launched by my mother as

a tiny workshop in her backyard catering to family and friends; I had nothing to do with it till fate brought us together and my mom left me to take care of it while she visited my sister in Toronto. It was an instant love; working at Elan fuelled my creative instincts and activated the fashion bug I always had. I gained in popularity and in time my orders increased so much that I had to move the workshop to a much bigger place and become independent of my mother.

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Tell us about your association with Kamal Limited for this venture.

Khadija: Lawn should be about the marriage between design and quality and not simply focusing on one or the other. I am delighted to have collaborated with Kamal as it has given me the opportunity to bring my couture design aesthetic to quality voile prints. All their processes are in-house which is needed to ensure that quality will not be compromised. For this collection and specifically because it is a first for both of us, we have together done our fair share of in-depth research on quality, trends, colours and patterns.

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What is the inspiration behind your lawn collection? How many prints are you coming out with?

Khadija: It is a well-rounded collection and draws inspiration from a wide variety of sources.

I’ve borrowed from Sub-continental, Moroccan, Oriental as well as Victorian design archives and you’ll find there is something that appeals to every palette.

In total, we have 15 designs in two colour-ways each.

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What is the price range of your lawn?

Khadija: We plan on capping the price range for

Kamal Lawn by Élan at Rs. 5000.

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Do you feel that you have officially become a part of the lawn war bandwagon along with other designers? What is your take on the lawn invasion this year?

Khadija: For me, this isn’t war – it’s simply a way of

expanding the brand and creating a product that is premium quality yet affordable to a larger cross section of the society. I like to believe that Élan competes with no one. We are a trendsetting label and our clientele is completely devoted. There is no question of this or that for them – they buy Élan no matter.

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What do you think sets your lawn collection apart from other designer collections?

Khadija: Apart from the distinctive Élan aesthetic, I feel the lawn is extremely high quality and each design comes with ample fabric for people to design their outfits without constraint. The designs are unique as we did extensive research in coming up with each pattern and in putting different patterns and borders together. Every aspect

Apart from the distinctive Élan aesthetic, I feel the lawn is extremely high quality and each design comes with ample fabric for people to design their outfits without constraint.

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of the lawn has been thought of with attention to detail and that comes across in each of the prints.

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Why have you associated with Kamal? Is it a long term association?

Khadija: Élan and Kamal are a great fit as both companies pride themselves on premium quality. At Élan, we take quality very seriously and Kamal being an exportoriented company employs the same high standards as us. Together, we have come up with a top grade product and that is what I wanted.

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Rendezvous

Elan is now going to participate in the upcoming fashion week in March 2012.

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Can you name some reigning autumn trends for 2011 and 2012, as far as what’s hot in colours, fabrics and cuts we should be looking out for?

Khadija: Bold colour blocking is the big thing. Reds, orange, black, blue and nothing muted.

I welcome all criticism because it can be constructive. But, luckily there hasn’t been too much of it for Elan.

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How do you create a different niche for your clientele?

Khadija: I work with each client individually according to the occasion, their style & their budget.

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What are you most comfortable designing? Prêt, formal or bridal?

Khadija: I love designing all three; each has its own merit. I love to see Alexandra Senes in my evening wear in Paris, or equally, love to see a bride in an Elan bridal wear in Karachi. And of course all my friends who wear Elan prêt on a daily basis.

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Is lawn the best possible way for highend designers to reach out to the Pakistani masses? Being a high end designer, are you set to win the hearts of general masses with your new lawn collection?

Khadija: Lawn is the most viable way for luxury brands to offer the masses an opportunity to buy into the brand. For the long, hot Pakistani summer, lawn is the only material the majority prefers to wear and with designer lawn, you make the everyday experience of wearing lawn special – something to look forward to. I’m hoping that my lawn will make a mark and develop a following of loyal customers.

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How did your journey as a designer start?

Do you have a degree in fashion designing or are you more of inspired by your mother, Aneela Shah?

Khadija: I have taken short courses from Central St. Martins, but primarily it has been my experience, exposure and innate talent. I have a very strong creative instinct.

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What is your take on the rising number of fashion weeks happening in Pakistan?

Why have you participated in fewer fashion weeks?

Khadija: It’s a very good way of promoting fresh talent. Gives them a great platform to showcase their work and it gives Pakistan international recognition. I however, do not have time nowadays to participate in fashion shows because of all the orders I get. Since I believe in giving all my clients personal attention that makes it hard to participate in frequent fashion shows.

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Is there one trend that is really big right now that you cannot stand?

Khadija: Overly embroidered daywear.

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How do you deal with criticism when you find yourself at the receiving end?

Khadija: I welcome all criticism because it can be constructive. But, luckily there hasn’t been too much of it for Elan.

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What does prêt and couture mean to you? When will couture come to mean more than just bridal in Pakistan?

Khadija: Bridal is not couture and that distinction is quite marked at Elan. We have a thriving couture line separate from our bridal line.

As I said, Alexandra Senes who is a great style icon in Paris has worn my formal evening wear to big gala events.

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What is one change the fashion industry needs?

Khadija: The fashion industry is changing for the better everyday. I would like to see some codified rules and regulations for dealing with labour in the industry.

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As a fashion designer yourself, do you find it harder to buy clothes designed by other people?

Khadija: If there is a designer whose clothes I like, I have no problem buying and wearing them. I love Bunto Kazmi and I have beautiful sarees from JJ Vallaya, Sabyasacchi, and Chunni Saigol.

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Who is your favourite designer (Local and International)?

Khadija: Internationally I love Rodarte, Marchesa and Lanvin. Locally I am in complete awe of Bunto Kazmi.

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Your day starts with

Khadija: Jehanzeb and the children in bed, a cup of

tea & then dropping the kids off to school.

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The best thing that happened to you...

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Rendezvous

CLOSET CONFIDENTIAL 38.

3 must-haves in anyone’s closet …

Khadija: A great pair of jeans, a black jacket for the

evening, and a crystal studded clutch.

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Recent purchases…

Khadija: My new Blackberry Torch touch phone,

which I hate.

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Favourite items in your closet…

Khadija: My completely worn out cardi-coat which

is like wearing a blanket and I live in it these days.

Khadija: My husband, my two beautiful sons and

most of all to have been brought up by my amazing grand parents Nuzhat and Asif Nawaz. The time I spent with them is indescribable and priceless.

One thing you would like to change about yourself…

Khadija: I would like to manage my time better.

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the time my nani would feed me with her own hands and she made everything taste so yumm.

Style statement…

Style icons (locally and internationally)…

Khadija: In the west Kate Moss, Sienna Miller,

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A city that inspires you…

Khadija: Paris.

Victoria Beckham and recently I’ve added Katie Homes to the list. In Pakistan my husband’s aunt Shehla Saigol, Dr Feriha Peracha, my mother Aneela Shah, Sana Hashwani, Ayesha F Hashwani, and many others..

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Celebrities you would love to see wearing your label…

Khadija: Jemima Khan in Elan prêt, on one of Imran Khan’s jalsas. Abroad Queen Rania and Kate Middleton would be perfect ambassadors for the label.

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Your favourite muse…

Khadija: My sister Sana Shah

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Your first fashion creation…...

Khadija: I‘d rather not remember......

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Personal weaknesses and personal strengths…...

Khadija: I’m too trusting and easily swayed. I am a strong person and I’m not afraid of standing up for what I believe in.

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Special childhood memory…

Khadija: Lunch with my grandmother. Most of

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Oldest items in your closet

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Fashion Faux pas

Khadija: My grandmother’s snakeskin clutch.

Khadija: Always simple. Always elegant. Always

original.

Current obsession…

Khadija: My lawn prints for 2012

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A person who inspires you the most…

Khadija: My father. Calm, optimistic, and utterly

devoted to Pakistan.

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Dream destination and why…

Khadija: Tahiti, been hearing so much about it.

A crazy holiday memory…

Khadija: Rome with Sana Khan and Meher Tareen.

It was just crazy.

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In life if given a second chance would you do anything differently?

Khadija: No, I’m happy and proud of the life I’ve led so far.

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The best thing about being a Pakistani…

Khadija: Being surrounded by family and friends,

love, laughter and fun.

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One thing I would change about Pakistan is…

Khadija: Our leaders leave a lot to be desired.

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Where do you see yourself 10 years from now Khadija: At the helm of a great and trusted design house.

Khadija: I’m hoping none

FAV-O-METRE….

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My favourite gadget…

Khadija: Hair straightener. I have no time to go to

the salon.

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Your current favourite music...

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Your favourite colours…

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Your favourite books…

Khadija: Adele and I love jazz

Khadija: ivory, nude, grey.

Khadija: Many. I read the Blind Assassin by Marga-

ret Atwood recently and loved it.

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Your favourite movie…

Khadija: Many- Primal Fear, the Usual Suspects,

Godfather trilogy, to name a few.

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Your favourite perfume…

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Your farewell line is…

Khadija: Tom Ford’s “champaca”

Khadija: Aaaiightt people…

Model: Kamal Lawn by Élan Brand Ambassador Aamina Sheikh Designer: Khadijah Shah Photography and styling: Guddu & Shani Hair and makeup: Akif

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16 en vogue

S+spotted

Sharmeen in Sana Safinaz along with her proud husband Fahd, jubilant at the Vanity Fair after-party.

Dr. Jawad's is wearing Amir Adnan (the surgeon behind the documentary) wife Ruhi Jawad (pictured in red) wore Elan, Sharmeen shines in a Bunto Kazmi and Fazeelat Aslam glows in this Teejays gown.jpg

Sharmeen at the Oscar After party looking gorgeous in this Sana Safinaz gown

Oscar winner Daniel Junge with his wife, Erin, wearing AFH, at the Vanity Fair Oscarlant at the Vanity Fair after-party.

Fazeelat Aslam glows in this Teejays gown at the Oscar.

Oscar Nominee Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy wears Sana Safinaz’s upcoming Export Pret-a-Porter at the 84th Annual Academy Awards screening event.

Sunday Plus March 11, 2012

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18 MUSIC

by SADAF PERVEZ

junaid

wali

yasir

ismail

EMERGING AGAINST ALL ODDS

With the entrée of promising young musicians, the current music scenario has not only flourished out of dormancy but is enthralling with its diversity, syndicated into the parameters of a real industry. The excitement of today is Pathan voices, who have conquered the hearts of millions with the use of their signature instrument rabab, infusing Pashto folk influences with a contemporary feel. Their unique style of music has gone across the province now, collecting a huge fan following over Internet. Yasir & Jawad, Ismail and Junaid and many others are doing what they aspire to do with their musical influences and contributing in their own special way to promote their culture and propagate a positive message about a misunderstood place and its people.

It is noteworthy that musicians from the emerging Peshawar music scene are coming to the fore, opening a new chapter in Pakistan’s music industry, paving a way to define their own place by being unique and novel. To further know what is going in these talented musicians’ lives, Sunday Plus caught a few moments with the promising Yasir & Jawad and Ismail & Junaid:

Sunday Plus March 11, 2012

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MUSIC

Ismail and Junaid:

junaid

‘Qarar’, a Pashto single, is a huge viral hit. The duo, Ismail and Junaid penned, composed and released after being widely appreciated in the All Pakistan Battle of the Bands contest at the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) in 2010. Then they formed a band to continue their musical journey by taking their passion to the mainstream industry. The success followed the release of second single Ranra which is an alternative folk single which is also in Pashto but subtitles are given in English to understand the lyrics.

This musical ensemble earned appreciation by using the traditional use of the rabab instrument with contemporary instruments to experiment and form new genres. “This is what we want to do to

have a mixture of genres with experimentation of musical instruments to provide arrangements of alternative pop, hard rock and others,” Junaid Javed guitarist, composer and supporting vocalist told.

Several local artistes have already released their own covers of their debut single, ‘Qarar.’ “It is an immense pleasure that our song has received so much likeness that renditions of the song has been done, but on the other hand it has been tried to be copied and released by many under their own names. The piracy issue is a big challenge over here,” they commented.

The next song which is the third one is in Urdu. “We have made our songs heard to the Pashto music lovers. Now we want to explore the other market to create a new kind of fusion with the signature use of the rabab,” Ismail, the lead vocalist added.

Ismail & Junaid

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March 11, 2012 Sunday Plus 19

MUSIC

YASIR

“It will also help in bridging the gap of regional disharmony.”

Their basic aim is to promote their culture and boost the confidence of the youngsters to take pride in their roots. “We are not thinking of the commercial aspect right now as we are busy in studies so we are interested in only those offers which provides the opportunity to fulfill our primary intention of making things right,” Junaid related.

Yasir and Jawad: Hailing from Peshawar, Yasir and Jawad started playing together in 2008, joined by Abdul Wali Orakzai in 2010 as a lead vocalist. But the promising trio was discovered by the new muse Uth Records in 2011 with the song ‘Reidi Gul’ that injected a new feel into the music industry with the contemporary folk fusion. ‘Reidi Gul’ that is a poetry of Ghani Khan is used intentionally to create awareness to restore the losing interest of the youth for the literature.

20 Sunday Plus March 11, 2012

“It was an amazing experience to enjoy the aura of a studio and worked with professionals adding confidence and giving the right direction for future,” Yasir shared his experience.

Jawad reminisced “It was beyond our expectations that our demo would be selected as it was rough, recorded on a cell-phone. But it gave us a breakthrough to enter into the mainstream media with humble recognition.”

Yasir Khan is a self-taught rabab player guided little by his chowkidar during his childhood and has been playing rabab for the last nine years. Jawad Iqbal is a self-taught guitar player drawing western inspirations from Neil Young, Pink Floyd and country music. Both have combined their folk and western influences to produce distinct sounds.

The talent has rightly been kneaded under the skin of Zeeshan Parwez who is working with them to produce their solo album. They are currently working on two more videos that soon will hit the screens but one at a time.

This is what we want to do, to have a mixture of genres with experimentation of musical instruments, to provide arrangements of alternative pop, hard rock and others.

“Our music is about experimentation of instruments. The original Pashto music used to have a live feel that is missing from the current Pashto music due to foreign influences. Live element will be main emphasis of our music to enliven the spirit,” Jawad commented.”

There are many coming to stun Peshawar music scene. “It is very encouraging that we are not alone in promoting the music of Pashto music. There are many who are coming and they are already great names present in the music industry like Sajid and Zeeshan and Haniya and Zeb consider as the musical icons of Pakistan,” Yasir elaborated. splus@nation.com.pk

24 art

show R

ecently, a painting exhibition of two Karachi-based artists, AQ Arif and Farrukh Shahab, was displayed at Ocean Art Galleries, Lahore.

The works of AQ Arif reflected the architectural beauty of the structures whereas Farukh Shahab’s work depicted abstract art showing depth, details and colours. A total of 42 paintings were displayed, providing a lot of variety as both the artists have different styles of painting. The exhibition continued for a week and received an appreciative response from the artist community and media personnel.

Sunday Plus March 11, 2012

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art

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March 11, 2012 Sunday Plus 25

26 art Charity with

colours

Advisor to CM Punjab, Zakia Shah Nawaz, inaugurated the show. Chairperson, Milestone Foundation, Saima Nawaz was also present on the occasion.

Recently, an exhibition of artworks titled ‘Charity with Colours’ was held at the Alhamra Art Gallery in Lahore. The exhibition was organised by the Milestone Foundation, which displayed paintings of a large number of students of various educational institutions, including the National College of Arts (NCA), Beaconhouse National University (BNU) and the Punjab University’s College of Arts and Design (PUCAD).

Advisor to CM Punjab, Zakia Shah Nawaz at Alhamra Arts Council‚ Lahore inaugurated the show. The exhibition showcased the works of young artists, their skills and qualities in the paintings that received much appreciation and encouragement by the visitors, including senior artists and renowned personalities. While talking to Sunday Plus, the Milestone Foundation Chairperson Saima Nawaz stated that the aim of the show was to provide young artists a platform to exhibit their work and interact with the artist community.

Group show by the students of PU, NCA and BNU Sunday Plus March 11, 2012

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34 style

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44 society

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A GLAMOROUS LAUNCH ISLAMABAD: Ayesha and Wardah Launched No .18, the multi designer store and Kidz Outlet. Socialites came in full force to wish them well and take a view of the sprawling new place. Event handled by Rezz Aly Shah of Rezz PR and 2

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1 Neha, Mahnoor, Hajra & Hajraa 6 Noor & Ayesha

Sunday Plus March 11, 2012

2 Saman Ansari & Rezz Aly Shah

7 Zainab & Ayesha

3 Mariam & Sabeen

8 Beena , Samina & Ayesha

4 Tabi , Ayesha & Samar

5 Mr & Mrs Hashim Saeed

9 Fahad & Ali

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10 Natty, Sobia, Ayesha, Kashmala & Farah 15 Sobia, Booshi & Zainab

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11 Abida & Nuzhat

16 Pedro & Betina

12 Zahra & Adnan

17 Sobia Zuha & Sobia Mustapha

13 Amreen, Saima & Eman

14 Pashmina Ali & Reema Aftab

18 Nuzhat, Ambreen , Ayesha & Amina

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19 Salman & Haider 24 Zara & Sara Raza

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20 Ambreen, Aireg & Mehreen 25 Seemi & Sadia

21 Bilal & Umair

22 Sara & Walid

23 Amreen & Azhar

26 Naymal, Neha, Mahnur, Maheen & Amina

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Exclusive ShamaeelSitara Premium Lawn KARACHI:

Shamaeel-Sitara Premium Lawn presented their brand new collection for Spring/Summer 2012 at a launch event at The Palm – Sea View. Available in an extensive range of 17 designs in two colour variations, the collection’s launch event was attended by celebrities and socialites alike. PR was handled by Lotus.

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1 Maheen Khan, Akef Ilyas & Humaima Malick 6 Rukaiya Adamjee

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7 Deepak Perwani

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2 Mr & Mrs Asad Tareen 8 Maheen Khan

3 Shamaeel & Nabila

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4 Nadia Hussain

9 Zahir Rahimtoola 10 Sanna Hussain

5 Mian Anees of Sitara Ltd.

11 Naveed & Irfan

March 11, 2012 Sunday Plus

48 society Couture show KARACHI:

Seema Jafar, an upcoming and innovative designer brand, recently held an extremely well attended and successful exhibition at Raintree Spa in Karachi. The event’s media and PR was managed by Voila PR. 1

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1 Ghazala & Seema Jafar 2 Ayesha & Lubna 3 Afsara & Lal 4 Saira, Shireen Anwar & Nabeeha 5 Hunaina with friends 6 Sarwat 7 Sitara Sunday Plus March 11, 2012

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50 society NABEEL & AQEEL in Capital ISLAMABAD:

Nabeel & Aqeel after winning accolodes in other cities recently showcased their winter collection in the capital city at Modeville.

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1 Mr. & Mrs. Aqeel 2 Aqeel with HE Ambassador Emilian 3 Shahid Qureshi, Nabeel & Chintoo 4 Hania Amir 5 Ahmad 6 Bilal & Usman Tareen 7 Shahid Qureshi & Mr. Wasily 7a Mr. & Mrs. Ehtsham Sunday Plus March 11, 2012

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8 Hina Aqeel, Mrs. Rafia Iftikhar & Mobina Arif 9 Nauman Malik & Junaid 10 Sara & Ali 11 Nauman Malik & Junaid 12 Stephen & Atif 13 Yasir Laghari & Dr. Amir 14 Mrs. Rafia Iftikhar AKA Bitto splus@nation.com.pk

March 11, 2012 Sunday Plus 51

52 society POLO fan club LAHORE:

Cannchi Lugari recently sponsored polo cup at the Polo Club in the city. Polo fans and elite of the city turned up at the event.

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1 James Harper 2 Bukhtawar 3 Saeman 4 Faiz with friend 5 Hasham & Sana 6 Laliab 7 Ali,Sacha & Ali Sunday Plus March 11, 2012

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8 Mr And Mrs Ali 9 Bilal, Sabeena, Salma & Khalid 10 Kamran & Asma 11 QYT & Irum Alam 12 Tahmoor 13 Mr& Mrs Asad Nawaz 14 Hamza & Jugan splus@nation.com.pk

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54 society

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CHESTER BERNARD LAUNCH FAISALABAD: The fashion brand Chester Bernard recently opened a new outlet in the city. The inauguration function was attended by elite of the city 3

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1 Fatima Salehjee, Taimoor & Naeem Mirza 4 Imran Ghafoor

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5 Haseeb, Anwar-ul- Haq & Moazzam Saeed

3 Moazzam Saeed, Taimoor, Muhammad Arif, Muhammad Adrees, Faraz, Fatima & Haseeb 6 Muhammad Adrees & Waheed Sher

7 Zeeshan Noorani & Faraz

8 Haseeb Ahmad, Syed Ali Raza, Kashif Sohail Sheikh, Shakeel Ahmad, Muhammad Arif with a Friend 54 Sunday Plus March 11, 2012

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58 MUSIC

by SADAF PERVEZ

Return of

Uth Records The first season of Uth Records was big. As per the aim to hunt for struggling yet talented artists, then provide them with a professional music platform to let their original work to be seen and heard across Pakistan, all went well last year.

All the participants especially Yasir and Jawad with Wali got kudos for being themselves, experimental and swept the industry with the breath of fresh air.

High expectations are now pinned with the second season that has already started with the first participant, Jarar Malik. His original track ‘Bewafa’ is a song about heartbreak which is dealt in a groovy style. Natasha Humera Ejaz lent her backing vocals as well as bassist Russell D’Souza also contributed. Though the song has received a mixed response, but let’s see how it goes over once it gathers the momentum. In conversation with Jarrar Malik, Sunday Plus talks about his experience, song and future: S+: Which bands have influenced your own personal style?

Malik: As far as western bands are concerned I listen to The Beatles, Bon Jovi, U2, Maroon 5 whereas from Pakistan, Vital Signs, Awaz, Junoon, Noori have influenced me a lot.

S+: How did you become involved in this kind of music?

Malik: I’ve always been playing music, since I was a child. I begged my mom to buy me an acoustic guitar when I was around 8 years old and have yet to put it down! I would listen to all my favorite tapes and CDs and try to figure out the songs Sunday Plus March 11, 2012

and sing along to them at the same time and would watch MTV and try to copy all my favorite singers/bands stage moves.

S+: As an instrumentalist, do the lyrics play any role in your selection or in the way that you treat a song?

Malik: Obviously the lyrics have to follow the mood of the song, but admittedly, for me the melody comes first (on the piano or guitar) and then I try to come up with a few words or phrases for the chorus, and then work backwards from there.

Writing Urdu lyrics is a lot harder for me then writing English lyrics, but I’ve been lucky enough to work with some phenomsplus@nation.com.pk

MUSIC

enal Urdu lyricists.

S+: You have already recorded your own album at home. The very first time, on your way to the recording studio, what was going through your mind?

Malik: Well, being a producer and multi- instrumentalist myself, I was a bit curious as how it would be working with other producers and musicians as the luxury (and curse!) of being used to doing it all on your own is that you are not used to on the spot feedback and collaborative idea sharing. On top of that, knowing that the iconic Louis J ‘Gumby’ Pinto would be producing AND playing on my track did intimidate me (as I’d never met him before).

S+: How was the experience of recording in a studio?

Malik: I’ve been recording in studios here in the United States for years and am comfortable in a studio environment.

However, having cameras on you in the studio was totally new to me! Very cool, but also nerve wracking in the beginning... but then you forget they are there and get to work. LJP Studios is an awesome facility, and one of the finest studios I’ve had the chance to record in. splus@nation.com.pk

S+: Why did you choose this song?

Tell about its lyrics and composition…

Malik: I chose this song because it’s a simple, yet catchy song. Thematically it is about perhaps a breakup or heartbreak everyone has gone through or dealt with at some point in life. I have different genres of songs on my album, from rock to pop, and felt this would be widely accessible as it is a pop song. Lyrics were written with the help of the talented Sami Khan in Lahore and I had sent him a rough draft through email and he fleshed it out in a day and it fit the song perfectly. Composition wise it uses one of my favorite rock and roll chord progressions. Initially the song was a heavier, rock number, but after we jammed on it we thought it’d be much more exciting to make it funkier! The version of the song on my album sounds different, which is cool because it shows how a song can be played in multiple genres.

S+: Working with the professionals, how has this helped you to understand your own music and take it to the next level?

Malik: It was such an honor working with all the professional of this calibre!

From the audio to video team, they really are the best in Pakistan and I was just in

awe of their work ethic, approach, and vast knowledge. There’s an old phrase “you learn something new every day”, well, I learned something new every minute and it was totally worth it. Gumby is undoubtedly one of the best musicians I have ever seen in my life, and Russell is probably one the tightest bass players. I just wanted to literally take out a pen and paper and start taking notes J Since that would have looked weird, I tried to keep my ears and eyes open at all time and soak in all the knowledge.

S+: What is next for you in the pipeline?

Malik: I just shot my debut music video for my song “Jaag”, which is a cutting edge, action packed rock song. I sang and played all the guitars, drums, bass and keyboards and it was mastered by Shahi Hasan. The video stars myself alongside famous model/VJ Syra Yousaf and was directed by the very talented Bilal Khan and Shayan Agha. I think the video looks like nothing ever before seen in our industry, so we have high hopes for it. The video of the song will be released shortly. I will also be releasing more singles off my album, and of courses there are lots of concerts in the pipeline.

March 11, 2012 Sunday Plus 59

60 zodiac

by dr. zaibun nisa

Aries The Ram (21 March to 19 April) Cardinal, positive, male, fire, planet: Mars, colors: red and white, gem: Diamond, day: Tuesday With Mercury retrograde from March 12th till April 4th, communication errors, forgotten appointments, writing mishaps, computer problems, work disruptions, delays in traveling or electronic gadgets malfunctioning may become rampant. Avoid buying computers, cars or signing new contracts during this period. Venus conjunct lucky Jupiter will bestow monetary gains. Financial dealings will be far more lucrative on the 12th as compared to the 11th. Study, travel, overseas interests and religious pursuits will be auspicious on the 13th-14th. Career prospects look promising on the 16th-17th than the 15th. Avoid social gatherings on the 18th. The 17th evening will fare better in terms of social outings. Past health issues may erupt. Health will be delicate from the 15th-17th.

Taurus The Bull (20April – 20 May) Fixed, negative, earth, female, planet: Venus, colors: greens and browns, gem: Emerald & Sapphire, day: Friday Mercury in retrogression from March 12th onward will place a stumbling block in matters related to love, creativity and children. Avoid financial speculation or monetary risks. Striking improvements in your demeanor, your approach to life, your mannerism and your stance are expected. Venus in your sign will bestow luck, success, prominence and even fame.

Relationships will be fruitful on the 12th as compared to the 11th. Financial fluctuation is expected on the 13th-14th. Matters concerning long-distance travel, living and working abroad or emigration, spirituality and higher education may crop up from the 15th-17th. Career hurdles are expected on the 17th evening after 9pm and the 18th. Neck, throat, hips, thighs and kidneys may be vulnerable on the 11th-12th and 18th.

Gemini The Twins (21 May – 20 June) Mutable, positive, air, male, planet: Mercury, colors: yellow, gem: Agate, Day: Wednesday Due to retrograde Mercury till April 4th, learning difficulties, nervousness, fickleness and lack of organization will be evident. Your ruler, Mercury in retrograde motion from March 12th will lead to scattered mental energies, unpredictable outcome of events, confused frame of mind and unsettling domestic circumstances. Avoid implementing drastic changes in your family setup or at home. Clandestine love interests are indicated. Carry out matters concerning your job, service and employment on the 12th and not on the 11th. Your spouse, partner or long term associates will be a pillar of strength on the 13th-14th. Monetary gains may accrue on the 16th-17th and losses are expected on the 15th.

Travel, religious and learning difficulties are inevitable on the 18th. Health will be vulnerable on the 13th-14th.

Cancer The Crab (21 June- 22 July) Cardinal, negative, water, female, planet: Moon, colors: white and silver, gem: Pearls and moonstones, day: Monday Mercury turning retrograde on the 12th may cause a turbulent relationship with your siblings, cousins and neighbors; disrupt traveling plans and lead to communication problems. Be wary of secret enemies during the retrograde period. The Moon will be in its last quarter from the 15th onward – an indicator of fading energy. Finish pending projects, reflect on things and retreat into the background this week.

Avoid major decisions during the void-of-course Moon on the 11th from 8:09 am till 10:24 am; the 12th from 11:30 pm till the 13th at 11:53 am; the 15th from 12:34 pm till 3:24 pm and the 17th from 6 pm till 9:11 pm. Handle matters concerning love, children and sports on the 12th as compared to the 11th. Speculation gains are likely on the 12th and not on the 11th. Job related improvements are likely on the 13th-14th.

Leo The lion (23 July – 22 August) Fixed, positive, fire, male, planet: Sun, colors: gold and orange, gem: Ruby, day: Sunday.

Retrograde Mercury will adversely influence your friendship circle – avoid major rifts and shifts in connection with your friendships. It also warrants financial budgeting. Avoid making major purchases or any significant financial undertaking from March 12th till April 4th. Career success is inevitable. Handle family matters on the 12th and not on the 11th. Matters related to romance, children, creative expression, sports, recreation, gambling and speculation are positively highlighted on the 13th-14th. Work-related improvements are likely on the 16th-17th Arguments with colleagues or employees or employer are highlighted on the 15th. Relationships, marriages and business partnerships will be turbulent on the 17th evening and 18th. Health will be vulnerable on the 11th-12th and 18th.

Virgo The Virgin (23 August – 22 September) Mutable, negative, earth, female, planet: Mercury, colors: navy and neutrals, gem: Peridot & Jade, day: Wednesday.

With your ruler, Mercury becoming retrograde from the 12th onward, confusion regarding personal matters and career direction will prevail.

Avoid drastic changes in your professional or personal life. Venus conjunct Jupiter will bestow huge financial windfalls and sudden wealth but you will also exhibit financial rashness and impulsiveness. Traveling and dealing with siblings will be lucrative on the 12th and not on the 11th.

Family matters will be auspicious on the 13th14th. Romance, children, leisure and pleasure seeking activities are indicated on the 16th-17th. Avoid them on the 15th. Speculation gains are also likely on the 16th-17th as compared to the 15th. Speech complaints, hands, arms and shoulder pains and nervous strain are likely on the 13th-14th.

Sunday Plus March 04, 2012

splus@nation.com.pk

zodiac

Libra The Scales (23 September – 22 October) Cardinal, positive, air, male, planet: Venus, colors: blues and pastels, gem: Sapphire, Jade & Opal, day: Friday.

With retrograde Mercury from the 12th onward, disruptive travel plans, mishaps related to foreign lands or overseas connections and spiritual shake-ups are likely. Charitable activities will also experience glitches. Solitude may become a source of fear or confusion. Losses may be incurred at some level. It may also trigger sad events, captivity, imprisonment and persecution. Your ruler close to fortunate Jupiter will bestow inheritances, estates, royalties, trust funds, insurance payments, gifts, etc. Carry our financial transaction on the 12th and not on the 11th. Siblings, close relatives and traveling will become fundamental on the 13th-14th. Positive changes in your family dynamics are likely on the 16th-17th. Difficulty in romance, children and loss in speculation are indicated on the 18th. Health will be delicate from the 15th-17th.

Scorpio The Scorpion (23 October – 21 November) Fixed, negative, water, female, planet: Pluto, colors: dark reds and black, gem Red Coral, Opal, day: Tuesday.

With your social planet turning retrograde on the 12th, social activities may suffer or perhaps unfulfilled aspirations may overwhelm you.

Delay in investments and outside capital; joint finance issues and tax concerns may crop up.

Losses may be incurred at some level or issues of after-life may haunt you. Joint projects, new collaborative efforts, business partnerships, long-term romantic relationships, even marriages are likely. Your personal power will be at its peak on the 11th-12th. Financial fluctuation is expected on the 13th-14th. Matters related to literary activities, writing, traveling, siblings, cousins or neighbors will be far more favorable on the 16th-17th as compared to the 15th.

Family issues will be difficult on the 18th. Stomach, throat, lungs, arms, shoulders and nervous system will be vulnerable especially on the 17th evening and 18th.

Aquarius The Water Bearer (20 January – 18 February) Fixed, positive, air, male, planet: Uranus, colors: electric blue, gem: Amethyst, black Pearl & Opal, day: Saturday.

With Mercury retrograde from the 12th onward, superficial love attachments will dwindle. Leisure and fun-seeking activities may also suffer. Issues regarding children may also crop up. Matters related to joint finances, investments, debts, loans and taxes may experience delays and turbulence till April 4th. You can build your home now. Parent figures will play a positive role in your life. You will be entertaining from home – even renovating your home, improving its aesthetics. Career matters will be far more favorable on the 12th as compared to the 11th. Social gatherings, friends and new acquaintances are likely on the 13th-14th. Spirituality, solitude, meditation and yoga are positively highlighted from the 15th-17th. Your personal power will be heightened on the 17th evening, 18th-19th.

Health will suffer from the 15th onward as the Moon is waning and also on the 11th-12th.

Sagittarius The Archer (22 November – 21 December) Mutable, positive, fire, male, planet: Jupiter, colors: purple and blue, gem: Turquoise, day: Thursday.

With your career planet turning retrograde from the 12th onward, career prospects may slow down and interrupted professional pattern may be experienced. Misunderstandings in relationships, significant partnerships, close friendships and marriages may emerge with the possibility of a break-up. Influential friends will offer assistance. You may also fall head over heels in love.

You will find luck and many opportunities of work this week. Your personal power and vitality will be at it peak on the 13th-14th. Losses may be incurred on the 11th. Monetary benefits may accrue on the 16th-17th and less likely on the 15th. Traveling, siblings and interaction with others may be filled with complexities and problems on the 18th. Weight gain is a possibility.

Pisces The Fish (19 February – 20 March) Mutable, negative, water, female, planet: Neptune, colors: sea green and lavender, gem: Aquamarine & Emerald, day: Thursday With Mercury turning retrograde on the 12th, fears or misunderstandings may cloud your existing relationship or marriage. You will face difficulty in interacting with your family members. Exercise restraint in the aforementioned issues till April 4th. Good educational opportunities, publishing, traveling, joy from siblings will happen this week. The 11th-12th will promote foreign ventures, higher education and spirituality. Career favors are likely on the 13th-4th. You will be sociable, craving excitement, parties and social gatherings from the 15th till the 17th evening. Fears, phobias and losses are likely on the 18th. Health will be delicate on the 13th-14th.

Capricorn The Goat (22 December – 19 January) Cardinal, negative, earth, female, planet: Saturn, colors: dark green and brown, gem: Diamond & black Onyx, day: Saturday.

With your travel planet retrograde after the 12th, travel delays, difficulties in dealing with overseas elements, spiritual misapprehensions or education mishaps may become a norm. Retrograde Mercury will also negatively influence job-related matters, employment scenario, your work-relationship with colleagues or simply your working environment. You will be investing in your children and spending on leisure activities.

The field of creative arts, commercial property, stocks, art and entertainment will be lucrative this week. Social connections are positively highlighted on the 12th as compared to the 11th. Solitude, spirituality and large institutions such as hospitals, charitable organizations and prisons are indicated on the 13th-14th. Your personal power for accomplishment will be at its peak from the 15th-17th. Avoid financial dealings on the 17th evening and the 18th. Past diseases will revisit you.

splus@nation.com.pk

March 04, 2012 Sunday Plus 61

62 picks of the week We at Sunday Plus are sharing our exclusive recommendations with all our readers.

Read on for the best buys, the trendiest brands and the most enticing eateries that you need to know about. We slog through the jungle to bring you the hippest happenings and must-have information, right here in your copy of Sunday Plus: your essential weekend luxury.

Kamal Lawn by Élan

The Kate Moss Red Searching for that perfect red lipstick, the deep yet not-so-bright and just perfect red!

Your search ends here. Supermodel Kate Moss has brought forth her first ever lipstick collection for Rimmel London, one of the world’s leading cosmetic brands. Featuring a selection of fashion-forward shades, the Lipstick Collection is a true must-have for every girl who doesn’t leave home without her lipstick.

With a breakthrough formula featuring the exclusive black diamond pigment complex, these lipsticks reflect like never before creating gorgeous tones that make you head-turners. Kate Moss’s collection contains 7 shades, including the one red you just must have.

The Kate Moss collection by Rimmel London is distributed in Pakistan by Riazu Pakistan, and is available at all leading stores.

Great Designs, & Affordable

A one-stop solution for the purchase of home, office, kitchen and garden furnishings and accessories. They stock modern, contemporary designs that will brighten up your home.

Their merchandisers procure some of the best designs and materials from around the world and bring them under one roof. A complete range of furniture, bedding, textile, crockery, gift and decoration, electronics and many more.

Mahnoush by Arjumand Rahim

Location: Tipu Sultan Road, NIPA Chawrangi, Khaliq-u-Zamaan Road, Khayaban-eShahbaz, Zamzama - The Children’s Home Store. Karachi, Pakistan.

Textile house Kamal Limited, known for state of the art quality in cloth and printing has joined hands with Khadijah Shah of Élan who brings with her, her signature aesthetic that is manifest in her elegant prêt and couture wear. Being launched nationwide with an exhibition at PFDC Mall One in Lahore from 13 to 15 March 201.

Kamal Lawn by Élan is also being exhibited in Karachi and Faisalabad on 14 March and Islamabad on 15 March; at Imperial Garden in Karachi, Dynasty in Faisalabad and Kapas in Islamabad.

Kamal Lawn by Élan offers a diversity of design options with fabric uniquely printed to allow for multiple stitching options through the print. We at Sunday Plus can’t wait for the 13th!

Sunday Plus March 11, 2012

Mahnoush Lawn by Arjumand Rahim will be available across Pakistan from March 13, 2012 onwards at all leading stockist. The brand has fast gained renown for exceptional fabric quality and inspired design sensibility. The brand’s ethos concentrates on the inherent strength and variability of design, negating the concept of mediocre design augmented by extra additions. Don’t forget to get your hand on the lovely prints! splus@nation.com.pk