The House of Ensemble was born at 76 Clifton — right next to the The Lyceum School — five years ago. Almost two years back, it was relocated near the Kuwait Consulate in Clifton, with the hot and happening Xander’s café outside. On Thursday, the owners celebrated five years of bringing the biggest names in fashion from Pakistan and India to its clients.
At the event, owner Zeba Husain recalled how the boutique came into being. “I was involved with the Teachers Resource Centre (TRC) Carnival Couture where Indian and Pakistani designers would showcase their collection,” she said, adding that Indian designer Tarun Tahiliani suggested the idea of this store to her daughter Shehrnaz while she was still at college. “That’s how The House of Ensemble was born here in Pakistan,” she said with pride.
When the Husains launched this venture in Karachi, they had started off with 12 designers. Today, five years down the road, their business has expanded to Lahore and most recently Dubai, with 50 designers to boast and a concept store One at Dolmen City Mall.
Husain also said that at the time of the initial launch, she had urged the big names of the fashion industry to start dabbling in prêt wear. “SanaSafinaz launched their export line with us, Umar Sayeed started his pret with us and Shamaeel Ansari re-joined the folds of fashion once again and re-launched her name with this retail store,” she said.
“It’s unbelievable. It’s too good to be true. It seems like yesterday we opened up our first store at 76 Clifton,” said Husain.
Guests frolicked about as tea was served. Later, they regrouped at Xander’s to nibble on some Red Velvet cupcakes and thin crust pizzas. Spotted at the event were fashion designers Maheen Karim, Sania Maskatiya and actor Ayesha Khan.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 2nd, 2012.
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