Designer wear for little fashionistas

Designer Sara Shahid takes a step ahead by launching a separate label for teens and toddlers.

LAHORE: Are you ready to make your daughters shine and sparkle this summer? It seems that designer Sara Shahid has the perfect destination in store for you — Sublime Sparkles. Shahid’s latest label entails exclusive range of designs for children aged between three to 13 is all about translating Sublime’s simple and minimalistic aesthetics to kids wear. Unlike other designers, The Sublime Sparkles label includes a combination of both Eastern and Western wear for young girls in a variety of materials. From floral summer dresses and jumpsuits to shalwar kameezes in pure chiffon and jamawars, the label offers exclusive and limited edition designs for little ones.

In keeping with Sublime’s aesthetic of clean cuts and minimal lines, Sublime Sparkles is an extension of the brand’s design ethos. “It is a very different market,” says Shahid. “Even though it is children’s wear, the clothes are still not for the masses, rather they cater to a niche market.” Considering her experiencing of facing a lack of good children’s wear in the country, Shahid shares that she has been catering to her needs pretty much herself. “I have a daughter and when I am in Pakistan I am constantly in search for something nice for her. However, inevitably, I end up making her something on my own,” she claims.



With trends on a rise on social media and television being far more fashion forward than it was in the ’90s, younger girls are much more aware of trends, colors and what cuts will work for them. It is important that in this day and age, these little style-stuck girls are treated as having a sense of fashion of their own. Long gone are the days when the mothers’ choice was good enough. “It is true that girls nowadays are much more aware and so I have had to design outfits that are girly, sophisticated, fun but at the same time, do not let go of their innocence at that age.”

Talking about her collection, Shahid emphasises, “White basics are the most expensive throughout the world. We have such fantastic cotton available here and hence I have utilised it to create tunics and shift dresses. Also, it is important to understand that some people are more conscious and do not want girls after the age of seven to wear knee-length dresses so I am trying to ensure that the lengths are such that the dresses can be worn both with or without leggings,” she adds.

With each design only available in a maximum of 10 pieces including size variations, the label’s capsule collection will keep on morphing throughout the summer with new designs coming out after a short while. The regular collection is priced from Rs2,500 to up to Rs12,000 for the formal range whereas the Eid collection will be priced between Rs5,000 and Rs6,000

It is obvious that Shahid is working really hard towards making Sublime a one-stop shop for her clients. Now, at her studio, one has access to not just her prêt line but also her formals and the new and colourful children’s wear.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 3^rd, 2013.

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