Enveloped in outerwear

Shehla Chatoor talks about her signature jackets and the design aesthetics behind her collections.

KARACHI:

Shehla Chatoor believes in diversity. Be it in Eastern collections or Western wear, the designer believes jackets and other accessories provide consumers with an option to improvise outfits.

Boasting intricate embroideries and meticulously detailed embellishments like metal, appliquéd and woven leather, the jackets are multipurpose. Asserting that her cover-ups aren’t all winter-specific, she clarifies, “My collection is versatile enough to be worn at weddings, parties and even to red carpet events. Most of our jackets are all-season, apart from a few with fur and extensive leather details, which are winter-specific. But even with those, the fur collar can be detached and worn throughout the year.”



Having been designing Eastern jackets and capes for a couple of years now, it was her acclaimed luxury prêt collection ‘Soigne’ that made ‘Jackets by Shehla’ a happening trend.

A growing demand was the reason behind the collection of jackets, she says, “Our ‘Samsara’ capes and jackets have been hot favourites with celebrities and socialites alike. Most recently our ‘Misaki’ collection which featured cutwork and exquisite leather-basket weave jackets have had orders flooding in.”

Chatoor’s design house holds a collection of capes, jackets, crop jackets and embellished trench coats.

With local designers rarely tapping into this niche market, Chatoor aims to set a trend that exudes a timeless edge, “Our embroidered jackets are heirlooms and booked as must-haves for all upcoming wedding trousseau. Our outerwear has become a hot favourite for all fashionistas within Pakistan and abroad as unique statement pieces,” she says confidently.

Recounting her austere textile preferences, Chatoor says luxurious long-lasting fabrics are her collection staple, “I primarily use silks which I can print, dye, mould and embellish to my liking. I use leather quilting, braiding and weaving techniques along with fur. There’s also an extensive use of metal and elaborate techniques to make our jackets stand out.”



She says her surroundings are driving forces, “from places I travel to and books I read, to movies I watch. The inspiration for the jackets in ‘Misaki’ was derived from Samurai warrior armour and Japanese Byobu prints.”

The amalgamation of lush prints, elaborate embroideries and specialised techniques make her outerwear distinctive. On her devotion for crafting unique outerwear, the designer shares, “We have a lot of creative artisans and I love to create something different with them. I get a sense of pride when our clients wear them in international events and people can’t believe such craft and workmanship exists in Pakistan.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 6^th,  2015.

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