Waheed recently showcased at the NY Now tradeshow, which took place from August 16 till 19. PHOTOS: MAHBINA WAHEED
With the hopes of preserving the art of making pottery, Mahbina Waheed of Clayworks is ready to launch her latest collection. Bringing forth a new range every season, she is now gearing up to reveal the line she created over the summer for the upcoming fall season. Attempting to “add beauty to the lives of the clients,” Waheed tells us about how her ranges are simplistic and relatable.
“What we make has to be aesthetically beautiful, novel and our clients should feel good just by looking at the products,” said Waheed, who is based in Lahore. She has also introduced Anjum Alix Noon, an artist who will design for Claywork’s upcoming collection. Until now, Waheed had designed every collection on her own, reflecting all that she loves. The range designed by Noon will feature as part of Clayworks’ offerings from this month. There are three new collections, comprising ikat hues and shades, bicycles and Sufi dervish and calligraphy patterns. “Everything we make carries a bit of Pakistan in it.”
As the name suggests, the Ikat collection features ikat motifs and colours, a mix-and-match of shades such as blue, sea green, red and a few warm autumn tones. “This is a diverse range that can be used with any of our older ikat patterns or the ikat range we made earlier with Khaadi Home,” explained Waheed. Describing her bicycle range as “bright, bold and striking,” Waheed shared how these are some of her most popular products. The Sufi dervish and calligraphy patterns, symbolising the “soul, heart and mind,” emphasise on the deep-rooted Sufism in our culture.
A frequent traveller, Waheed shared how she was invited to the Big Apple to attend the NY Now tradeshow, which took place from August 16 till 19. “In order to diversify the product range and grow one’s business, a company must make their international presence felt,” she noted. Showcasing housewares and gift items at the fair, Waheed recalled that a visitor excitedly told her she had purchased a few clay mugs from her shop back home. “We love such personal feedback from our clients.” She also underlined the importance of being a dominant player in the American market. In addition to this, Clayworks exhibited at another annual international showcase, the Ambiente trade fair in Germany this February.
In the near future, Waheed said she will “bring out lamps, vases, ceramic trays and tables. We will also design some amazing products to match our current items.” She explained how Clayworks items are given as gifts across the world. Referring to this as a “wonderful moment” for her, Waheed hopes to continue expanding operations by opening more shops and upping online sales.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 11th, 2015.
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