West meets East: Ajrak dresses and embroidered kotis

Paul Smith isn’t the only designer who has taken a liking to our style

Paul Smith isn’t the only brand who has taken a liking to our style. PHOTO FILE

KARACHI:
In recent times, we have witnessed western fashion taking inspiration from the east. Sometimes, it's a lot more than just inspiration and people end up paying a hefty price for replicas of our local products  -- remember the outrage that followed Paul Smith’s sale of the Peshawari chappals for a jaw-dropping price of £300?

PHOTO BLOGS.WSJ


From Paul Smith back to the Khans: Abbottabad brings out ‘Imran’ chappal to push sales

But Paul Smith isn’t the only designer/brand who has taken a liking to our eastern style. Here are some other fashion trends in the west that have taken inspiration from us:

Forever 21 picked up inspiration not just from Pakistan, but from Sindhis in particular, with its own take on ajrak.

PHOTO TWITTER/PINTEREST


Remember Hulk's ajrak? Meet the Pakistani photographer who gifted it to him

Pakistanis took Twitter by storm after the brand showcased their ajrak collection:





While some of thee products like the ajrak dress seem tasteful, Urban outfitters went a tab bit far and created cringe-worthy products.

PHOTO TWITTER






The koti aka embroidered waist coat has not only come back in style in Pakistan, but is now on sale for $19.99 at Zara.

PHOTO ZARA


PHOTO: EBAY


 

Earlier, international design houses mimicked our local dress, shalwar kameez – something Pakistanis have been donning since the Mughal era.

Renowned designers and Hollywood celebrities started wearing “dress over pants"; a look which was received with open arms due to its perfect combination of comfort and style.

'Dress over pants': Rest of the world finally catches on to Shalwar kameez trend

PHOTO FILE


One can now purchase a standard kameez from H&M for just $29.99. However, just as lawn prints drain our wallets in Pakistan, printed dresses are about double the price at $49.99!

PHOTO H&M


Who knows, Americans might have to contend with lawn sales as well next year. In which case, Good luck!

PHOTO SUNDAYTIMES
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