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.WSJFrom 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/PINTERESTRemember Hulk's ajrak? Meet the Pakistani photographer who gifted it to him
Pakistanis took Twitter by storm after the brand showcased their ajrak collection:
@Moiz @tubakhalid @msarosh @farmans_ @ImZeesh forever 21 did one whole line on Ajrak last year.
— Niha Dagia (@nhd00) August 9, 2015
Ajrak short skirts Made in #China @Forever21 !! |#Ajrak #Pakistan #Sindh pic.twitter.com/T1M2ALExsJ
— Kulsoom Ali Syed (@kasyed) May 23, 2015
@forever21 Pakistani Ajrak pattern in #USA http://t.co/ilJwoqrUnA
— Aiza Irfan (@Ayezairfan) July 14, 2015
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@Rabail26 @MonaKhan123 @Forever21 I'm outraged by this Ajrak bikini from Urban Outfitters pic.twitter.com/KodRBJX23e
— Sanam Maher (@SanamMKhi) March 10, 2014
Ajrak bikini - I mean seriously, Urban Outfitters! http://t.co/GNm0eKTc9S via @SanamMKhi
— Yusra Askari (@YusraSAskari) March 13, 2014
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: EBAYEarlier, 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 FILEOne 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&MWho knows, Americans might have to contend with lawn sales as well next year. In which case, Good luck!
PHOTO SUNDAYTIMES
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ