The ballet collection

In conversation with designer Seher Tareen and jewellery designer Zohra Rehman, on their successful collaboration for the Studio S fashion show in Lahore



What was the inspiration behind the collection?

This luxury pret collection was inspired by the complex world of the ballet.  Swan Lake by Tchaikovsky, Russian royal jewels, and the dreamy ballet paintings of Edgar Degas are in special focus.

What was your favourite piece from the ballet collection?

The Degas sari and the Odette jacket — the last was
the showstopper.

How long did it take to put the collection together?

I started working on the collection in November, so it took me about six months to complete it.



Who collaborated with you for the models’ makeup and hair and did you have a specific look in mind for them?

Redah Misbah’s salon did an amazing job with the specific look that I had in mind. I wanted the models to have a simple ballet bun and strong dramatic eyes with feather eyelashes!

How was your experience of collaborating with Zohra Rahman?

I’ve actually always been a fan of Zohra’s jewellery and I think it is designed for strong, powerful women. Since the collection is inspired by Dark Ballet, I thought her strong and edgy pieces would be a perfect fit.

What was your favourite piece in Zohra’s collection?

The Swan hairpins and the handcuffs (that could be used as a weapon).

What do you to do to calm your nerves before a show?

I definitely get nervous but I try to stay away from backstage and let my team handle it.

What are some essential items you wouldn’t leave your house without on the day of the show?

My cellphone, a tiny pair of scissors and a lipstick need to be in my purse at all times!



How was the experience of collaborating with Seher Tareen?

Seher has been a previous client of mine and she admired my work, and when she asked me to collaborate with her, I couldn’t say no.

What was your favourite piece from your collection?

The choker with a lot of crystal links as rings is my favourite piece; I have yet to name it though!

How can your pieces be worn off the runway?

The pieces I’ve designed are definitely functional. The headgear can be used to tie up buns as well; they are still statement pieces. People aren’t that open to wearing headgear, but it is a trend that’s growing!



What was your favourite piece from Seher’s collection?

The berry statment Sari was my favourite look and something that I would wear from the collection.

What do you do to calm your nerves before a show?

I get very nervous and stressed before a show. Stress can be paralysing, so I just always make a mental note to relax.

What are some essential items you wouldn’t leave your house without on the day of the show?

Polishing cloth to remove fingerprints off the jewellery, pliers, my cellphone, clasps and trays.