AIFD student’s thesis display

The Asian Institute of Fashion and Design is running a special display of thesis designs at the Expo Centre.

KARACHI: The Asian Institute of Fashion Design (AIFD) held a thesis display for their graduating class of 2010 on February 19. The thesis display that started on Saturday morning at the Karachi Expo Center is open for the general public and the exhibit will continue till February 20.

Twenty-four students from the textile designing group displayed their work which was part of their final thesis. The art forms included extensive work, with bedroom sets, baby bed-set, upholstery items, dining table sets and many more.

The students have taken inspiration from architectural giants, different cultures, cartoon characters, extra-terrestrial objects and ecological systems.

Some of the best work, was that of inspiring designer, Fatima Hasan Ali, who used the title under Suzani Embroidery and Moraccan Tiles. The theme focused on a fusion of Uzbek and Moroccan culture, “Working with different fabrics, such as suede, cotton jute, incorporated embroidery as well as appliqué work,” said Ali.

While Ali drew inspiration from ethnic fusion Rabia Lakhani drew art from anime. “Inspiration came from cartoon characters like ‘Smurfs’, ‘Tele-Tubbies’ and the movie ET,” she said.  The designer felt that the response to her theme Extra-terrestrial, was appreciated by the viewers as many orders came through.

Another student, Shajia Majid took inspiration for bed sets for young kids and claims that her “inspiration came from board games like Snakes and Ladder, Ludo and CandyLand,” as she played with vibrant colours on cotton and cotton satin. Mehwish  Jawed too took on similar hues with her concept to revive a baby’s bedroom.  Titled Candy with Fusion of Puzzle, Jawed played with pastel colours on suede and cotton satin.

Hudebiya Anwar took a more of a spiritual turn as she drew motivation from her visit to Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi while Mehad Akhtar spread the ecological message of trees and recycling.

Moreover, the thesis display  was an interesting mix of fusion themes that brought out unique concepts and showcased the potential talent and growth of young Pakistani designers.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 20^th, 2011.