KARACHI: Handmade, a brand specialising in handmade craft, launched its first outlet on February 24 at the 27th Street Tauheed Commercial Area in Karachi. The shop features household and fashion accessories and what sets them apart is not just the streak of aesthetics and creativity but also the fact that all the product offerings are handmade, reflecting the works of former graduates of Indus Valley School of Arts and Architecture (IVSAA).
Although the five graduates of IVS, who have made the products for the designer craft shop, are completely involved in the project, the main person behind Handmade is Imrana Shahryar who formulated the entire master plan for the brand.
Shahryar, who has been working as window-blinds designer for some time now, took up the initiative after her husband’s insistence. When asked about her motivation behind the project, Shahryar revealed it was the idea to “promote the young students of IVS and the young talent that’s in them.”
How would Shahryar define this project and she says, “It is a step towards creating a balance between creativity and a good business plan.”
For Handmade, Shahryar’s contribution comes in the form of innovative window-blinds incorporating unique materials like cotton thread and grass.
Talking to The Express Tribune about the works that the graduates have been doing for Handmade, Shahryar said: “Madiha Raza has done handbags, cushions, hammock and floor ceilings which are all handmade. Ghazal Pirzada has designed notebooks. Hatim Soni has made upholstery and window covering and Behjat Mujahid has designed paper mache jewellery.”
Ghazal Pirzada shared her experience of working for Handmade, saying, “It was good to see my work at the shop. Before, I was freelancing. I have made stationery and creative textiles like cushions.”
Creative genius needs to be discovered for there is no dearth of young talent in Pakistan. However, the country does not have enough platforms to promote its artists and Handmade is an attempt to fill the gap.
Budding designer Madiha Raza said: “I feel very proud of the fact that I am now involved in this joint venture with the people I know.”
Hatim Soni said: “My working experience has been great with Imrana Shahryar. I will be taking upholstery orders which include everything as far as the interior spaces are concerned. Previously, I was doing a job but now I am completely involved with this project.”
Handmade is also supporting the environmental concerns. “Most of the products are made by recycling the actual products,” informs Shahryar. While most of the products are handmade and easily available, some of them can also be made to order, enabling customisation.
Guests at the event included textile designer Shenaz Ismail, writer Nasreen Askari and fashion designers Maheen Khan, Adnan Pardesy, Nida Azwer and Wardah Saleem.
Talking about the products, Maheen Khan said: “I love it. I was looking for a tray and I bought it. More young designers should go for it, such creative designing [is the need of the time].”
From casual accessories, which can find their place in homes that reflects creativity, to fashion accessories for young girls and small notebooks for the real writer in you, Handmade brings an assortment of various products sharing the trait of creativity in common.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 26th, 2011.
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