The CEO and Creative Artistic Director of TONI&GUY South Pakistan, gives us a tour of her state-of-the-art flagship salon– a true haven tucked away on a bustling street in Karachi
T ONI&GUY South Pakistan’s flagship salon is a quiet sanctuary, which resides on an energetic Karachi street. Pristine white walls, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, a lush green landscape and a serene fishpond greet us as we walk inside the gate. The tranquil atmosphere makes us feel calm, which is imperative to truly enjoy a salon experience. Our charming host, Saeeda Mandviwalla, welcomes us in and makes us comfortable in her state-of-the-art salon.
The space is minimalistic and Zen; the architecture primarily focuses on clean, modern lines while the interiors are tastefully done using contemporary, monochromatic furniture and the walls adorned with beautiful artwork are seen in various parts of the salon. Mandviwalla tells us that the international design team at Toni&Guy London and herself were behind the interior design. “Our interiors have to look somewhat the same all over the world. However ours is truly unique. We have spared no expense on the interiors and the exteriors, which give a skyline effect. I think the high-quality experience, consistency and care that you get at TONI&GUY can truly transport you,” says Mandviwalla.
While it was essential for Mandviwalla to follow set guidelines given by TONI&GUY, she took it a step further and created a world-class salon space, which is regarded as the largest TONI&GUY salon in the world. She shares: “We have been called ‘mini Harrods’ by the press and the results have only gotten better over the last 10 years.”
But Mandviwalla’s favourite space is not just a remarkable attraction; she also has some extremely special memories in this corner. “When I opened the salon this was where my family and friends came to wish me luck. I remember having coffee with them and admiring the art in the salon,” she recalls. She also tells us that the area, which she loves the most in this space, is her art corner and desk. “It gives me the freedom to see and hear all my clients at the salon and it is also where some of my favourite pieces reside – that being my paintings. I actually wanted to be an artist but I chose my profession through a career guidance book with my eyes closed,” she laughs. The salon is also home to some sentimental pieces such as the Venetian mask and porcelain doll, which have been given to Mandviwalla by her mother. We examine the exotic mask and doll on display, which artfully rests on a display stand, noticing how fabulously it adds colour and character to the salon space.
The salon has the perfect balance of modernism and charm and we are quick to ask Mandviwalla where her inspiration came from. She answers: “The inspiration came from looking at my walls and making sure that when one looks at the walls, it feels calm and soothing. Hence, I have placed different artworks which in turn makes the space resemble a mini gallery.”
Mandviwalla’s workspace provides the same comfort that a home would due to the charming details and personal touches Mandviwalla has incorporated; however, it is contemporary, world-class and truly a spectacular salon space. We leave thinking that though we came here expecting an impressive salon; we leave having learnt it is so much more!
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