Three decades later

Hira Lari’s lawn collection opened for the general public on April 17 at Imperial.

KARACHI:

Hira Lari’s lawn collection opened for the general public on Sunday, April 17 at Imperial, Two Swords, Karachi, after launching launched at a local hotel on April 8. Priced between Rs2,550 and R 2,950, the collection is being sold under Afroze Textiles, a brand known for apparels and home textiles.

Afroze Textiles has a 32 year history, and today, following the footsteps of her grandfather and father, Hira Lari took her place within the established family business.

“I graduated from London College of Fashion in July 2010, but I used to work with my father in his company, where it all started,” said Hira. “Lawn was often thought of as a casual wear because of Karachi’s hot weather. But now, with the lawn season in full spring, it is being considered an evening wear.”

Hira wants to offer women a wearable product, with playful prints to mix and match.

“Hira Lari has been involved with the company for the past few years. For six weeks she has been working hard, trying to bring forth her own lawn collection. This is our third generation coming into this business, and we are proud of it,” said Feroze Alam Lari, Hira’s father and president of Afroze Textiles.

Hira Lari Lawn Collection 2011 features safari designs, vintage cuts, ethnic motifs, butterflies and floral prints with vibrant hues of pink, yellow, tropical blue, earthy brown, sunny orange and rust. But despite the bright palette, Hira’s collection seemed a bit weak when compared to other recently debuted designers.

And the gaudy accessories by Behjat Mujahid did the outfits no justice.

Hira is quick to acknowledge the works of her contemporaries. “Junaid Jamshed and Nomi Ansari offered good prints and various designs this season,” she said.

What’s up next for Hira Lari? “A big yes to fashion weeks here in Pakistan, and I plan to introduce high street fashion in pret line by bringing in the fusion of East and West!”

The exhibition will continue till April 19.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 18^th,  2011.