PHOTO: FILE
Fashion in Pakistan, or the fashion industry of any country for that matter, is closely linked to the different trends and pop culture phenomenons that come and go in a cyclic manner. These days, it is all about ruffled dupattas. Just a few months ago, it was all about the tulip shalwar.
What we are trying to say is that the fashion industry and those employed in it are always bang on trend. This is what drives the business and how they earn money. And it goes beyond the monetary aspect of things: Pakistani designers are generally eager to fulfill their social responsibility and try to bring about change in society, especially since this is what everyone else around the world is doing.
Take for example, Rozina Munib, who had gang rape survivor and social activist Mukhtara Mai walk the ramp for her at a major fashion event a few years ago, in an attempt to send out the message of courage. Other design houses like Generation and The Pink Tree Company have also highlighted social issues through their campaigns.
But, it looks like there are still some who are yet to learn the tropes. A good example of a local designer using his position irresponsibly is Ali Xeeshan. The couturier recently landed himself in hot waters, talking about mental health in a now-deleted Instagram post.
“Be your own shrink and save the fee.” Needless to say, the comment did not go down well with Xeeshan’s followers since the world over, people are trying to eradicate the stigmas surrounding mental health.
The latest designer to upset netizens is Zara Shahjahan. Just a few days ago, she began a Twitter thread called #LetsBeHonest.
“So I’m starting a thread. You have to start your tweet with ‘let’s be honest.’ So #LetsBeHonest life in Pakistan is hard for the rich so imagine the poor,” she said.
So I’m starting a thread, you have to start your tweet with let’s be honest. #letsbehonest life in Pakistan is hard for the rich so imagine the poor.
— zara shahjahan (@ZaraShahjahan) June 19, 2019
And once again, people were not amused. They began trolling her by cracking sarcastic jokes about her life.
https://twitter.com/Fallibilist1/status/1144186706180096000
Also the Toyota v8 land cruiser jumped from 3 crore to 4 crore rupees .. imagine how hard it is to live in pakistan now
— AkbaR (@Aakbar84) June 27, 2019
Galaxy S10 is so expensive. God!
— Baji Please (@BajiPlease) June 27, 2019
Anday shami burger per guzara karna pare ga
— AkbaR (@Aakbar84) June 27, 2019
One can argue the trolling was in jest but either way, Shahjahan took it in her stride and eventually, apologised for the ‘elite’ comment.
On Thursday, Shahjahan tweeted saying, "God you guys are savage! So embarrassed to be privileged! You guys are damn right that tweet was so “elite”
God you guys are savage ! So embarrassed to be privileged! You guys are damn right that tweet was so“elite” #whilesittinginmyairconditionedroom
— zara shahjahan (@ZaraShahjahan) June 27, 2019
She then posted saying, "Really got a taste of twitter for the first time. Never again."
Really got a taste of twitter for the first time. Never again. 🙏🏼
— zara shahjahan (@ZaraShahjahan) June 28, 2019
Looks like Zara learned her lesson. We cannot help but hope others follow suit!
Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ