The capital greets Republic

ISLAMABAD:

After three years of success in Lahore and by popular demand, Omer Farooq brings his high-end menswear line Republic to Islamabad. Managed by one of the leading PR and event management company’s in Islamabad, Verve, the launch saw a soiree of diplomats, expats and resident isloo-ites. Popularly known for its use of Zegna fabric, Omer Farooq has ensured that menswear in Pakistan takes a new outlook. Keeping in line with Zegna’s hometown, the Italian Ambassador was invited to inaugurate the Republic section at the newest multi-label store Modeville.

Revolutionising multi-label shopping in Islamabad, Modeville has dedicated its upper section solely to menswear with Republic being the first to launch. When asked about the trajectory of its success in Islamabad, “We have had customers from Islamabad but it is a completely new domain for us especially with the diplomatic community and Islamabad being the hub of all bureaucratic and political activity. It will be an interesting ride,” says Farooq, designer and owner of Republic. Outsourcing fabric from Zegna gives Republic an edge most other designers might not have, “Getting Zegna’s fabric custom made to your fit in about Rs40,000 is a steal in my opinion,” says Arsalan of Verve.

Peering over a glass of orange juice, the Italian Ambassador remarked on the high quality of Pakistani designers and his hope for promoting joint ventures between the two countries. “We want to promote creativity and trade side by side and there for we sent a delegation of Pakistani designers to Italy to make contacts,” remarked the Ambassador. Joao Belloc from the Brazilian Embassy said, “I will need to make a trip back here soon with my credit card,” he chuckled, “I love the light blue suit and the quality of the fabric is excellent.”

The full range consists of t-shirts, linen pants, suits, sherwanis and shoes, and Republic offers it all to its clientele. Some eyebrows were raised amongst the group as to why or how this brand will work in Islamabad. “I don’t like it very much and wouldn’t buy it because the stitching is very average,” commented an anonymous guest. Pakistani designed shoes manufactured in Italy and Brazil gives Farooq a leading edge in the market. When inquired about his own taste Omer Farooq swears by Tom Ford to be the guru of Menswear Fashion.

Tom Ford, former designer for Gucci, revolutionised menswear from the basic suit to a luxurious accessory that is not only practical but also trendy. Now with his own line under the name of Tom Ford, menswear fashion has been taken to a whole new level. Farooq is no novice when it comes to fashion, and having been to design school himself, he is able to distinguish between what is trendy and what is not. Even though his designs are a little farfetched and some might not sell in Islamabad, the overall feel of the store is positive. It takes a while for any new fashion trend to hit, and trendy suits are a niche market commodity that are still only worn by a very select group.

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