Rizwan Beyg receives his Tamgha-e-Imtiaz

Ace designer has been honoured for empowering the rural women of Pakistan with their craft

On August 14, 2019, President Dr Arif Alvi approved the conferment of Pakistan Civil Awards for 116 individuals from within the country, as well as foreign nationals. Among them was the iconic fashion designer Rizwan Beyg, whose name was shortlisted for a Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, the highest civilian award in Pakistan.

And now that Beyg has finally received the award promised to him, we couldn't be happier. The fashion maven shared the amazing news with his fans on Instagram. "A year later than scheduled but finally got the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz at a small intimate ceremony at the Governor House Sindh," he posted.

The artist thanked all the people who stood by him on his journey. "May we continue to be proud Pakistanis. Thank you Pakistan for the respect and honour," Beyg added.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Rizwan Beyg (@rizwanbeyg_personal_) on Sep 7, 2020 at 6:37am PDT

From unforgettable fashion shows to representing the country on an international level by designing dresses for the late Princess Diana, Beyg has always had a lot to offer. In an earlier conversation with The Express Tribune, he had elaborated on his work with rural women and how that could help provide sustainability to fashion in the country.

“We have worked with the rural community for a long time now and that alone means excluding polyesters and synthetic fibers. However, sustainability has been about craft revival for us, and more than that, about sustaining the rural community," he said.

According to Beyg, his designs target the craft that is at the verge of extinction and craftsmen who are threatened by poverty.

Thus, in another video, Beyg delved into the actual reason behind receiving the award, "Many believe I have gotten this honour because of my designing profession. But the reality is the corporate social responsibility our label has shown, the work we have done over the course of the past 10 years with women in rural villages, that is the reason for this award."

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Rizwan Beyg (@rizwanbeyg_personal_) on Sep 7, 2020 at 10:07pm PDT

"We're working hard and hoping to get more women from villages on board in order to provide them jobs and opportunities to increase their income for a better life ahead," he concluded.

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