Highlighting the lobbying culture in the fashion industry
It has been five years since Shaan-e-Pakistan (SEP) began. For its sixth year, the institution has officially announced the first-ever SEP Fashion Summit 2021. CEO and founder, Huma Nasr revealed that it will be taking place in Karachi, Lahore and Dubai and later, be broadcasted digitally for audiences the world over.
Calling it the first ‘phygital’ event of Pakistan, Nasr added that the international SEP Fashion Summit 2021 is planned to have fashion maestros, style icons, models and other prominent individuals from the industry come together in the presence of younger emerging talent and aspiring students.
“I started with just 10 people beside me and now, we are a family of hundreds, resulting in a success story. We are entering into our sixth year, for which we are extremely excited,” Nasr shared with the media. “We have proved our mettle in music and this time around, we are working on fashion. Our aim is to bring forth ‘Shaan of Pakistan’.”
She touted designers Deepak Perwani and Asim Jofa as the pioneers of Pakistani fashion. “I don’t think I can do justice if they are not with me,” Nasr confessed. The founder then shared that the first-ever fashion summit of Shaan-e-Pakistan will not just be held in Karachi and Lahore, but in Dubai too.
While one would think that the upcoming event will just be a quintessential fashion show, Nasr claims it is anything but. “When we talk about fashion, what might come in anyone’s mind are stunning ensembles, a ramp walk and beautiful models. But what happens after that?” she questioned. “In this summit, we aim to have a serious talk about some hidden topics that many shy away from. And we plan on having that conversation via these forerunners. They will tell us about their journeys, which would inspire the aspiring designers. They would divulge into a much-needed chat about the inside stories behind the curtains.”
One thing Nasr would like to discuss is the nepotism and lobbying system in the fashion industry. “What I said might offend someone but to me, this topic would be extremely important. At the summit, we would love to share thoughts on nepotism and lobbying.”
The celebrated designers then went on to share their thoughts on the matter. “I think our combined goal should be to inspire people and polish hidden talent. And from what I have seen so far, whoever is gifted tends to do well anyway, whether it is in a film fraternity or drama industry,” Jofa said. “After Covid-19, we all should work together. The industry is at its knees as is. Small businesses were affected the most, some of them are shutting down. Whoever was able to survive was only because of their lean pockets. Politics are a part of every venture. So, to me what really matter is how we can flourish this industry. We should be talking about creative processes and what should be done for the betterment of the industry.”
Of the same, Perwani added, “I completely concur with Asim. If you look at Shaan-e-Pakistan’s record, Huma Nassr has done some great work and managed to pull off the event rather well. She’s done some great work in Lahore and Delhi, trying to bridge the gap between countries. The new platform in Dubai is a brilliant idea as well.”
He continued, “I believe fashion in this country is still very young. We only have 13, 14 years of retail. Before this, fashion brands were purely home-based and private. We have a long way to go. There will be changes – positive and negative – and we have to prepare ourselves for them. Then, there was pandemic as well but things go on. Let’s face the new year with a positive note.”