Designers flaunt dresses for western buyers
Nearly 40 artisans exhibited their products to around 14 potential American clients during a fashion show in Islamabad.
ISLAMABAD:
Nearly 40 artisans exhibited their products to around 14 potential American clients during a fashion show in a local hotel in Islamabad on Friday.
The event, “Pakistan Handmade”, was sponsored by the US Embassy and aimed to help Pakistani artisans gain access to the American market. The items at display included garments, accessories, shoes, jewellery, and home decoration items. Sellers participated from all over Pakistan including Multan, Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore.
Dresses by Fakhr-e-Kashmir, a designer brand based in Islamabad, were the highlight of the night. The models flaunted western-cut tops, blouses and tunics with traditional Kashmiri embroidery. The fusion of local and western elements gave the dresses a unique and multicultural feel, which looked modern and chic at the same time.
Many foreign buyers had come to Pakistan for the first time and were very excited. Some of the potential buyers told The Express Tribune that the trip for them had been a “pleasant surprise” and that they were looking forward to meeting their preferred designers later on to finalise purchase-deals.
Kirsti Jo Lewis, representing Global Sister Goods in Portland USA, said: “The show exceeded my expectations and I am sure the products have a place in the international market.”
Another American buyer, Pauline Lewis, said her company Oovoo Design-Handbag had previously worked with women in Vietnam and looked forward to working with local designers. “We hope to find scarves with traditional motifs,” she added.
Locals present at the exhibition appreciated the organisation of the event.
Shenaz Ali, a visitor, said, “It is very exciting to see such events being pursued in Pakistan. People have gotten an opportunity through this event, which they might not have gotten otherwise.”
Nadia Khan, who works as an assistant designer at Fakhr-e-Kashmir, said: “It was a great opportunity for the uplift of the women entrepreneurs and as interns I learned a lot.”
Earlier, US Ambassador to Pakistan Anne W Patterson inaugurated the event, highlighting US support for Pakistani industries. “This event is more than a fashion show,” she said, adding: “It is also an opportunity to support women entrepreneurs in Pakistan and introduce them to international buyers.”
Published in The Express Tribune, June 27th, 2010.
Nearly 40 artisans exhibited their products to around 14 potential American clients during a fashion show in a local hotel in Islamabad on Friday.
The event, “Pakistan Handmade”, was sponsored by the US Embassy and aimed to help Pakistani artisans gain access to the American market. The items at display included garments, accessories, shoes, jewellery, and home decoration items. Sellers participated from all over Pakistan including Multan, Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore.
Dresses by Fakhr-e-Kashmir, a designer brand based in Islamabad, were the highlight of the night. The models flaunted western-cut tops, blouses and tunics with traditional Kashmiri embroidery. The fusion of local and western elements gave the dresses a unique and multicultural feel, which looked modern and chic at the same time.
Many foreign buyers had come to Pakistan for the first time and were very excited. Some of the potential buyers told The Express Tribune that the trip for them had been a “pleasant surprise” and that they were looking forward to meeting their preferred designers later on to finalise purchase-deals.
Kirsti Jo Lewis, representing Global Sister Goods in Portland USA, said: “The show exceeded my expectations and I am sure the products have a place in the international market.”
Another American buyer, Pauline Lewis, said her company Oovoo Design-Handbag had previously worked with women in Vietnam and looked forward to working with local designers. “We hope to find scarves with traditional motifs,” she added.
Locals present at the exhibition appreciated the organisation of the event.
Shenaz Ali, a visitor, said, “It is very exciting to see such events being pursued in Pakistan. People have gotten an opportunity through this event, which they might not have gotten otherwise.”
Nadia Khan, who works as an assistant designer at Fakhr-e-Kashmir, said: “It was a great opportunity for the uplift of the women entrepreneurs and as interns I learned a lot.”
Earlier, US Ambassador to Pakistan Anne W Patterson inaugurated the event, highlighting US support for Pakistani industries. “This event is more than a fashion show,” she said, adding: “It is also an opportunity to support women entrepreneurs in Pakistan and introduce them to international buyers.”
Published in The Express Tribune, June 27th, 2010.