Qashung: RJ Sumayrah dabbles in fashion

The radio jockey presents her collection of traditional pieces.

LAHORE:

With Eid exhibitions flooding different cities, Qashung by RJ Sumayrah pranced into the cultural hub of Pakistan on Wednesday. RJ Sumayrah, a known celebrity in the radio sphere, gained recognition through “The Desi Mem Show”.

She has now forayed into fashion by launching her clothing line at the Fashion Pakistan Lounge. “Qashung means chic in Persian and that is what my line represents,” says Sumayrah. “It is for the modern woman who wants to wear a simplistic style.”

Many might not know that Sumayrah’s degree in film and TV was coincidental and that her actual passion and academic qualification revolves around apparel design and merchandising. She acquired a degree in designing from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) in California. Despite receiving a fashion degree from a foreign university, this American-born desi girl finds herself identifying with her heritage the most. “Even though I have lived in America all my life, I am very close to my roots,” she says. “Pakistan is at the heart of everything I do.”

The exhibition comprises of kurtas as well as maxi dresses and jumpsuits. Sumayrah has used basic colours along with simple embroidery on different fabrics. “I have been collecting fabric for years,” she explains. “I was obsessed with sequins when everyone else was afraid to experiment.” While she says her cuts are edgy and western, we notice her line mostly comprises traditional cuts, to which she responds, “I wanted to come up with a desi collection because Eid is just around the corner. But you will see more dresses and jumpsuits in my future exhibitions.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 10^th, 2012.