An ajrak-inspired collection with a formal touch

Saeeda Effendi holds her second exhibition this year.

KARACHI:

Earlier this year, fashion designer Saeeda Effendi made a comeback to the fashion world after 30 years. She has now displayed another exhibition of her trendy Winter Ajrak Collection at Nano’s Hangout, the venue of her previous exhibition. 

Effendi told The Express Tribune that she held a preview of her collection for family and friends a day before the actual event with 40 pieces on display. “They all sold out!” she said.

For her formal line, the ajrak has been embellished with dabka and sequence work. An outfit from the collection that stood out was created on a velvet fabric, with motifs of the ajrak that transform into beautiful floral and geometrical designs. Effendi talked about the new addition to her collection and said, “December is a festive month. It’s wedding season here in Karachi, so I thought I should introduce something formal.”



The collection consisted of casuals in cotton, semi-formals and formal velvet outfits.

Effendi hopes to open two exhibitions a year showcasing her ajrak-inspired outfits. Customers will have the option of placing orders on the collection or picking up ready-to-wear items.



At the exhibition, Rehana Mirza, who lives in London, said she did not want to miss the opportunity to attend her friend Effendi's exhibition. She recalls having an old outfit designed by Effendi which has been a part of her wardrobe for almost 40 years.

Effendi’s ajrak creations are important to her because she feels, “Our roots serve as an identity, as does ajrak. We should promote our culture.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 12^th, 2012.

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