Fundraising exhibit: All that glistens for a cause

Designer Ajjo partners with Bardasht NGO to raise funds for the poor.

ISLAMABAD:

An exhibition of jewellery and lawn by Ajjo Chaudhry was hosted by Bardasht NGO at its office on Wednesday. Chauhdry has paired up with Bardasht CEO and politician Nilofar Bakhtiar to generate funds for the underprivileged people.

Inspired by the Mughal era, the jewellery is both ethnic and experimental. One of the pieces, titled Nauratan (nine gems) is a grouping of nine stones which is believed to be storehouse of power and to enhance the life of the person wearing it. The designer has experimented with nine, 18 and 22 carat gold.

While the designer has typically worked with pearls, diamonds and gold, the latest exhibition showcases a wide range of precious and semi precious gems molded with chunky gold pieces set together to form unique pieces.

Her bridal sets remain on the traditional side, involving more gold than gems. “My work is like my baby, I have dedicated my life to it and I want to do it with a cause. Let’s all work for each other,” said the designer at the event.

Chaudhry has also jumped on the lawn bandwagon for the summer as she introduced 10 designs. Priced reasonably (Rs3,300), three-piece suits with chiffon dupatta attracted a large clientele. “Everyone is designing lawn nowadays but Ajjo’s prices are shockingly reasonable. No wonder so many women are buying,” said Asmara, a visitor at the opening.

The lawn features abstracts in pink, blue and yellow. The showroom is now a permanent fixture at the Bardasht NGO office situated in F-7/1.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 11^th, 2013.