Shamaeel Ansari goes Turkish with new collection

In her latest ready-to-wear line, designer showcases outfits reminiscent of the richness of the Ottoman Empire.

LAHORE: After Turkish dramas, which have been in the ascendant on Pakistani television, Turkish designs are making their way into the Pakistani fashion industry. At her recent exhibition in Lahore, designer Shamaeel Ansari launched a ready-to-wear retail line called the Tughra Range. ‘Tughra’ is a calligraphic seal of an Ottoman sultan that was stamped on official documents and coins.

With a focus on drapery and digital prints on chamois silk, embellished with resham ka dhaaga and fine tassels, the collection is wearable and caters for various age groups. “I’m not catering for any specific audience; younger girls can wear these outfits and older women can also carry them off — it’s just about wearing them with the right attitude,” says Ansari.



The line comprises of kaftans, ponchos and wraps that epitomise Ansari’s signature style of offering luxurious yet not over-the-top designs. “This is a fun collection that is easy on the pocket and can be worn to formal occasions, which are not primarily weddings,” the designer says. “The clothes are all free size and since they are cut-based, they drape well on all body types,” she adds. Having a penchant for vintage designs, Ansari draws inspiration from the 15th century and explores the colour palette and motifs prevalent in that era.

She says that although the collection is exclusive and that she will not be taking orders, there will be a new collection every month, which will be distributed to all the major retailers across the country. Since the collection has single pieces, they can be styled differently. Ansari also exhibited accessories such as scarves and lowers that could jazz up any look.

The collection is priced between Rs25,000 and Rs30,000.

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

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