All that glitters doesn’t have to be gold

Budding jewellery designers gain ground in what has emerged as a lucrative market in Pakistan

LAHORE:

When it comes to exploring new avenues, Pakistani designers aren’t so far behind their international contemporaries. In the wake of fashion frontrunners, such as Sana Safinaz, Nida Azwer and Shehla Chatoor, jumping on the jewellery bandwagon, a new wave of designers has set foot in what has emerged as a lucrative market. The Express Tribune explores some new jewellery designers on the block, who show great promise.

Project Rich

Helmed by Lahore-based designer Madiha Saail Khan, the Project Rich team surfaced in the jewellery market in March last year. The design house attempts to up their creative quotient by honing in on the skills of Pakistani craftsmen. Their designs focus on calligraphy and kundan on gold-plated metal. “Our most famous collection yet has been the ‘Azadi’ line,” says Khan, which was launched to celebrate Pakistan’s Independence Day. The brand also makes customised jewellery in silver on order, and is currently working on its Father’s Day collection. The price range varies from Rs1,500 to Rs20,000.



Zohra Rahman

Rahman focuses on making contemporary silver jewellery with a focus on proportions and subtle detailing. “I seek inspiration from the objects we see on a daily basis, transforming normal objects into precious jewellery that’s abstract and visual,” she says. She likes experimenting with materials, lines, curves and colour for her pieces. Silver jewellery is known to naturally complement Pakistani skin tones, which is what seems to have inspired her to put together her designs. Her collection is priced between Rs5,000 and Rs55,000. Rahman is currently working on using stones from Northern Pakistan and working in collaboration with indigenous craftsmen from those areas.



Allure by MHT

Mehreen Tabani, the brain behind Allure, has been designing costume jewellery since January 2013. Her collections usually feature a fusion of eastern and western aesthetics but she has established her stronghold in western designs. Her exhibition at Brands Just Prêt, held on April 30, saw a showcase of appealing pieces, including tassel earrings, arm cuffs attached to rings and her contemporary take on matha pattis with semi-precious stones. Of the price of her designs, Tabani says, “I try to work within a certain price range and all my pieces range between Rs5,000 and Rs15,000.”





Rema

Rema Qureshi’s jewellery has been a celebrity favourite. Accessorising Sania Maskatiya’s show at PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week, Rema jewels have been the talk of the town. Qureshi designs a complete range of jewels, including gold-plated ear cuffs, rings, innovative logo studs, chunky bracelets and cuffs with wleather detailing. “My jewellery showcases my signature style, which always winds down to being unique and wearable, while making a statement in a subtle manner,” she shares. The brand’s price range falls roughly between Rs6,000 and Rs30,000. The designer is currently focusing on expanding internationally and is gearing up for an upcoming fashion show in London.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 17^th, 2015.

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