The shift from East to West

Designer Nilofer Shahid to showcase Rembrandt inspired collection at FPW 2015

KARACHI: With a myriad of her designs drawing inspiration from Islamic heritage, fashion designer Nilofer Shahid will now exude a western finish in her offerings. This year, Fashion Pakistan Week (FPW) 2015 will witness the designer’s collection inspired by Dutch artist, Rembrandt.

“I visited the artist’s museum in Amsterdam in 2011, and realised what a great painter he was and how his works were famous for their ‘Chiaroscuro’ technique. He played with light and shadows like a master and my collection at FPW is a humble tribute to the legend,” Nilofer told The Express Tribune.

“I have always given too much regard to the understanding of rich Muslim heritage which was definitely lacking when I started out as a designer. Now there’s a shift towards searching for western influences in designs,” she added.  Her latest collection will not be available in stores.

Aiming for fashion’s front and centre

Being one of the most sought-after Pakistani designers across the border, Nilofer’s designs remain popular for the elegant embroideries and ethnic work. She first displayed her collection titled ‘Omar Khayyam’ in 1999 in New Delhi. Her offerings primarily entailed western cuts and fish-tail gowns.  “I relied on books based on the great poet Khayyam and hence created a collection which was based on the journey of the soul.”

Be it on the racks or the ramp, Nilofer believes research is as important as the craft of designing. “Fashion designing is an art form for me. It’s my passion. It is a form of self, growth, development and learning where I get to understand the philosophies of great minds.” Designing outfits under the name of her brand ‘Meera’s’, Nilofer currently stocks her designs at an office in Lahore.

Climbing the fashion ladder

She has no plans to launch a flagship store or an e-store any time soon. “I will go step by step. I work by my own rules and at my own place. For now, I have a proper office space where I work from.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 4^th, 2015.

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