As an Indo-Pak hybrid and obsessive traveller, I'm always getting asked how the Pakistani girl dresses. At the suggestion of Vogue's digital editor Sita Wadhwani, I've done some swotting and come up with what I fancy is a bit of an exposé on the local style scene.
Here's what you already know: Pakistani fashion designers are known for perfect craftsmanship, elegant clean cuts, and a mastery on understated chic. But what I can tell you is that as their discerning clientele pushes the boundaries of style, designers now increasingly fit any bill -- and thanks to fashion-forward friends, I'm discovering new contemporary wear, both Eastern and Western. My stylish mates Natasha and Shazdeh are the experts here -- they helped me put together a quick wardrobe guide for any occasion. Read on. Get shopping.
Gussied up for an evening of qawwali in Islamabad with my beautiful sisters. Image: Suhair Khan
Any self-respecting desi wedding attendee knows that the Pakistan-sourced options are limitless and always stand out. But its not just shaadis. An entire (seriously gorgeous) Pakistani wardrobe can be sourced from the options at hand -- for work-chic, black-tie dinners, weekend brunches, and just daily schlepping around (immaculate blow-dries under any circumstance are key).
Dressing up is taken extremely seriously. For aunties and economics grads, Central St Martins graduates and old-school couturiers -- clothes, design, fabric and colour are part of the national conversation for anyone with a party to get to.
Gorgeous mannequins really help. Pakistani girls are impeccably styled and turned out -- whether in a jersey jumpsuit from Muse at New Year's Eve, heading to (another) engagement party dolled up in Misha Lakhani, or wandering over to the latest literary fair in a breezy Sana Safinaz outfit to catch up on the latest from writers Kamila Shamsie and Ayesha Jalal.
One of my perennial favourites is the timeless Rizwan Beyg, who famously dressed the late Princess Diana. I remember sitting in his Karachi studio as a teenager amid a pile of samples as he described his ideal fashion moment from the night before: "White chiffon sari, diamond earrings. Simple, perfect." It's a fashion lesson I've always carried with me.
Rizwan Beyg was an interior designer before taking a spontaneous leap into fashion. Image: Facebook.com/Rizwanbeyg.fanpage
What: A conference on geopolitics in Islamabad
Wear: Khaadi, an Eastern prêt brand for serious-time chic. Khaadionline.com
Wear: Élan, a much sought after lawn collection with some stunning prints. Facebook.com/elanonline
Image: Khaadi
What: Islamabad Literature Fest and afternoon tea at The Islamabad Serena Hotel
Wear: Body Focus Museum's breezy, effortless long dresses and shirts, designed by former Pakistani supermodel Iman Ahmad. Ebodyfocus.com
Wear: Sania Maskatiya's flowing lines, which work for most events. Everyone is after her brand these days. Saniamaskatiya.com
Image: Sania Maskatiya/NFK Photography
What: Summer cocktail party at a farmhouse or the havelis in old town Lahore
Wear: Lahori designer Zara Shahjahan's embellished shirts, which are perfect to slip from day wear to evening to late night with ease.
Wear: Sana Safinaz's easy prêt, especially her pastel creations (she is famous for a reason). Sanasafinazofficial.com
Image: Zahra Shahjahan
Image: Zahra Shahjahan
Image: Facebook.com/sanasafinazpage
What: Birthday drinks by French Beach or Cafe Flo's outdoor verandah in Karachi
Wear: Muse's evening jumpsuits -- I love them! They're my new fashion find, and I am placing orders as we speak! Muse.pk/
Wear: Shehla Chatoor's embellished jacket. This designer has branched into Western wear and her designs and great cuts and fits have opened up a new design space. Facebook.com/ShehlaC
Wear: Ali Xeeshan, for an unorthodox take on the body-con dress. Facebook.com/alixeeshanstudio
Image: Muse
Image: Shehla Chatoor
Image: Facebook.com/alixeeshanstudio
What: Early autumn black-tie fundraisers
Wear: Maheen Karim's slinky gown. Everyone in Karachi's got one of these, and she's the perfect model. Facebook.com/pages/MaheenKarim
Wear: Misha Lakhani's long, sweeping cuts and muted shades, which are super classy and overall just lovely. Facebook.com/mishalakhani2012
Image: Maheen Karim
Image: Misha Lakhani
What: For all the August weddings in Lahore
Wear: Rizwan Beyg's floaty saris. I'm in love with everything he makes. Facebook.com/Rizwanbeyg.fanpage
Wear: Traditional, high wattage Lahori glam with HSY. Hsystudio.com
Wear: A Kamiar Rokni ensemble. The designer's play on silhouettes keep each season's looks timeless. Facebook.com/TheHouseOfKamiarRokni
Image: HSY/Getty
Image: Facebook.com/TheHouseOfKamiarRokni
Image: Facebook.com/hsystudio
