NewZNew (Chandigarh) : The Fifth Edition of ‘Nikaah’ – An Indo-Pak Wedding & Lifestyle Exhibition, was inaugurated at Himachal Bhawan, Sec 28, Chandigarh. The exhibition this time showcases traditional & contemporary Pakistani designer wear, from across the length & breadth of Pakistan. The exhibition is a melting pot of latest & in trend Pakistani fashion, from places like Islamabad, Lahore, Sialkot, Multan et al. Top Indian fashion designers too are displaying their tasteful bridal & prêt collections at the Four day affair, that will be on till Sunday, August 28.
“Nikaah Season 5 has brought a rich Pak fashion legacy. There are 60 fashion designers under one roof. We have showcased the painstakingly created & awe inspiring ensembles of 15 front running Pakistani designers. The Exhibition is designed to act as a treasure trove for those wanting to buy fashionable designer wear, Wedding couture or shop for the forthcoming festival season. The exhibition is also genuinely trying to increase people to people contact between India & Pakistan. Initiatives like these will be a good way to give peace & trade between the two arch rivals a chance.” Said Neha Singla, Director, A Million Dollar Affair, the company that is organising the Exhibition.
Pakistan is known for its craftsmanship & handicraft; both these aspects are available in abundance at ‘Nikaah’. “Puri Fashion” is from Sialkot & is owned by Kaleem the label has an enviable collection on display. “Aaraish” is a label from Islamabad and has brought collections strewn with amazing ‘Tarkashi’, there is the famous ‘Multani Embroidery’ also on display in “Aaraish’s” collections. Zubaida Aslam is here from Lahore with label ZA Collection. The ensembles presented at the stall showcase authentic Pakistani ‘Gotta Patti’ work, done with great care by skilled artisans. There are collections from Ruzhan & Laila Art too.
Garments with ‘Mokaish’ embroidery done by twisting thin metallic threads to create patterns all over the fabric are available, there are Multan specific stalls, Lahori & Multani Juttis, Karachi Jewellery too is on the shelves.
“There are many followers of Pakistani fashion in India. In fact even actors in Indian TV serials do like to adopt Pak fashion. Nowadays in Pakistan short shirts worn with crushed dupattas –‘Chunnat’ in Urdu, are trending. These need to be matched up with Cigarette pants. This in trend fashion is also available at ‘Nikaah’. Pakistani cuts are a favourite with Indian buyers.” Said Zubaida Aslam, a Pak Designer.
Apart from latest fashion & lifestyle products from across the border as well as India, being made available to tricity residents, the Exhibition is giving a chance to people from both sides of the border to engage with one another. “Fashion is the best way people of both countries can bond & of course trade will give a boost to relations. I appeal to both governments to usher in peace for the development of both countries.” Said Shazia from Pakistan.
Some of the prominent Indian designer labels presenting their collections are Sippy Aulakh, Mutiyaar, Studio 9, Kiran collection, Taabir, Urban attire, Oracra an Eco fashion label & many more. Label Adornables & Adornaments are filling the accessories space. Shyamli is here with anti ageing beauty & wellness products from Sweden. Hora Exports is here with Punjabi Juttis. There is a stall by Geetanjali footwear too. Raina from Manimuktaa jewels an Indian jewellery label, has designed Pakistani jewellery inspired by the Mughal era Architecture.
