The Embassy hosts its first haute couture fashion show to celebrate 60th anniversary of independence of Pakistan
The Embassy of Pakistan and the National Geographic Society co-hosted the Embassy's first haute couture fashion show co-sponsored by the National Bank of Pakistan on Aug. 25, 2007. Set to mark Pakistan's 60th anniversary of independence, the show brought together the collaborative efforts of Ambassador Mahmud Ali Durrani, Pakistan 's Ambassador to the United States, Terry Adamson, Executive Vice President for Law, Business and Governmental Affairs at the National Geographic Society, and Sofia Hayaud-Din, the show's organizer and creative head. The show was a celebration of style and culture aimed at showcasing the talent that has emerged in Pakistan's booming fashion industry. The goal was also to educate the audience about a different side of Pakistan that is rarely heard or seen.
Pakistan is home to a progressive fashion industry that has in the last two decades evolved from a traditional darzi (tailor) culture into a mature and cutting-edge business. With institutes such as the Pakistan School of Fashion and Design and Indus Valley School of Art in Karachi producing fully qualified designers, and with the support of the Government of Pakistan, Pakistani couture lines have been shown on the runways of Greece, Britain and Dubai and many other countries. In the last five years Pakistani designers have made a mark on the international scene, making appearances at the Bridal Asia week in South Asia and at the prestigious Paris Fashion Week. Lahore will be home to the annual Pakistan Fashion Week in November 2007. With an industry ever ready to test and redraw boundaries, Pakistani fashion reflects the nation's transition to progressive development.
Every aspect of the show aimed to reflect this change. But the show was not just about designers, it was about the community coming together to celebrate this aspect of Pakistani culture. Participants hailed from various countries, including South Asia, Japan, Nigeria , Honduras, and the United States . Participating designers Maria B., Hajra Hayat, Nayna Couture, Monica Piracha Tazeen Hasan and Zari boutique of New Jersey provided their couture lines, including Eastern, Western/fusion and bridal attire. The Erwin Gomez Salon and Spa, named one of the top five salons in the United States and known for its high-profile international clientele, provided hair and makeup for the show. Guests included members of Congress, diplomats, fashion and culture enthusiasts and prominent members of the Pakistani-American community.
