Pakistan fashion: Fatima Syed, Zainab Mobin, Kulsoom Rizvi and Tokyo fashion
Umair Ahmed Siddiqui and Lee Jay Walker
Modern Tokyo Times
Fatima SyedTokyo is one of the most fashionable cities in the world and all the major fashion houses are based in this dynamic city. Alternatively, news in the international media which focuses on Pakistan is all too often negative. However, within many areas in Pakistan you have a younger generation which is focused on fashion, music, creativity, information technology, and which is truly international. Therefore, it is important that this news also reaches the international community and for boutiques who want new thinking, fresh styles, different color concepts, and other creative areas; then clearly you have many young fashion designers in Pakistan.
Modern Tokyo Times mainly focuses on the female angle of fashion, therefore, this article like others based on Pakistan fashion is also focused on female fashion. Also, it shows that behind all the images of conservatism in the mass media that you also have another angle to this fascinating nation. This angle applies to the amazing creativity within the Pakistan fashion scene. Another important area is that female designers and business ladies are great role models for teenagers to look up to and these individuals desire to show “the real spirit of Pakistan.”
In Tokyo you have amazing fashion boutiques which include Comme des Garcons, Adore, Anterpima, Gucci, Prada, Roberto Cavalli, 10 Corso Como, Betsey Johnson, Black Fleece, Donna Karan, Loveless, Escada Sport, SmackyGlam, Tour H. creer (Merveille H.), Yves Saint Laurent, Michael Kors, L’eclaireur, Vivienne Westwood, FRAMeWORK, Free’s Mart, Jolly Boutique, Muriel & Mercuria, Issey Miyake, A Bathing Ape, Tracy Reese, Kiwa Sylphy, iliann loeb, Jil Sander, Yohji Yamamoto, Artisan, Deuxieme Classe, Nuit et Jour Spick and Span, Opaque Clip, Royal Flash, Stella McCartney, Red Valentino, Paul Smith, Zara, Topshop, Milly, Tiara, Apartment Department, Martinique Le Conte, Cynthia Rowley, Helmut Lang, Actuel, Amphi, Barbie Store, Hanae Mori, Mark Jacobs, Tsumori Chisato, Costume National, Patrizia Pepe Firenze (Incontro), Oriental News, Carbane de Zucca, Diane Von Furstenberg, Undercover, Beardsley Gallardagalante, Blue Bell Market, DouDou, Elleva, Frapbois, Design Works, and many other refined companies like Turno Jeana.
The list is endless and the above fashion companies are Japanese and international boutiques and clearly the amount spent on fashion in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kobe is enormous. After all, both Tokyo and Osaka have huge populations and economically wise they can hold their own within the elite mega cities throughout the world. Indeed, Osaka is neglected in the mass media too much but if you visit areas like Umeda and Namba then you will be amazed by the fashion scene. Also, Kobe is very powerful and this city is extremely vibrant and stylish.
Throughout history ideas have flowed and influenced different cultures. For example Japanese ukiyo-e influenced amazing international artists like Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin. Therefore, different cultures and thinking leads to fresh ideas and new creativity. Given this, it is essential that major boutiques and the fashion industry in New York, Paris, London, Milan, and in all ultra-modern cities look to new horizons in order to maintain vitality.
The one nation that is emerging in this area is Pakistan because many young female designers have amazing creativity and each individual designer is focused on different angles. Also, some fashion designers are inspired by the rich cultural heritage of past culture and then fuse this with their new fashion designs. However, others are focused fully on modern aspects of fashion but irrespective of which path is chosen either way is leading to freshness, creativity, beautiful color schemes, and utilizing quality materials.
The Asian Institute of Fashion Design (http://www.aifd.edu.pk/) (AIFD) in Pakistan is based in Karachi and this city is a hotbed for new innovation and ideas. The AIFD is a very important institution internationally because they are helping the future generation to interact internationally and within the domestic market. Therefore, the AIFD is putting great emphasis on culture, technology, fresh thinking, innovation, utilizing history, focusing on fresh dynamism within the modern world, and all this is backed up by teachers who have sublime skills in many areas.
KaafUmair Ahmed Siddiqui who is based in Karachi quotes that “Year after year this institute prepares and nurtures the crème de la crème of students involved in the fashion sector and enhances “new skills” and “new thinking,” while listening and considering each individual. At the same time the institute also prepares students to meet the demands of a sector which is forever changing in the textile and international fashion industry. Therefore, the AIFD focuses on expertise in the technical area and excellence and these factors are integral to the training at this esteemed institute.”
Recently the AIFD displayed a stunning collection show which highlighted many fantastic students and Fatima Syed certainly hit the eye of many individuals who saw her elegant display. Of course, many other fantastic young female designers hit the heights and once more this fantastic institute showed the abundance of creativity within the younger generation in Pakistan.
Fatima Syed commented that “The theme for my collection is “MAZAAR AND BAZAAR”. I’ve chosen this particular theme because of personal interest in exploring our culture. Since childhood, I have admired and been fascinated with various bazaars and mazaars of Karachi.”
“In my thesis, I have focused on EMPRESS MARKET to create rich and colorful garments, true colors of Haldi, Mirchi and have used fabrics like (ralli, gajj, jamawar, silk, chundri, sussi, and shiffon) to create busy and eye catching designs. My silhouette being flowy also compliments my inspiration towards Malang’s Jhola style.”
“Throughout my collection I have utilized garments that reflect the never ending, exotic and larger than life feel of the Mazaars & Bazaars of Karachi.”
If, for example, you look at the color schemes of many amazing dresses and other clothes at Tracy Reese, it is apparent that designers like Fatima Syed would fit in easily with many areas of this company. Therefore, it is essential that international fashion companies focus on nations like Pakistan for fresh thinking and not only this, it is also important that the “global village” pulls together and doesn’t neglect so much “hidden talent.
Zainab MobinAnother stunning young fashion designer from Pakistan is Zainab Mobin and clearly her style, uniqueness, creativity, and special buzz, would fit in with trendy areas in Tokyo like Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Harajuku. Zainab Mobin is a very special lady and the international fashion community should wake up to the vibrant female fashion designers of Pakistan.
Zainab Mobin commented that “The process of reusing is to use an item more than once. This includes conventional reuse where the item is used again for the same function and new-life reuse where it is used for a different function. This research is an attempt to understand the process of ‘’REUSING JEANS’’ (Denim) and utilizing unwanted material. Jeans can get to a point where they may not be as wearable as they use to be. Before tossing them into trash, consider some of the ways you could put denim in to use, or reuse.”
“In this research, I explored different ways to create surfaces by reusing or recycling material (fabric manipulation, weaving, and printing) within the Textile Art and Design Practice through different methods, and conveying the message of need to recycle to the common people through my work. It is an ongoing process and one of the best ways to have a positive impact on the environment.”
Other young fantastic female designers include Kulsoom Rizvi, Sabeen Waqar, Maheen Waqar, and Urooj-ul-Qamar. Kulsoom Rizvi created her own brand called “Kaaf” and in an earlier article by Modern Tokyo Times it was commented that “Her brand Kaaf includes apparel, upholstery and accessories, therefore, Kaaf caters for a broad spectrum and at all times you can feel and see the vibes of this talented lady.”
“Kulsoom Rizvi is most recognized for her vibrant choice of colors, rhythmic designs, and enchanting styles. Also, one consistent element in her designs has been the peacock, which is the symbol of pride and beauty and clearly her designs and “self” applies to “pride and beauty” because of her creativity and elegance.”
Kulsoom Rizvi – KaafThe company “Kaaf” is still in its early period but Kulsoom Rizvi is showing the vibrant spirit of young ladies in Pakistan who have so much to give their own nation and the international community. Kulsoom Rizvi is a young lady of natural radiance and her confidence and elegance can be felt deeply within her creativity and fashion designs.
Tokyo fashion and international fashion centers all over the world should be focused on the vibrant nature of female designers in Pakistan. After all, fashion is truly international in nature therefore it is essential that fashion designers from Pakistan and other nations are given a fair chance.
Also, it is clear that many female designers in Pakistan would enhance many international boutiques with their fresh thinking, new styles, richness of culture, and many other positive aspects.
Thanks to Ms. Zara for photography on several images
Umair Saleem did photo images for Fatima Syed – Photo 1, 2, 6, 8 & 9
Umair Ahmed Siddiqui runs his own design studio called “CARTEL Design Studio” and provides valued consultancy information to important domestic and international companies. Also, in publication & writing he is the Foreign Correspondent for the Korean Textile Newspaper (www.ktnews.com) where you can find his publication on every Thursday. Also, he is writing for a Korean Fashion Magazine called Fashion Clue. Recently, he joined Modern Tokyo Times and his knowledge is in high demand because of his unique vision.
Umair Ahmed Siddiqui can be contacted at u_designer@hotmail.com
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