Islooites open to exquisite range by 7 top fashionistas

Islamabad

Top fashion designers of the country gathered here on Saturday night with all their glitz and glamour to mark the inauguration of a designer outlet — ‘The Designers’ — by Asad Tareen.

The presence of the country’s top models, including Vinnie (Vaneeza Ahmed), Fauzia and Gia Ali, added to the glamorous ambience of the ceremony.

The outlet makes available dresses of as many as seven top designers — Hassan Shehryar Yasin (HSY), Nomi Ansari, Shayaane Malik, Munib Nawaz, Umar Saeed, ‘Unbeatable’ by Shahla and ‘Maysoon’ by Asad Tareen. A mock fashion show was also arranged on the occasion.

Talking to ‘The News,’ Asad Tareen said that he is based in Karachi but the continuous pressure of his clientele in Islamabad encouraged him to open this outlet here. “We have seven top labels in this outlet which are in much demand in Islamabad,” he said adding that currently the outlet is carrying ready-to-wear formals and semi formals but in future, they would also introduce bridal wear. “It is generally believed that designer outlets are expensive but all the range available here is very affordable,” he said.

He hoped that the outlet would be successful in grabbing the attention of Islooites similar to Karachi. “There is no other outlet in Islamabad that presents such a huge collection as ‘The Designers’,” he said.

On the occasion, designer Shahla Rehman of ‘Unbeatable’ said that a huge number of her clientele resides in Islamabad who had to travel all the way to Karachi just to get her collection. “My expectations with this outlet are very high, as I am sure that my clients will be equally interested in purchasing my dresses from here as they have been in Karachi,” she said.

She said that she has used the theme of black and white in her latest collection with occasional introduction of bright colours such as shocking pink. “Most of my dresses are on chiffon with crochet work,” she said and added that her range comprises casuals to semi formals and formals but her main emphasis is on the style and cut rather than embroidery or other embellishments.

Munib Nawaz said his hopes for the new outlet are high, as he has attempted to introduce those styles here, which were previously not available in Islamabad. “My whole collection is very economical, ranging from colourful printed ones to elegant and subtle styles, and is designed to don all types of occasions”. He said he has introduced a fusion line that maintains its traditional style while presenting a trendy look.

People present on the occasion seemed overjoyed with the opening of the latest outlet, as they not only felt opened to more choices in clothing but also looked forward to amazing creations, which would result from an atmosphere of competition among different designers.

Afshan Imtiaz, a visitor, said it is a misconception that such outlets could not be successful in Islamabad due to its small population. “The capital has lesser populace but a substantial market for designer wear,” she said adding that previously, she especially had to visit Karachi to buy the range of these top designers but it is commendable that they are now available in our own city.

Zarmeena Hussain, another buyer, said there is a dire need of such outlets in the city, as the capital dwellers have remained deprived of top labels that are frequently enjoyed by the people of other major cities. “I hope the trend will continue with more designers heading towards Islamabad,” she said.

The event was organised by Rezz Events and each guest was equally entertained despite the congested space and humid weather.