This year was Zara Shahjahan’s second outing as an independent lawn maker and it was, without a doubt, bigger and better – be it in terms of the hype it created or the designs that it brought to the table. The Lahore-based designer, known for her vintage floral aesthetics, started off in collaboration with Kamal Textiles back in 2013. After two years in the lawn business,
LAWN REVIEW # 6
This year was Zara Shahjahan’s second outing as an independent lawn maker and it was, without a doubt, bigger and better – be it in terms of the hype it created or the designs that it brought to the table. The Lahore-based designer, known for her vintage floral aesthetics, started off in collaboration with Kamal Textiles back in 2013. After two years in the lawn business, Shahjahan branched off independently and scored well among fashionistas with a taste for unconventionality. This year’s collection Noor Bano reportedly sold out within hours of its launch (although the prints have been restocked online). Instep takes a look at whether it was worth all the hype:
Quality
Mostly in light, calming hues with bright pops of colour, Zara Shahjahan’s lawn is like a rain shower on a scorching summer day. It’s soft to touch, breathable and organic – qualities that are rare to find all in one. The whites, however, may feel papery and coarse but all others have the silken sheen that one looks for in designer lawn. The embroideries are a lesson in fine yet affordable craftsmanship and don’t feel like a clump of threads killing the softness of the fabric around the edges and the neckline.
Design Innovation
Remaining true to her ethos of romantic, vintage floral patterns, Shahjahan adds a tribal touch to a largely dreamy collection in Noor Bano, defined as an ode to a romantic Pakistani woman. From chikankari on breezy lilacs to peacocks and mystical mausoleums in black, Noor Bano has so far been the most innovative lawn to come forth this summer season. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea as some may not be comfortable with a tree of life growing on the back of their shirt but it sure is out of the box in a rut of run-of-the-mill, boring designs.
Value for Money
Priced between PKR 6350 and PKR 6950, Zara Shahjahan lawn is more on the expensive side and will not fit everyone’s budget for lawn. However, the myriad of add-ons, the quality of the fabric and the unconventional designs make it a good investment for a one-off buy even if you are not the most obsessive lawn shopper.
Wow Factor
Zara Shahjahan’s lawn campaign really packed a punch and can be credited for generating most of the buzz that surrounded its launch. A backdrop of the sun-kissed Cholistan desert, Syra Shehroze channeling desi chic in classic, silver jhumkis and khussas and moving images, courtesy Abdullah Harris, as teasers to the collection worked well in cohesion to wow lawn enthusiasts. As a result, the stock was sold out at retail stores well in advance and the website emptied within hours of the launch. For those who love to make a fashion statement even with something as utilitarian as lawn, Zara Shahjahan is one of the best bets.
— By Nida Ameen
* Avoid at all cost, even if free
** Don't Buy
*** Buy if you need to stock up
**** Buy because you simply love it!
***** Must Buy! You'd be crazy not to!
