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Deepak Perwani’s kitsch space

By Mariam Tahir
30 January, 2017

Deepak Perwani is a true pioneer when it comes to Pakistan’s fashion industry; in fact he has been an equally great ambassador in representing Pakistan’s vibrant fashion internationally. It was about time he opened his official bridal atelier in his hometown, Karachi.

Deepak Perwani, seen here with models who are decked up in his latest wedding wear, has big plans for 2017 that include opening a boutique in Lahore and a flagship store in Islamabad.

STYLEFILE

The veteran designer opens a swanky new bridal atelier in Karachi.

Deepak Perwani is a true pioneer when it comes to Pakistan’s fashion industry; in fact he has been an equally great ambassador in representing Pakistan’s vibrant fashion internationally. It was about time he opened his official bridal atelier in his hometown, Karachi.

A chilly evening brought us to Deepak’s swanky two-story studio in Clifton, where amongst many others Amin Gulgee, Sharmila Farooqui and the who’s who of the fashion industry dropped in to be part of the celebration. The spacious ground floor of the building was allotted to displaying Perwani’s signature bridal and groom’s wear, while the upper story had trial rooms and a funky mannequin installation that really stole the show!

We made our way through the horde of media and some crass press, (overheard a loud reporter asking a relatively new and flustered model, “Sadaf Kanwal kahan hai? Aap ko humay batana he hoga!”) to find a relaxed and cheerful Deepak.

This funky mannequin installation was our favourite display.
This funky mannequin installation was our favourite display.

This being Deepak’s third boutique in the city, things seem to be looking up for the brand. “It was about time we consolidated the idea of an atelier. We used to have a studio in Zamzama, then we shifted to Korangi and now we’re back again! This is where I’m going to sit, take appointments and showcase our bridal and groom’s wear,” he told us. The Dolmen and Zamzama boutiques are going to focus on the brand’s luxury pret wear, Deepak added. Lawn being Pakistan’s forte, or obsession one might say, we were curious to know if Deepak would be delving into it once again.

“Lawn is done! Lawn is so done and overdone now,” Deepak mused, admitting that the brand last designed lawn in 2015 for Zeniya, which was not received as well as they had anticipated.

The evening included a tour of the studio, plus a fuss free and well choreographed fashion presentation at the end. The models, decked up in Deepak’s latest wedding wear and styled by the legendary Tariq Amin, made their way through the French doors, with Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s Afreen setting the perfect mood, as the evening came to a close.

This year is going to be a happening one for the Deepak Perwani label, we were told by the designer. Other than some exciting plans that he is not allowed to disclose as yet unfortunately. Deepak will be opening a boutique in Lahore and a flagship store in Islamabad and we wish him luck for all his future endeavours!