hile designer Maheen Khan needs no further introduction than the preceding words, one thing to note and remember about her work in fashion is that it is very distinctive.

One might wonder if the Maheen Khan aesthetic works on a red carpet, as it is rooted in structure, and builds on classic, clean lines and layers. At the world premiere of the upcoming Barzakh at Series Mani, Sanam Saeed showed us that it takes a certain kind of personality and vibe to make the look work, and a lot of self-assurance to wear a no-frills wardrobe while faced with hundreds of cameras and public scrutiny.

Barzakh reunites Sanam Saeed with Zindagi Gulzar Hai costar Fawad Khan, and Cake director Asim Abbassi. The premise of the series touches upon parenthood, fatherhood in particular, and how those early years shape people for life. Fawad Khan plays doting father to his son, while Sanam Saeed’s character is one he encounters on holiday. The latter allows Khan to look at his lived experience through a slightly different lens, and presumably, the outcome is happy and wholesome, even if the journey is fraught with emotion.

Of course, arriving at a red carpet for a series slated to stream globally, with one of Pakistan’s best-known actors and biggest celebrities, had to be daunting. And since clothes are the armor we wear to face the world everyday, Sanam Saeed chose hers well.

Maheen Khan was happy to have dressed the actor for the occasion too.

“I knew right away Sanam could represent Pakistani fashion perfectly,” said the designer. “So I opted for a half sari with a trail, and a vintage sari blouse .The gold bustier layered below completed the look. The pure silk pathani dress, which we styled with boots, was sensational on her as well.” – Amina Baig