Begum Pret

To add to the sudden fashion buzz,a timely visit from the Lahore-based Ayesha Zaheer,Vice Chairperson of SAARC Chamber Women Entrepreneur Council (SCWEC),and director of Roshaanay Boutique,has brought in some promising news. “Ayesha told me about her interest in exploring Pakistani fashion in India. It seemed like an opportune time to let her know,that women in Chandigarh will be more than pleased to explore this relationship further,” says Malhotra,who hosted Zaheer at her residence on Monday.

On display were a select few garments,like those extra-long georgette-chiffon kurtas along with chiffony dupattas embellished with traditional Pakistani cross-stitch work,lawn fabrics (a speciality of cotton fabric from Pakistan),which the Pakistani guest had brought with her. Zaheer wants to promote traditional Pakistani kaarigari in India. Dressed in a black chiffon suit combined with bright polka dots with a floral print,Zaheer had the city-women asking her to bring more of what she wore. “I am quite happy to recieve the enquires. Our way of dressing sure has made an impression,” said Zaheer. She is planning to showcase in a bigger way with Malhotra soon.

This sudden craze for Pakistani suits and pants,as they are fast being referred to,already has Sector 19-based designer,Poonam Sood take stock of the few pre-stitched lacy pants and unstitched suits that she is left with. “The Pakistani women,dressed in bright colours,surely stood out in the stadium. It’s a look that’s going to rule this summer,” feels Sood,who is one of the few dishing out Pakistani suits this summer,courtesy her arrangement with a Pakistani seller. “Unlike our flowing Patiala salwars,their’s are like parallel pants,with lots of lace trimmings,” explains Sood who has already got orders for these. Another unique difference lies with the the length of the kurta. In case of the Indian kurta,the length ends around the knees,the Pakistani ones are longer,almost till the end of one’s calves. “They love bright floral prints and I am already tying up with buyers from across the border for my summer collection,” informed Sood.

Mohali-based designer Avantika Grewal,is also doing her bit to fan this trend. Though the month of April is a usual time for Grewal to unveil her spring-summer line,this time she decided to stock up on the much-in-demand footwear from Lahore. “Pakistan is the talk of the season in all respects. I have sourced Paksitani juttis and chappals directly from Lahore,after I met a stockist from Pakistan at the recently held CII consumer fair,” informed Grewal who also excels in designing custom-made Patiala juttis to match one’s outfit. The Pakistani juttis,priced Rs 440 onwards,boast of cutwork and mokaish embroideries. Zaheer tells us,“Pakistani women love to dress up. We all go through good and bad times,but our clothes never reflect that.” We are taking notice.

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