'Fashion is always reciprocal'

Beyond borders

As a fashion designer, Huma Nassr has been visiting India since past decade. Over these years, she noticed the mutual demand of ensembles and pieces in India and Pakistan.

While she initially thought to bring fashion designers from Pakistan to India, she later decided to bring the fashion fraternity from both the countries on a single platform — ‘Shaan-e-Pakistan’.

“Fashion is always reciprocal. Sarees from India are loved there (Pakistan) and Pakistan’s lawn suits (the style of lengthy kameez and dupattas) is famous in India. The fashion from there is followed here and vice-versa,” Nassr, of label Braathi, established in 2002, points out.

After the success first edition of Shaan-e-Pakistan ‘ Road to India’ in September 2015, its second edition titled Kya Dilli, Kya Lahore is all set to be held in the historic city of Lahore, Pakistan from March 20-22.

“We are bringing a slice of India to Pakistan and ensuring that the Indian participants take the taste of Lahore back with them. Bringing together the talent of Hindustan and Pakistan for the love of fashion, music and food would give us all the more reasons to spread and share peace, acceptance and love,” says Nassr.

As a collaborative platform, the event will witness over 150 people including fashion designers like Samant Chauhan, Kirti Rathore; musicians like Rekha Bharadwaj, Mai Dhai, Asrar; culinary delights from ‘best-chefs’ and exhibitors from both the countries.

“We are providing an opportunity to our Indian friends to experience Lahore in its true sense. India is like a home to me and I wish the people of both countries to share their individualities and improve their relationships by showcasing their craft, talent and ideas on one unified platform. This venture is not just limited to the showcase of luxury fashion only but goes beyond into creating an experience of collaborative exquisite culinary delicacies and music as well,” says the Lahore-based designer.

Emphasising music and art to be indispensable part of fashion shows, she says, “I am aesthetically and soulfully connected with music and art. Artistes like Atif Aslam and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan have made a name for themselves from across the border and there are singers from India who are loved there. Indo-Pak has a lot to offer. That is why, we picked up such elements which connect to everyone.”