Fashion from India and Pakistan at joint exhibition in Delhi

Fashion, textile, jewelery, accessories and even furniture created by designers from India and Pakistan are set to be showcased in a exhibition here in September.

The three-day event "Shaan-e-Pakistan" beginning September 10 has roped in over 150 exhibitors from both the countries. "Shaan-e-Pakistan not just offers a glimpse of Pakistani fashion, the event is about empowerment too. Women weavers and craftsmen, rarely realise the worth of their exquisite handwork," says Huma Nassr, who made India her second home seven years ago and retails under the brand name ''Braahtii''. "Since most designers use hand embroidery, this will prove to be a good opportunity for these artisans to get the exposure they deserve," says Nassr.

The event, expected to bring a huge delegation from Pakistan, is part of the larger aim of its associates, Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), Karachi Chamber of Commerce and High Commission of Pakistan to further build on the efforts of the governments of Pakistan and India to normalise trade relations between the two countries. "This event shall help to improve the relation between both countries as food and fashion are two major aspects to get the countries together. There are a lot of similarities between them and this kind of initiative can open doors between the people of the two neighbours," says Nassr.

"With a trade potential of billions of dollars between the two countries, the event will not only offer a unique opportunity to Indian fashionistas to interact with their Pakistani counterparts but also offers a first-hand opportunity for customers to feel and own the best quality products India and Pakistan has to offer," says Sangeeta Das, Co-host, Shaan-e-Pakistan.

The exhibition, planned at the onset of the festive season plans to introduce Pakistani trousseau teamed with Indian aesthetics making it the hot destinations for shoppers to pick up latest designs of Pakistani couturiers. The idea, say organisers, is to make the festive season more special for both the countries. Designated lounges for fashion, textiles, jewellery, lifestyle products, accessories and even furniture have been planned.

Over 100 exhibitors have confirmed their presence and the event will also feature a grand fashion show by prominent designers. "We are offering great discount install rates for artisans and government bodies that promote artisan," says Das. 

Designers from West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, the North East, Bhagalpur and Maharashtra are set to participate in the show. Embroideries ranging from the latest digital prints to Multani, Tarkashi and Ralli besides Chikankari, Phulkari, Mukesh, Zardozi and alike is set to be showcased.

"Top designers from Pakistan -- Hassan Sheheryar Yasin (HSY) the king of couture, Umer Sayeed the pioneer, Zainab Chottani the queen of great signature series, Saher Atif are included. "Jewellery from both side will be the main attraction especially the gold bangle maker and the designs from both the countries has its own karigirii," says Nassr. 

A wide range of ensembles in pret, couture and semi formals are also set to be showcased. "Real Pakistani ethnic fusion includes traditional work in modern cut like gharara and complete zardozi and gotta patti work silhouette. "Our special shalwars and cigarette trousers which compliments shirts and long flowy pure silk dupatas will be showcased. Our pure chiffon are the main displayed line on which the flows and conceptual designs are created," says Nassr.

According to organisers, food is the core part of the event and cuisine includes specialities like ''tikkas'' and ''gajar ka halwa'' also.