The Karachi Bling Special Edition Session of SEP Fashion Summit ended on a high note recently. The event saw the who’s who of the fashion and related industries in attendance such as Rizwan Beyg, Shamaeel Ansari and Sonya Batla.

The event began with the national anthem followed by emcee Samiya Asim inviting PR head Shanaz Ramzi who explained that this was SEP’s second Fashion Summit after 2021. A special bling edition, the summit was an ode to Pakistan’s fashion industry discussing its pros and cons – at a time when the industry is on the wane – with the stalwarts of our fashion and related industries participating and showing their support for its revival.

Huma Nasr, the founder, CEO and Creative Director of Shaan-e-Pakistan spoke of her vision and her journey as a show director, highlighting her constant endeavours to promote fashion and music of Pakistan here and abroad as she feels they go hand in hand and are great connectors, uniting people the world over. She plans to take SEP abroad and hold another event in October.

Irfan Pardesi was invited as the first keynote speaker who spoke on Fashion and Technology. Textile Giants, moderated by Sidra Iqbal and Irfan Pardesi, featured eminent panelists including Rizwan Beyg, Shamaeel Ansari, Sonya Batla, Shehnaz Ismail and Zahir Rahimtoola.

Ahmed Chinoy, Director Stock Exchange addressed the audience giving his views, and keynote speaker Seema Taher encouraged the industry to do their bit in sustaining the industry.

The riveting Sufi bling performance followed featuring Zarmeena Ikram and Inaya Kamal donning Eastern and Western wear by the House of Braahti respectively. They made a grand entry on a live rendition by Zaryab Sultan whose ode to cross-border collaboration was beautifully conceptualized and depicted by show director Huma Nasr.

Keynote speaker Nina Kashif spoke on the pros and cons of brands taking over the fashion world. The special panel segment on Karachi Bling was moderated by Tabesh Khoja with panelists being Shanze Sabzwari, Tara Dawood and Parishae Adnan. The session saw Tabesh receiving a bling gift box which was a special gift all the way from Oman.

The last panel discussion was on Digital Fashion moderated by Shaha Tariq with panelists, Humaira Ali, Somayah Bardai and Irfan Pardesi focusing on online fashion.

By Mariha Khan

PA: Time traveling.

GLAM: What’s your favourite way to relax after a long day of work?

PA: Meditation or working out.

GLAM: If you could act alongside any actor or actress, who would it be?

PA: Marilyn Monroe.

GLAM: As a designer, what’s your go-to source for design inspiration?

PA: It honestly depends from collection to collection but my go to source are experiences I’ve had that have changed me as a person.

GLAM: What’s your favourite design project you’ve ever completed?

PA: Refurbishing a three-decade old bridal dress that was coming apart.

GLAM: Can you describe your design style in three words?

PA: Practical, fluid and monochrome.

GLAM: What’s your favourite thing to do when you are not designing or acting?

PA: Working out.

GLAM: What aspect of your upcoming role excites you the most?

PA: The fact that the character is very different from who I am as Parishae.

GLAM: Do you wish to continue acting in future?

PA: Let’s see.

GLAM: If you could describe your character in three words, what would they be?

PA: Filmi, shayarana and cute.

GLAM: Word or phrase you say a lot?

PA: This too shall pass.

GLAM: Best advice that you still remember?

PA: Always be airtight.

GLAMOUR, GLITZ & STYLE

By Zurain Z. Imam

Pakistan’s premier entertainment network, Hum Network Limited (HNL) proudly presented the Sixth TRESemmé Kashmir HUM Style Awards – the ultimate celebration of Pakistan’s fashion, beauty and entertainment on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at the Expo Centre, Karachi. The much-anticipated event – after a long dry spell without award shows – was a resounding success, attracting the Who’s Who of the fashion and entertainment worlds including celebrities, fashionistas, media and influencers. The ceremony was a masterclass in production values, set design with high-quality visuals and performances that left the audience enthralled.

The KHSA has exponentially become renowned for its credibility and focus on quality, and the Sixth Edition continued to set new benchmarks introducing two novel nomination categories that hitherto had never been recognized: Art Direction and Content Creator. KHSA places great importance on impartiality and transparency that laud well-deserving individuals working in the fields of Fashion, Entertainment, Music, Television Sports, Art Direction and Content Creation based on their “personal style.” The nominees were chosen by a panel of esteemed judges, including some of the most respected names in the entertainment industry.

Commenting on the TRESemmé Kashmir Hum Style Awards before the event, Sultana Siddiqui, Founder & President, Hum Network said that the network’s focus has been on nurturing and elevating Pakistan’s thriving fashion industry.

 “This dedication stems from the understanding that fashion holds significant global importance; this is why, we aim to invigorate this sector further and bring international recognition to the country. I hope the up-coming edition of HUM Style Awards will surpass all previous ones in excellence.”

Despite the sweltering heat, KHSA’s Red Carpet was jam-packed with a plethora of celebrities, nominees, press, social media influencers and guests. They were met with myriad booths supported by some of KHSA’s key sponsors including TRESemmé with its bevy of stunning spokesmodels, Bisconni with its coffee bar offering different brews and delectable biscuits and Lipton proffering green tea options. Other sponsors included media partner City FM 89, Haier and Parkview City.

Celebrities on the bustling Red Carpet hosted by Sabeen Syed (with renowned influencer Taimuri simultaneously hosting on the digital platform) included Behroze Sabzwari, Seemi Pasha, Adnan Siddiqui, Aijazz Aslam, Zahid Ahmed, Humayun Ashraf, Sarwat Gilani, Shahroze Sabzwari, Sadaf (Kanwal) Sabzwari, Rizwan Beyg, Shehla Chatoor, Deepak Perwani, Hassan Sheryar Yasin (HSY), Fahad Hussayn, Asim Azhar, Aima Baig, Azaan Sami Khan among others.

Some of the stunning Red Carpet looks included former supermodel/actress Vaneeza Ahmed exuding pure elegance in a soft grey sleek halter neck gown, actress Sarwat Gilani emitting ethnic radiance in an ivory embroidered and feathered couture sari, model/actress Sadaf (Kanwal) Sabzwari  radiating effortless chic in a silk powder silver gown and chiffon shawl, TRESemmé spokesmodel Surrina Nasir standing out in a black and silver cut-out sheath gown, actress Nausheen Shah striking a dramatic pose in a black flared gown, supernova model Maleena Mansoor exuding unadulterated superstar vibes in a sleek Barbie pink and black strapless fishtail gown, Miss World Pakistan and TRESemmé  spokesmodel Erica Robin exuding uber-glamour in a sleek black floral strapless floral brooch gown and fashion stylist Amal Qadri radiating vibrant ebullience in a sunflower yellow two- piece draped ensemble.

There were also myriad individualistic looks from dapper gentlemen guests including actor Adnan Siddiqui; designer Munib Nawaz; actor/model Zarrar Khan; actor Shuja Asad and make-up artist Arshad Khan.

On the fashion flipside, there were a few bold but outlandish sartorial choices made by some of the male attendees – who were perhaps attempting attention – seeking Met Gala vibes – which included the obvious suspects: flamboyantly-winged Hazim Bangwar, Assistant Commissioner Sindh and make-up artist Shainal who wore a sheer corset, voluminous caterpillar trousers and a bolero jacket offset with diamanté jewellery. 

As attendees entered the hall, they were visually delighted by the thematic set design and screens, which aptly changed with each performance, exquisitely crafted and executed by HUM’s ‘Special Projects & Events’ team. Style icons including renowned designer HSY, accomplished TV and film actress Kiran Malik and celebrated TV and film actor Zahid Ahmed stepped onto the stage as hosts for the evening and began with a welcoming banter.

The evening kick-started with a phenomenal opening performance titled ‘KHSA Anthem,’ a musical act composed by Adnan Dhool featuring Aima Baig, Faris Shafi and Adnan Dhool, which included a song called ‘Million ka Daur’ on the impact of social media on our lives. The costumes for the lead performers were designed by fashion impresario Fahad Hussayn.

The first accolade of the evening, the Rising Star Award was presented by power couple Ali Safina and Hira Tareen and bestowed to Saboor Akram and Manto.

Menswear designer Munib Nawaz and supermodel/actress Fouzia Aman presented uber-creative Qasim Liaqat with the title of Best Hair and Makeup Artist and rising supernova Mamoon Tariq Fashion Stylist of the Year.

A relatively new KHSA category, the Fashion Videographer of the Year award was presented by director Wajahat Rauf and actress Amar Khan to Muzamil Garewal. Celebrating the eye behind the lens, fashion designer extraordinaire Nomi Ansari gave Asad bin Javed the Fashion Photographer of the Year award amidst huge applause from his friends and peers in the hall.

The audience was mesmerised by a scintillating performance by Asim Azhar, joined by Talha Yunus, who showcased a medley of songs from Azhar’s debut album ‘Bematlab’ with numbers ‘Bematlab’; ‘Karma’; ‘You’; ‘Mujhsa Na’ and ‘Kyun’ brought to life with an electric performance supported by superb dance moves by talented performers trained by KHSA’s Official Choreographer Shezzy Khan.
Asim and Talha’s wardrobes were styled by out-of-the-box designer Jazib Qamar.

Co-hosts Zahid Ahmed and Kiran Malik spoke briefly about KHSA celebrating the “unsung heroes of style” and noted that many of the nominees this year were generally young and probably nervous.

 
Avant-garde designer Fahad Hussayn and singing sensation Aima Baig presented a new category award: Best Fashion Art Director to Hashim Ali.  Baig praised KHSA for recognising and celebrating Art, while winner Hashim Ali spoke about his 10-year long dream; grateful that Hum TV had created this new category and was hopeful that American Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour may now notice him!

Zahid Ahmed and Kiran Malik joked about the career trajectory of the next category, Best Model: Female, which according to them, included a journey from ads for skin glow creams to drama offers and finally promoting anti-ageing products.

Actress Amna Ilyas and Ilsa Zaidi, Assistant Brand Manager TRESemmé presented Abeer Asad Khan, dressed in a floral two-piece Nomi Ansari tube top and skirt, the much-coveted award. Khan spoke about her family and the women in her life who inspired her and declared that the Best Model: Female award was the “best birthday gift,” as her friends in the audience wished her by chanting the birthday song.

Actors Rizwan Ali Jaffri and Nausheen Shah presented Sauban Umais with the Best Model: Male award. Wearing a Palestinian keffiyah scarf on his sleeve and declaring “Free Palestine!” Umais was grateful to his family, friends and praised his fellow nominees and peers.

Actors Azfar Rehman and Alizeh Shah presented Fahad Hussayn the much-coveted award for Designer of the Year – Lawn. Hussayn broke down and thanked his support system, wishing that Lahore-based photographic duo Maram Abro were there to celebrate his first win with him, after 15 years of nominations.

Designer Deepak Perwani and model Amna Babar announced internationally-recognised retail powerhouse Khaadi as Retail Brand of the Year whose award was accepted by Tinath Saeed, Manager Brand & Fashion PR, Khaadi.

Upcoming acting supernovas Shuja Asad, Mamya Shajaffar and Khaqan Shahbawaz, dressed in vibrantly-hued professor suits by designer Emraan Rajput, lit up the stage in front of a backdrop screen depicting the HSA Academy with an electric performance titled ‘Class of 2024,’ with dancers colourfully dressed as schoolchildren styled by Official KHSA wardrobe stylist Hunny Haroon.

“Having to create ordinary fashion with runway looks and appeal,” is how Co-hosts HSY and Kiran Malik defined the complexity of the next category: Designer of the Year: Prêt. Actor/Host Faysal Quraishi and actress Yashma Gill bestowed the award to Zain Ahmad Co-founder and Creative Director of internationally – recognised brand Rastah, worn by the likes of Hollywood actor Timothée Chalamet; pop star Justin Bieber and Bollywood royalty Anil Kapoor and Karan Johar.

Dapper silver fox actor, Adnan Siddiqui presented Munib Nawaz the prestigious title of Designer of the Year – Menswear. A highly-excited and emotional Nawaz spoke about his 20-year old design journey and struggles and was grateful for continuing to do what he does. He beckoned co-host HSY from his podium and hugged his design peer who lauded Nawaz ” for pushing fashion forward.”

Veteran supermodel and actress Seemi Pasha and male model Aimal Khan presented Shehla Chatoor with the well-deserved Designer of the Year – Bridal award. Chatoor spoke about feeling honoured with receiving the award and was deeply appreciative that KHSA recognises and celebrates the timeless craftsmanship that has become a signature of Shehla Chatoor Bridals.

Another new category award introduced by KHSA: Most Stylish Content Creator was deservedly earned by always sartorially on-point supermodel and social media sensation Sona Rafiq dressed in a black sheath gown with a blush pink opera cape. The novel award was presented by Shahroz Sabzwari, Sadaf (Kanwal) Sabzwari and Humza Mahfooz, Senior Brand Manager TRESemmé. Rafiq thanked her family and friends who she loved and her “beautiful followers.”

Former supermodel and actress Vaneeza Ahmed, music composer/ actor Azaan Sami Khan and Saad Farooqui, Activation Manager at Kashmir Cooking Oil & Banaspati crowned singer and edgy fashionista, Faris Shafi the Most Stylish Performer. Shafi acknowledged his sister, Pop and Fashion icon Meesha Shafi as his style inspiration and thanked his mother veteran actress Saba Hamid for her ongoing support before yelling “Free Palestine!” as he exited the stage.
 
The People’s Choice for Most Stylish Performer (Male/Female) was earned by Asim Azhar who bellowed “Make noise for Faris!” before thanking voters, his mother and designer Jaazib Qamar.

The most riveting and engrossing performance was saved for the final act which was a show-stealing solo musical medley by Bilal Saeed dressed in a black tasselled suit with Free Palestine stitched onto the jacket designed by Vestido 1. The repertoire included Saeed’s hit number ‘Meri Soniye’ amid a metropolitan cityscape backdrop with masked dancers in pink sequinned outfits. As Saeed mingled with the audience, Shahroz Sabzwari and Aima Baig rose from their seats to groove with the musical impresario.

Before announcing the award for Most Stylish Sports Personality, HSY and Zahid Ahmed – who were facetiously introduced as His Majesty and His Highness respectively – engaged in a banal competition about who among the two had garnered more awards over the decades before announcing cricketer Shoaib Malik as the recipient of the award. Malik was unable to attend the event and thanked the KHSA jury via a video message.

Sultana Siddiqui and Duraid Qureshi (CEO and Co-Founder of HNL) presented “reel queen” Hania Amir, dressed in a hot pink pant suit inspired by the Palestinian keffiyeh, the prestigious award for Most Stylish Actor Television – Female. 

Sultana Siddiqui congratulated and thanked all the winners and nominees who graciously stayed till the end of the event despite not being guaranteed a win. She went on to say that all Pakistani designers and models should now garner global fame and added that she always wears and promotes Pakistani designers, notably Sania Maskatiya.

Duraid Qureshi brought attention to the resilience of the HNL team – including Production, Technical Marketing and Sales – praising them for producing such a magnificent event “with limited resources” and thanked them for “making us all proud” adding that HNL would never let down its sponsors.

Hania Amir said it was an honour to receive the award and thanked the KHSA jury for the recognition as well as her friends and fans. Amir was the only celebrity at KHSA who verbally addressed the crisis in Palestine and asked for a minute of silence for the citizens of Gaza; stressed upon circulating the hashtag #CeasfireNow and declared “We all have a platform, let’s use it to be on the right side of history.”

Superstars Sarwat Gilani and Aijazz Aslam accompanied by Abdul Aleem Khan, CEO of Park View City, Lahore presented Shahroz Sabzwari with the award for Most Stylish Actor Television – Male. Sabzwari thanked the Hum Network, his parents and celebrity stylist Tabesh Khoja (Khoji) and dedicated the award to his wife Sadaf (Kanwal) Sabzwari to whom he attributed his burgeoning style genesis and evolution.

Visiting Hollywood filmmakers, producers and script writer Andrew Fiero, James McMillan, Sadia Ashraf and Luisa Iskin awarded one of the most prestigious awards: Most Stylish Actor Film – Female to style icon Kiran Malik dressed in a blood red one-sleeved sari/dress hybrid, exuding effortless elegance and unparalleled style.

Malik thanked the Hum TV Network and said she must have inherited her fashion sensibility from her mother who she acknowledged “as the most stylish woman” she knows. Malik went on to ask for peace in the world and “to be kind to one another.” 

The Hollywood contingent after having travelled all over Pakistan for 10 days are in the midst of producing a movie shot entirely in Pakistan based on ‘Unmarriageable: A Novel by Soniah Kamal, an adaptation and inventive retelling of Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ with a script written by co-director Sadia Ashraf. One can assume that HNL and Hum Films will be involved in the movie’s production.

The final and arguably the most distinguished award: Most Stylish Actor Film – Male was presented by Hania Amir. Khaqan Shahnawaz and Umar Ahmed, Marketing Manager at Kashmir Cooking Oil and Banaspati accepted on behalf of an absent Fahad Mustafa – who has an antagonistic history with award shows.

The Sixth Kashmir Hum Style Awards was undoubtedly a star-studded extravaganza, helmed by some of the entertainment industry’s young breed of talent

One might suggest that in the future, in lieu of so many dance performances, something more fashion and style-centric could be presented like a multiple designer showcase as in a previous HSA show some years ago.

KHSA’s Official Hair and Makeup Partners were N-Pro and N-Gents while the Official Photographer was Ahsan Qureshi. The Gifts & Heritage Partners included J DOT Fragrances, Esfir Jewels, Gul Khan Truck Art – Handmade in Pakistan, while the Official Airline Partner was Fly Jinnah. The Press and PR was managed by Take II PR.

Kudos to Hum Network Ltd. for once again creating a platform and space for entertainment and fashion folk to enjoy a sense of camaraderie, offering novel opportunities; celebrating the well-deserving winners and for setting new benchmarks in style!