Karachi Literature Festival 2015

What I Saw & What I Liked

The weekend concluded the three day long literary festival that can easily be stated as Karachi’s biggest and most anticipated literary events. I, myself, had only been to the 4^th KLF before this one, so I’d admit I was quite unaware of how intense the entire phenomenon is. But I wanted to make sure I attended this one since I had received the list of programs for all three day and had gotten super excited to know that there were such esteemed personalities invited there to speak and share their experiences and knowledge with us. Unfortunately, I was only able to attend the festival on the last day, nevertheless I had a really good experience.

  

I was able to catch most of the conversation with Bushra Ansari and the dramatic reading of works of Deputy Nazeer Ahmed by Fawad Khan and Nazarul Hasan of NAPA. Needless to say Bushra Ansari was her interesting and delightful self; it is so refreshing to listen to a celebrity of her status be so natural and honest. I have always loved the way she talks; so friendly and frank that she makes everyone around her comfortable. The conversation was lead by Nimra Bucha, another talented and delightful actress. From trps to single handedly raising children, she asked all the right questions to which Ansari gave such enjoyably witty answers.

Nimra Bucha in conversation with Bushra Ansari

I was quite happily surprised to witness the performance of NAPA students. Such command on Urdu language, just the right expressions and most impressive was their ability to memorize some 60-90 minutes long performance. The pauses, stresses, speed, enunciation and vocal expressions; you name it and it was perfectly professional. I could just close my eyes and easily understand everything and imagine the entire scene, something which is very important in storytelling.  Two thumbs up to the boys!

Some of the things I brought back from the festival

I got an arts and crafts book for a kid I know. This was rightly priced though I could have still gotten it for a lesser amount somewhere else, but I didn't mind. I did however wanted to get a book of my choice, but almost all the books cost  a lot. Oxford Press in this regards never disappoints me. I absolutley love english novels and Urdu poetry. It has these small poetry editions of various poets for Rs.100. I had bought 3 at the the 4th KLF and got another one this time too. Though I would have preferred to get a thicker book, but I'm always pleased to get something I like for a reasonable price and Oxford Press always has something or the other me.

Coke gave away free samples to anyone who donated books. No matter how much you already like this brand, it always finds another way to make you fall in love with it! Ladies were given free 'I Am Karachi' t-shirts.

And of course I got a brochure and participation form for the Youth Festival being held at Arts Council.

Finally, giving an overview of the festival, here’s a quick list of the things I liked and the others not so much.

The thumbs up worthy

1. Much better organized in terms of security and placements of stalls
2. Addition of a food court this year (always a plus point)!
3. The books, of course
4. The list of programs was nicely decided; it attracted the crowd as well as personalities from all over the country and abroad for promoting multiple causes.
5. You get to meet a lot of noteworthy personalities
6. I was really glad to see quite a few schools trips there and organizations promoting different causes
7. You get to learn so much that's happening around by just the different pamphlets being handed down

The off putters

1. Shortage of seats (somehow always seems to be the issue at events like this)
2. People saving seats for future use (we have all been a victim to this way too often! I missed a lot of good stuff just because people had occupied more than one seats, in the food court and pretty much everywhere else)
3. People talking and walking in the middle of programs (this not only disturbs the audience but also the people on the stage, not to forget its rude)
4. The books seemed to be less in number and variety plus they were quite expensive which beats the purpose. I had my heart set on ‘Deewan-e-Ghalib’ but couldn't buy it because it was for Rs.600!
5. The free loaders fighting for and stacking up free samples are just too irritating anywhere.

SSK

Review: MBroidered Vol 1 + La Roseraie - A Walk Through the Rose Garden

Following the showcase of the brand’s 18^th Century France inspired La Roseraie collection at Bridal Couture Week 2014 and the commercial success of the brand’s two prior Mbroidered collections, MARIA.B. has announced the launch of Mbroidered 2015, Volume 1. The new collection will be available at all MARIA.B. outlets nationwide and internationally through www.mariab.pk from 5^th February 2015.

For Mbroidered 2015, Volume 1, the brand is said to draw inspiration from ancient Indian costume embroideries of yore, a handicraft steeped in tradition that MARIA.B seeks to revive. The line consists of unstitched 3 piece suits based in a diversity of luxe fabrics that include pure chiffon, silk, charmeuse silk and Russian silk. Mbroidered 2015, Volume 1 also marks the introduction of embroidered charmeuse silk, a first for an unstitched designer silk collection. The unstitched outfits feature 10 innovative rose and French influenced designs in a monochromatic palette that also comprises of deep earthy tones, royal festive hues and pretty pastels. The collection has been embellished with embroidered fronts and sleeves with add-ons in embroidered velvet - organza borders, digital prints and cutwork sequenced sparkling lacework.

 Driven by my love for fashion and interest in fashion criticism, I would love to take this moment to discuss Maria B's most recent collection at the Telenor Bridal Couture Week (TBCW) in Lahore two months back. Called La Rosaraie (rose garden), the designs were aplty inspired by 18^th century France. The French buildings were designed as borders for long ball gown skirts. The skirt clad models could be seen accessorizing the look with gloves and sexy French umbrellas, all typical of the time. I loved the heavily crusted golden blouse worn by Fia. I'd love to pair it with a good sari! The other part of the collection focused on the traditional silver crusted designs, from grays to pastels, there was hardly any colour Maria B didn't use her gorgeous designs in. The collection was a mix of shirts with straight pants, full length gowns and shararas. Even the materials used; chiffon, silk, net, were presented in a wide variety. These models wore beautiful floral headpieces, another must have accessory of the time. 


    

Of course no discussion about a collection can be complete without the mention of the showstopper designs. Urwa's pleated skirt had gray architecture printed on a white base with tall buildings all the way up and a pink floral base border. She wore a sleeveless crop top with a beautiful neck work. Mawra donned a pastel themed attire bringing the colour scheme to full circle. Her silk skirt, pleated as well, was an ombre of white and peach with a sheath over it studded with pearls and flowers. Her top was a hard criss cross net design with a big flower motif in the middle. The Young ladies accessorized with gloves and beautifully elaborate floral and pearl head pieces.

What was equally, if not more, enjoyable was the comfort and joy the sisters brought with them. They seemed to enjoy the ramp thoroughly and indulged the audience with them! I don't want to say much, I'd rather just let the pictures do the job.

All this and much more, now available online!

Speaking about her brand’s latest collection, Maria Butt, CEO MARIA.B. said, “After the resounding success of Mbroidered Volumes I and II, we are pleased to announce the third edition of the MARIA.B. Mbroidered line. The unstitched collection is based in a diversity of pure silks and is ideal for wear at formal and semi-formal occasions in these waning winter months. The new collection will be available across our 20 standalone outlets in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Mardan, Gujranwala, Multan, Sargodha, Rahim Yar Khan and Sialkot, as well as online at our full-fledged e-commerce site, www.mariab.pk from 5^th February onwards.”

For more information about MARIA.B

http://www.mariab.pk/

https://www.facebook.com/mariabdesigns

instagram.com/mariabofficial 

SSK

Review: The HSY Experience Now Online

                     

Master couturier HSY has launched his eponymous label’s official website on 1^st February, 2015. The website www.hsystudio.com will provide an opportunity for local and foreign fashion enthusiasts to order bridal, prêt, luxury prêt, and menswear outfits from all HSY collections, including the label’s latest collection “Divine Decadence”.

I was one of the dazed ones in the audience at Pakistan L'Oreal Bridal Week (PLBW) in October last year. The collection spoke volumes of grandiosity with heavy worked on pieces. The collection was divided into to themes. One was the gold and red themed attires. The thigh length sherwani shirts dominated menswear wear as beautiful gold flower headband accompanied all the feminine looks. The female models showed off their heavily embroidered gold and red dresses, but this one dress that Rubya Chaudhary wore really stood out. The noteworthy top had a fur neck with side pockets and was decorated by a simple mustard waist belt. 

I was excited to see when the rest of the collection was so fabulous, how extravagant would the showstoppergown be. And HSY truly delivered on what he promised; what divinity! Mehreen Syed looked nothing less than a goddess in the black and gold heavily pleated gown. The huge floral headband and a black net veil completely sealed the deal for me! I immediately wanted to get my hands on all of the dresses; it’s not every day one gets to wear a dress that makes you look and feel totally out of this world. But HSY makes sure, if you're wearing him, you get nothing less.

The second part of the collection was based on the combination of black and silver embellishments. Again, completely gorgeous designs; heavy enough to be bridal but chic and contemporary enough to be worn at a formal event where you're looking to make a statement. The menswear consisted of classy suits with sometimes ornaments and sometimes black embellishments.  My favourite from this section was Sabeeka Imam's top. It was as beautiful from the back as it was breathtaking from the front; one phrase - to die for!

The good news for everyone is that we don't have to wait for a fashion week or the new shoot to know what's going on anymore. We now have a website to take look at what the brilliant HSY is up to and connect with him anytime. The web portal is also integrated to the brand’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts.

Speaking about the launch of the website, HSY said, “I am really looking forward to the launch of the brand’s website. As a brand, our local and international demand necessitated the need for a fully integrated e-commerce digital solution for the brand. Through our new web portal we aim to further enhance the accessibility of our brand and provide our patrons the ease to peruse our work from the comfort of their own homes. The website is also linked to the brand’s Facebook page and my Instagram and Twitter accounts, which keeps our fans updated with the brand’s day to day activities.”

I personally hope to see many more awesome collections by him! xx

For more information, please log on to:

www.hsystudio.com

https://www.facebook.com/hsystudio

http://i.instagram.com/theworldofhsy/

http://twitter.com/theworldofHSY

SSK

More from Coke Studio: Coke Studio Gigs Presents Jimmy Khan, Asrar and Sara Haider

After a season full of entertaining performances Coke Studio has been organizing gigs all over Pakistan featuring its best artists. The gig came to Karachi last week for a musical showcase of Jimmy Khan, Asrar and Sara Haider in their best melodious forms. The concert took place at the Commune Artist Colony in Karachi on 25th January 2015. A welcome note and introduction of Coke Studio Gigs and the artist line up by MC Nabiya opened the event.

                              

Asrar was first on stage, followed by Haider and then Khan who concluded the evening full of energetic, musical performances. In addition to the entertaining music, guests were provided with their own custom personalized Coke bottles, which I think was especially cool!

I had the pleasure of running into some awesome crowd including Ayesha Khan, Hamza Ali Abbasi and Sanam Saeed who seemed to enjoy the evening like anything.

                                           

                                                              Sanam Saeed at the gig with her customized Coke bottle 

Bilal Lashari, Ayesha Khan, Hamza Ali Abbasi all excited for the concert

Bassam, Asad ul Haq, Saima Aziz, Angeline Malik

For those who don’t know much about the gigs, Coke Studio Gigs is a music platform that features new and upcoming artists from different academic and social backgrounds, coming together to celebrate the diverse and unique music of Coke Studio, and making it their own by executing the popular platform’s tracks through their own personal style and flair. The initiative is a result of popular feedback generated by fans of Coke Studio, who demanded a separate platform for up and coming Pakistani musicians to showcase their talent. Coke Studio Gigs is now in its second season and has already highlighted the talent of several Pakistani musicians who have gone on to perform at the highest levels of our music industry.

Here’s to many more seasons and gigs full of talented, entertaining musicians! Xx

For more information, follow the Coke Studio Gigs schedule at: https://www.facebook.com/Cokestudiogigs/events, www.twitter.com/cokestudiogigs and through the official Coke Studio Gigs Hashtag: #CokeStudioGigs

SSK

Review: Ammara Khan showcases a Limited Edition Luxury Prêt Line and Bridal Wear at Ensemble - Karachi

Acclaimed Couture House Ammara Khan showcased a limited edition luxury Prêt line a few days ago (27^th Jan) in Karachi inspired by its “The Winter Palace: A Celebration of the Russian Tsarina”, along with the Bridal Collection in its complete, original form at Ensemble Karachi. The Luxury Prêt line comprises of four exclusive diffused ensembles from the designer's acclaimed collection she first showcased in Lahore at Pakistan L'Oreal Bridal Week (PLBW) in October last year. 

I had the pleasure to witness the collection myself at the Fashion Week and it was just as the title suggests, royally elegant! One of my two favourites from the collection is the piece worn by Sabeeka Imam. The gorgeous ruby studded net had a coral blouse inside and floral design all over in two shades of coral. The border was of a gold floral design merging perfectly with the nude and gold in the pants. 

The top was a sight alright, but the straight pants are what caught my eyes and I'm sure everyone's heart. Based on nude, the pants have diagonal lines from two distinctly different textured gold stripes.The perfect fit pencil pants had pearl lining along the side as well as small ruby stones below the knees. Of course the way Imam owned the piece as if it were especially designed for her, is commendable in itself too. I believe the success of a dress relies to a certain degree on the way it is carried.

The showstopper, or rather heart stopper, was the mermaid tail bridal gown adorned by Mehreen Syed. Needless to say she carried it as beautifully as it is designed. The gown was heavily embellished with silver on a pastel base. I loved the silk ribbon at the back; it made the gown that much classier. The soft braided updo, charcoal black eyes and subtle cherry red lips went just perfect with the theme of the collection. Syed totally rocked like a queen!

           

The collection draws inspiration from the luxurious and opulent lifestyle of Russian Royalty. For the capsule collection, Ammara Khan employs exquisite age old techniques of embroidery using silver and gold thread with meticulous craftsmanship, embellished with crystals, semi-precious stones and lustrous pearls. The color palette is inspired by the festive colors of the historic Winter Palace and features hues such as rich gold, silvers, soft pastels, amber, taupe, Prussian blues, coral and ivory.

                                 

Yet another exciting and totally fit-for-a-king collection by Khan who founded the couture house in 2002. She is renowned for her signature focus on supreme luxury and exquisite craftsmanship which shows in her work as a harmonious blend of the classic and contemporary. With a childhood love for fashion, Khan pursued her dream and acquired formal education from the renowned Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) New York and Polimoda in Florence, Italy specializing in evening wear.

Here are a few snap shots from the showcase at Ensemble.

                   

                        Menahel, Khan and Saba

     Khan with Tabesh Khoja and Rubya Chaudhary

                                         

                                                             Sunita Marshall, Areeba Habib and Eqra wearing Ammara Khan

Currently, Ammara Khan is available at Ensemble Dubai/Karachi and at the label's studio in Lahore.

For more information, please visit:

www.ammarakhan.com

https://www.facebook.com/AmmaraKhan

Instagram: @ammarakhanatelier

SSK

TV Time: Choti Si Ghalat Fehmi

Director: Ahsan Ali Zaidi                   Producer: Fars Ent                    Writer: Nasir Faraz
Cast: Sajid Hassan, Nausheen Shah, Sabreen Isphani, Zhalay Sarhadi, Nimra Khan, Shakeel, Humaira Zaheer, Imran Ashraf, Aressha
Airing: 07:00 p.m Monday to Thursday on Hum Tv

So, Hum TV, one of my favourite local channels, brings to its audience yet another venture “Choti si Ghalat Fehmi”. The serial is based on a simple yet menacing habit of suspecting on and not communicating properly with the your loved ones. It is said to highlight how a small misunderstanding and lack of trust between spouses can lead to great disasters. Such an atrocious habit does not only have devastating effects on the people involved, but also on their children as the tension, whether unspoken or in the form of abuse and fights, disturbs the little ones far more and before than anyone else. 

The happy couple, Abrar and Afroze with their 10 year old

The viewers are let into the lives of a happily married couple Abrar and Afroze, living peacefully with their 10-year-old daughter until Afroze’s friend Sahila, comes into the picture, someone who I personally feel is a bored, little minded and fond of gossiping woman. She believes that all men are treacherous and Abrar is no exception and places a bet with her friend to lure her husband towards her. Afroze, who has blind faith on her husband's love and loyalty accepts the bet. Sahila tricks Abrar into believing that she has brain tumor to get his sympathy. As he has no idea of her bet, starts taking take of her needs, resulting in Afroze to suspect all sorts of things and doubting her husband's character.

The pretext of the serial feels like the one we have watched over a hundred times. But that has never stopped good work to shine through. A good, collective team effort goes into making something worth remembering out of something too ordinary. For the same to happen here, the dialogues, scene distribution and performances of the cast will make all the difference. Since we all know pretty much everything that is going to happen, the cast needs to bring its A game to make us want to watch it still and a good scene distribution and direction will over shadow the predictable nature of the story.

We will also see some definite good work and twists, thanks to minor characters played by Hisbani and Nimra Khan. Though the story is at risk of getting monotonous, but there are some good actors appearing in the serial. If the team, including the writer and director, plays it right, the serial might still come out better than expected. Here's wishing the team of CSG best of luck and a good viewership! xx

SSK

He's the Man

Yes, like everyone else these days, I am talking about Fawwad Khan too. By now it’s common knowledge that he has just won the Filmfare Award for the Best Debut Male. The win is not a surprise even though he was nominated with fellow actors like Tiger Shroff. Khan had already managed to gain a strong female fan following even before the movie, credits to the super hit Humsafar. The movie just spiked things up more. He was presented with the award by none other than his co-star, the style diva Sonam Kapoor. Accepting the trophy, he expressed gratitude towards Sonam Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Rhea Kapoor, Disney productions and the entire team of Khoobsurat and shared the credit of his success with his fans from both sides of the border.

The Joyful Fawwad Khan after receiving the trophy in Mumbai

I cannot even think of finishing this article without discussing his red carpet look. I had liked Khan at the time of Humsafar a lot. I am not a fan of the weight loss he has gone through since. Nevertheless, he managed to look his classy self in an old school Dior suit, hair set with the usual discipline with his wife, Sadaf at his side in an elegant Muse dress. I loved the nude colour on her and the blouse softly embellished with pearls. Her naturally blow dried hair really suits her though I’d love to see her wear a good classy hairstyle sometime too! The gold waist belt really put a zing in the dress for me.

The Khan couple looking as hot and classy as ever

This is not Khan’s first award in recent time too. While he sits on, I’m sure, countless offers from all over the movie and drama industry, he has so far received an LSA for the Best Actor, a Masala Award for the Best Debutante and Fresh Face of the Year trophy from Hello India Awards.

Accepting the trophy at the Hum TV Awards 2014

Khan at LSA in December, 2014

I think it’s amazing if someone represents my country or community in a good way and garners such appreciation. The debate of whether the actor/actress deserves it or not is completely unnecessary while the nominations and awards are just cherry on top of a good creamy cake! We wish Fawwad Khan and all other artists all the very best for the future and I hope they continue to make wise professional decisions while getting all the respect, support and appreciation! 

SSK