Fashion is not just what you wear. Sometimes, it's a statement; sometimes, it's a call to action. But in Pakistan, fashion is resilience - an 'in your face' to the forces that aim to destroy the country. Pakistani fashion is fast evolving into the counter-narrative that will put this nation on the fast-track to progress. Don't believe me? Below is a selection of just a few of the ground breaking, era-defining, nation-building and instantly wearable designs that are fast eroding the cultural malaise we are experiencing. Behold! Design sense: Po-mo (post modern vs postmodernism)  trash bag chique Inspiration: Neon signs, California beaches, trash bags. The ideal dress for the upcoming summer, given the rise in, load-shedding, this is a must wear for those who want to say:

My zip doesn’t work, but who cares! It's summer time!

 Why can’t death be a fashion statement?

Is it just me or does local off-the-rack fashion appear to be more cookie-cutter than ever? On the lookout for an Eid-appropriate outfit recently, I expected to enjoy browsing through the racks featuring the usual array of namesake labels, from trained professional designers  to bored housewives. Instead, the general search was nothing short of a frustrating nightmare; hideously large crystals on chikan, animal prints with fussy aunty-style details, and radiant colours made mundane with maternity cuts. Now, people pay tens (or hundreds) of thousands to look like sparkly gift-boxes on certain occasions, (and I’ve voluntarily done it, too) but I honestly couldn’t stomach it this time round. It seems that a reasonably chic outfit with clean lines and a flattering cut is too much to ask for at many of the boutiques and exhibitions this Ramzan. I’m thoroughly sick of over-the-top embroidery and sweeping shirts that do the work of jharoos (broomsticks) when you walk (not to mention stumbling up and down the stairs; who wants to stride around with a wedding train in the daytime?). Retail therapy, make way for retail frustration. Here’s why:

I must begin by lamenting the fact that I blew off most of the Pakistan versus Bangladesh World T20 match to go watch Madhur Bhandarkar’s Heroine. Yes, the emphasis is on Bhandarkar, not lady lovable Kareena Kapoor. I have been a Bhandarkar fan since Page 3 and, with Fashion, he demonstrated to an extent that he was capable of working with bigger names like Priyanka Chopra. However, the director is really just a star of multiplex cinemas and disappoints with Heroine. When you make a film with a super-duper star like Kareena Kapoor, everything else must also match the glamour and grandeur she naturally brings to the film. Heroine fails to do so. The production value – considering a front face of perhaps Bollywood’s most celebrated female actor of the time – is pretty low. The writing is terrible and the script leaves a lot to be desired, including a real climax. The film’s aura (thanks to some skillful publicity) was bigger than the film itself ─  something that doesn’t suit Bhandarkar whose previous films have not relied on publicity to become the hits that they are. Mahi Arora (Kareena) is shown to be a superstar – though I found her only a struggling starlet, not a superstar – who keeps making one after another wrong decision. The pill-popping and alcoholism do nothing to establish her character as a reigning queen, because that is not the way any of the top-tier Bollywood heroines live. Mahi’s heart is in the right place but her mind, of which she doesn’t seem to have enough, is not. The audiences should thank God that miss straight face Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was replaced by Kareena, who is absolutely fantastic in the film. I can say with certainty that no other female actor could have fit the role and done it as brilliantly as she has. With her harrowing eyes and ghostly white complexion, Kareena is every bit the lost soul in a cruel world that refuses to wait until she finds her feet. While Kareena was supposed to bring the sex quotient in the film, it is Arjun Rampal who does. He doesn’t do much in terms of acting, but then again when has he ever? However, that’s never bad news for us women. Divya Dutta is great in her role as a shrewd public relations executive and, together with Kareena, adds a lot of colour to an otherwise bland film. In the film’s defence, it is not a rip-off of Fashion as so many commentators have said pre- and post-film. There may be some glimpses but the films are actually quite different. For one, Fashion was a lot bolder than Heroine. In Fashion, Bhandarkar bared it all, but in Heroine, he seems a little more careful about not crossing certain lines. The film, for instance, has a character designed along the lines of cricketer Yuvraj Singh (played well by Randeep Hooda) but has no characters to portray the roles that the three Khans and Karan Johar play in the Indian film industry. A Bollywood film can never be complete without mentioning them as they are undoubtedly the most influential people in the industry. There are also some great shots as Bhandarkar is very good with symbolism. My favourite part was when Mahi goes to attend the funeral of a senior female actor Shagufta Rizvi (played by Helen), whom she often goes to for solace, and media-men and women descend on her like bloodthirsty hawks. Her white scarf is snatched away and journalists think nothing of walking over it in trying to get a sound bite out of Mahi. In the end, I will say only this: if you are going to employ the sort of publicity for your film that Karan Johar or Yash Chopra do, you must make sure that your film also has the look and feel of the grand dreamland that they create in their films. Otherwise, it feels like something is amiss and that’s what I felt as I walked out from the cinema after watching Heroine. PHOTOS: PUBLICITY Read more by Zainab here or follow her on Twitter @zainabimam Join us on Facebook  and Twitter for blog updates and more!

It’s a common myth that men generally don’t agree with women’s fashion choices. We wanted to put the myth to test and see how the verdict of a female fashion expert tallies up against the opinion of regular guys. So, meet the boys.   Essa Malik 28, is a graphic designer and photographer who likes all things beautiful. He is currently single. Taha Farrukh 28, plays the Xbox for a living and works as a Finance Advisor in his free time. A globe-trotter who samples all kinds of cuisines, but draws the line at escargots. He is married.   Shaheryar Popalzai 28, is a journalist by day and pseudo-punk by night. He is engaged. The Guru, Hani Taha has worked as a fashion journalist at The Express Tribune and is currently a graduate student at Syracuse University. About Juggan Essa: Someone as pretty as her should be faring much better, but here we go: The kurta is UGLY. Both the colour and the pattern bring the outfit down. Also looking like it has not been ironed doesn’t help her cause. The hair and make-up are very lack-lustre, a far cry from the uncontrived look she might be trying to achieve. Taha: Juggan always has a youthful look about her. However, this is not her best look, as the shirt is on the crumpled side and maybe a little too casual. Shaheryar: What was the occasion? This dress reminds of the falooda I had yesterday. ‘Nuff said. The Guru: Okay, it’s official. Juggan Kazim needs a stylist. This pink spring-in-bloom effort just doesn’t become someone who is the brand ambassador for a beauty brand. Dress as you please when you’re off to school to pick up your child, but wearing something as frumpy as this kurta is just begging for the fashion police to hunt you down. About Mehreen Syed Essa: A very fresh and simple look, which she carries off with elegance. The shoes look utterly painful to wear but she carries them well. Taha: She looks very pretty as usual, with her loose curls and natural make-up. Her clothes are simple and a very cool colour, which gives her a youthful look. Those shoes look painfully high however! I feel for her feet. Shaheryar: No wow factor here, no double-take. The hair looks nice though. The Guru: Model-turned-entrepreneur Mehreen Syed makes the perfect poster child for a cool sublime summer. In a virgin white and royal blue geometric pattern kameez that adheres to the upcoming trend of a higher hemline, she looks classic without a make-up or accessories overkill. Good job, MS! About Rachel   Essa: I’m not a fan of the colour combination. The black and the green are just fighting with each other and that brings the entire dress down. The make-up looks very plastic and it seems like she is trying really hard to get the Barbie look which does not suit her. Taha: Not much to comment on. The look is nothing to write home about and the dress could probably be from any other women’s clothing shop. Shaheryar: What was the point of the sleeves with this dress? Also, instead of that watch, maybe a bracelet would have been nice. The peep-toe shoes make her feet look trapped. LET THEM BREATHE. The Guru: Model Rachel looks way too much like a Lahori aunty at a soiree. The drooping hemline has become quite passé with fashion insiders, if not with society at large, and the stark white watch clashes oddly with her black and green ensemble. Also the whole outfit drowns her fun personality and makes her look older than her years. Read more by Hani here or follow her on Twitter @taha_hani Join us on Facebook and Twitter for blog updates and more! 

It’s a common myth that men generally don’t agree with women’s fashion choices. We wanted to put the myth to test and see how the verdict of a female fashion expert tallies up against the opinion of regular guys. So, meet the boys; Essa Malik 28, is a graphic designer and photographer who likes all things beautiful. He is currently single Shaheryar Popalzai 28, is a journalist by day and pseudo-punk by night. He is engaged. Jahanzaib Haque 30, is a news-obsessed social media junkie who has spent an inordinate amount of his life checking out women, mostly on Facebook. He is currently married. The Guru, Amna Iqbal Amna Iqbal – has been in and out of fashion therapy. A recent near death overdose of Louboutins combined with Sunday market chic, she was sent to ‘FCFMPD’ (Fashion Correctional Facility for the Mentally ill and Potentially Dangerous patients). She, however, escaped and is currently a fashion fugitive. If you find her, please don’t write to us, just save yourself. About Alizeh Waqar: Essa: I really like the coat like feel of the dress. The combination of the clean cut and the modern aesthetic make it very easy on the eyes. The colour of the shoes blend in with the stockings/tights, a different choice of colour would have added some contrast. Shaheryar: This looks like a soldier's uniform. Well, okay not a soldier but definitely a marching band uniform. Jahanzaib: Dig the hair, love the makeup, am a fan of those large hoop earrings and quite like the shoes. I even like the shiny gold fabric, but unfortunately, something is not working here when it comes to the kameez (or is it a dress, or a sherwani?). Due to the kaam or the fall of the cloth in the front, it looks like Alizeh has on a bullet-proof vest under that admittedly rich suit of armour. It doesn’t sit well on her slender figure in my opinion and the collar is just odd. Verdict: with a tinge of regret, pass. The Guru: Alizeh gives my nerves some peace. Black and gold is infallible and she adds just the right amount of red to pull the looks together. If only the tailor hadn’t bailed on her at the last minute, the jacket would have been cropped and fitted as it is meant to be and would not have looked like her brother’s sherwani. About Maheen Kardar: Essa: I like this look. It strikes the perfect balance between simple shirt and  heavy embroidery. The hair and makeup also compliment the look. Shaheryar: That looks like a dude's kameez. The bottoms are just okay. And those accessories... why? Jahanzaib: Ouch. So much time wasted on such awful pants! They look like a classic case of ‘not sure where I’m going with this so I’ll keep adding stuff till it makes sense’. I’m going to plead the fifth on the rest of this outfit. Verdict: definite pass. The Guru: Now I get it! Maheen is probably the yin yang of the fashion universe. The balance is restored, literally with Ms. Kardar wearing ethnic chic exactly the way it’s meant to be worn – the perfect blend of heavy and light. The basic purple of her kameez balances everything else. The hair and makeup is casual enough to put the chic in ethnic, which is not easy since most people trying ethnic chic end up looking like they just milked a cow. This one doesn’t. In fact, the pants are so gorgeous, I would sell my cattle fleet if I had one for them. About Faryal Aftab: Essa: If the muse for your look is a child’s toy then you are bound to look like one. Raggedy Ann doll anyone? Polka dot overdose is all I can say. A bigger plain belt might have saved the look but right now it’s a complete fashion faux pas. Shaheryar: No. Just, no. Who said this looked good? That jumpsuit looks like it was picked up from the local circus clown's rack. Horrible. Jahanzaib: Jumpsuits. No man worth his salt will ever like a woman in a jumpsuit. Please don’t make this the trend of the season! Please!!! I love the curly hair though. Verdict: pass. The Guru: Ok kids don’t look. Yes I know she’s scary. There must’ve been a mix up on the organisers part. I’m calling them. It’s not Halloween. Wait. Maybe she stole Bobo the happy clown’s clothes! That would explain the shape of her ..umm.. sack? Gift wrapper? Jumpsuit? Ah. Jumpsuit. Well I hate to admit it, Ms. Faryal-bobo-the-scary-clown-Aftab, but the belt clinching at your waist does not absolve you of scaring the kids. And we know that the polka dots combined with your hair colour, is a deliberate attempt at causing migraines.

The Annual Academy Awards is about fashion as much as it is about great cinema. It is a grand fashion show where stars dress to impress. Just because you did not attend the Oscars, doesn’t mean you can’t get in on the fun. Local designers on the pulse of fashion are second to none when it comes to glamour. If you have an upcoming special occasion, let A-list actresses inspire your style. Here are 15 of my favorite looks. Getting the look means keeping it simple, elegant and modern. Safia Abbas’ silk gown channels Amanda Seyfried’s gorgeous Alexander McQueen gown with a halter neck, crystal beading, gentle drapes and trailing back. Stark and simple, white always stands out in a crowd. The modern angles of this Maison Stylistica chikan top are what make it unique. Delicate embroidery on neutral coloured net is sophisticated and glamorous. A long slender column in champagne silk is flattering on slim women. Red on the red carpet always looks stunning. Add a draped style and crystal embellishment and you have a winning look. Bright colours like cobalt blue and violet only need the slightest of adornment. Midnight blue is a popular trend this season. And here come the ever-beautiful line of blacks, silver-greys and golds! Always majestic. So here were some of the great looks I came across during the Oscars. I know I couldn’t be there in person, but no-one says I can’t mix and match my way into looking like one of these shimmery glamorised stars all set for the Oscars! Read more by Hala here and follow her on Twitter @halasyed

Hey girls, but more importantly -- guys! The last time I wrote on fashion, I covered the all-important impact local fashion is having on terrorism (n' stuff). This time, thanks to the recently held first-ever Men's Fashion Week in Pakistan and Fashion Pakistan Week 2013, I present to you an exploration of men's fashion! I think the clothes really speak for themselves, but with a handy dandy speech bubble, I hope to call to your attention the nuances that go into design through the imaginings of the models that get to wear these splendid creations. Without further ado... THE HOTTEST MOMENTS IN PAKISTAN MEN'S FASHION 2013 Read more by Nadya here.

Last week at the Internationale Funkausstellung (IFA) in Berlin, three new ‘smartwatches’ were unveiled. The most anticipated was the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Gear. Sony showcased Smartwatch 2 and Qualcomm made an entry with Toq. While Apple’s iWatch is just around the corner, the Kickstarter backed Pebble has already sold more than 100,000 watches. It seems that the era of smartwatches is upon us. The internet is abuzz with analysts reviewing and talking about the wearable devices dubbed as smartwatches. While everyone seems excited about the future prospects of this new category of personal wearable tech, there is this underlying consensus developing though, that smartwatches or devices of today are not yet ready to take on the consumers of the world. I will not take this space to do yet another review of the newly launched devices but rather share five key requirements that I think a smartwatch must fulfill to qualify as a ‘watch’ and live up to the promise of ‘smart’. 1. Tell time, all the time, without the need of charging: The basic function of a watch is to tell time, all the time. A device that needs to be charged frequently to tell time can’t really qualify as a watch. The simplest Casio digital watches have battery life of over three years, and they cost just around $10. 2. Be ‘smart’, on its own: A watch should be able to function on its own. If it has to sync with another smart device to be smart, then it’s merely an accessory. For example this digital watch by Timex is not smart but it can do a lot without syncing with any other device. The basic standalone abilities of a smartwatch should include internet, GPS, and mobile connectivity along with music playback and motion sensing. Syncing with another smart device should further enhance the smartness of the watch. 3. Outdo the smartphone While smartphones keep getting smarter every day, they still have limitations when it comes to ease of use in specific situations. A smartwatch can and should push the boundaries of what can be achieved by a regular user with total freedom of mobility. It can have a much more meaningful purpose when worn by a swimmer, a mountaineer, a surgeon, a pilot, a patient, a toddler, or a soldier. 4. Doesn’t have to be a fashion embarrassment: A wristwatch has always been an essential fashion accessory for men and women. A smartwatch need not be an exception to that, rather it should add to the personal fashion statement of the one who is wearing it. A neutral and elegant case can be complimented with different types of bands that customers can choose from in order to vary the look from being formal to fun and quirky. 5. Ready to be primary and secondary choice: While non-techie and working professionals might want to wear a smartwatch as a secondary watch at certain occasions, the techies and students might actually adopt it as the primary choice of watch. The expectations from the smartwatch in these two scenarios would be very different. The success however will come to those smartwatch makers that can fulfil both expectations equally well. So what do you think of this smartwatch phenomenon? Would you buy one? How and when would you wear it? What features are you really looking for in a smartwatch? I would love to hear from you on this topic. This post originally appeared here.

Since I was a child, I have been bullied and called names. People have always been cruel to me and it took me a few years to understand that I should not let it get to me. Growing up, nobody wanted to hang out with me; children my age hated me and I was never picked for anything - let alone being picked last. Even the mothers of these kids despised me and adults made fun of me. All this, and only because I was a boy with effeminate traits. ‘I say ‘was’ because I like to think that I have evolved pretty much since then, although those characteristics still exist a somewhere inside me. What hurts the most is that people could have supported me and let me figure things out by myself, but instead they opted for the way that seemed natural and innate to them – the way of offence. The fact is that anything out of the ordinary is always condemned and so was I. People were just never good to me; not even my teachers or my peers. Hence, it was hard to make friends and even my best friend was sceptic about hanging out with me at first, simply out of fear of what people would say. I was a menace, an outcast; and only because I was ‘girlish’. That, I learned the hard way, is something a guy can never be. The world has defined a certain way of life with specific characteristics of behaviour that classify who is who and what is what. However, the truth is that we are all unique, and we are all God’s created beings. Nevertheless, people, refuse to see it that way; they would rather put a label on everything and then hate the people who don’t accept their labels. In fact, people who go against their definitions are shunned and looked down upon. Some labels are derogatory in themselves and the so the ‘different’ person becomes an ideal spectacle to be made fun of or excluded. Our society defines certain ways in which a guy is supposed to behave. If he doesn't conform, he’s not considered one of the male species. As far as my own experience went, I was frankly okay about not being a part of them. I had spent a lot of time trying to figure out my place in this world and I had come to terms with the fact that people wouldn't accept me – at least ‘normal’ people wouldn't. Hence, I turned to the outcasts. You see, these normal people have their own ideals, and if anyone doesn't come up to their expectations, they are thrown out. So a guy like me could never cope. However, the fact is that once you’re out, you need to find your own niche and you usually think, “Oh, it’s so cool, now I can hang out with people who won’t judge me for who I am or what I do; they’ll be cool.” So you try to blend in with the outsiders. In that single moment, you look forward to the point when you will be the one on the inside looking out. When you do eventually make it to the outcast circle, you feel free. You feel like you can be yourself – finally. However, I found out the hard way that even outcasts have their restrictions, and that is where it got even worse for me. A guy like me was called all kinds of names, and one of those names was the ‘gay guy’. It’s true, I have been perceived to be gay quite a few times even though I am not. Personally, I have always been alright with whoever a person wishes to be – gay or straight; after all, it’s their choice. However, what was conflicting was that even these outsiders – the other gay guys – had formed their own criteria and rules of who is gay and who is not. I hoped that they would be more accepting of my view, but all I got, even from them, was judgement. Simply put, the gays want you to be gay and they think that if a guy walks and talks like a girl, listens to girly music and is into fashion, then he’s gay. The gays told me to get out of the closet but I already was out! I'm straight and I cannot put it more simply than that. All these experiences led me to realise that no matter what you do, you just cannot fit in. There will always be someone or something that will push you out of the group. It took me a long time to figure out who I am and where I stand both, sexually as well as personally, and I cannot let anyone tell me where I fit in. The straights didn't accept me and the gays wanted me to change. So, I decided that I had better accept myself for who I was, first. In a world with access to information which earlier generations could not have even dreamt about, most of the time we don’t know what to do with that information or even whether it is right or verified. This diversity of humanity can never be boxed, and just when you think you've categorized each and every human being, there’ll come another batch of babies who’ll burn all your research down and formulate new ideals and new personalities. I fail to understand why an individual can’t just be him or herself. Why should you define who the other person is? Why not give them a chance to show you who they are? In my opinion, lack of trust, incomplete information, and not knowing one’s own self, has brought us to this point. The point where it’s just easier to bash someone and call them names from behind a screen, while you live your life conforming to whatever limits people have set for you. My personal experiences have taught me that the best thing to do is just be yourself, figure out who you are, work on your image and know yourself completely. So that the next time someone ridicules you, you can laugh it off. So this is me: Katy Perry is my idol, I like Disney movies and fashion, I am effeminate but I am straight. Deal with it!

My slumber was abruptly bothered as if I was suffering from sleep apnea. Irritated, I stretched out my hand for my mobile phone. It read 2am and it was a bitterly cold night. Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, it suddenly dawned on me that I was disturbed by Ashiqan-e-Rasool. It has increasingly become a fashion to celebrate Eid Miladun Nabi in an extremely disquieting way that no sane human being would appreciate. Of course, those who perform these irritatingly annoying tasks would not agree with me and might even deem my statement to be sacrilegious but I beg you to think pragmatically and answer this question, Are the acts performed during the days of Eid Miladun Nabi rationally acceptable? During these days houses, public places, mosques and shrines are lit up on a monumental scale. Literally, millions of lights are put on these places to make them glow painfully bright and those who refrain from doing so are often termed as ‘not among us’ by those who ‘religiously’ follow this practise. I have even seen those people lighting up their houses who hardly ever step inside a mosque to offer their prayers as well as those who are not well-versed in basic Islamic concepts such as Hajj, the six kalmas and so forth. I wonder why these people do not spend all this money on something productive. I know that these people will now question why ‘critics’ like me always raise the issue of productivity when it comes to celebrating religious occasions but I honestly believe that the amount of money poured in to light up houses and buildings would have a far more healthy impact on our society if spent in a constructive way. This does not mean that zealous followers cannot express their love for the Prophet (pbuh); they will just have to do it in a manner that would have been acceptable in his (pbuh) eyes. And I really do not think that he would appreciate the extravagance that is behind the stringing up of these lights and decorations. Recently, our youth has started indulging in another disturbing fad on the occasion of Eid Miladun Nabi. They spill out on the streets in caravans of silencer-less motor bikes with naats (religious poetry, praising the Prophet) playing on loud speakers fixed onto their bikes. What is galling is that most of these youngsters have little or no religious fervour for the Prophet (pbuh) and many of them just take this as an opportunity to show off their bikes with their killer speeds and stunts in the hope of attracting the opposite sex. All these acts go against the basic standards of morality. They do not care that their commotion might disturb the sick or those sleeping, nor do they care that a student might be unable to study due to the racket that they create on the streets. They do not even think that it might distract those who are actually praying and showing their devotion to God and the Prophet (pbuh) in a silent and respectful manner. Unfortunately, it has become a pastime for these young and restless minds to disrupt the peace and to actually feel a sense of satisfaction in their absurd actions. I fail to understand why they would not rather spend this invaluable time to actually contribute to the society in a positive and meaningful manner. If these lights and sounds were not disturbing enough, people have also adopted the trend of blocking the streets by placing carpets and traditional shamiyaanas (decoration tents) for laying out a banquet on this occasion. They have no qualms about blocking the road and causing a disruption to the passers-by. This of course, compels people to alter their route and costs them not just time but money as well in this time of high fuel prices. But do the people who ‘religiously’ put out food and block roads care? Not at all. Such a loss of time, money and energy is a national loss which is never taken into account. A more practical and humanitarian solution would be to hold these activities in an empty plot or lawn so that passers-by and those not interested in the activities, are not affected in the least. In my humble opinion, such an act would actually boost the goodwill among people and make them more tolerant and accepting of each other’s beliefs and practices. It is an unfortunate fact that these gatherings for Eid Miladun Nabi in mosques and homes cannot be traced back to the Prophet (pbuh) and are practices that have been adopted over time. While I have no objection to gatherings for Milad, I am sure that all sensible Muslims would agree that using such high frequency speakers and garish lighting is not the proper way of celebrating the birth of someone who cared even for the comfort of a sleeping cat. Religious and cultural occasions are meant to be celebrated in a peaceful manner. After all, these occasions are meant to bring people closer to each other through their shared love and respect for the Prophet (pbuh). However, the ruckus on our roads before, during and after this auspicious occasion paints quite another picture altogether.

‘Thigh Land’ seems to be sinking and shrinking due to global fashion warning. Temperatures and expectations are running high and crossing the acceptable limits! Whether it is achieving the vital statistics of 36-24-36, fitting into size zero skinny jeans, opting for a six-hour regimen at the gym or a four-day crash diet, it is all done in an often deep-rooted desire to fit the endorsements laid by the ever changing requirements of the fashion world. The desire to fit into the moulds that are modelled on ramps, slapped across newspapers and paraded on television is alarmingly on the rise. And one of the most recent and alarming endorsements is the ‘Thigh Gap’. The age-old hourglass figure requirement now also includes shapely contoured thighs which are not allowed to touch each other. These perfect thighs are then adorned by fitted clothing (or not) so that the elongated almond shaped gap between them is even more evident. The Thigh Gap Facebook page, thigh selfies on Instagram and thigh tweets on Twitter have certainly done well for social media as a whole. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="409"] Screengrab from Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/thighgaphack)[/caption] https://twitter.com/drewcy_couture/status/461973461066190848 https://twitter.com/Auntie_Snix21/status/461519877225082880 However, such horrific trivialities have also led to an increase in eating disorders, psychological diseases and last but not the least, low ebbs of self-esteem. As for all those who find this absurd, they can let the fashionista-world stamp this out in their self-created, insidiously cruel world and we can certainly take a hop over to good, old Thailand. So, here I am showcasing these little delicacies that are gentle on the thighs, incredibly simple to make, seductively easy to impress someone with and are called Rice Paper Mini Logs with Peanut Sauce. The soft rice paper is filled with a collection of colourful, crunchy vegetables and meat (optional), sealed together and served with a tantalising salty peanut dip, laced with mellow, sweet and sour flavours. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="529"] Photo: Saadia Tariq[/caption] Sounds complicated? It really isn’t. This is what you will need: Ingredients for rice paper logs: (Makes three logs) Shrimp – 100 grams (12-15 small sized) Rice noodles – 40 grams Carrots – 20 grams (finely chopped) Lettuce – 3 leaves Rice paper – 3 (16 cm) (Note: you can also add chicken instead of shrimps and/or thinly sliced cucumbers, bean sprouts and avocados) Ingredients for peanut dip: Peanut butter – 1 ½ tbsp (I used crunchy) Honey – 1 tbsp Soy sauce – 2 tsp Rice vinegar – 2 tsp Warm water – 2 tbsp Method: 1. Steam the shrimps or plunge them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes. Take them out and dunk them in cold water immediately to prevent them from further cooking. Drain the water and set aside. 2. Follow the instructions on the packet to cook the rice noodles and set aside. With your lettuce leaves, chopped carrots and cooked shrimps at hand, you can now start preparing the rolls. 3. Carefully dip the rice paper in water, dunk it several times until it is soft but not squishy. With great care, lay the paper out on a board, line it with a lettuce leaf, lay the shrimp (or chicken) horizontally across the paper and do the same with the carrots. 4. Lift the edge of the paper closer to you and gently roll the logs away from you, ensuring at the same time that the filling is neatly folding in. 5. Seal the edges by lining them with slightly wet fingers. These rolls can be made ahead and covered with damp cloth until ready to serve. Slit sideways and serve with the peanut dip. 6. To make the peanut sauce, combine all the ingredients in a small bowl, give it a thorough stir and it’s ready to serve! Didn’t I say it was simple? This sauce can also be made ahead. However, be warned that it will thicken in the refrigerator so warm it slightly before serving to make it more supple and dunkable. Not only are these logs are easy to make, they are easy on the thighs too. Try them and I’m sure you’ll think so too!

Summer is upon us and the post-fashion week trend reports are here. Even though our standard wardrobes have refined over time, they seem a bit too boring with the same old monotony. Here I present 10 wardrobe changes you need to make to spice up your looks: Ditch the coat and go for the bomber jacket  While summer coats may be making the rounds, you should know that the bomber is the ‘it’ outerwear item to have this season. If you are going to invest in some outerwear, let it be a bomber jacket. It is more upbeat in comparison to the same old overdone coat. Yes, summer coats may be a relatively new concept, but the bomber jacket is the thing you need to stand out in the crowd. Single-breasted is out; Double-breasted is in Even though a single-breasted jacket may seem like a safer choice, the double-breasted will never let you sartorially down. Double-breasted jackets are the style staple this year so make sure you get some great double-breasted suits for the year. They are undoubtedly classy and the cut compliments a man’s physique much more than a single-breasted coat. Printed jacket is the ‘it’ item. Ditch the plain old tux and have some fun with patterns Making a statement seems to be getting harder day by day. So thank the fashion pundits that men can now have more fun with the traditional wardrobe by opting for colourful and patterned jackets. One specific pattern that seems to be making statements this year is the plaid. You just can’t go wrong with it! Knitted ties are in, wide ties out First off, let me make it very clear, this year is not about the classic old wide tie. Lapels are getting narrower and you have to go accordingly. Therefore, to make a statement, wear a knitted tie. They will add a dapper feel to your wardrobe. Yes, a narrow tie is the happening item with kids these days, but knitted ties are far more sartorially superior to its other counterparts. Ditch the wayfarers for clubmasters Yes, yes, everyone knows that the wayfarers are the cool boy glasses, but it is time to grow up. Wayfarers are so 2008, and if you even think of investing in one, you are too late. That trend train is long gone and you missed it. A more fashionable approach to eyewear this year would be to select the clubmasters. They are the new ‘eye candy’ and are perfect to get you through the year. So, it’s about time you add the extra oomph to your look. Brogues are back, so ditch the oxfords and loafers With so many options out there, the loafers and the oxfords have had their era of domination. Hence, it is high time we bring some class back with the brogues, the reigning shoes of the year. Nothing says stylish and dapper more than the brogue. They will add the much needed old-fashioned class to your look. For a more casual look, you can always get the suede ones. Denim on denim  This summer, the best way to go casual whilst looking your best would be to go for the denim on denim look. It’s time to ditch the sweatshirt and favourite pair of jeans look. Instead, go casually stylish with the blue sky and the blue denim. Its boyish feel will leave you looking younger and add fun to your perfect look for a night out with friends. Make sure they fit well; baggy or skinnies are a serious no-no! Go floral Yes, you heard it right. Floral is making waves across the world as men embrace it into their own style and how can you be left out? Ditch the plain and striped shirts you have a collection of for a fresher and trendier look. Yes, yes, you can complain that it is a girly trend and that guys should not even look at it let alone embrace it. But trust me, if topical prints can work, so can floral. Besides, menswear floral knows what men need, so no worries. Woven belts are in; the plain old leather belt is out A woven belt will give your look the extra edge that a normal leather belt would not. It is a bit experimental and does seem a hard one to pull off, but if done right, it will make you look effortlessly stylish. Such a small wardrobe change can add the much needed addition to your look. Dig out your dad’s wardrobe. Old is in and new is out [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="588"] Photo: Haseeb Sultan Abdul[/caption] Since spring cleaning is well overdue, this summer stealing amazing and well-preserved things from your dad’s or grandfather’s wardrobes is a great idea! Vintage items will do you wonders this summer. You will be amazed at the kind of things you can dress yourself in and make your wardrobe better. It is a discovery you need to make and one that will not disappoint! So there you have it. It is about time you embrace your metropolitan desires, dress up coolly and look debonair. Just as Paris Hilton says,

“Dress cute wherever you go. Life is too short to blend in.”

As I was going through my Instagram feed a couple of days ago, I came across a series of flashback photos that Tapu Javeri had posted on his profile. I was left awestruck and mesmerised by how cool things were even back in the early 90s. His shots of Babara Sharif as Marilyn Monroe, styled by Nabila, and his first ever published piece from 1991, where he manipulated the images in the darkroom using hand painting to make it look magical, speaks volumes of the photographic talent that Pakistan has. This was back in the day when fashion was not mainstream and fashion photography in Pakistan was unheard of by the common man. It made me wonder about the state of fashion photography in Pakistan and how much we have progressed in terms of creative expression. Ather and Shahzad, the dynamic duo, were also part of the pioneering bunch in terms of exposing fashion photography to the mainstream media. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="478"] Babra Sharif shot for Herald by Tapu Javeri[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="480"] Tapu Javeri’s work from the early 90’s[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="478"] Freiha Altaf for Sana Safinaz by Tapu Javeri[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="478"] Actress Needli for Herald 1992 by Tapu Javeri[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="479"] Fifi Haroon by Tapu Javeri[/caption] It was in the early 2000s, that the internet took the nation by storm, the consumption of media forms changed and newspapers started churning out high fashion editorials on a regular basis, that it started reaching the masses. Models became supermodels, dominating print and electronic media alike, and photographers started getting their work recognised, thanks to people knowing the faces they worked with. Photographers realised the importance of the talent they were working with, and accordingly, their work grew. With more demand comes the ability to work more and the more work opportunities one has, the more it gives one a chance to explore their creative expression. Fashion photography started expanding as a form of art. Then in the late 2000s, photographers such as Guddu and Shani, Ayaz Anis and Rizwanul Haq started coming out with amazing concepts and ideas that redefined the boundaries of fashion photography in Pakistan. Photoshop has also played a huge part in this, but one cannot solely rely on editing jobs for credibility. A photographer’s work speaks for itself. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="477"] Guddu and Shani[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="479"] Guddu and Shani[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="400"] Guddu and Shani[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="399"] Guddu and Shani[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="389"] Guddu and Shani[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="430"] Guddu and Shani[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="399"] Jia Ali by Guddu and Shani[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="478"] Guddu and Shani[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="479"] Ayaz Anis[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="477"] Rizwanul Haq[/caption] A lot of the credit has got to go to the photography schools around the nation, offering courses that help the industry create talented fashion photographers, National College of Arts being one of them. Now, photographers need credibility and, in the fast paced rat-race of a world, talent is just not enough to get through. Nowadays, the new crop of fashion photographers are breaking barriers and pushing themselves even more so. A lot of the credit must also go to the publications, newspapers and fashion magazines that give these new photographers a chance to showcase their work. Nadir Firoz Khan and Abdullah Haris’s work has been lauded not only by people in the industry but also by those who follow them on social media. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="476"] NFK Photography[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="479"] NFK Photography[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="476"] NFK Photography[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="477"] NFK Photography[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="477"] NFK Photography[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="479"] NFK Photography[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="480"] NFK Photography[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="477"] NFK Photography[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="477"] Abdullah Haris[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="477"] Abdullah Haris[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="477"] Abdullah Haris[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="477"] Abdullah Haris[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="477"] Abdullah Haris[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="479"] Abdullah Haris[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="477"] Abdullah Haris[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="476"] Abdullah Haris[/caption] That being said, the change in the way we consume media has upped the game in many ways. Thanks to inspiration boards on Pinterest, fashion bloggers having their say, Instagram enabling people to devour the beauty of photography for themselves, and Facebook exposure has changed the way things are. Our industry is now not only for the country but people from all over the world, who are interested in taking part in the game. So naturally, in order to keep up with the Kardashians, the photographers have no choice but to go all out with their creativity, ideas and photography skills, creating more and more fun campaigns worthy of a Tumblr repost and an Instagram share. It’s getting tougher but with time, things are getting better. Pakistan’s fashion photographers now stand at par with international photographers. Sure, we may not have Terry Richardson or Annie Leibovitz to shoot for Vogue or Elle, but we do have our very own Tapu Javeri and Muzi Sufi shooting for Hello! and Herald, all the while pushing boundaries of the way Pakistanis consume fashion imagery and how things should be for fashion photography. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="480"] Muzi Sufi for Hello![/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="480"] Muzi Sufi for Hello![/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="478"] Muzi Sufi for Hello![/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="478"] Muzi Sufi for Hello![/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="478"] Muzi Sufi for Hello![/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="478"] Muzi Sufi for Hello![/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="477"] Muzi Sufi for Hello![/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="480"] Muzi Sufi for Hello![/caption] In short, all of it has come together with the efforts of everyone, from the models to publishing houses, the industry being open to change and letting the work speak for itself. People are accepting of the change that the fashion industry is making in the field of photography and photographers are open to experimenting. Where Pakistanis may once have felt envious of the photo-shoots in Vogue or GQ, we now have work to devour that is on par with any high fashion international magazine and has an entity of its own.

Jeremy Scott and Katy Perry are best friends. So are him and Miley Cyrus. Which is why, when they come out to his shows, people pay attention. Fashionistas and music lovers alike. It is when every pop star wears the colourful creations by these designers that the sales take height. And who doesn’t want to dress up like their idols, or at least have what they have? It’s the emotional branding that goes along with the choices Moschino makes for its brand, and it’s the perfect combo for everyone. All are happy. Jennifer Lawrence for Dior, Eddie Redmayne and Cara Delevingne for Burberry, and a plethora of celebrities and bloggers for Calvin Klein’s #MyCalvins campaign make the common man notice the fashion. Such is the power of film and pop stars that fill up our social media feeds. While Pakistanis might not have the star power to battle for the spotlight and take over the fashion industry, what we do have are budding superstars who are making their name across the border, in South Asia, and hopefully in the South Asian community globally. We have them to turn to, to get the fashion collaborations going. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: That Paki Blog[/caption] One of those superstars is Fawad Khan. Yes, the Humsafar guy who won over the hearts of millions of girls all over the world. He is the perfect person to take a brand name forward with his good looks, boyish figure and a fan following that speaks volumes of our obsession with the show. Oh, and don’t forget he co-starred with Sonam Kapoor. That makes the perfect sartorial couple, no? Recently, Fawad became the Republic’s ambassador. Republic by Omar Farooq is a menswear brand synonymous with quality menswear, a niche lacking the innovation it very much needs. Republic produces the kind of clothes that not only appeal to the modern, metro-sexual man, but also to the kind of guy who likes to keep things classic. Republic, the brain child of Omar Farooq, has kept true to its well refined roots, due to which it was recently nominated for the Woolmark Prize; one of the biggest design prizes in the world! So it only made sense for the A/W’14 collection to be titled The Woolmark Collection. It features the classic patterns plaid, windowpane, and checks exuding a timelessness to the collection. Here are my five reasons as to why Fawad Khan is the perfect ambassador for Republic: 1. Fawad is good looking. He can beat any fashion model in the country any day for his good looks. And he might not have the ramp height, but he is perfect for editorial spreads and print modelling. But if Oliver Cheshire can have the same height and get away with it, then why can’t Fawad? [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="299"] Photo: That Paki Blog[/caption] 2. He’s a global phenomenon. Only in the Bollywood loving community, yes, but it is huge. Yes, HUGE! So of course, when fans keep track of him, they run into Republic’s awesome clothes that Fawad dons perfectly. So it’s like when Fawad looks good, so does Republic. 3. They work for each other. Let me tell you how; Republic makes the most dapper clothes in Pakistan. They’re masculine, trendy and totally suit the modern man. And when a modern figure, and an idol such as Fawad, goes for something that embodies the philosophy of the modern man lifestyle, it creates this perfect combination, like hazelnut and chocolate (aka Nutella). [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: That Paki Blog[/caption] 4. Republic is a brand everyone should be aware of. But since everyone is aware of Fawad, it helps the world recognise the talent behind what Fawad wears. Republic gets international exposure through Fawad. So, in a way, Fawad’s being on board is helping Pakistani menswear make a good name across various platforms. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="298"] Photo: That Paki Blog[/caption] 5. Abdullah Haris shot the campaign. Abdullah is a photography genius. And when Abdullah is on board, things just have a way of working out for the best. With a growing fashion industry as ours, it is necessary to keep in mind that we need more participation of all the people involved in helping raise the bar of our fashion industry. Republic, being a brand now making waves across South Asia, was right to have chosen someone with a strong star power as Fawad Khan. When two forces like these come together, our fashion industry will get the recognition it solely deserves. Having hired the best in the game, Republic has done something which was only being done internationally. Where brands are going for international models to cater to our gora-loving nation, Republic chose a face that will be even more beneficial in making a name for a brand. Actors with a brand image, like Ali Zafar, Humayun Saeed, Imraan Abbas, and Hamza Ali Abbasi are the perfect examples of how brand ambassadorship can help take a label’s name to heights even a well known model cannot. It’s because these faces are well known, and having them be ambassadors of a brand will provide even better exposure to our fashion industry. Instead of having Bollywood names represent our national brands, such initiatives should be encouraged. We have immense talent in our nation, and we have all the resources we need. We just need to connect the dots and create something that speaks for the work that our country’s fashion industry is capable of producing, and the nation, and the world, is equally accepting to loving. This post originally appeared here.

Good Morning Karachi, for Pakistani cinema, is amongst the few unconventional, path-breaking movies that we’ve come across in recent years. The reason is very simple; Good Morning Karachi is a female-oriented film with a female protagonist. Unfortunately, except for this bit, there is little else that is extraordinary about this film. [embed width="620"]http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2dm09w_good-morning-karachi-pakistani-movie-by-rafina-official-trailer_fun#from=embediframe[/embed] So far, the movie has received mixed responses based on different factors. Perhaps an exploration of this movie is required. Before we begin, however, let me clarify that this film is not the Pakistani version of Bollywood’s Priyanka Chopra-starrer Fashion (as many may insinuate). The entire movie is based on Rafina (Amna Ilyas), who belongs to a lower-middle class family and wants to become a fashion model. How she accomplishes her ultimate goal is what the movie is all about. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: Good Morning Karachi Official Facebook Page[/caption] The movie has its highs and lows. For instance, keeping the fashion world of Pakistan in mind, the dresses and wardrobes selected for the movie are disappointingly below-average. Even the Lux Style Awards showcases celebrities in some truly amazing outfits compared to the wardrobes presented in this particular movie. The relationship depicted between Amna and Yasir Aqueel comes off as kind of forced; it does not provide any justification to the plot. Why would a man be interested in marrying a woman who lives and breathes to become a celebrity, whereas he, himself, can’t bear to stand the idea of it? The characters don’t have the psychological edge that most other Pakistani movies do. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="299"] Photo: Good Morning Karachi Official Facebook Page[/caption] The only support system in Rafina’s life is Rosie (Beo Raana Zafar) and her character, in my opinion, has just not been developed properly; I think perhaps had she been given a few more scenes, the treatment of her character would seem more logical in the film. Saba Hameed (who plays Ammi), on the contrary, is actually a talent wasted in such a role – any other average female actress could have carried off this role. Performance wise, Amna excels and boasts one of her finest performances, undoubtedly. She acts naturally, without making it complicated. Whether it is her sweet-girl avatar or the rising-model-in-the-industry persona, she carries it off flawlessly. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="312"] Photo: Good Morning Karachi Official Facebook Page[/caption] There are a few surprise appearances as well, but I won’t disclose names; watch the film to find out. The music of the movie is nothing special. Had Sabiha Sumar spent a little more time building her characters, I believe the movie could have done very well. Many sequences in the movie could have been dealt with better, in terms of direction and execution. If you are looking for a true depiction of the fashion world in Pakistan, don’t watch Good Morning Karachi. As a supporter of the revival of Pakistani cinema, the movie is a good watch.  Yes, it had some great performances but remained unsurprising overall. I do not feel the need to give it more than 2.5/5.

If you are a young struggling female journalist in Pakistan with big dreams of reporting stories that matter, you will probably spend a few years reporting all the stories that don’t matter! Among all those literary masterpieces you pen will be an array of pieces on:

• Designers who have made it big
• Designers who have not made it big but have a great PR agency
• The 4363778 lawn launches
• Fashion “weeks” that are three-days long

“Designer (insert Bawani, Hashwani, Lakhwani, Lakhani, Dewani) sartorial splendour displays a unique aesthetic.”

“Tobah, kitni bakwaas line thee!” “Good heavens, what a terrible collection that was!”

The idea of a perfect body, with the right curves and cuts, not only appeals to the fashion world but also to an increasingly demanding society like ours. While at one end, culinary crafts and exotic food are taking over the world, the other extreme is witnessing more and more aspiring young minds concentrating on maintaining a healthy, happy, and balanced lifestyle (one which comes sans grease and fat). Obesity can be the ultimate bane of one’s life; trust me, I speak from experience. From ‘desi totkas’ to promising detox programs, from the virtues of yoga to the death of spin class, it has all been tried and tested. There is a constant battle within, a struggling mind that is always preoccupied with judging every morsel that touches the palette. I can clearly recall the precious seconds I wasted pondering over calories and suspecting and blaming the aroma of the Nutella-packed brownie for adding inches to my waist. However, some can’t seem to get rid of their misery and eventually settle for ‘guess we were born this way’. Rampant results over slow, steady, and substantial gains are unfortunately the more popular slogan and have become the sole reason why hardcore diets mostly fail, with dieters experiencing a burn out. The big question is what actually works? Starvation diets? Atkins? 42-day challenges? Liquid cleanses? Weight-watchers? Is there absolutely any ritual people can follow without being terrified of the million side effects? Well apparently, yes. According to the Anti-Diet plan, first introduced in the 1990s by American nutritionists, losing weight could have never been a more healthier and appealing notion. Anti-Diet is emerging as the next big thing; with top notch western nutritionists and bloggers following it vehemently, it is sure to garner global popularity soon. The real reason why it caught my attention was the idea of intuitive eating it encourages amongst its followers. The fight is not to eliminate all food as offered by various traditional programs; rather it is to understand the needs and signals of our body. Intuitive eating invokes one’s mind to make the right choices, build a sense of trust, and not be dictated by food norms by embracing its very basic commandments. One learns how to distinguish between physical and emotional feelings and gain a sense of body wisdom. The most important aspect of it all is to consider your end goal and it does not have to be ‘20 pounds lighter’, rather, it revolves around aiming for a healthier, leaner and peaceful you. When they say, “comprehend the signals your body is sending over,” what they really mean is analyse your hunger and just when level three and four on the hunger scale approach, one should aim to eat; this is known as honouring your hunger and likewise you need to respect your fullness. This mentality trains you to adapt to a fitter eating plan without a military attitude that can serve as a setback or inculcate a desire to over-eat, over-exercise or grieve over both. Many swear by the diet’s fascinating principles, maybe because they are conveyed to us in a rather simplistic, almost religious manner. It comes off as more of a behavioural training program rather than a nutritional program. While food is treated as the privileged matter of concern, an active lifestyle is just as imperative and luckily this diet isn’t all about sweating your soul out in the gym. Regular everyday activities like that extra kilometre walk or switching the elevator ride for the stairs can make an ample amount of difference. Furthermore, it enables us to learn to translate our cravings into the language of our body; therefore, what we eat serves as fuel for our body, which in turn ends up with greater energy and satisfaction for us. Intuitive eating invites us to believe that our body is not the problem, weight-loss struggle is not the ideal way of taking care of yourself and, most importantly, cutting calories and food obsession is a sure gateway to an eating disorder. It saves you from what can become an emotional struggle for life. Hence, this program greatly inspires me to follow a lifestyle where nutritional awareness wins over the uncalled anxiety that automatically intertwines into every dieter’s system. I have never personally been to a nutritionist, since within our culture it is almost an elitist formality, but those of you who have consulted local ones usually come back with a rigid week/fortnight/month menu which in simple words is impossibly annoying. Why waste valuable time and effort when you are very much capable of being your own guru? I suggest give your food diaries a rest, save the expenses, and instead educate yourself further about this new movement that can actually solve the majority’s woes. After all, anything over and above self-loathing and self-deprecating deserves a chance.

The reunions, the parties and the holiday mood, it must be that time of the year when we reminisce and celebrate the life we had, the milestones we reached and the people we met. More so we hope to finally bid adieu to some bad habits, unhealthy relationships, our darling food babies and truck loads of unwanted baggage. The glorious dawn of a new year is just the portal we all need to start fresh with yet another overambitious list of resolutions and a brand new set of expectations. 2015 has been a year of mixed emotions, from the deadly Paris attacks to the heart wrenching plight of the refugees the world came together in promoting peace, activism and humanitarianism. On a lighter note, the year bore one too many surprises, particularly in the fashion world where Steve Harvey’s casual slip up literally shook the universe. Fashion met its highs and lows, introducing us to certain things that may best be assumed as one time wonders while bestowing us with many others that have successfully paved their way to our ever so generous hearts. Let’s recap some of the moments, and see how fashion and trends unfolded across Pakistan and globally. 1. Statement heels The year was all about statement heels, from the A-listers to regular fashionistas and from private parties to fashion weeks our modern day Carrie Bradshaw’s proved their unprecedented love for quirky and fun heels. Sophia Webster, Charlotte Olympia and Aquazzura were the sure shot favourites. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="580"] Photo: Pinterest[/caption] 2. Cheeky cross body bags While bedazzled clutches remained a favourite with the older ladies, the youth was keen to flaunt the phrase embellished purses and cheeky cross body bags inspired by our grocery staples. Such spins on the regular totes and rather boring trademark styles definitely made carrying a bag around much more fun. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="444"] Photo: Pinterest[/caption] 3. Furry appearances Fur Fur... from North West to Mahira Khan, the faux fur made a comeback for the winters. But to fashion police’s relief most of the furry appearances remained distinct from Rihanna’s meme worthy Big Bird moment at the Met Gala. The love affair with fur however is weather oriented and rather just be pulled off by those who can carry it well. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="426"] Photo: File[/caption] 4. Christian Dior mirrored shades While burning a hole into the pocket, Christian Dior’s mirrored glares gained a cult following of their own. The amount of Instagrams featuring the eye wear speaks volumes of the product’s popularity in 2015 [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: Pinterest[/caption] 5. Embellished trousers [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="267"] Photo: Karachista[/caption] So far the most understated item of eastern clothing found a life of its own in 2015. The designers shifted focus from the heavy encrusted tops to creating delicately attractive trousers. Embellished, colourful and graphic pants became a must have and a favourite on the ramp at this year’s Pakistan Fashion Week (PFW), I must say I am a fan. 6. Capes [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="267"] Photo: Karachista[/caption] Capes emerged as a perfect piece to adorn for all ages, while international brand names played well in this field, our very own designers fared equally well. The graceful yet eye catching outerwear is a winter hit and one we are sure to see everywhere this party and wedding season. 7. Healthy options [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="400"] Photo: FitBit[/caption] What a fitness inspired year it has been! In no time the fancy fit bits made way onto our wrists and crates of detox juices found home in our otherwise unhealthy fridges. Coconut oil became all the rage and poor old once famous kale lost its substance (I owe the downfall to its extremely acquired taste). I am extremely impressed by how nutrition is becoming slowly ingrained into the Pakistani culture, even if just for jumping the glamourised band wagon’s sake. Kudos to the rising yogis, fitness instructors and nutritionists for luring people towards the right track, hope 2016 remains just as steadfast. 8. International fashion faux pas [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="400"] Photo: Twitter (@haniyajilani)[/caption] While promoting Dilwale via Pakistani morning shows became the talk of the town, the questionable wardrobe choices of the hosts were every bit forgettable. I wish they had offered a more soothing sight to the eyes of social media, but given the allure of Shahrukh Khan and Kajol’s incredible chemistry, the audiences proved rather forgiving to the fashion choices. 9. Bye bye ombre, hello balayage [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="249"] Photo: Pinterest[/caption] On a hairy note, balayage dismantled the infamous ombre and the street chic half bun proved a saviour to our second and third day hair. If your face cut allows it, no harm in adding a little crazy to your regular updos is it? 10. Contouring [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="450"] Photo: Pinterest[/caption] Everyone loves some high cheek bones and a perfectly chiselled jawline, but not one at an expense of looking like you have just been baked inside out. Contouring game reached another level this year, but the mighty times it went wrong was just not a pretty sight, not on the red carpet and definitely not in the day light. 2016 shall be the year for strobing, and also hopefully less obsessed with Kylie Jenner’s lips. Goodbyes are generally hard, and this year while we had to say hello (yes, the Adele way) to an unwelcomed Donald Trump, an interesting Caitlyn Jenner and much awaited Star Wars, we parted ways with Mad Men and so did our politicians.   It’s that time of the year when sweaters come out, fireplaces are lit up and when hot chocolate/coffee becomes our kryptonite. 2015 has come to an end and as we bid farewell to 2015 and welcome 2016, lets go over the biggest trends and faux pas of this past year. 1. Statement Coats [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: Pinterest[/caption] The Fall/ Winter campaigns this year were big on oversized Statement coats and long length coats. Double-breasted coats were trending everywhere and bringing the whole retro look back to the racks in menswear shops. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: GQ Magazine UK[/caption] 2. Draping Coat [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: Twitter[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: Dmarge.com[/caption] We don’t know if Kim Kardashian is the one to be held responsible for making this trend not only popular among the ladies, but the trend picked up very quickly amongst the men of the world. It was big on the streets of some of the biggest fashion capitals of the world. And to be honest, it’s not a bad trend considering how it’s very difficult to wear layers during the period when the weather is transitioning from Summer to Fall. It’s not too hot and it’s not too cold yet and wearing a coat makes you sweat. Solution: Just drape the coat instead of actually wearing it. 3. Longline Shirts/StreetWear [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: Fahion Beans/ Pinterest[/caption] Some people might disagree with this trend because it’s not for everyone but 2015 was the year of street-wear. Long-lined t-shirts and shirts in general were big! It’s not everyone’s cup of tea but for those who can really pull it off. 4. Yeezys / Trainers [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: MTV/ Yeezy[/caption] Now if it weren’t for the YEEZYs. Kanye West's collaboration with Adidas and this fabric trainer was the most sought after shoe of all time. Fans cued outside stores for ages before getting a pair and most of them had to go back without anything. The shoes originally cost $200 but after the soaring demand, the shoes were being resold over E-Bay and other platform for as much as $1500. Well clearly anything touched by Lord Yeezus turns to Gold. Literally!  5. Monogram Slippers [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: Stubbs & Wootton[/caption] Formal slippers were already a major trend for men but 2015 was when guys started getting custom monograms and embroidery on their slippers/loafers. A nice way to put an individualistic spin on things. 6. Colour Trends:  Camel and Military Green [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: The NYC Streets[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Balmain X H&M 1. Photo: Elle[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: Twitter[/caption] Two colours that were bigger than the staple greys, blues, blacks and whites were army green and camel/nude. For complete mono-colour looks to statement coats, both the colours were big in street-style. 7. Metal Cap Shoes [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: Giuseppe Zanotti[/caption] One name: Giuseppe Zanotti. The one man who single-handedly made the whole metallic cap - toe shoe a big thing. He was also the one who introduced metal in footwear for men 8. Wide Legged Trousers [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: Tommy Ton[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: The Sartorialist[/caption] The wide legged trouser was big on the runway. Again, a very retro trend that picked up this year. It is a tricky trend because not everyone knows how to pull it off but for those who do, it some how works out and looks cool. 9. Turtle Neck [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: GQ[/caption] Turtle necks and roll over sweatshirts/ sweaters have made a comeback this year. They have never really gone out of style but this year they were seen everywhere from the ramps to the streets. 10. Chelsea Boots [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Chelsea Boots. Photo: asos.com[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: Pinterest[/caption] The one thing that comes to mind with Chelsea Boots is British fashion and British street style. You can blame Harry Styles of One Direction for this but the trend is nice. They have become a sort of wardrobe staple for this fall and look nice too. Considering how they can make an entire ensemble look semi-formal. 1. Man Bun [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: Vox - An ultimate guide to the Man Bun[/caption] For me, the biggest faux pas for 2015 was the man bun. A lot of guys have been seen sporting the whole trend but for some reason it just has gone a little over board. 'How to make a man bun' was one of the most Googled phrases of 2015 which is absolutely ridiculous. They look good on some people but the worst kind of man buns is the one with the undercut and the pony tail which is just plain absurd. 2. Super Low V- Neck [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: Ufunk[/caption] Okay. Lets take a moment to mourn the death of fashion with these super low V Necks *takes a moment*. Now that we have recovered from the trauma, let’s talk about how this trend was just - BAD! Guys with a nice build might have somehow worked this out but 2015 was not the year for a low V-neck. And for those of you who still have this in your closet, please burn your low cut shirts. 3. Trademark Logo Fashion and Accessories [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: Fashionista/ Pinterest[/caption] For some odd and incomprehensible reason, guys from the South Asian regions and Arab countries really like wearing accessories and clothes plastered with trademark logos. And lets be honest, it looks bad. Whether it’s the monogram of Gucci print or huge belt buckles with the alphabets LV, H (Hérmes) or G (Gucci) on them. And the idea of wearing Polo shirts and then tucking them in to show off your branded belts is a big faux pas. So please. Stop! 4. Half-Sleeve Button Downs [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: Metro Park USA[/caption] Half sleeve button down shirts have been a very common piece of clothing that one can easily buy. But for us, it’s not the best of trends. It’s just off-putting and seems like a disproportionate mistake. It’s better to go with a full sleeve button down and fold the sleeves. 5. Ugly Trainers [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: The Wire[/caption] Yes we know that trainers have been trending for a long while but that doesn't mean you get to wear grandpa jogger-like trainers! If you do like the trend then please invest in a nice pair of trainers. Research a little before you end up buying a pair because even some of the biggest brands sell the ugliest trainers! So don't be to brand-obsessed and look for something that is aesthetically pleasing. 6.Three-Quarter Length Trousers [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: Fashion Beans[/caption] Three-quarter length trousers, more popularly known as Bermuda pants in our part of the world are a huge mistake. Please just do yourself a favour and dispose off all such items in your closet. These pants are odd and are not trendy in anyway. Nothing can justify the use of these pants unless you’re a fisherman or your profession requires you to wear them (both are highly unlikely). Alternative for these is what is more popularly knows ‘cropped [ants’. Cropped pants look nice, they provide a semi formal look, they don't look too shabby and they show off your shoes. So if you are fond of showing off some skin then you can always get a pair of cropped pants or crop of a pair of pants that you already own. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: Fashion Beans[/caption] 7. Patterned Button Downs [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: etsy.com[/caption] Horrendous Printed Button Downs = Big No = Faux pas of all time. Gentlemen, please get ride of the paisleys or awkward stripes! They do not look good. What you should be wearing is a nice, crisp, plain shirt. Plain shirts are always a safe bet. They go with practically everything. You can wear them formally and casually. The best thing to do is to invest in nice plain white and neutral coloured shirts. 8. Football League T-Shirts [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: The Guardian[/caption] Gentlemen, we don’t mean to offend anyone and we understand how serious you are about your favourite football leagues, but you don't have to advocate your fanaticism by wearing your respective Football league T- Shirts (unless you're playing football). If you are into sportswear, there are quite a few other options. It’s 2016 and no one will question your loyalty to your favourite league if you don’t wear those jerseys. Let’s gear up for an exciting 2016, pucker up that smile, put your best dress on and give 2015 the farewell it deserves.  

In a country with a population of over 188.2 million people, a lot can go wrong, but a lot can go right too! Here is a list of 23 things that make Pakistan home. 1. The men [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="580"] Photo: AFP[/caption] We may belong to a patriarchal society, but not all men are alike. They don’t all suffer from the disease of misogyny. True gems like Abdul Sattar Eidhi, Ansar Burney and Imran Khan also exist in our society, individuals who play a pivotal role in the betterment of society. 2. The women  [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: AFP[/caption] Contrary to the patriarchal outlook of Pakistan’s society, our women do more than just cook and clean. Women break barriers, they do the unthinkable. They win ICC matches against India - yup, they do. 3. The natural beauty [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: AFP[/caption] Calmness and serenity tends to take over the mind and soul when visiting places like the Swat Valley and the Karakoram Mountains. 4. The music [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="400"] Photo: AFP[/caption] Pakistan’s very own version of pop/rock boy bands included the endlessly talented Junoon, Strings, Awaz and Vital Signs. And on the other hand there are Sufi and Qawali legends like Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and Abida Parveen along with the multi lingual genius Madam Noor Jehan. How many other countries can boast the same set of musical talent? 5. The shows [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: File[/caption] Over the past couple of decades, the Pakistani drama industry has truly evolved. The writers revolve their stories around real life events or social problems that are relatable by most, if not all. 6. The fashion  [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="596"] Photo: AFP[/caption] The Pakistani fashion industry has been booming across the world, they have even made their way onto Hollywood ramps! I mean, it was our designer Rizwan Beyg from whom Princess Diana ordered dresses she had fallen in love with. 7. The weddings [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Uncles, Aunts, Siblings, Cousins and Friends; a Pakistani wedding is grand vibrant affair.
Photo: File[/caption] Come hell or high water, our weddings are always elaborate and stretched over a period of at least 15 days. They are vibrant, loud and have a never ending supply of food. A Pakistani wedding is an experience you must have once in your life. 8. The food [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="400"] Photo: HAFSAH SARFARAZ[/caption] Who can resist a plate of spicy nihari with a freshly made naan and a bottle of Coke? Life really doesn’t get any better. And that’s just ONE of the delicious dishes this gem of a country has to offer. 9. The humour in every situation [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: File[/caption] Whether our politicians are arguing on talk shows or a man riding a rickshaw with a real life teddy bear, we aren’t afraid to point fingers at ourselves and crack up. 10. The people  [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: File[/caption] One doesn’t need millions to help others out; you just have to be Pakistani. We put others before ourselves, and even though we aren’t obligated, we go out of our way to cater to each other’s needs. 11. The abundance of talent [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="400"] Photo: Express[/caption] From a young age, we have been trained to work for what we want; nothing comes easily to the common man. Pakistanis living in Pakistan and abroad – privileged or not – strive through every struggle and come out stronger than ever. 12. The education [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="533"] Photo: File[/caption] Pakistan currently has a literacy rate of almost 60 per cent, which is steadily rising. Our students avail opportunities and attend various delegations, representing our country in the best way possible. 13. Being resourceful is knowing the right people [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="533"] Photo: MQM[/caption] In Pakistan, no task is too difficult. All you have to do is make sure you know a person with power and authority and voila, the sky’s the limit. 14. Nothing is spared from our critical analysis, even TV shows [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="400"] An in depth analysis of the TV show Homeland.
Photo: Buzzfeed[/caption] Whether it’s a show or a lost match, Pakistanis critically analyse every situation; that lead to some very heated, but enjoyable dinner table conversations. 15. The architecture  [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: Getty Images[/caption] Pakistan is home to some of the oldest architectural remains including Mohenjodaro and Takht-i-Bahi. It is also home to modern buildings including the Centarurus Mall and Theatre in Lahore. 16. The truck art [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="533"] Photo: File[/caption] Our truck art can literally define a Pakistani for a foreigner. It is colourful, funny, culturally rooted, bold and just... beautiful. That is Pakistan - in its truest, rawest forms. 17. Pakistan International Airline (PIA) [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="533"] Photo: Reuters[/caption] Jacqueline Kennedy, Ava Gardner, Stewart Granger, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto; are just few of  the passengers PIA has had on board. PIA, despite its ups and downs, is a great source of pride for the nation. 18. The cricket team [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="533"] Photo: Reuters[/caption] We see their hard work, we see them pour their sweat and blood into each game, and sometimes that is not enough to win. Yet they never give up and their passion remains intact. 19. Boom Boom [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="543"] The heartthrob of the Pakistani nation, Shahid Khan Afridi.
Photo: AFP[/caption] Shahid Afridi has been the nation’s heart throb. Irrespective of his unpredictably, each time he approaches the pitch, our eyes are glued to the screens, in anticipation of some boom boom! 20. The supporters [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: AFP[/caption] Clad in green jerseys, supporters of our cricket team can be seen playing out on the streets, everybody wanting to be Shoaib Akhtar or Shahid Afridi. Before every match, children paint their faces and we pray for our teams success, despite the love-hate relationship we have with our team. Whether we win or not, our hearts will thump with pride as soon as our team walks out and onto that field. 21. Ramazan [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: AP/Sani Maikatanga[/caption] Our sehris and iftaris are nothing short of a grand buffet. With glasses filled with cold water and Rooh Afza, and plates filled with fruit chaat and cholay, there isn’t anything more exhilarating than spending Ramazan in Pakistan. It is never the same anywhere else in the world. 22. Pakola [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="533"] Dil Bola Pakola (The heart screams Pakola)
Photo: AFP[/caption] On a blistering hot day, nothing is better than an ice cold bottle of Pakola to quench your thirst, putting your throat out of its misery. Yup, we have a green coloured soda here, and it tastes like Pakistan - amazing! Try it if you haven’t. 23. Top Pops [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="280"] Childhood memories come back to life!
Photo: File[/caption] Top Pops were my favourite chips to munch on in school, and after a long break, they have relaunched! I just hope the toy whistle gift still comes in the packet. It is easy to keep our focus on the flaws that exist in our nation, simply because they are constantly revealed. But no matter the circumstances, there are certain things that are irreplaceable in our motherland. The calmness I feel as soon as I land in Karachi, the strong odour while leaving the baggage claim area, the first bite of a delicious chicken cheese roll from Hot & Spicy, the beautifully lit up buildings, the dangerously reckless driving and lots more insignificantly significant things, make Pakistan home. Don’t take it for granted. HAPPY PAKISTAN DAY!