The embodiment of Pakistan’s musical fusion, Coke Studio’s singer Komal Rizvi, was spotted at Ayesha Hasan’s exhibition wearing clothes that didn’t quite gel well. Here’s how she could have done it better.

The charge sheet

Hair

While French braids are classy, we wish Komal had worked harder on hers and made it tidier.

A little more effort would have been much appreciated.

Make-up

Although the outfit failed to impress, we can give Komal points for make-up skills. The lightly done base with defined eyes, gives her a subtle and natural look, complementing her features. The nail paint, however, could have been some funky nail art instead of this bright colour.

Outfit

Even though these embellished Aamna Aqeel tribal print are runway hot, Komal’s decision to pair them with a loose white top wasn’t smart.

A trendier black button-down top with a lower hemline would have fared better.

Accessories and Shoes

As far as accessories are concerned, we’d give her credit for making a wise choice of carrying a trendy gold clutch along with a delicate   chained necklace

However, we are not at all sure about the shoes, probably because of those feathers sticking out of them.

Bail out!

Hilary Duff

This actor-turned-author was spotted on her book Elixir’s tour wearing sexy J Brand Camouflage Jeans, looking ravishing than ever!

Her smoky eyes with her lightly done make-up and plain black shirt, blends in the look together giving it a classy kick.

Rihanna

Rihanna looked funky yet fashionable, spotted by the paparazzi in her cool, grey and black printed tights.

Her dark lipstick and glasses complete her nonchalant yet classy look with her white long shirt and trendy grey boots, to polish it up.

This sexy diva never fails to attract our attention (in a good way).

Nichole Richie

The television personality and fashion designer attended NBC Universal’s winter TCA press, looking posh in pink.

Her light pink blazer that complement her figure and nude heels are perfect to go with her glamorous beaded pants that shout out chic.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 12^th, 2013.

Like Life & Style on Facebook, follow @ETLifeandStyle on Twitter for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.

“We are excited and happy about this development but some questions remain unanswered,” says Shahzad Nawaz, writer and producer of Chambaili. “You and I can gather like-minded people and form a committee, too, if approved by the Academy. But who is to say that this committee is ready to screen films?”

Nawaz echoes the feelings of film-makers when he says that a committee formed to finalise a submission should take film-makers into confidence instead of operating like an isolated hegemony.  “Nobody contacted me even though I have a share in the market,” he adds.

Nevertheless, Nawaz plans to submit Chambaili for an entry if he is approached. He adds, however, that committee members should introduce themselves to the film fraternity in order to ensure transparency – after all, their submissions will become how the world sees Pakistan.

“Both Iran and Pakistan won Oscars last year for films that humiliated and degraded their countries. I don’t propose showing just a rosy picture but I am a patriot and there are certain ways of managing perception and taking your image forward. I’m not saying we should just show flowers and not show the thorns – but at least we should show them in context,” he asserts.

He isn’t the only one questioning the committee’s legitimacy. A well-known film-maker who spoke on condition of anonymity shares his sentiments. “You have academics, theatre artists and actors in this committee, but not a single member is currently making mainstream feature films,” he says.

But as with every debate, there are advocates. Main Hoon Shahid Afridi producer Humayun Saeed believes that the formation of this committee is a winning situation for independent young film-makers in Pakistan.

“It is a positive step in the right direction,” says Saeed. “The doorway to success is now open and it’s a win for upcoming film-makers. Maybe one day I will make a film which is worthy of an Oscar entry.”

Director Jamshed Mahmood Ansari feels that any good development in our country is met with negativity and feedback. “I knew that there would be a huge conspiracy theory surrounding this subject. Pessimism has taken over our environment so much, that there is hardly anything happening in the right direction,” says Ansari.

Ansari recalls that similar theories were circulating when Atrium Cinemas was built and people made fuss over how the whole thing will eventually turn into a monopoly. “That was unbelievable! People criticising the committee haven’t done anything significant for the country,” he adds.

In her defence, Obaid-Chinoy explains the committee’s formation. “The process of forming a committee of this nature is a matter of the country choosing to apply for such a committee. Thus, the responsibility falls on the film-makers of that country, and not the Academy. While I am unsure  [as to] why we failed to submit a film for 50 years, I assume that it is due to our film industry weakening, on a whole,” she says.

“We had to submit a list of committee members to the Academy who then vetted and approved our nominations. We were advised to submit a diverse list of members, from directors and actors to academics and writers. We received approval soon, thereafter, and are now in the process of soliciting submissions for consideration in 2014 award cycle.”

At the end, even if this committee is endorsed by the government, it will be viewed by some as an isolated lobby.  Another question that begs to be answered is which films Pakistan will send forward to the Oscars; the most aesthetically and technically sound or one that revolves around the themes, subjects and treatments that are likely to get attention from a western audience?

The answers are not simple, but given Obaid-Chinoy’s Oscar win for a subject that depicts the plight of acid attack survivors, and the subsequent formation of this committee, now may just be the right time to raise concerns.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 12^th, 2013.

Like Life & Style on Facebook, follow @ETLifeandStyle on Twitter for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.

As the 67th independence of independence for Pakistan draws closer with just two days remaining to August 14, The Express Tribune has created a survey to find out what its readers think is the best Pakistani patriotic song released so far.

Take our survey now!

_________________________________________________________

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

_________________________________________________________

KARACHI: The ‘80s is reminiscent of many events and breakthroughs with the brother-sister duo Zohaib and Nazia Hassan’s stamp on the South Asian pop music scene being a largely prominent one. From the nostalgic Dosti and romantic Aap Jaisa Koi to the more hip Disco Deewane — which was remixed about 30 years later in Karan Johar’s Student of The Year — the pioneers of pop still have a tight grip on our hearts. But when Nazia fell victim to lung cancer in 2000, despair filled the air. On her 13th death anniversary, banker Faraz Waqar pays his tribute to the pop sensation through a music video titled Imagineer.

Aap Jaisa Koi featured in Bollywood film Qurbani, their debut album Disco Deewane was released by Indian producer Biddu and second album Boom Boom was also the soundtrack for another Bollywood film titled Star. Thus, it didn’t come as a surprise when Waqar discovered that his Indian friends were unaware of the fact that Nazia was a Pakistani. So this 36-year-old banker-turned-film-maker decided it was time to clarify things.

Shot in February this year, Imagineer unveils on August 13 across music channels including ARY Muzik, Indus Music, Play, Oxygen, Vibe and Style360 along with links on Vimeo and Facebook.

“Disney Corp gives the title Imagineer to its team members working on concept development for its new theme park extensions. The term highlights the fact that imagination is the first step to a new reality,” Waqar explains. “When we listen to our favourite music, we all become Imagineers as it helps create an imaginary setting.”

In the video, Waqar is seen sitting in front of his computer on a dull day at work. He then plays Aap Jaisa Koi and Boom Boom followed by Sunn and Disco Deewane and steps into a world of fantasy. The video depicts how a mundane day at work can transform into a surreal land of fantasy. “There is this feeling of positivity when you listen to Nazia Hassan’s music,” he admits.

Ahmad Haseeb — producer of A Music Fairy, a 44-minute documentary on Nazia — reveals that a charity event in London by the Nazia Hassan Foundation has been planned for September 14 and that this video could be screened there. Waqar says that Nazia’s mother Muniza Basir contacted him and asked him to send her a DVD of the video. “There can be no greater honour for me as Nazia Hassan is one of those personalities who [continue to] shine,” he says.

Speaking about copyright issues, Waqar says, “That was an issue [earlier] as I couldn’t get in touch with the family which I believe is based in England. However, I got in touch with them last week through Ahmad Haseeb.” Haseeb admits that he was glad Waqar was able to produce an international project on her songs but has “no idea if the family got in touch with him.”

Although Waqar revealed, “EMI-Pakistan told me their copyrights had expired and all the material was in Zohaib’s hands.” But when EMI-Pakistan was contacted, it was discovered that the company never received a phone call from Waqar.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Published in The Express Tribune, August 13^th, 2013.

Like Life & Style on Facebook, follow @ETLifeandStyle on Twitter for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.

If reports are to be believed, the sequel depicts a time leap where Shoaib, earlier played by Emraan Hashmi, has become a don and his sweetheart Mumtaz, is now a middle-aged woman. In the sequel, Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar will reprise Shoaib’s character.

“It was a huge surprise for me when I came to know that Sonali Bendre ji will reprise my role in Once Upon A Time In Mumbai Dobaara! — I am a huge fan of hers,” Prachi said.

“She is gorgeous. I feel there wouldn’t have been a better choice to play the part that I played in Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai,” she added.

Prachi expressed her views at an iftar party thrown by Ekta Kapoor, who is the producer of the movie.

Meanwhile, there were reports of a rift between Prachi and Ekta due to her ouster from the cast of Once Upon A Time In Mumbai Dobaara!. Since then, she has been keeping away from Ekta’s events.

At the iftar, when Prachi was asked to comment on the issues her and Ekta were apparently facing, she said: “We [Ekta and I] have always maintained that everything is great between us. I think this is more than any big proof for everybody that I am here. I am happy to be here [at Ekta’s iftar].”

An interesting fact to note here is that Prachi was launched as an actor by Ekta through her soap called Kasamh Se. So it’s good to know that Prachi hasn’t bad-mouthed the woman who expedited her journey to stardom.

Once Upon A Time In Mumbai Dobaara! also features Sonakhi Sinha and Imran Khan. It is scheduled to hit screens on August 9.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 13^th, 2013.

Like Life & Style on Facebook, follow @ETLifeandStyle on Twitter for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.

When asked about her style philosophy, the stunning diva says, “Simple, practical and comfort appeal is a priority. Less is more.” She believes that comfort trumps fashion. “As a model, I get to wear all sorts of clothes so when it comes to personal style I prefer relaxed over stiff or complicated apparel.”

Even though she has modelled for many fashion designers, her favourite local brand is Khaadi because of its “ethereal feel.” Even though she is not a fan of heavy jewellery, some accessories are essential for her, such as a wrist watch and pinky rings.

Rabia has also been credited for her acting talent in several ads and music videos. This model-cum-actor is going forward with her acting career by debuting in the upcoming film Hijrat, which releases end of this year. She plays the character of a doctor at a refugee camp, so we will definitely be seeing a non-glam version of the beauty.

Evident from the fact that she is a two-time winner of the Lux-Style Award for best model, she is certainly the fashionista to look out for!

Published in The Express Tribune, August 13^th, 2013.

Like Life & Style on Facebook, follow @ETLifeandStyle on Twitter for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.

The much-awaited Pakistani feature film Zinda Bhaag, which features veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah and model Amna Ilyas, is set to release on Defence Day (September 6), this year.

The first teaser video for its song Paani Da Bulbala was also released last week. The song, which has been sung by Punjabi pop star Abrarul Haq, was released on Vimeo and is available for download through various websites including Spotify, iTunes, Google Play, Rhapsody and AmazonMP3.

Unlike the usual upbeat Punjabi songs characterised by loud ‘dhol’ tunes and fast-paced bhangra moves, Paani Da Bulbala has a jazzy feel to it and seems to add a sarcastic, comic touch to the storyline. The music for the song is given by Sahir Ali Bagga and ironically, the lyrics are by Yaqub Atif Bulbula.

Zinda Bhaag will release in both multiplexes as well as single screens in Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Gujranwala and Rawalpindi.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 13^th, 2013.

Like Life & Style on Facebook, follow @ETLifeandStyle on Twitter for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.

After five decades of playing iconic characters — swinging a whip as Indiana Jones, saving Luke Skywalker as Han Solo, escaping from prison as a fugitive — Harrison Ford shows no signs of slowing down.

The 71-year-old has had an active year. After starring in the Jackie Robinson biopic 42 this spring, the actor now plays a tech billionaire in the thriller Paranoia, which is scheduled to release on August 9.

The actor will also star in the big-screen adaptation of Orson Scott Card’s novel Ender’s Game, and rumours persist that he may be back as Han Solo in JJ Abrams’ new Star Wars reboot. Below is an excerpt of his interview with Reuters:

At this point in your career, you’ve probably played just about every type of role. What drew you to Paranoia and what keeps you going?

This was a character that I hadn’t played before and I enjoy working. I’m not good at sitting still. For me, it’s the intellectual exercise. The real fun comes in solving problems — massaging a line into shape, making the rhythm of a scene work, getting the right blocking so it feels natural and easy. When I don’t get to do it, I feel kind of edgy.

You might be participating in the new Star Wars film. Will it be an original movie?

I’ll let you be the judge of that. Whether I’m involved or not, I’ll make judgments about it if I’m involved. I’ll try to do the best job I can. Certainly, there are people that are interested in seeing what JJ Abrams, out of his experience and understanding, might bring to the table.

If you were simply a fan of the franchise, a viewer of the films, would you like to see Harrison Ford back?

I’m not simply a viewer. I’m not. I work here. I know how the sausage is made.

Do you engage in social media at all?

No, I don’t want to put myself out there that way. I also don’t want to be distracted from my real life. I don’t want to have a virtual life. I want to invest in my actual life.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 13^th, 2013.

Like Life & Style on Facebook, follow @ETLifeandStyle on Twitter for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.

“To us, he is a South Asian version of Robin Hood and for a long time, I had thought about doing something that people would be able to relate to while also touching subtly on interesting issues,” says Kazi, who like Shahid, is a veteran when it comes to theatre. “Normally, an actor takes inspiration from the director but with someone like Shahid, he provides inspiration not only to the people involved but also to the audience,” he adds about the actor who was taking a break from theatre but is now back.

Shahid, who has provided the audiences with a variety of TV shows and theatre acts over his lifetime, says that the play will provide a different kind of take on Sultana Daku and will be based on real-life events. Daku, known for robbing trains and giving to the poor, was caught and hung by the British authorities in 1920 after he continued to terrorise the citizens of Uttar Pradesh.

“I will play the role of Sultana Daku, but this will be a total comedy based on original references — it will be fast and racy,” explains Shahid. He feels the play has been cleverly designed as Daku has been portrayed as a likeable villain who makes a promise to his mother which he intends to keep: he would die a clean man. His henchmen are forbidden to rob and loot, but the now retired daku is forced to abduct a journalist who would pen down his tale.

“The play is going to be over-the-top and fast,” he says, adding, “It will have an element of slapstick. It’s definitely going to be a different kind [of script].”

For Shahid, the character he is set to play has been spiced up by the idea that Daku, who is an anti-colonial figure, has been transformed from an outlawed villain into a comedic personality. He has a strong feeling about the play as he feels Kazi and the production team have been quite successful in the past as well with 0092 for example, a play on the pre-election situation in Pakistan.

Flourishing theatre and future projects

Shahid admits that it’s quite encouraging to witness the theatre scene in Pakistan develop to such a large extent. “I think there is a pretty decent theatre scene which has bred out of English theatre; this scene has been able to connect [us] with corporates and successfully put on many plays,” he says. “Interestingly though, this theatre scene is primarily based in Islamabad and Karachi. I think it’s great that young people are pushing the trade forward.”

Apart from theatre, Shahid is set to reprise the role of Mustaq in Vishal Bharadwaj’s Dedh Ishqiya in which his role would be smaller than the one he played in the prequel Ishqiya. Apart from that, Pakistani film Tamanna, in which he has a significant role, is set to release this Fall. He is also working on another independent film by Rehan Sheikh tentatively titled Azad and a TV play called Asee Zadi, which will soon be aired.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 13^th, 2013.

Like Life & Style on Facebook, follow @ETLifeandStyle on Twitter for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.

The exhibited work consists of portraits and fashion illustrations created with black ink.

Butt plans to display his work at several art galleries of the city.

Butt said he was inspired by the work of artists like Franz Kline, Antonio Lopez and David Downton.

“To me, black ink symbolises mistakes as well as excellence,” he said.

Butt said that he had worked with water colours but was always inclined towards black ink applied with brush and pen.

He said he had drawn inspiration from several Chinese artists who also used black ink.

He said he had tried to depict various moods through shades of black on a white canvass.

Butt said, “My work is at once fierce and careful, spontaneous and planned, intense and deceptively subtle, like the contrast between black and white.”

Sanam Taseer, the curator and owner of the Drawing Room art gallery, said, “Butt’s work is reminiscent of old masters. It brings one back to basics.”

Jamil Ahmad, of the Hamail Art Gallery, said, “Butt has developed his own style of using black pen and ink. He does not let colours dominate his art.”

Bilal was born and raised in Dubai. He graduated from Pakistan Institute of Fashion Design in 2000 and is working as a freelance painter and an art consultant at the Institute Technique De La Mode in Cairo.

“Egypt had a strong influence on my personality. It was there that I began exploring art,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 13^th, 2013.

NEW YORK: Celebrity chef Paula Deen won a partial victory on Monday when a US judge dismissed the racial discrimination portion of a lawsuit that has already cost the Southern culinary star a big chunk of her multimillion-dollar enterprise.

The lawsuit was filed in US district court in Savannah, Georgia, by Lisa Jackson, who worked for five years at a restaurant owned by Deen and her brother, Bubba Hiers.

Jackson claimed she was the victim of sexual harassment and alleged there was a pattern of racial discrimination against African-American employees at the restaurant, Uncle Bubba’s Seafood and Oyster House.

US District Judge William Moore ruled on Monday that Jackson had no grounds to sue on the basis of racial discrimination because she is white. There were no allegations that any racially offensive remarks were directed at her or intended to harass her, the judge ruled.

He said he would decide later whether the sexual harassment part of the lawsuit could go forward.

Deen, 66, admitted in a deposition in the case that she had used the “N-word,” an admission that prompted Scripps Networks Interactive Inc to drop her cooking show from its cable television channel, the Food Network.

Other companies rushed to cut their ties with Deen, dropping her as a celebrity endorser and announcing they would no longer carry the cookbooks, housewares and other products that helped Deen build a multi-million dollar enterprise.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 14^th, 2013.

Like Life & Style on Facebook, follow @ETLifeandStyle on Twitter for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.

LOS ANGELES: Matt Damon’s futuristic thriller Elysium, the story of an elite space outpost locked in battle with poor invaders from a ruined Earth, won a crowded box office race among four new films at US and Canadian theatres over the weekend.

Elysium grabbed $30.5 million in domestic ticket sales from Friday through Sunday, according to estimates from distributor Sony Pictures. The movie added $10.9 million from 17 international markets, for a combined global opening of $41.4 million.

Elysium edged the Jennifer Aniston comedy We’re the Millers, which took in $26.6 million, while Planes, a spin-off of Walt Disney Co’s Pixar franchise Cars, took off with $22.5 million at domestic theatres, finishing in third.

The other newcomer, fantasy movie Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters, landed fourth with $14.6 million.

Effects-filled action movie Elysium came in at the low end of pre-weekend forecasts for a debut in the low $30 million range. The movie portrays two distinct worlds in the year 2154 — a diseased and overpopulated Earth and Elysium, a space station where the elite live.

Damon stars as Max, a blue-collar worker with a criminal past who needs medicine from Elysium to survive. Jodie Foster plays the Elysium defense secretary bent on keeping Max and all other illegal immigrants out.

“We’re feeling very good about our results,” said Rory Bruer, Sony Pictures’ president of worldwide distribution, noting that “there were a lot of movies opening this week.”

“The picture will roll out really big-time internationally over the next two weeks … and it’s going to be a big hit for us internationally.”

The Smurfs 2 pulled in an estimated $34.6 million in its second weekend of release overseas, bringing its global total to $156.6 million, while the Adam Sandler vehicle Grown Ups 2 neared $125 million domestically in its fifth week.

Planes, which features the voice of Dane Cook as Dusty, a crop duster trying to overcome a fear of heights, was produced by the DisneyToon studio for $50 million and originally planned as a direct-to-DVD release.

Finishing fifth for the weekend, action movie 2 Guns, starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg, took in $11.1 million.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 14^th, 2013.

Like Life & Style on Facebook, follow @ETLifeandStyle on Twitter for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.

Leisure Club’s latest capsule collection takes inspiration from everything Pakistani and blends it together into trendy high-street outfits. With kaleidoscopic truck art patterns and calligraphic graffiti on blazers and trousers, Leisure Club is truly creating some cutting-edge designs that have morphed traditional aesthetics into contemporary style.

Omar Zaman, brand manager at Leisure Club, highlights the different forms of art used in creating the entire collection. “We have used a letter that was written to Ghalib by a friend of his, as a calligraphic pattern on the fabric. Also, we have incorporated the philosophy of Iqbal’s Jahan-e-Rang-o-Bu, to create a dichotomy of colours and textures,” says Zaman.

Despite doing his part in the form of high fashion, Zaman feels that the country is still struggling with deep-rooted issues, which will only be solved when the nation stands united. Taking cue, Leisure Club’s agenda is to address national unity through their collection.

The dissected stars embroidered on shift dresses that encapsulate an abstract map of Pakistan and shirts with their signature thumb prints filled with truck art, their  Made of Pakistan line speaks volumes about national identity.

“Made of Pakistan is now a movement that unites us all to preserve our heritage and make Pakistan the best country to live in,” Zaman says with pride. “It’s about creating a sense of community. We wanted to dream a dream that could not be achieved alone and needed the collaboration of our nation.”

Earlier, in an effort to give the country a cosmetic facelift on the outside and a social uplift internally, Leisure Club’s Vote Campaign gained great momentum with the Election Commission of Pakistan, which announced it as the official campaign.

World Retail Congress has also nominated the Vote Campaign for the Best CSR Campaign in the world. “World Retail Congress is like the Oscars of retail and our new brand philosophy is now driven by a philosophy that is bigger than the brand itself,” claims Zaman.

The Made of Pakistan collection consists of 12 looks broken down into 20 individual pieces blending traditional culture and heritage with Western-influenced cuts — truly an East meets West collection. The collection will be available at their retail outlets by the beginning of September with a price range between Rs2,000 and Rs7,000.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 14^th, 2013.

Like Life & Style on Facebook, follow @ETLifeandStyle on Twitter for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.

Actor Hina Bayaat and guest Mehreen Danish were spotted looking elegant in Eastern wear at the launch of Nida Azwer Atelier. Here is a breakdown of what they wore and who we picked as our favourite:

Hina Bayaat 

Hair & Make-up

We loved Hina’s light make-up at the event. The au natural look makes her look classy with her tasteful mauve lipstick. The light blue eye-liner helps bring out her beautiful, greyish-green eyes, giving this stylish lady a perfect touch. However, her hair is a bit flat and could use with some volume.

Outfit

This yellow-and-red A-line shirt looks absolutely stunning. It’s the colour of the season and the beautiful red motifs on the sides and front, make a major fashion statement.

Accessories and Shoes

Except for the dangly gold earrings (that are barely visible) and a diamond ring, the actor was not seen carrying any other piece of jewellery.

Though we usually prefer more accessories, this for a change, is refreshing as accessories are not taking attention away from her colourful, bright outfit that is a fashion statement on its own.

While her red clutch goes well with her vibrant look, we wish she had worn some beautiful chappals instead of these strappy heels.

Mehreen Danish 

Hair and Make-up

Like Hina, Mehreen kept the make-up minimal, opting for bright red lips and lots of mascara to do the talking. Her hair has been pinned back at the crown, leaavvf while the front falls in loose curls at the front.

Outfit

The neutral shades are quite a contrast to Hina’s look, but we loved the colour blocking and pleats.

The border is Nida Azwer’s signature block print and is a nice finishing touch on the outfit.

Accessories and Shoes

We are in love with the dangly earrings that are complemented by the diamond pendant and ring.

The watch is our favourite eye candy, followed close by the tiny gold clutch in Mehreen’s hand – elegant and classic!

Published in The Express Tribune, August 14^th, 2013.

Like Life & Style on Facebook, follow @ETLifeandStyle on Twitter for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.

KARACHI: Pakistanis from all walks of life are wearing their patriotism with pride as Independence Day arrives. Children sing anthems and songs in school, and the media brings back memories of the past by playing ‘qaumi naghmas’ over again. Green, undoubtedly, is the colour of the day.

While many limit the celebrations to a flag on the car, balcony or a badge, some fashionistas like to make fashion statements on August 14.

Mahin Hussain, who has been designing funky accessories for over a decade now, has recently launched a special line called the Azadi collection for these very shoppers.

“The Azadi collection is very personal to me. It’s an effort on my part to bring forth a more positive image of Pakistan by infusing our nation’s history into the design philosophy,” says Hussain. For the designer, this collection stands for identity, freedom and strength.

This is the fourth time that Hussain has introduced an Independence Day special collection and she ensures that this, particularly, stands out from her previous creations.

“I am introducing this very special piece called the ‘Flag from Sindh’. It’s a hand embroidered wallet made by the rural women of Sindh, mainly Larkana,” she elaborates.

“Hand embroideries are appreciated all over and I think it’s about time we learn to give importance to the skill sets of our people and women in particular.” Hussain adds, “For the very first time, I am promoting these women from rural backgrounds. As a privileged woman, it is my duty to empower the less privileged since they are critical for the development of our society.”

However, rural women are not the only ones who have contributed in the making of Hussain’s Azadi collection. Hussain also hired Urdu calligraphists, struggling in an era of technological innovation, for inspiring quotes that will be seen on ‘himmat’ totes and iPad covers. On a whole, the collection includes three designs for totes, two designs each for iPad covers, pouches and wallets, and a single laptop case.

Apart from her hand-embroidered and calligraphic creations, some of her pieces offer outright messages to the customers. For example, one of her wallets has Quaid-e-Azam’s face on it with the quote, “Failure is unknown to me,” and another has Begum Noor Jehan’s portrait with the label ‘Azadi 1947’.

As far as the material is concerned, Hussain says, “The Azadi collection is primarily canvas-based with hand and screen printing. The colours depict the essence of being a Pakistani, in shades of green contrasting with hints of bright pink, turquoise and orange.”

Hussain explains that while all of her August 14 collections have been mainly about Pakistan, the messages keep changing. Her sequined flag clutch, which she launched back in 2011, is her most popular design till date since Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy carried it to the Oscars. “It’s a proud moment for me that my design has gained recognition and popularity. Orders started pouring in even before the launch of the Azadi Collection,” she claims.

The collection is available at The House of Ensemble in Karachi, FP Lounge in Lahore and L’atelier in Islamabad and ranges from Rs2,000 to Rs4,000.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 14^th, 2013.

Like Life & Style on Facebook, follow @ETLifeandStyle on Twitter for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.

Queen of controversy Veena Malik is the jack of all trades. She’s tried her luck at modeling, acting and singing and now, it’s time for some art. She is collaborating with Finnish artist Vesa Kivinen on a six-piece art project. The press launch will take place on August 16 in London.

“We have worked aesthetically on this project; and you know when two artists collaborate, they are on the same page,” she told The Express Tribune.

About Kivinen, Veena says, “His vision is admirable and he has a very unique style of working.” Veena admits that it took almost two years for them to complete this project and it will also be in unveiled in Helsinki, Finland and later in India.

The drama queen says that she is super excited. “This is a high profile event happening in Helsinki and also the first time ever that a collaboration between an artist from Finland and another from Pakistan is taking place,” she adds.

Although Veena didn’t reveal what the project was all about, there are rumours that the collection consists of self portraits.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 14^th, 2013.

Like Life & Style on Facebook, follow @ETLifeandStyle on Twitter for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.

On August 14, 26 years after the song was first aired on PTV, The Express Tribune talks to former Vital Signs vocalist Junaid Jamshed — the singer of what is known as the second national anthem of Pakistan as well as the band’s biggest hit — about his attachment to the number as well as its relevance today.

“I feel quite humbled [by the song’s success],” says Jamshed. “There is an emotional attachment to this song — it is the country’s song. Dil Dil Pakistan is the ultimate example of patriotic love.”

For Jamshed, his journey with the band began when this song came about. “I became associated with Shoaib Mansoor, Shahzad Hasan, Rohail Hyatt, Nusrat Hussain, Salman Ahmad and Rizwanul Haq through this one song. When this anthem is played in England’s Lord’s cricket ground, you certainly can’t estimate how meaningful it becomes for us as a nation.”

While Jamshed left music years ago, he confesses that the song is close to his heart. “I don’t want to associate myself with music anymore, but I certainly cannot disassociate myself with Dil Dil Pakistan.”

But when asked how relevant the lyrics of the song are today, Jamshed confesses that the landscape and dynamics have changed. “The mechanics are definitely different today. Dil Dil Pakistan has no meaning left.” He continues, “Sadly, there is too much hatred that has sprung amongst our countrymen.

Today, we become rivals in a flash. What sense does ‘aisi zameen, aur asmaan’ make when you have no value for another Pakistani living on the same soil?” he beseeches, adding that people today are happier to make sacrifices for a political party instead of their own country.

On a more positive note, Jamshed tells us that he has sung the song twice in recent times. On a trip to Canada, where he had gone to recite a naat at an event, Jamshed relates a story of how dispersing crowds came together when he began  to sing.

“I was there, about to recite the naat, when it started pouring heavily. The crowd — which consisted of almost 80% Pakistanis — started dispersing. It was then that I started singing this song and they came back and started singing with me.”

The other incident he relates to is Salman Ahmad’s feat that went viral on YouTube and Facebook. “It so happened that Salman was planning to play the song at a PTI Convention, and he couldn’t do it right, somehow. So I sat down with him and told him how to go about it. These moments were captured by his son Imran. It was done in a casual and homely atmosphere, but it went viral [on social media websites].”

Record sales

Not only was Dil Dil Pakistan number three on the BBC World Service’s world top 10 songs in 2003, it has also been the most popular songs in terms of Pakistan viewers’ choice and sales. EMI-Pakistan’s current General Manager Zeeshan Chaudhry tells us, “This song can easily be claimed as the second national anthem of the country — it is so popular amongst the general public.”

List of most popular songs in terms of sales provided by EMI-Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 14^th, 2013.

Like Life & Style on Facebook, follow @ETLifeandStyle on Twitter for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.

ZURICH: The owner of a luxury goods shop in Zurich has denied that racism was involved when Oprah Winfrey was discouraged from buying a 35,000 Swiss franc ($38,100) handbag.

The US talk show host, recently named the world’s most powerful celebrity, was in Switzerland for the wedding of singer Tina Turner when the incident occurred last month.

The broadcaster said in two US interviews that a sales assistant had refused to show her the crocodile handbag, saying it was “too expensive” and steering her towards other, cheaper ones.

Luxury shop Trois Pommes denied discriminating against Winfrey, an African-American, who asked to look at a “Jennifer” purse, designed by Tom Ford and named for actor Jennifer Aniston. The owner put the incident down to a language barrier.

“This is an absolute classic misunderstanding,” shop owner Trudie Goetz told Reuters. “This has nothing to do with racism, I am here for everyone and the customer is king.”

The sales assistant wanted to show Winfrey that the bag was also available in other materials, which may have given the TV host the impression the shop did not want to sell it to her, Goetz said.

“Of course that’s not the case. Who wouldn’t want to sell a purse for 35,000 francs?” Goetz said.

Winfrey, 59, who runs her own TV network, earned $77 million from June 2012 to 2013, taking the number one spot on the Forbes most powerful celebrity list last month, the fifth time she has headed the annual ranking.

The Swiss tourism association said it regretted the handbag incident and was “never happy when our guests’ feelings are hurt”.

Switzerland has contradictory attitudes towards foreigners. On the one hand, it employs large numbers of foreign professionals in big industries like finance, which accounts for roughly 6% of gross domestic product. On the other, the Swiss People’s Party, the biggest in parliament, has long made opposition to immigration a key plank of its electoral appeal. It has been accused of racism for its campaigns which once featured a poster of a white sheep kicking a black one from a Swiss flag.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 15^th, 2013.

Like Life & Style on Facebook, follow @ETLifeandStyle on Twitter for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.

Emraan Hashmi aka serial kisser of Bollywood has locked lips with almost every female actor he has worked with. And for some odd reason, all his movies which include intimate kissing scenes have done well at the box office. It doesn’t seem like a coincidence that his film Shanghai along with Ek Thi Daayan and Ghanchakkar, didn’t do too well as there wasn’t much happening in them.

As a result, Emraan is keen that his next film Badtameez Dil includes an intimate kissing scene — the magic ingredient to his success. But here’s the funny part. Kareena Kapoor, who plays the lead in the movie, has explicitly told producers Ekta Kapoor and Karan Johar that she will not kiss on screen, according to the Times of India.

Sorry Emraan, you might just lose your title of the serial kisser! The film is scheduled to release next month.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 15^th, 2013.

Like Life & Style on Facebook, follow @ETLifeandStyle on Twitter for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.

Celebs and fashionistas have been wearing the ever-so-fashionable peek-a-boo sleeves with commendable grace. While the sleeves can look tacky when done wrong, a well-stitched shirt or dress can give a delectable hint of bronzed summer skin.

Seen on the ramp during Fashion Pakistan Week 5 (Shamaeel’s ode to the Orient), as well as at PSFW 2013 (Maheen Karim, Sania Maskatiya and Misha Lakhani), this trend was hot and happening off the ramp, too. We spotted guests at various events in major cities wearing uber chic peek-a-boo sleeves in various colours. The options are either long, billowing sleeves, with a slit wide at the shoulder to give some definition, or fitted sleeves with a small cut at the shoulder to add some character to a digital print shirt.

We are drooling over loose, floor-skimming dresses with peek-a-boo sleeves, as well as shorter coloured tops with these trendy cuts. They look chic paired with white pants and a statement necklace.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 15^th, 2013.

Like Life & Style on Facebook, follow @ETLifeandStyle on Twitter for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.