Vibrant colours, Urdu text with witty slogans, traditional prints and monochromatic patterns on accessories by Maheen Hussain truly reflects the quirky, yet exceptional artwork of Pakistan. A wide range from Hussain’s collection of cushions and leather handbags are being exhibited at Nomad Art Gallery as part of an exhibition that runs till June 16.
The loud, florescent-shaded accessories exhibited are must haves for fashion lovers who like to add a fun and funk of Pakistani artwork to their closet and home.
Home accessories
“Verandah at Five”, a collection of cushion covers, is a treat for the eyes. On an off-white base, cushions in bright pink images of places from “old Pakistan”, as the designer likes to call it, are printed. One-liners of places such as “Famous nightclub Le Gourmet Old Palace Hotel – Club Kutcherhy Road Karachi” a nightclub from the 60’s, and “Faletti’s Hotel” from Lahore bring back memories.
Hussain said that she wanted to pay tribute to the landmarks that contributed to the “once romantic Pakistan” which does not exist anymore. “Where is this Pakistan that we lost?” she said. “I would like to bring to life those things from the past that were once the pride of this country.”
Her other cushions with vibrant colours and Urdu text are unique and enjoyable. While some are embroidered and patch-worked, other cushions are digitally printed. Calling her line the “Independence and patriotic line”, her other home accessories consisted of items such as hand-woven baskets made by artisans in Karachi.
“I help out these artisans. It their skill and my creativity put together,” she said. Each piece is priced from as low as Rs2,200 to Rs6,000.
Handbags
Neons with dull leather base are funky and a classic piece that would complete a casual summer look. A range of shopper bags, clutches and purses are on exhibit. Hussain said that the bags were simple, yet some element of bold pops out in each piece. Hussain says that she used cooler shades and emerald. Small clutch bags with antique frames imported from Hong Kong are unique yet classy, a perfect addition to anyone’s vintage bag collection.
Hussain is also displaying bags with cross-stitch with by women from Larkana. Hussain said that people were moving towards machines and this was a skill that needed support.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, Hussain said that Islamabad was a very different market from Karachi. “Islamabad is very new for me, but at the same time I am excited to learn more about it. I need to look at different things here to be inspired for my next collection,” she said.
Hussain also stocks in Islamabad at the multi-label store L’atelier.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 16th, 2013.