#BUZZ: Floyd By Smith

Silky sheath dresses in poppy accents made their way on the runway, at the launch of the new Norwegian store, Floyd by Smith, bought to Pakistan by Nordic 1 and Catalyst PR. The aura inside the store was in one word, celebratory. It seemed that despite the deteriorating political conditions of Pakistan, the citizens want to play a role in bringing forward the best possible picture for the world. And hence, they were ready to welcome and show their support to the foreign investors.

Floyd by Smith was founded by a Norwegian Smith family since the mid-80s. It began with its headquarters in Holmestrand and soon entered the brick and mortar world in 1986.  Apart from delivering Floyd-outfits to 259 independent stores in Norway, and having 8 concept and 12 cooperative stores under their own label; their clothes are also sold in multi-brand stores across the country. They have Cash & Carry wholesale too, which continues to boost its sales. It is also not just well-known for its collections that are specially designed from Norway, but also because of their dedicated salesmen who are knowledgeable in their field of work.

For the launch held on 26^th June 2014, the onlookers watched transfixed as the models strut the runway, in bespoke gowns and western-wear. The collection, that is majorly designed and manufactured in Norway, started off with lean trousers, sheer chiffon tops and flimsy shrugs with minimalist cuts. The most liked outfits from the western-collection were the paste hued shirts with embellish collars, and a chic crop-top with military buttons. Glamorized shirtwaists, flowing goddess gowns and cheeky minidresses followed suit. And they were chicly tapered and steamlined to perfection. Out of this capsule, mini-tutu ensemble and bejeweled-bodice frocks in punchy hues, thrilled the audiences.

As a brand, Floyd by Smith, houses a wide range of clothes, accessories and shoes. While on one hand, their subversive daywear collection ranges from, denim bandeau dresses with witty rear pockets on front, to androgynously chic informal dresses which can be worn for causal day out. On the other hand, their unequivocally chic evening-gowns range from shirred-waisted mini dresses to body-skimming layer of flimsy chiffon with laced bishop sleeves, which epitomizes glamour and elegance.

In all, the fashion presentation carried out under the catwalk veteran, Frieha Altaf, displayed a perfect mesh of tasteful tailoring and sturdiest wardrobe additions. It was a well-attended event by celebrities, socialites and gorgeous young girls and boys who seemed pleased and eager to buy the fabulous outfits.

Floyd by Smith, located at the heart of Zamzama Mall, is now open for public. It targets females, from 16 years to 30 years and above, who prefer to say up-to-date with trends and are fashionably aware of their signature style. They offer formal and semi formals, along with trendiest handbags and accessories that is sure to leave its customers satisfied.

All pictures belong to me. The event itself was managed by Catalyst PR. 

#BUZZ: Designer Hair

Designer shades? Check. Designer shoes? Check. Designer wear? Check. Designer cosmetics? Check.

Designer hair? Uh, double check and a big star.

The Sunsilk designer bottles are back yet again after the rave responses they got for their collaboration with PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week last year. These aesthetically pleasing bottles not only give the masses a chance to own their favorite designer’s creation, but also has a matching signature ensemble designed for it, (although i’m not entirely sure how you can flaunt your shampoo bottle with your attire – but hey, its a good feeling to match!)

At the PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week S/S 2014,  Sunsilk initiated the ‘Guess The Designer’ promo for which each day a particular designer  lent their motifs to be displayed at the glamorous lounges created Anisa and Amina Khan of RAKA. 

As far as the bottles themselves are concerned, HSY encapsulated the ‘Glamour’ theme for his Black Shine SunSilk bottle. He says, “ There is nothing sexier than slinky black shine and a black satin silk with a dash of gold.” And from the Kind of Couture himself, we expected nothing less!

The gold Hair fall Solution bottles are enhanced with a signature Khaadi look. Decorated with their lawn print design, Shamoon of Khaadi says that “Our bottle was designed keeping gold hues in mind. It fits in well with this years’ lawn collection.”

And while I personally loved Sadaf Kanwal in a flimsy Khaadi tunic more than the bottle itself, it won’t be long till I’ll be splurging out on both – the bottle and the dress!

It was not so hard to guess Sana Safinaz signature electric pink intricate detailing  on the Sunsilk  Thick & Long bottle.  According to Safinaz is “clean, uncluttered and very pretty.” – Yes, indeed.

I wonder if the ladies will be stampeding at the retail shops for these bottles like they did for their S/S’14 lawn prints?

Last but not the least, FnkAsia has got the yellow Soft & Smooth bottle with playful doodles. Staying true to her style, Huma Adnan has made the bottle funky yet bold with the use of ethnic motifs. She explains that her inspiration drew from the “freedom of spirit exuding from the women of Tharparkar.” 

Unveiling the bottles at a private launch, the event was well attended by all the respective designer and their muses in tow. While one may applaud Sunsilk for always thinking of new ways to please their customers, it should not be forgotten that the idea of ‘Designer bottles’ was initiated by Frieha Altaf and her team. In either case, this is a brilliant way at promoting not just Pakistani fashion but also the product, and such practice should most definitely continue.

The Sunsilk designer bottles will soon be shelved all at major retailers! Grab yours before they run out. – xx

#BUZZ: Pakistan Idol – And the winner is…

ZAMAD BAIGG!

After a long wait and amazing idol journey, Pakistan Got is firs ever music idol, Zamad Baig.Pakistan Idol, a grand TV reality show, with the toughest battle of voices finally came to an end, when more than 1 million votes poured in, to select Pakistan’s first singing sensation. It was finally the night everyone waited with bathed breathes for Pakistan Idol to crown the winner.

An episode that was mixed with power-packed and soulful performances, ended with a bang when Zamad Baig from Mandi Bahauddin was selected as the winner. Undoubtedly, Zamad Baig deserved the title, because of his mesmerizing voice which had a raw and earthy element to it. Over the time spent in Pakistan Idol, Zamad has aspired to polish his skill, improve his singing scale and inevitably select songs which suited his sufi and classical genre.

From being one of the lucky few ones in Lahore to be chosen from the large hordes of contestants who came to audition, receiving three yeses in the audition rounds and beinging in the eliminated group thrice, Zamad never gave up and only learnt from his experiences. He worked on the critiques given by the judges and rose up to challenges. His soulful performances not just wooed the crowds but also impressed the judges well-enough to give him a title of “Ustaad Zamad Baig.” He has also been innumerably been compared to the Late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

Mr. Baig, may have scooped Rs. 2.5 million cash price, a brand new Honda City Aspire and a recording contract worth million of rupees by Geo Network, but he has achieved much more than just that. It was ultimate wish to follow his dreams of becoming a singer and due to that dire focus; he is now the voice of Pakistan!

Pakistan Idol’s Grand Finale started off with power-packed performances ranging from pop-rock to energetic medleys and heartfelt sufi performances. Apart from the usual judges namely, Bushra Ansari, Ali Azmat and Haqida Kiyani, the guest judges included Abida Parveen, Sajjad Ali, Ali Zafar and Ustad Hamid Ali Khan, all looking absolutely ravishing in their design wear dresses.

Hadiqa Kiyani wearing Fahad Hussayn

Bushra Ansari wearing Omer Sayeed

The show started off with an energetic medley performance by the top 11 contestants, followed by Hadiqa Kiyani’s mystic performance on ‘Naina’ which hit the right notes and touched heart strings. More than the song itself, watching the previous contestants singing in tone-with Hadiqa, in sleek shalwar Kurta was a treat to watch. Bushra Ansari’s enthnic performance on Sindhi poetry of Shah Abdul Latif was not just delightful to ears, but to eyes as well as she twirled around in a bohemian ajrak dress.

The living legend and sufi queen, Abida Parveen also took the stage and transported the audiences into a mollified state, so much so that near the end of her performance, Bushra Ansari and Ali Azmat joined her on stage to pay the rightful respect to her song. This was followed by Ustad Hamid Ali Khan and Sajjad Ali’s enthralling performances. With Ali Azmat and Ali Zafar setting the stage on fire by the last performance of the day, on ‘Dil mange ya abhi’ that got the audiences on their feet!

Pakistan Idol – a show that went to 7 cities and auditioned more than 1300 contestants finally came to an end with dazzling performances, millions of miniature confetti and fireworks. It not only bought forward Pakistan’s most talented performer and artists but also promised the viewers to be back with a second installment very soon!

The PR of the show was handled by Catalyst PR & Marketing.

 

 

#BUZZ: Pakistan Idol – Final Showdown.

“And the first Pakistan Idol is…”  

It’s not too long until we’ll get to hear this line because the day of the finale of Pakistan Idol is just one episode away. The fact that the show is coming to an end and we will have the first Pakistan Idol in matter of hours is, enough to well-up emotions.  

Over the time, Pakistan Idol has been on air, it has become a house-hold sensation. With incredible 460 million viewers in over 150 countries worldwide for more than a decade, when television’s biggest ‘Star’ maker reality show came to Pakistan, eye-brows were raised and questions were hurled. But when the contestants took the stage, ready to woo-the crowd with their heartfelt performances and the Pakistani audiences watched transfixed by the resonating voices. 

The winner of this auspicious reality-tv show will be winning the title of becoming the first Pakistan Idol, Rs. 2.5 million cash price, a brand new Honda City Aspire and a recording contract with GEO Network, worth million of rupees.  

Zamad Baig and Muhammad Shoiab remain in the competition to battle it out for the title with their voices.

Muhammad Shoaib is a native of Kissa Khwani in Khyber Paktunkhwa but resides in Pehawar. He is also the only Pathan in the competition which adds to the diversity of representing all sects of people in the competition. Mouhammad Shoaib does not have a formal training in singing, but has managed to mesmerize the audiences and the judges with his soft, soothing voice with a tinge of huskiness. With his humble nature and beatific grin, he aspires to go really fare with his singing career.  

Whereas, flying all the way from Lahore, Zamad was one of the few lucky contestants who was chosen from the large hordes of contestants who came to audition for Pakistan Idol. His zeal to follow his dream of becoming a singer and dire focus of achieving his dreams has gotten him so far into the competition. Zamad has a raw element to his voice, which often led the judges to compare him to Late Nustrat Fateh Ali Khan. He believes sufi rock is his genre, and he sure has seemed to excel in the show by choosing appropriate songs of his genre.  

Psyched for the live show! See you there.

I’m pumped for the Grand Finale of Pakistan’s biggest reality show. To be aired on 25th March 2014, only on Geo TV where either will be crowned as the first Pakistan Idol! 

P.s Winner’s post to follow. @navqazi for live updates. 

#LAWNGALORE: Nofil Lawn Spring/Summer 2014.

Shaista Lodhi Opening the show.

Shaista Lodhi is an epitome of happiness, hyper ball of energy and utmost glamour. Her presence on TV screens every morning is like a breath of fresh air. Not only is her way of conducting morning shows, captivating but it engages the audiences to the fullest. Shaista, has a immense fan following of women from all walks of life, who know they can understand and sympathize with her every morning. She’s a friend everyone can turn to, and effortlessly she’s also their ultimate style icon. Whatever, Shaista may choose to wear on morning shows reflects austere elegance and chicly feminine that is inevitably emulated by the rest. This is probably why; Shaista Lodhi is the first choice for the upcoming Nofil Lawn Spring/Summer ’14. Nofil Lawn. 

Nofil Siddiqui along with his brand manager Saad Abbasi and Mohammad Nasir Siddiqui opened the doors of Expo center on the evening of 4^th April 2014 welcoming media members and illustrious celebrities. The red carpet buzzed with excitement as film star Meera stepped on as the esteemed guest of Nofil Siddiqui, carrying her sybaritic aura along with her. While she was donned in an austere elegant outfit by Nofil looking absolutely breathtaking, Frieha Altaf was also present at the show, looking ever-green in a presidential blue embellished and embroidered dress from the collection.

First set of models.

The evening started off with a red carpet, followed by a fashion presentation by illustrious male and female model, as well as fresh faces of AIFD (Asian Institute of Fashion Design). Shaista Lodhi opened the show strutting the ramp, adorned in a floor length gown flattered into flares and belts, captivating the crowd by her presence. A band of male and female models followed her, all dressed in graphically patterned and vibrantly hued outfits which epitomized glamour.

Fayezah Asad Ansari gracing Nofil Lawn exhibition all the way from Lahore.

The female models were dressed in gowns made of chiffon and lawn embroidered cloth which fell loose in rumpled luxury. Some were adorned into billowing dramatic versioned dresses, sheer blouses and fluid jumpsuits paired with clean-cut embodied jackets and flimsy chiffon capes.

New trend alert!

The male models, on the other hand sported sorbet shades of kurtas paired with jeans, which may be the next upcoming trend that needs to be incorporated into style repertoire. The men, not only carried off regal hued, buttoned-up kurtas well, but they almost outshined the female models by their chicly masculine chest baring, buttoned down kurtas with embroidered boarders.

Nofil Siddiqui began his career in fashion after graduating as an engineer in advance manufacturing. Through his euphonious label Nofil Prêt & Couture, he practiced his sartorial creed in men’s prêt line, diversifying his brand overtime to bridal, couture dresses and now lawn.

Nofil aspires to keep his design philosophy simple in creating wardrobe for a woman who is bold and confident yet elegant and graceful. He endeavors at reaching the masses via his Spring/Summer 2014 lawn collection which depicts woman who is independent and rooted to her home-ground. This is why Nofil felt that Dr. Shaista Lodhi was the perfect choice to become the face of his lawn this season. Shaista, is not only influential but is also androgynously chic who’s style is widely emulated by the masses.

Designer Saim also skillfully used his sartorial detailing with all of Shaista Lodhi’s flowing goddess gowns which made her stand out. Shaista, being the muse for Nofil Siddiqui did a brilliant job at wooing the crowd off their feet by her energetic walk and beatific smile.

And if this was not all, music industry’s most eminent singer, Ali Khan swooned the crowd with his mesmerizing performances on “Jane Na Tou” and “Saathiya.” Khan too was wearing a suave ash grey Kurta with velvet black, monogrammed koti and loafers, all by Nofil  Siddiqui.

In all, the exhibition managed to exceed plenty of expectations. Nofil Siddiqui effortlessly marked his way into the audiences’ hearts that seemed blown-away by his presentation. The show not just portrayed his master craftsmanship, but also established his name into the Lawn-markets. It is now safe to say, that by judging the reaction of the crowd after the launch, Nofil Spring/Summer 2014 collection will be met with overwhelming response. The exhibition will remain open to public from 5^th till 6^th of April 2014 at Expo Center, displaying intricate embroidered shirts with flimsy chiffon dupattas and crisp lawn trousers in perfect blends of summery hues like sky blues, sorbet yellows, pistachio greens and bright neons.

The event was managed by Blades event management and the show was choreographed by Imran Qureshi . The PR of the event was handled by Catalyst PR and Marketing.

 

Picture credits: Catalyst PR. H.S Photography and A&M Concept Studio.