Here I am on my way to shoot a new episode at a retail outlet called Outfitters in Park Towers.

Shopping 360 is a show that I host on Style 360 which is a fashion/style based tv channel here in Pakistan. In this show I go to one shop per episode and go through the racks, shop around, and then finally try on my picks for outfits from that particular shop. I show people how they can shop at these stores and also give them ideas on how they can create various outfits when they are shopping from these stores.

It comes on 7:30pm every Monday on Style 360. Online videos are not yet available but here’s a promo!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150275947555915&set=vb.118824491534676&type=2&theater

After being occupied with work for the past few months and mostly procrastination, I have finally decided to post the photos! So here they are! Enjoy! 

Here is the beautiful stage set-up done by J&S Productions. Different touches were added to the stage each of the three days to give the audience something fresh every time. Aside from being on the runway, I was hired as a red carpet host as well. This was my look for Day 1 of the event. This beautiful Emerald Green dress was provided by Ayesha Sumaya who were also showing on the first day.

Backstage posing with the extremely sweet helpers, Mehreen and Ahmad.

Ginormous poster from the previous Bridal Couture Week in Lahore and a model having a smoke while waiting for rehearsal and fittings.

The line-up for J.J. Valaya who had very interesting things to say about the Pakistani film industry. When unable to locate Zara Sheikh (who was supposed to be his original ‘showstopper’), Vaneeza offered J.J. another film star, to which he responded, “I didn’t know you guys HAD ANY film stars here…” You ain’t gotta be mean Big Guy!

The Ukrainian models chilling/complaining/waiting/mingling backstage

Birdseye view of Rukaiya’s team getting started on make-up

Mirror full of hairspray and stains, no wonder we have a distorted image of beauty!Me chilling with Fia who puts the ‘F’ in backstage ‘F’un, with her over-the-top and sarcastic comments about almost everything. I’d like to show off by pointing out that the cute pink necklace I am wearing around my neck, she bought for me all the way from Germany!

And that’s us again…

Me wearing an outfit from Shaiyanne Malik’s collection. Doing the final touches before heading to the ramp.

Contrary to popular belief, models do eat. And unfortunately most of the times we aren’t exactly provided with the healthiest/low-fat meals to consume, which secretly makes me very happy at times. Who doesn’t like to sink their teeth into a greasy fry once in a while?

After all the runway madness, the other models went home, I had to stay back and do MORE interviews. Here I am talking to Shamal from Toni n Guy Lahore.

Yes after eight months of living and working here, venues in Karachi are now becoming the “usual” for me.

The location was beautiful because it was just about 20 minutes before Murree on the Margala Hills. To add to the charm of doing a Sobia Nazir show, J&S did a great job with the event management, decor and ambience. With the small exception of the 100ft runway being a bit lopsided (since we were on the hills). It made the models feel like they were rock climbing in 4 inch heels on the way back from head ramp.

It’s worth mentioning the choreographer of the event, Rezz Aly Shah. I’ve never seen a choreographer so concerned about the models and the show while remaining so calm and polite. Kudos to him!

Here are some photos of the scenery, backstage as well the show itself.

Me (left) & Rabia Butt (right)

Rubya doing touch ups

The stage

Group picture backstage after the show

The designer Sobia Nazir (left), Me (middle) and the choreographer Rezz Aly Shah (right)

Crazy 80's rock star pose after we let our hair down..

And here are some photos of me on the runway  :P

On the runway in a Sobia Nazir Bridal

On the runway in a Sobia Nazir Formal

Behind the scenes fun from Islamabad Fashion Week…

Mehreen trying to keep it together!

Me...waiting for my turn for make-up at Tariq Amin's Salon

Mannu (The coordinator) with his signature "WTF" look...

Browsing through the glossies

Iraj, Me, Nadia & Zeba after the Day 1 Couture Show

Fauzia, Mannu, Mehreen and I

Tariq Amin & I

Day 2: Models & Mannu leaving the hotel for make-up calls

Mannu & I, outside the hotel waiting for the car.

Inside our bus with the crazy driver who loved playing Munni Badnam & Sheila Ki Jiwani

The talented hair & make-up artist Nasir with Model Zeba

Model Nadia Hussain, trusting no one but herself to put on her lashes the right way!

Rabia & Cybil lounging at Tariq's...

Nice collage on Tariq's wall

Model Sophiiya Khan getting her nails done while she sleeps! A true diva!

Zeba made to jump on my request so I could take this cool pic!

I got a little too excited and jumped out of the frame...

Zeba again

Nadia relaxing after make-up and hair..

At the venue..models waiting for the Pret show madness to end...

Nooray looking cute in her glasses

Koni & Saima attached at the hip backstage

Afterparty...

Stay tuned for day to day updates on the very first Fashion Week in the capital of Pakistan!

-The FashionEasta

I was one of the five female models along with Iraj, Gia Ali, Sadaf and Monica to participate in the launch event which was organized by Catalyst Events (Frieha Altaf.)

There was an interesting link in this show for me.  The Toni & Guy USA headquarters are in my hometown Dallas, Texas . So to represent the launch of a Toni & Guy Salon in my country of birth was kinda cool. Ok.. at least I thought so..

A day before the event I was called in to the salon to get my hair colored and cut by Saeeda Mandviwalla herself (the owner/manager of the salon.) I couldn’t do something way too drastic with my hair because of my ongoing acting commitments, we decided to have chunks of BRIGHT RED in my hair. Yeah.. that’s not drastic at all :-/

I was a bit nervous but excited at the same time. But I think it turned out just fine. I kept it for about a week and then like Amy Winehouse I had to go “back to black”

Below you can see some pics of the process..

Next day all the models had to show up at the salon again to get their hair finished and styled for the show which was to take place at 5pm at the Forum Mall.

This was probably one of the few ramp/hair shows in Pakistan..which took place in the center of the Mall. At least since I have been here The great thing about this was that the general public got a chance to be a part of the audience. Usually events in the fashion industry are very exclusive to the people involved indirectly/directly in the event or then.. the elite. But this gave the masses a chance to see the show live!

Anyways you guys can all see clips of the show at this link! Enjoy and stay tuned for more fun FashionEASTa updates from Pakistan!

CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO

Recently I got the chance to be a part of one of the Fashion Week events here in Pakistan (as a model) called the PFDC Sunsilk Fashion week which was held in Karachi at The Golf Club in Defence.

The event was coordinated and organized by Frieha Altaf who is more or less the Anna Wintour of Pakistan and the choreography was done by HSY (Hassan Shehryar Yasin) who is this spunky and funny yet professional personality in addition to being one of the top fashion designers of Pakistan!

There were about 5 – 6 designers each day for 4 days total and over 35 models (male & female), some of which traveled from Lahore to Karachi to participate in the show.

After having been exposed the the fashion industry in the US, I must say that overall I was impressed with the production and the organization of the event.

One thing that was a little different about fashion week in Pakistan was that there was a lot of choreography in each segment which is usually avoided internationally as fashion week is supposed to be more about the garments and collection rather than the theatrics.  And this is not a good or bad thing, just different. I guess it’s a cultural thing and perhaps also stems from the fact that we haven’t reached a point in the industry yet where there are tons of buyers who are placing orders on the collections.

The models were sweet, professional and dedicated. There were the occasional Divas who at times tried to intimidate the fresher talent which may have worked on some. But once you break through the rough exterior and talk to them one on one, they are not so bad! In fact some of them are very encouraging and keen to help.

Two of them had fever throughout the event, but still did their part to show up to the rehearsals and take part in the show. One of these girls ended up fainting backstage on the finale of the last day. Yikes!

There were some models who were moaning and groaning about having to be at rehearsal period, which didn’t make sense at all but they were put in their place right away by the choreographer.

The more established models were definitely given preference for the best outfits, but this provided for a great opportunity for the new girls to shine. I say this because when you are given an outfit that is not exactly a ‘show-stopper’, then you have a bigger challenge to really ‘rock’ the outfit on stage for it to be noticed. So when the newer girls were getting claps and appreciation, then we knew we had done something right!

The make-up and hair team backstage did get a bit stressed at times and lost it a little but I think to be fair, things can get pretty crazy backstage anywhere in the world. They did a pretty good job with the make-up as it looks good in the photographs (doesn’t looked caked on) and the hair was also nice but honestly left me wanting a bit more. The best word I could use to the describe the hair is “safe”.

The designers were great! The ones that I really noticed in terms of a great sense of aesthetics and workmanship were Sobia Nazir, Feeha Jamshed @ Teejays, HSY, Akif, Maria B., Kamiar Rokni and last but not least Omar Farooq of Republic.

In terms of being bold and innovative, I think designers like YBQ, Ali Xeeshan, Fahad Husseyn and Mohsin should be applauded.

Now for the music! I know that in this aspect I can be extra critical because I am obsessed with discovering new music and having it match with the visuals presented, so I will say that the music was pretty good but could’ve been much better. A few designers I noticed had just picked songs they like personally and maybe didn’t put too much thought into whether it matches the philosophy, mood or brand identity of their collection.

One great song I discovered was I think in this designer named Akif’s segment. It’s called Gypsy (Afrojack remix) by Steve Angello. <– Check out the youtube link to listen! While they were playing it at rehearsal, I snuck up to the DJ Booth and peeked at the name of the track!! Muhahahah! Also, on the fourth day and the final show, HSY had a nice energy/vibe to the music in his segment which provided for an excellent closing to the entire event.

So there…we’ve covered models, music, designers, make-up/hair and more.

It was a very exciting and fun event to be a part of for someone like me who has been away from Pakistan for years.

BRAVO to the team of PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week for continuing the show during and after the horrible bomb blast in Karachi around 8pm during the 2nd day of this event. They made a decision to not give into the act of terrorism by not being terrorized.

Hats off to the entire team and to the people who came to watch! The show must and it DID go on!

Here are some photos:

Everyone is wondering how they can help during one of the biggest disasters of all time. I have compiled a quick list of whatever I could find online as far as individuals, groups and organizations that are working towards helping the flood victims.

If you know of any other reliable sources to get more information regarding this, please email me at hiratareen@gmail.com or comment on this post so I can keep updating.

INDIVIDUALS & GROUPS:

‘V NEED U’
“APPEAL FOR DONATIONS TOWARDS FLOOD RELIEF”

This group is making ‘Survival Packages’ to send for the flood victims in Sindh. The first relief camp has been established in Sukkur. They have already dispatched 3 trucks and distribution is taking place under our personal supervision. To make their efforts effective we are requesting cash donations only to make the Survival Packages worth Rs.3,000/- (Per family for 2 weeks).

HOW TO DONATE
For Cash Donations:
Farid Virani 0333 – 2222006 fvirani1@yahoo.com
Rameez Sattar 0300 – 8278494 rameezsattar@sonraj.com

For Further Information:
Afzaal Ahmed 0300 – 8222777 afzaalahmed777@yahoo.com
Swaleha Alam Shahzada 0333 – 2122133 swaleha@mac.com

Facebook event page:  http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=120364751345704&ref=ts

Sarmad Palijo from JOSHFM99

Sarmad is leaving once or twice a week to personally distribute goods and medicine to the flood victims. He prefers receiving goods instead of cash and is encouraging the people donating to come along with him to the affected areas.

Contact Sarmad at: palijo@joshfm99.com

CHARITY ORGANIZATIONS:

(source: http://sapphirical.wordpress.com/)

The Citizens Foundation:

The Citizens Foundation has a network of 660 school units in 68 towns and cities across Pakistan. Using this network, TCF will be providing 20 million meals as immediate relief to flood affected families. They cannot do this without your support, step forward and show you care.

Visit: http://www.thecitizensfoundation.org/floodrelief.html for details.

MaXimizers Flood Relief Camp

MaXimizers is a youth development and youth training set up, which has been working diligently to inculcate a sense of ownership, self esteem and a spirit of self help and positivity amongst the youth of Pakistan.

They are collecting relief goods and medicines for the World Food Programme, Pakistan.

I am volunteering for MaXimizers Flood Relief Camp myself.

For further info, visit their event page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=143569448998511&index=1

Al-Khidmat Foundation:

Donate here: http://al-khidmatfoundation.org/donate-here.php

Karachi Relief Trust:

see website: http://www.karachirelief.org/

Do check the website.

KRT is deploying the EPA certified, 99.9% effective (at removing viruses, bacteria and parasites) LifeStraw FamilyInstant Microbial Purifiers to all flood affected regions. KRT will deploy 50,000 purifiers to provide up to 10 million liters of purified drinking water each day.

Karachi Relief, run by Adnan Asdar Ali (Kamran’s brother), an engineer who is working on housing and rehab for displaced people and also, most crucially, water filter units that could save thousands of lives.

Relief goods can be delivered to the following addresses in these cities

Karachi – Collection Point A

Bar.B.Q TonightCom. 5/1, Boating Basin, Block 5, Clifton.

Contact: Moez Premani (+92 343 820 0333)

he_skype_highlighting)Karachi – Collection Point B

Gulistan-e-Anis ClubNear Hill Park Roundabout, Shaheed-e-Millat Road.

Contact: Moez Premani (+92 343 820 0333)

Islamabad

Multinet Pakistan60-A Jinnah Avenue (Old USIS Bldg), F-6 Blue Area.

Contact: Fahd Mahbub (+92 345 855 6320

To become a volunteer please contact:

Mr. Salman AhmedCell: +92 333 355 7874

Aitemaad Pakistan, headed by Fakhruddin Ebrahim

The people involved in this NGO is Naeem Sadiq, Justice Fakhruddin Ebrahim, his son Zahid Ebrahim, Dr Samrina Hashmi, Dr Sher Shah Syed, Nazim Haji and others. Please spread the word. They are putting together and distributing 24,000 dry ration bags, to provide approximately two million meals (6000 families for 4 weeks). Each bag costs approx Rs.1500 (about US $ 18).

Their target is to collect and distribute 24 thousand dry ration bags, to provide approximately two million meals. (meals for 6000 families for 4 weeks) Each bag consists of Ata 10 kg, cooking oil 1 litres, rice 5 kg, dal 2 kg, tea 1/4 kg, sugar 1 kg, salt 1 packet, chili one packet, powder milk 1 kg, soap 1 piece, match box 1. The cost of each such bag is Rs.1500 approximately.

Donors could either themselves prepare bags with items mentioned above or make a cash or cheque contribution. Those wishing to volunteer their time and services may please contact us at :aitemaad@gmail.com

*Other items that may be donated are, clothing, bedsheets, ‘chatais’ (mattings), hand pumps, mosquito nets and medicine.*

Please send your donations to:

*Bank Account Title: AITEMAAD PAKISTAN TRUST*> *Account #: 0107-036-1914*

* Swift: MEZNPKKA** Meezan Bank, Clifton, Karachi*

* Office and Collection address:*

*43/2/J, Block 6, PECHS, **Karachi**.*

*Contact persons:*

Nazim Haji (0321-8220999)

Zubair Habib (0300-8260409)

Younus Dagha (0300-2021252)

Naeem Sadiq (0333-351-8539)

Nadeem Younas (0321-2526153)

Zahid Ebrahim (0333-2155840)

Fazil Bharucha (0300-8221282)

Shoaib Anwar Ali (0300-2251424)

Dr. Samrina Hashmi PMA (0333 2347623)

Dr. Sher Shah Syed PMA (0333-2156735)

Ronaq-E-Qainaat

Young doctors are in the process of arranging a series of free medical camps in the flood affected areas. First Camp is at Nowshera.

Please Contact Ms. Alina Akhyar at alinaakhyar@yahoo.com, who will email you the Trust’s past activities, bank account details and other queries.

They have already done some pretty impressive work.

Account number: 00400101065364

account title: Khadija Nadeem

Askari Bank

Chaklala Scheme 3 Branch

Rawalpindi.

LRBT’s Flood medical Relief Programme

LRBT’s expertise is essentially in Ophthalmology, a discipline of health care, they have confined their efforts to Health care and potable drinking water . 7 mobile Medical teams have been deployed and are providing Medical Relief in the flood affected areas in the catchments areas of our hospitals.

They are treating the following diseases:-• Diarrhea• Gastroenteritis• Cholera• Malaria• Vomiting• Skin infections• Respiratory diseases• Eye infections.

They are also supplying tablets to purify drinking water. They will also vaccinate (provided we can get the vaccine which is only prepared by National Institute of Health,Islamabad)) the affectees to prevent Cholera. Their teams are serving in the areas mentioned belowSwat, Nowshera, Mardan, Charsadda, Mianwali, Rajanpur, Muzaffargarh,Kot Mithan, Sukkur, Dadu, Hyderabad, Nawabshah

Thatta & the Indus delta. Each team consists of one Doctor, two Paramedics, one driver and one cleaner. The deployment of Medical teams commenced on 5th August with the first one starting work in Nowshera, Charsadda & Mardan areas in Khyber-Pakhtoonkhwa (KP). The remaining 6 were deployed on 13th August. They are mobile and move from camp to camp despite serious communication issues and are examining patients, diagnosing and dispensing medicines. Major problems appear to be diarrhea & gastro-enteric and skin diseases. Water purifying tablets are also being distributed. A number of patients have eye problems ranging from conjunctivitis to cataract. Those patients who require eye surgery are being referred to the nearest LRBT hospital although Eye is not the mainfocus of their  efforts in the current circumstances.

They have treated 7,133 patients (KP 2,368, Punjab 2,183, Sindh 2,355) until 15th August and the work is continuing. To put our effort in context in Khyber Pakthunkhwa the medical teams of the Pakistan Army have treated 2000 patients according to media reports.

Donate here: http://www.lrbt.org.pk/Zakat.html



Edhi Foundation:

Donate here: http://www.edhifoundation.com/contact.asp

Sarhad Rural Support Programme

Concerned citizens based in Lahore are collecting relief items for the Sarhad Rural Support Programme, the largest NGO in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province. SRSP’s experience and size make it the most suitable choice for donations at this time. They are a part of the Rural Support Programmes Network (rspn.org), founded by Shoaib Sultan Khan, who was nominated for the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize (along with President Obama and others).People may make donations directly to SRSP, write crossed cheques to us in favor of SRSP or donate relief goods directly to them (which will then be loaded on to trucks headed for SRSP warehouses in Peshawar. People are also welcome to join in the effort of loading the trucks and actually making the trip to the affected areas to see the profound difference their generosity makes in the lives of so many.This organization is not encouraging checks but requesting to lease donate RELIEF GOODS. They already have a number of cheques that will be cashed by the Sarhad Rural Support Programme in Peshawar. Peshawar might experience a shortage of goods, which, coupled with the high demand, might lead to hiked prices. It’s best if we buy relief goods now, from Lahore, and send those over.

The link to their Facebook page is : http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=120053684708340

Contact: Umar Agha. Cell: 0321 842-2425 and email: ua2121@columbia.edu

Fauji Fertilizer Company’s Employees Flood Relief Camp

Please see: http://www.floodrelief.wikispaces.net/

Mission Rescue Pakistan.

MRP Aid for Flood Victims will be leaving on Monday, August 16th 2010 to Mardan. Food Items and Medicines are requested. Team MRP, most likely will be setting up the Relief Camp on Park Towers on coming Thursday, Friday and Saturday. You may drop the items at MRP Office or call them on following numbers :

Contact Numbers:

MRP Office: +92 21 35240164 & 35842066

Fawwad Afridi: +92 321 2437256

Arshad Khan: +92 321 8227388

Talha Rehman: +92 321 2007664

Ali Rao: +92 321 8972727

Ashraf Kalim: +92 300 9273705

Website: http://missionrescuepakistan.com/

Szabist Sports Society and Roteract Midcity, Karachi

SZABIST Sports Society and Roteract Club of Karachi MidCity have taken the step to organize a collection camp for flood relief. It starts from tomorrow, 4th August, till the end of the month.

see: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=133830666658268&ref=mf

Maymar Trust

To donate a ( 10 x 10) tent for a family: Rs. 12,000

A huge tent ( 14 x 14) for a few families: Rs. 5,000

A tent for a mosque ( 30 x 30) : Rs. 30,000

Gas Cylinder: Rs. 900

Generator: Rs. 80,000

Food: 8,000/-for one month

Medical Supplies: Rs.20 to 25,000/- ( for one day )

Beds and bedding: 300 per bed

Plastic Tirpal ( shade)( 4 x6) : Rs.900/-

Donate here:

Account Title: Muhammad Faisal

A/c No: 011802008000265

Meezan Bank/ Gulshan-e-Maymar, Karachi.

Or

A/C Title: Tariq Manzoor

0118994011000621

Muslim Commercial Bank

Branch Code: 1555

Omar Asghar Khan Development Foundation

see: http://www.oakdf.org.pk/Here is the information required to make a donation:

Title of Account: Omar Asghar Khan Development Foundation

Account #: 0030445261000455

Name of Bank: MCB Bank (1028),

Super Market, Islamabad-Pakistan

Swift Code: MUCBPKKAMCC

Tax Exemption: 6043/ATD/2008-09

Sungi:

Donate here:

http://sungi.org/emergency_donations_contact_information.html

Pakistan Red Crescent Society:

PRCS has offices in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta and Muzaffarabad.

Please see: http://www.prcs.org.pk/help.asp

Torque/ School of Leadership

They are collecting clothes for flood victims. Please drop them at SoL office (in Clifton behind Aga’s Super Market).

Address:Business Executive Center, F-17, Block 8, Clifton, Karachi, Pakistan

Tel: (92-21) 353 73946, 3537 7251-2Fax: (92-21) 353 73947

Email: distinct@sol.edu.pk

An independent group of students:

see: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=147776388569606&ref=nf

The Volunteers/ Voice of the Civil Society:

VOTCS with the help of our Pak Army jawans will be sending Provisions to the affectees. VOTCS is now a registered (No. DSW 3369-K) welfare organization in Pakistan, and is operating as a Non-Profit, Public Charity in the North America, Inc. – 501(C)(3) Organization (Tax Exempted).

HABIB BANK LIMITED ACCOUNT NO IS 1549-79001393-03

For more info call:

Hadia khan@03018245999

Sadia Haroon@03218251122

Irum Farooque@03002332142

Samina Punjwani@ 786-367-6559 Miami Florida

Pakistan Rising

Pakistan Rising has identified basic needs for flood victims in Mardan, Charsadda, Dir and Swat. The situation is dire with some people resorting to eating leaves and drinking rain water. The immediate need is for food and water. Please enable them to help out by giving in cash or kind. They aim to send the relief out in a couple of days.

Pakistan Rising has 500 families in district Rahimyar Khan in immediate need of food relief. They r being rescued by launches all morning. They need 4 lakhs to feed them. Please donate in cash or kind, or contact them to send food trucks you may be in charge of.

Account details:

Account name: Pak Rising (please note the account name is Pak Rising)

Account #: 20311-714-179297

Bank: Habib Metropolitan bank Ltd.

From any city you can put it in any Habib Metropoitan bank branch. Just please note that if it’s a check, the name has to be Pak Rising.

See: http://www.pakistanrising.com.pk/

International Charity Organizations:

Islamic Relief USA:

Donate here: http://www.islamicreliefusa.org/Page.aspx?pid=463

UNHCR:

Donate here: http://www.unhcr.org/emergency/pakistan/global_landing.html

You can also mail your donations to UNHCR:

UNHCRPrivate Sector FundraisingCase Postale 2500CH-1211 Genève 2 DépôtSwitzerland

UNHCR Canada: https://www.strategicprofitsinc.com/hosted/unhcr/index_s.php

UNICEF USA- Donate Here: https://secure.unicefusa.org/site/Donation2?idb=784883377&df_id=1661&1661.donation=form1&JServSessionIdr010=vmk328n351.app17b

United Nation’s World Food Programme:

Donations are tax deductible for number of countries. Donate here: https://secure.my-websites.org/supporter/donatenow.do?n=gbss&dfdbid=1044253

Plan International ( Pakistan specific):

https://secure.my-websites.org/supporter/donatenow.do?n=gbss&dfdbid=1044253

IRC (The International Rescue Committee):

donate here: http://www.theirc.org/news/irc-team-responds-devastating-floods-pakistan

Islamic Help (England):

You can make a cheque/postal order made payable to ‘Islamic Help’ and send it to:

Islamic Help 19 Ombersley Road Balsall Heath Birmingham B12 8UR

Please do not send cash in the post and please do not forget to write your name and address on a piece of paper.

Bank: You can put money directly in their bank account

Name: Islamic HelpBank: HSBC

Account No: 41687425Sort Code: 40-42-12

If you are in a country other than the UK, you can go into any bank in the world and quote the following International Bank Account:

Number (IBAN) and Branch Identifier Code (BIC)IBAN: GB 72 MIDL 404212 41687425BIC: MIDL GB 2155 G

Muslim Aid (England):

Send a cheque or postal order made payable to ‘Muslim Aid’, together with a note of your name and address to:

Muslim Aid, P O Box 3, London, E1 1WP

Donate directly to their bank account:

Name of the Muslim Aid Bank: LLOYDS TSBAddress of the Muslim Aid Bank:LLOYDSTSB BANK PLCHIGHBURY CORNER31 HOLLOWAY CORNERLONDON N7 8JUSWIFT/BIC/CODE (OUTSIDE UK): LOYDGB 21180

To donate in pound sterling £Name of the account: MUSLIM AID-DONATION ACSort code: 30-94-21Account number: 01436818Iban (outside UK): GB25 LOYD 3094 2101 436818

To donate in eurosName of the account: MUSLIM AID- EURO ACSort code: 30-94-21Account number: 86151365Iban (outside UK): GB42 LOYD 3094 2186 151365

To donate in dollars $Name of the account: MUSLIM AID-DOLLAR ACSort code: 30-94-21Account number: 12044226Iban (outside UK): GB75 LOYD 3094 2112 044226

Muslims Hands:

NGO in England. Donate Here: http://www.muslimhands.org/en/gb/appeals/pakistan_flood_crisis/

Save the Children:

http://www.savethechildren.org/newsroom/2010/help-families-pakistan-flooding.html?WT.mc_id=gg_e_np&gclid=CPPaxOHml6MCFQG3sgodyU0dow&WT.srch=1

How to help if you are in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia:

Donors in KSA can write a check or make a cash deposit for the KSA govt. official Pakistan flood relief campaign to National Commercial Bank (NCB) account number SA8710000020162400000107. This can be done by phone, th…rough NCB ATMs or through the bank’s

Please confirm this from the bank.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentID=2010081881267

Pakistan Tehreek e Insaaf ( Imran Khan’s Party) is also apparently working in the Middle East to collect donations which can be handed over to the below contacts officially appointed by Middle East Coordinator and PTI’s Central Finance Sec.

UAE Kaleem Ch +971-504538462

UAE Mian Anjum +971-504975974, +971-501817102

Saudi Arabia Fawad Ch. +966-532923300

Saudi Arabia ShahidNiaz +966-532502109

Kuwait Arshad Ch. +965-99230443

Oman Rezwan Aziz +968-99840748

Qatar Tahir Aftab Butt +974-55824475

Qatar Omar Malik Azad +974-66287593

Bahrain Taimoor Ch. +973-36999001

How to help if you are in the United Arab Emirates:

Pakistan Flood Relief-Dubai

event page : http://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=99993131096&r27b7df47&refid=0

Hundreds of volunteers are gathering at The Shelter in Dubai last night to pack boxes full of food, clothes and medication bound for flood-ravaged Pakistan.

The effort was part of the Pakistan Relief project, which is shipping rice, sugar, powdered milk, tinned food, medication, first aid and clothes to some of the 20 million people displaced by the floods.

Kabul Wazir Mir, 32, a British Pakistani and the coordinator of the Dubai project, said he and a team of volunteers in the UAE had spent a week assessing the needs of the flood victims before mobilising their efforts.

“We were working with NGOs on the ground to find out what they needed most. Then we found a company to work with in Pakistan and finally put out a call for donations and volunteers.”

Mr Wazir Mir and three others will follow the donations by plane and then travel over land to Peshawar, where they will coordinate the delivery of aid to people in the Swat Valley, one of the country’s worst affected areas.

“The most important thing is that people have confidence in what we are doing,” said Tausif Ahmed, another of the four coordinators.

“We have made sure we scrutinise everything and are completely transparent in how this operation is running. We will make sure it is delivered directly to the people who need it.”

More volunteers, from India, Pakistan and the US, were busy packing cartons with clothes, food and medicine over at the Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD) in Oud Metha road yesterday.

“Indians have also come forward to donate supplies – one gentleman gave us clothes, mattresses and blankets, another lady came forward with three cartons of medicines and a carton of diapers,” said Samina Nazir, the principal of the Pakistani Islamia higher secondary school in Ajman and chairperson of PAD’s education and personal development committee.

The Pakistan Association in Dubai

A camp for the flood victims has been setup in the premises of Pakistan Association Dubai, Pakistani community in the UAE is constantly delivering funds in different shapes such as tin food, dried milk, bed sheets, blankets, clothes, tents, cash and many other necessities of life. From 3rd August 2010 till 17th August 2010 PAD has sent 11 containers to Pakistan and the count has not stopped the 12th one is being readied.

http://www.totaldubai.com/out.php?link=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pakassociationdubai.com

Donate here: https://www.paypal.com/ae/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=jgjvBRHpBFWJeTshym4Ee66eKBMyCH4-PYKU7EATqtEU437OdKmpr2agmT4&dispatch=5885d80a13c0db1f8e263663d3faee8d4b3d02051cb40a53495971fa2777c8ff

Pakistan Association Dubai

P.O.Box 426, Oud Metha Road, Bur DubaiTel. : +971-4-337-3632, Fax : +971-4-336-4327Email : pakassoc@eim.ae, info@pakassociationdubai.com

With the exception of a little down time, most days have been action-packed even if I am sitting at home and this is exactly what I missed about Pakistan.

The most fun is the long drives to nowhere along the beach front and exploring the local hotspots for food. Food poisoning and a few pounds later, I have tasted everything from some REALLY amazing biryani (from my own aunt’s Biryani Restaurant, Premier Biryani), kabob rolls, chicken tikkas, haleem, masala fries, fresh crab and prawns and lots more.

Today was interesting as well. Decided to go to the popular Itwaar (Sunday) Bazaar here where there is an abundance of almost everything. It’s a huge market  where you can find everything from fresh vegetables, fabrics to vintage designer clothes and books.

I find it interesting that culturally in America buying vintage is a fashion statement where as in Pakistan you will find the elite as well as the masses a little shy about shopping at what they call “Lunda Bazaar”, which has become almost a derogatory term. I suppose in a poverty stricken nation, it’s a status thing. The rich as well as the poor rather live in the belief that they can afford the original designer pieces as opposed to buying second hand items.

Another thing that I found amusing is the merchants of these stands at the Bazaar happen to be very brand informed. There is a distinct difference between just another shirt and one that is from Guess or Zara. And while bargaining they will mention it too, “Madam, Zara ka maal hai” to justify the price

Speaking of merchants, I met a little firecracker today who was selling branded make-up. She must be about 8 years old but she was one shrude little business woman. She was very firm on the prices and knew the difference between MAC and Cover Girl. Once I picked up a few items and decided to make an offer, her older male cousin agreed and she yelled at him and hit him for ruining her sales pitch.

So all in all it’s been an interesting few days. More to come as the days go by… The heat I will admit is killer and sticky icky ickyyyy.

Enjoy some pics below. Talk to you all soon.

Streets of Karachi

Premier Biryani (this caption was really necessary)

My cousin Maham (right) and I

Masala Fries… Yummm

Artwork at Sunday Bazaar

The little pouting firecracker @ Sunday Bazaar who sells make-up

So I know I have been away for a bit, okay…a REALLY long time. A lot of you have been asking me when I will post again. Just so you know I didn’t forget about this space.. I’ve just been busy planning my trip to my homeland.. Pakistan.

Karachi, Pakistan to be specific.

Most of my friends were shocked to hear about my plans of going back from my comfortable life in good ole Dallas, Texas But hopefully in the next few months I will share with all of you my experiences here in Pakistan as much as I possibly can, so you can see this country from my eyes. Yes we are struggling here but there is still something special and beautiful about this place, and I am thrilled to be back.

Stay tuned!

What makes this even cooler is that this 20 year old model is also a Sophomore at Harvard.

GO BROWNIE GO!

Enjoy the photos below on location in beautiful and exotic Rajasthan, India. Photograhy by Riccardo Tinelli.

See the rest of the photos on http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010_swimsuit/models/sonia-dara/

His death comes a few days after his mother’s death and a few years after his close friend Isabella Blow’s death (who also killed herself).

Mcqueen was a talented and legendary fashion icon who has contributed a lot to the world of style.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family.

For detailed information please go to http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250249/Alexander-McQueen-commits-suicide.html

Or http://edition.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/02/11/britain.alexander.mcqueen.dead/index.html

First New York & Company, now J Crew… GO LAKSHMI !

Got a bit lazy with the Holidays and New Year. But I am back on the scene and have a lot of fun stuff to share in the coming weeks!

OK.. So with all this crazy winter weather, I can’t help but start daydreaming about spring already!

Here are a few items on my wish list which I think are going to be hot trends for Spring 2010.

Straw Boater Hat

from Urban Outfitters

Candela Flat Thong Sandals

from ShopBop.com

Boyfriend Chambray Shirt

From Victoria’s Secret

Khaki Jumpsuit

Not sure where this is from or who its by, I googled it

Aviator Sunglasses

By Marc Jacobs

Nautical Stripe Dress

Don’t know where this is from either :/