Models: Off Duty Style at PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week 2014

We see a lot of red carpet and on-the-runway photos floating around after major fashion or media events however we rarely get to see what models dress like in between the shows, when they are on the go!

It’s obvious the socialites will dress extremely well on the red carpet or at any event for that matter. But it’s so much more fun to see how models, who have seen a LOT OF BEAUTIFUL CLOTHES in their careers, get creative with their own wardrobe when they are in a rush!

I tend to think that personal style is what gives each model that certain edge or personality over the others. And I can go on and on about how I prefer the relaxed & natural state of fashion as opposed to the layers of make-up and overly expensive & made up looks.

Here’s a look at some personal style choices that a few models made at PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week in Lahore.

Here we see Fauzia wearing a black & white screen print dress, black leggings, some glitter ballet shoes and a pop of color on the lip to go with the super bright carry on. Her tied up hair and reflective ray bans really complete this ‘futuristic & monochromatic’ look.

Areeba has a great sense of off duty style, that being said this is one of her weaker looks as compared to the other days I saw her. I love the military jacket the most. Wish she somehow added some color to the whole outfit instead of so much black. Perhaps a loose grey t-shirt and blue jeans with military boots would’ve completed the look to make it more casual and timeless.

Recently I have been obsessed with POLKA DOTS, so it was love at first sight when I saw this dress at Zara in Bali. Now that I look at the photo, I wish I had sported a delicate vintage looking watch or something with this dress. But I usually stay away from accessories anyways.

Gauri was one of the three models who came from India to participate at this fashion week. She wears a sheer salmon color high neck with cap sleeves, black pants along with my favorite part of this whole outfit…. the tan sneaker heels. She does a good job of carrying the casual chic look as she prefers to carry a backpack rather than a traditional girly handbag.

Himangini also dropped in from India for this show. Again I love the sneaker heels! They look great paired with loose 80’s wash boyfriend jeans along with a sports jersey and round shades.

Xpoze Monthly Valentine Issue Interview & Photo Shoot – BTS

 

For their February Valentine issue, Xpoze Monthly decided to do a cover, interview and feature couple photo shoot of my wonderful husband Ali Safina and I.

Let’s just say there is about 12 – 13 pages of in-depth Q&As and well.. lots of photos. **TMI ALERT**

Luckily my other partner in crime was the one photographing us. Wild guesses? Yep… Zara Tareen.

 

This is us(Zara, Myself, & Ali Safina) at NPRO waiting for my hair to get done. Zamin from NPRO did my make-up & hair, he’s really good. (The phone cover was a gift from my Mom. You can find more like this at http://www.katespade.com/accessories-tech/ks-accessories-tech,en_US,sc.html )

 

 

Here are some selfies of the process and after the make-up. The hair is still missing the crazy amounts of backcombing and product.

 

Some behind the scenes moments published in the issue.

 

 

The lovely cover.

 

The contents page.

A nice little collage from another blog called Umairica

 

And last but not least, one of my very favorite shots of the photo shoot. Ali looks crazy good! m.A.

 

Exclusive #BTS of Natasha Salon Profile Shoot for #Hello! Pakistan

The make-up mavens style up a storm in Hello! Pakistan’s October 2013 Issue. H&Z got a chance to photograph them! But before we release the actual photo shoot here are some behind the scene candid shots…

The über talented and extremely fun to work with trio from Natasha Salon at a Serene location in Karachi, Pakistan

(Left: Hina Durrani, Right: Sabrina Khalid, Bottom: Natasha Khalid)

Zara and I checking out the frame.

Photographer Zara Tareen crouching down in a corner to get the best possible frame at Cafe Flo in Karachi.

The beautiful mother/daughters trio!

Sabrina and Natasha Khalid in between shots while Zara prepares the frame.

Now go and grab the October 2013 issue of Hello! Pakistan to see the actual shoot and these stunning ladies in action!

#RememberThis? #90s Mc Lyte: Cold Rock A Party

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1uiep_mc-lyte-missy-eliott-cold-rock-a-pa_music

So starting a new feature on this blog called #RememberThis? to bring back all the random 80’s & 90’s memorabilia whether it’s music, an accessory, clothing or anything that’s worth remembering! Let’s start with this track by MC Lyte (remember her!?) that used to be the one of the biggest “jams” from the 90s! Brings back major junior high school memories! And the groove still hasn’t gotten old for me at least!

HOT NEW FIND: Charlotte Olympia’s #TimePieceClutch

I have always had this obsession with time piece / clock pendants & necklaces, but here’s something new… a time piece clutch by Charlotte Olympia.

As I was browsing through netaporter.com I encountered this little baby:

Yes it is definitely a little out there and quite the statement piece. But should work well if you the ‘understated head-turner’ type.

Would you wear this clutch? Want to know your thoughts!

For more details go to: http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/382551

DIY Styling: Shiny Disco Shades

On Page 26 of the Kayseria Pret ‘Pretalogue’ you will learn how to make your own Disco Shades inspired by Jewelled Sunglasses like the one below.

All you need is a pair of well shaped sunglasses with enough room around the frames, a glue gun, small jewel rhinestones, and some square cut out mirrors (that I purchased from Paaras Art Store in Khadda Market, Karachi.)

The rest of the instructions are above (in the first image) and pretty self explanatory.  If you want to improvise you can even use other things like chains, studs, etc.  I used mirrors because it gives more of an ethnic touch and it went well with the styling of the entire Virsa line of Kayseria Pret.

This is a simple and fun way to glam up a pair of old boring shades that you don’t wear anymore. Here are some more images for inspiration. Happy Monday!

Kayseria Pret Karachi Launch BTS: 3:30PM

Some pics from getting ready at the Sabs Salon & sneak preview of some of the catalog printouts

New Campaign for Kayseria Pret

Recently did a whole campaign for a new brand Kayseria Pret which is a brand extension of Kayseria Prints.

Kayseria is known for their ‘magic in prints’ (so says their tagline), however they have decided to a launch a completely separate brand that caters to the Pret or Ready to Wear market.

Doing campaigns for ‘brand new’ brands is really creatively satisfying because you get to be the first ones to set a certain tone for the brand and there’s a lot you can do.

The campaign was comprised of three separate shoots. Each for their three lines Kontemporary, Virsa and Riwayat.

The shoot above was for the Virsa line of Kayseria Pret. Depicting the theme of pure Pakistani street style combined with Truck Art was fun because of the vibrant styling, lighting tones, and tire props used in the background.
The idea for the headline was to take the phrase ‘ready to wear’ and replace ‘wear’ with a verb that represents appeal in some way. Hence, ‘Ready To: Flaunt’, ‘Ready To: Dazzle’, ‘Ready To: Charm’, etc.

The talented Zara Tareen of H&Z Creative Agency did the photography of course.

The dynamic duo of Natasha Khalid & Hina Durrani from Natasha Salon did the make-up and hair for  the Kontemporary line and Riwayat. And for the Virsa line, Zara Tareen did the hair styling where as I did the make-up.

Here are two of the print ads that recently got published in all the major weekly magazines such as Daily Times ‘Sunday, ‘Sunday Plus’, ‘Lounge’ from Pakistan today and also a monthly magazine called Ad Gallery.

The shoot above was for the Kontemporary line of Kayseria Pret. The theme was neon’s with a look of ‘Tokyo Pop’ with an added flair of femininity. We did this with Geisha inspired hairstyles & eyebrows, and flowers that looked similar to lotus flowers but with more rounded edges in everything to add the feminine touch.

Will be sharing some more ads of the Riwayat line, BTS video, billboards, catalog and also some cool editorial write-ups. Stay tuned!

CREDITS:

READY TO: DAZZLE –
Photography: Zara Tareen @ H&Z
Styling. Make-up & Layout: Hira Tareen @ H&Z
Hair: Zara Tareen @ H&Z
Copy & Art Direction: H&Z Creative Agency
Models: Rubya Chaudhry

READY TO: FLAUNT –
Photography: Zara Tareen @ H&Z
Styling & Layout: Hira Tareen @ H&Z
Make-up & Hair: Natasha & Hina @ Natasha Salon
Copy & Art Direction: H&Z Creative Agency
Models: Rubya Chaudhry & Hira Tareen

Quirky & Fun Gifts for Valentines Day Under $100 (For Her & Him)

Need ideas on what to get for your significant other or friend this Valentine’s Day that already hasn’t been done to death before? Here is a collection of some interesting and quirky items you can gift and purchase online!

Note: You can click on the images to go directly to the site where you can purchase the items.

Flud Turntable Watch: $80

 

Flud Boombox Watch: $90

Marc by Marc Jacob’s Earphones: $42

Dot by Marc Jacobs Giftset: $79

The Janitor Jumpsuit by Feeha Jamshed at Labels: $54

Mine Design Chalk Board Candle: $25

Gameface Moisturiser for Men: $63

Gulabo Bags: Starting at $12

Lego Cufflinks by agabaga: $16

Sound Like Chocolate Headphones by Fubi: Varies

Courlander Candle by Argo Jacob: $38

Crafic Chocolate Bar iPhone 5 Case:  $19.50

Make-up Forever Technicolor Palette at Sephora.com: $45

Iphone Boom Mic at Photojojo.com: $40

Recycled Kodak Brownie Camera Clock: $97

Hope this post was useful to you! Please comment and share this post with someone who might need it! 😉

Live to Dye

My hair had been black/dark brown for years and I wanted to change my look for 2013 without having to compromise on my hair length. So I thought who better than Nabila to consult with.

I decided that I wanted this ‘dip dye’ thing. Not only because it’s hot right now but also because it can just grow out and I can easily chop the tips if it’s a disaster 😛

Here are a few pics of the process and then the final look.

My original hair color that I had for years. Bye bye black!

This is where my hair was stripped because I had dark hair dye in it previously.

Here is the final look with a brown on the overall head and the color “milkshake” at the tips (about 4 to 5 inches)

Who Wears this $h*t?

 

Yeah seriously, I mean… what’s WRONG WITH PEOPLE?? WHO would wear something like THAT ???

An elegant satin rust color halter top with sequin gold jacket and pants by Sana & Safinaz that fit ever so perfectly? Are they out of their MINDS? Is THIS what they call “fashion” these days? Well they better… oh…wait…. that’s ME!

I WOULD WEAR SOMETHING LIKE THAT!!  😛

Ok enough useless banter… I just thought it was funny that I saw my own face on some viral Facebook post poking fun at Pakistani Fashion. Thanks Bubby for sharing this with me.

 

 

‘Elegantly Eerie’ Photo Shoot by H&Z Creative Agency

Hey you all, it’s been a while since this blog was updated but I have gathered a lot of fun content to update you guys on what I have been up to lately. Let’s start with some fun fashion photos!

Here are some images from H&Z Creative Agency’s recent photo shoot in Karachi, Pakistan.

For more information about H&Z Creative agency and their other work, visit and LIKE their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/hzcreativeagency.

See images below:

(Please note: All images are copyright of H&Z Creative Agency. All Rights Reserved)

CREDITS:

Photography: Zara Tareen at H&Z Creative Agency

Make-up/Styling: H&Z Creative Agency

Concept/Art Direction/Layout Design: H&Z Creative Agency

Model: Saima Azhar

Designer: Tena Durrani

Spring/Summer 2012 Fashion Trends

Pleats Don’t Go

Pleats were quite the hit on the runways in 2011 and this season they continue to stay on the runway as a hot trend.

Orange Ya Glad?

Different hues of orange and tangerines have been appearing on a lot of major runways shows of ss 2012.

Block It Like It’s Hot

For those of you who don’t know the exact meaning of color blocking… it’s when an outfit or garment is composed with various solid blocks of colored fabric. Whether it’s monochromatic or with contrasting colors, color blocking is a hot trend this season.

Prints Charming

In addition to native and tribal prints, bold futuristic prints are also big this spring/summer.

Islamabad Fashion Week: Behind The Scenes

I know I took a long time to post these but here they are…

Behind the scenes fun from Islamabad Fashion Week…

Zeba & I at the rehearsal

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...

I’m baaaaack!!!!

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!