An Open Letter to My Girls

Dear Ladies,

Today is the day! 


I always wanted someone that I could relate to, someone who looked up to me, someone I could boss around. Tbh, you’re too headstrong to let me boss you around, but besides that, you’re a lovely cool younger sister.

Let me tell you the enduring secret, as both of my daughters are growing personally and professionally. You both are strong-minded women and people will force their thinking, their boundaries on you.They will teach you how to talk, what to wear, how to behave, who you can meet and where you can go. Don’t live in the obscurations of people’s opinion. Always be boundless, make your own decisions with your own wisdom and enlightenment.

Don’t let anyone’s opinion of who you should be friends with, or get married to dictate your life for any reason (I will handle mama). People will talk and discuss. They shall say some disturbing things but that doesn’t mean you have to listen to everyone. "Log kya kahenge" does not matter.

At the end of the day, you are the only one who will face the outcomes of your decisions, so don’t let other people make your decisions for you (including me). Sometimes it’s okay to try and fail horribly at something to discover what you are good at. Explore who you are, what you want and pursue it without any compromise.

Never feel ashamed of the power and strength that you embody. It's in our DNA, our mother is the driving force and she taught us how to fight against the odds. Shut down every sidewalk and smirk at every person who gazes tauntingly towards your path.You are brilliant and an unstoppable force. I can see myself in you, go and conquer the world my little Wonder woman. Yes, I am your cheerleader and always will be, whether I am in my 20's or in my 70's.

Stay strong and stay true to you.Take it one day at a time and change the world.

Happy Birthday, Rabia Atique!

LSA 2018: My Favorite Red Carpet Looks

The much-awaited show of stars, the 17th edition of Lux Style Awards recently took place in Lahore with multiple stars bringing glamour to the red carpet. Lux Style Awards are THE red carpet fashion event of the year and I couldn't wait to see who wore what.

The most striking looks were the ones that felt true to the wearer’s personality — a rare sight in an increasing wannabe red-carpet race.Here's the lowdown on who impressed me:


Ayesha Omar


Anam Malik


Juggan Kazmi

 Hasnain Lehri


 

Ahad Raza Mir

Rabia Butt

Sadaf  Kanwal

Iqra Aziz

Syed Abdullah Ejaz

Padmaavat:Unapologetically Fictional

Padmaavat, opens up with a disclaimer carefully notes that the film is based on a poem that is considered a work of fiction. So, please, don’t be offended or expect authenticity. In other words, folks, it’s just a movie. You have to enjoy and let others enjoy too.
It’s the story of a Rajput (Hindu) queen whose beauty is so great that the sultan (Muslim) lays siege to her kingdom to possess her.Right from the start, Deepika Padukone who is in top form. She is charismatic, disciplined and powerful, holding her own and stealing the show even from the badass Ranveer Singh. Her outfits and jewellery are to die for. But what's with her spaced out facial expression? However, being big fans of Deepika, we know that simply isn't true, since we've seen the actress giggle, gasp, frown, and, yes, even smile on many occasions.
Shahid does get better; it’s too late, too little. Mostly Shahid and Deepika have no energy flowing between them. Shahid, unfortunately, isn’t given the more intriguing character but he is magnificent and regal as the Rajput Man revering his honor. Yet, they make the Holi scene very sensuous.
Padmaavat is a tribute to the grandeur of the Rajputs, but the film belongs to its Khilji, Ranveer Singh. He's the real villain, his comic bands, and sociopath tactics - a treat to sore eyes. Ranveer Singh looks as if he’s enjoying himself, the way he rips the greasy meat off bones.

Jim Sarbh as Malik Kafur is one of the most underrated characters in the film. Jim is such a star, he makes Shahid Kapoor looks so 'thanda'. Jim Sarbh, who plays Malik Kafur, leaves you asking for more.
One of Hindi cinema’s great stylists, Mr. Bhansali depicted another controversial climax with the glorification of self-immolation - Johar A sea of women in a matrimonial red march to their fiery death.To avoid being captured and being raped by the enemy’s troops. In the end, it was always Rajputs who won the battle because the enemies never got the thing for which they fought the battle.

Something about Padmaavat doesn’t work for me. The writing is particularly thin and depends solely on its lead actors. Sanjay Leela Bhansali who has dedicated Padmaavat, his third magnum opus, to his dead dog — Lady Pogo — Now I know why!!! But why not watch the movie still! After all, the blood, sweat, and pain of too many people have gone in to ensure the film sees the face of day.



Pakistan Cables Launches 'A Reel On Karachi'


Pakistani is inherited with glorious diverse cultures. Most notably art has been one of the richest forms of literature in Pakistan. There have been several well-known artists; sculptor and painters that have given our nation much in the way of artistic traditions and in essence; capturing the spirit of the ages. Pakistani art galleries are packed with memorable as well as contemporary paintings of breathtaking beauty; including landscapes, calligraphy, abstract as well as an unconventional art of celebrated times. 


It started last year in July, Pakistan Cables and Karachi Biennale Trust signed MoU to collaborate on a public outreach project, 'Reel on Hai'. Through “Reel on Hai” platform, the Public Outreach Committee of the Karachi Biennale invited artists, designers, and architects to reconstruct, transform and devise the empty cable reels provided by Pakistan Cables into artistic pieces of art. These artistic reels have been installed in over thirty-five locations across schools, parks, hospitals, and universities all over Karachi.

The much applauded public outreach initiative of Karachi Biennale Trust and Pakistan Cables Limited were compiled and published as a full-fledged coffee table book named, ‘A Reel On Karachi – Art Installations in the City’ at the Alliance Francoise de Karachi.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Pakistan Cables Limited, Mr. Kamal A. Chinoy said, 

“Depicting the project’s illustrated story, this book is a testament to efforts that have brought Reel On Hai to life and allowed for the transformation of cable reels into public works of art. I hope that readers will enjoy it as much as I did while supporting the project as main activity partner alongside Karachi Biennale Trust,” 

The launch event included a stimulating panel discussion about  Karachi’s evolving history and the impact of Reel on Hai to the city’s landscape. Panelists included Ms. Marjorie Hussain (Art Critic), Mr. Arif Hasan (Urban Planner and Activist), Mr. Mohsin Sayeed (Public Outreach Committee and Journalist) and Ms. Masuma Khawaja Halai (Chair, Public Outreach Committee).

“This book captures the story behind the project and takes its readers on a journey through Karachi brilliantly!”, stated Ms. Halai.

P:S Good news!!! A free e-book version of “A Reel on Karachi” is available at the Company’s official website: www.pakistancables.com.



Charming Magnolia


Yes - Bus Zara Sa Lux! Imagine stepping into your bathroom and having it turn into a blooming garden filled with exotic flowers you’ve never seen before. What if it was true? The three premium Lux soap bars bring to you enticing fragrances with a dash of alluring smells appeasing your senses hence spreading the feeling of calmness, freshness and beauty all over your body. The three Lux variants are represented by: Mawra Hocane for the Pink Charming Magnolia, Mahira Khan for the Red Hypnotic Rose and Maya Ali for the White Elegant Gardenia. This blog will be covering the benefits of the Pink Charming Magnolia that is represented by Mawra Hocane.


Charming Magnolia, the pink variant of Lux is made from the flower Magnolia. With more than 200 different species prominently found in the gardens of France, the flower is also known as French Magnolia and is found in the soft shades of pink. With touches of exotic Kashmir Wood notes and the sweet florally of Magnolia, this is an elegant yet powerful fragrance.

It represents luxury, prestige and addiction. The scent smells lemony and citrus like. Fragrance aside, the hardy nature of the shrubs and trees on which these flowers grow have allowed it to survive and thrive in harsh conditions over so much evolutionary time, and it has developed a unique nutrient and organic compound composition over that time as well, representing potentially powerful health benefits for humans. Apart from giving your skin the perfect glow and texture, this variant helps deal with skin allergies.

Representing Charming Magnolia, the pink variant of Lux, Mawra does the fragrance justice by looking like a blooming flower herself with her perfect glowing skin and luscious brown locks flowing down her shoulders. She talks about how the audience would not remember what she wore but would remember her smile and there is no doubt that anybody can forget that. Thank you Talking Point and Botanique Floralco for sending this utterly gorgeous surprise 

TCF & Lipton Sign Partnership

Shazia Syed, the Chairperson & CEO of Unilever Pakistan and Ateed Riaz , Co- Founder and Current Chairman of The Citizen’s Foundation (TCF), signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the TCF school in Qayyumabad. The signing served as the first step towards Lipton and TCF’s aim of taking action against child labor by creating awareness regarding the importance of child education. 

The event was opened by Asma Yusuf, Sustainability Lead for Unilever, who gave an overview of Lipton’s program, followed by a short recitation of the Quran by a TCF student. Shazia Syed addressed the audience about the newly formed partnership, highlighting that Lipton has adopted ten TCF schools in Pakistan. She emphasized the importance of education in a gradually progressing nation like Pakistan, “With this initiative, Lipton wants to be awake to what really matters – 20 to 25 million kids in Pakistan are out of school. That's a big figure, the second worst in the world and Lipton believes that we, as a society, need to unite and help these children fight for a better, brighter future.”

Keeping into consideration the need to educate as many children as possible, through this partnership, Lipton has adopted 10 TCF schools and calls upon all Pakistanis to contribute towards this cause and improve educational facilities for kids across the country.
Following Shazia’s speech, the well-reputed Ateed Riaz delivered a few words to the audience. He laid great emphasis on quality education in Pakistan, which is needed to minimize child labor. “We need to accept the sad reality that child labor is a serious problem within our country. Unfortunately, it is increasing day by day and not enough citizens seem to be taking action for the unprivileged children who aspire to seek education. This is why TCF and Lipton have joined hands to school as many children as possible. I believe this small step can eventually make a big difference.

Mushtaq Chhapra took the stage next, emphasizing that if the youth is educated, all social problems will automatically be lessened from Pakistan. According to him, “Education is in all entirety the key to lessen poverty, illiteracy and other caste issues. Hence, this partnership is very valuable to us.  Lipton is the first brand to reduce the gap between the corporate and social sectors and this is why I would like to thank Unilever for joining hands with us to eradicate child labor and educate as many children as possible. I hope our actions in 2018 manage to create more awareness and bring us closer to our goal.”

After both the speeches, the visual representation of Lipton and TCF’s partnership was unveiled. This was a map of Pakistan, where the TCF schools were marked and the ten schools adopted by Lipton were highlighted in yellow. The map served as an impactful symbol of Lipton’s first step into this partnership, displaying the brand’s aim to be able to add more yellow marks to the school map, in the near future. 

Towards the end, a question and answer session was conducted where both Shazia Syed, Mushtaq Chhapra and Ateed Riaz answered the media representatives’ queries. Through their answers, it was quite apparent that both Lipton and TCF see this partnership as a viable one, with its core purpose being to ensure an easier access to education by enrolling as many children as possible in the nearest TCF schools. 



 

Are you ready for Changing Diabetes in 2017?



35 million to 37.5 million people above 20 are suffering from diabetes in Pakistan.
-National Survey 2016-17 on diabetes.


The first step to control diabetes pandemic in Pakistan is awareness. We need to devise proper awareness to educate people about diabetes. It should be carried out through proper channels of communication (From mass to elite). By 2040, Pakistan may have the eight highest population of diabetic patients. Such high prevalence calls for continued efforts to improve public awareness regarding the disease.

Due to the prevailing situation in mind and its commitment to improve the quality of life for people with diabetes. Novo Nordisk Pakistan has signed Wasim Akram as Brand Ambassador for Changing Diabetes® in the country. The launch of the campaign was marked at the signing ceremony held at a Press Conference in Karachi.


”We are very much hopeful that this campaign will go a long way to control the increasing prevalence of diabetes in the country by creating awareness among masses”, said Rashed Rafique Butt, General Manager Novo Nordisk Pakistan.


Novo Nordisk has been actively associated to increase diabetes awareness in Pakistan, with stronger campaigns each year. Changing Diabetes® is Novo Nordisk's acknowledgment to the global diabetes hurdle. Wasim was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 31, but his condition didn’t stop him from becoming one of the most successful fast bowlers in cricketing history. His success, despite diabetes, makes him a major inspiration for people with diabetes and therefore, a perfect fit for the Novo Nordisk Pakistan’s patient outreach efforts.

While signing the contract, Wasim Akram expressed his gratitude to Novo Nordisk Pakistan for the initiative,


“The public must however also plays their part by knowing the risk factors, leading healthy lifestyles and encouraging others to do so as well. As diabetes couldn’t defeat me, it cannot stop anyone from achieving their goals. Together, we can promote healthy communities and protect the future generations of Pakistan,” said Akram.



#ShampooAloneIsNotEnough For Long Beautiful Hair

Keeping long tresses is the toughest challenge! Sunsilk, being the global haircare brand has launched a range of lustrous conditioners to nourish all hair types and to give the consumer a reliable hair wash experience. We all use conditioners to encounter the rough and dull hair. It works as a reliable support for locking nutrients and removing pollutant agents. Sunsilk Conditioner new range focuses on highlighting the many benefits of silky smooth hair. It's an absolute solution for nourish, protect, style, and unruly hair.

Sunsilk launched its new campaign, #ShampooAloneIsNotEnough with a fun event at the luxury boutique salon, Bellagio by Sadaf. Prominent celebrities, bloggers, and socialites were invited. My love, Anoushey Ashraf hosted the event, keeping the audience on their toes throughout the event. The event started off with an informative session on the functionality of Sunsilk Conditioners conducted by Muhammad Zaheer, the R&D Expert at Unilever who explained the technology of conditioners and how they work on hair to nourish and moisturize them which makes them smoother and healthier.
 
This was followed by a live demonstration by Sadaf, the talented owner of the Bellagio Salon, who skillfully worked on various models’ hair using the Sunsilk Conditioners to create magnificent before and after looks. An interactive hair talk then took place by a panel of highly experienced hair stylists. Amongst the panel were;

  • Palwasha Yousuf: A freelance stylist who has also styled celebrities for films and commercials.
  • Tehmina Ali: Hairstylist and color technician with over eight years of experience in the hairstyling industry. 
  • Shazdeh Ali: Trained from Toni & Guy London who has worked closely with the Fashion guru Tariq Amin for the last nine years.
  • Nida Khan: Who has worked with Tariq Amin for 9 years and Sanaa Awan from the Hina Y Salon.

 These renowned professionals offered hairstyling tips and techniques that kept the audience informed and engaged. While everybody was educated about the dos and don’ts, a series of hair solutions were offered to the audience. The final engaging activity was called Smoothest Hairstyle where the audience styled salon girls who usually style them. This was an interesting experience for the participants since it gave them a chance to express themselves working with some of the best hair experts of the city.  


Wasim Akram Eid Shalwar Kameez Series by Almirah

Almirah started its operation in 2012 with sheer hard work and the brand established itself as one of the leading ethnic wear brands in the woman category. Almirah means ‘Closet’ their outfits are embracing a wide range from informal, semi-formal, kurta shalwar and bridal dresses for the woman.
After purveying woman with their magnificent charm. Almirah has launched Wasim Akram Eid Shalwar Kameez series for men. The collection is depicting subtle rich colors and exquisite pattern cuts.The shalwar kameez dresses can be worn anywhere if you're going for a BBQ party, festive meeting or corporate get together.The charm is surely unparalleled!
Sports in Pakistan looks very different than other parts of the world. Undoubtedly, Wasim Akram is the biggest heartthrob of our nation. After his departure from cricket Wasim Akram is committed to various projects. Almirah Wasim Akram men series is his latest venture. The collection supremely reflects his personality, charm, devotion, and charisma.
What I most adore about this collection is the sophistication and richness. You won't find over the top embellishments, loud colors, and conventional ornaments. PS: I was drooling on this ball-shaped knob.
You can pick any outfit which suits you. The series is offering a wide range of classic Shalwar Kameez from Black, Crimson, Rich Blue, Powder Pink to Light Gray. If you're confused about footwear - TRUST ME Wasim Akram series will work great with anything.

To add more seasoning to your outfit, you can pair your shalwar kameez with a waistcoat to score a perfect timeless charm. So, sit back and enjoy the Wasim Akram Eid Shalwar Kameez collection and SHOP NOW.

Dolmen Mall Karachi’s 14th August Celebrations 70 Key Discounts


One of the largest and popular shopping mall in Pakistan, Dolmen Mall is celebrating Pakistan's 70-year legacy by offering discounts and deals up to 70 percent on leading brands and exclusive flash sales.For our 70 ki Azaadi, they are providing 70 key discounts on major brands at Dolmen Mall Clifton.


August 14th is a special day for Pakistanis. It is the day when  Pakistan was born and being patriotic Pakistanis we celebrate this day with great enthusiasm and fervor. Likewise,14th March 2017 is set out to be a sensational event for Karachities. 

Apart from the all the festive celebrations, the people can avail discounts on their preferred brands,  restaurants, and can celebrate Azadi fun filled activities. Luckily you can also win gifts, shopping vouchers, and exciting surprises.Following activities are being conducted throughout the week DMC.
PAKISTAN HAMARI PEHCHAN
It's an activity where people need to upload their 70-year celebration picture on Dolmen mall social media pages with required hash tags and doing that people would have a chance to win various prizes.

CHAL BAZZAR CHALLA:
An area is dedicated to families with various stalls for food, face painting and much more. Stalls will be placed at the mall till the 14th.

 3D Mapping and Laser Light Show:
Consecutively on the 12th Dolmen mall will organize the biggest Laser show that Karachi has ever seen plus on the 13th dolmen is organizing a great 3D mapping show with a story covering 70 years of Pakistani heritage

On top of it, Dolmen will organize a magnificent countdown on the 13 after 11.30 pm till 12 am for Independence Day. Isn't exciting? Plan your weekend, shop as much you can and don't forget to avail the discounts!

Saeed Anwar Banarsis - An Ethnic Royal Affair



Saeed Anwar Banarsis is a label that speaks volume about his approach towards male couture is ingenious and classic. We can witness the sheer dedication of his vision in aesthetic Banarsi combinations - the winning stroke of his label. The man himself has showcased some charismatic masterpieces throughout the EID from Kheris, Shalwar Kameez, Kurtas, to ethnic Waist Coats.




Taking over the male fashion industry in Pakistan, Saeed Anwar Banarsis is a label not to be forgotten. If you’re confused or maybe super confused about your outfit for your BIG day. Their collection is offering a wide array of traditional classic Kurta, Kameez, kheeris, Kula, and sherwanis with some finest detailing I’ve ever seen in recent times. The one thing I would like to mention the formation of modern contemporary and traditional Banarsi pattern is depicting an alluring charm. Anyone who is getting married or searching for Sherwani they should visit their store to experience the surreal charm. 




To all those grooms out there! It’s the right time to showcase some strong style statements. With his tremendous EID collection and reputation in bridal-wear nationwide, the Saeed Anwar Banarsi brand name is now recognized for the intricate embellishments, sculpted banarsi luxury fabrics in bold and soft hues. The Flagship Store is located at Wapda Town and includes a walk-in retail outlet and a consultation studio by appointment only.