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HSY
rocks Bahrain!
Pakistani designers have been branching out in the international
fashion scene quite impressively and amongst the most tried and
tested waters for some of them are those of the Middle East. Hasan
Sheheryar Yasin (HSY) recently showed in Bahrain along with Karachi
designer Sanya Muneer. The fashion show titled 'Imtizaaj' (meaning
fusion) was organized by the Pakistan Women's Association in Bahrain
under the patronage of HRH Sheikha Sabeeka wife of His Majesty King
Hammad. The show was a fund raiser that raised money for medical
aid to children in Lebanon. Instep caught up with HSY in Lahore…
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nstep:
Is there a network that pinpoints which designers participate in shows
like this one or is it through personal networking?
HSY: We do a lot of international shows and like to believe that people
know us abroad. We do have international presence and people do contact
us for shows like this one. Sanya is popular in Bahrain too. She is
well known there and already has a market. |
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Instep:
Do you feel there is a market for HSY in Bahrain as well?
HSY: Yes, a huge market. The Indo-Pak influence is quite predominant
all through the Middle East. They like our crafts, our shawls and
our clothes. Bahrain is also a great gateway for Pakistan to the Saudis
and Qatar etc. They are part of the international scene but at the
same time they do understand our traditions and wear clothes similar
to ours at Henna ceremonies which are similar to our own mehendis.
We showed in Muscat too and have been re-invited to show there again.
So yes, the Middle East is a huge market as not only is it international
but has religious similarities with us which make it even more relevant.
Instep:
Have you been asked to stock in Bahrain?
HSY: We have but there was no time to discuss the details. One of
the most high end malls – Al Ali Mall – has asked us to
stock. I'll be going back to consider the offer.
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Instep:
Tell us about the collection you took? Was it purely traditional or
are you experimenting with prêt for that market as well?
HSY: The collection was mixed. We took some of the older, more classic
pieces along with a couple of new ones. As for the market, we'll be
taking a bit of both. |
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Instep: Did you
sell what you showed?
HSY: We didn't take an entire collection with the intention of selling
it but which ever pieces were marked for sales were sold off easily.
Instep: Now that
you're back and once the shaadi season in Lahore fades out, what
plans do you have for the label?
HSY: We'll be showing our new couture collection by the end of February.
Then we have expansion plans in Dubai. My sister has recently moved
there and she will be handling operations. We took an exhibition
to Dubai which went very well and we are now designing a special
Abaya Collection for the Middle Eastern market as well.
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Instep:
Do you also intend to participate in Dubai International Fashion
Week being held in March 2007?
HSY: Pakistan Fashion Design Council has received an invitation
to participate in DIFW and we will be looking into it collectively.
We have not decided on details yet and cannot confirm anything but
we are actively looking into it.
--HSY was talking to Aamna Haider Isani
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