A soulful qawwali rendition by Amjad Sabri and a scrumptious meal of Pakistani and Indian cuisine kickstarted here 'Shaan-e-Pakistan', a three-day fashion and cultural fiesta that aims to bring the people of two nations together through fashion, food and music.
Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit inaugurated the fiesta at the Pakistan High Commission here late last evening.
"This is a brilliant event to bring Pakistani and Indian fashion culture and music together," he said.
"We hope that Pakistan and India will be able to overcome their differences, settle disputes and usher in a new era of peace and development for people in the region," he added.
Chefs from Pakistan, Gulzar Hussain and Zakir Naseem and noted chef from India Osama Jalali cooked up several delicacies for the occasion.
The Pakistani chef duo is also participating in a food festival "Daawat-e-Maghrib" -- From the kitchens of West Punjab to Singh Sahib, scheduled from September 14 to September 25. The fare includes cuisines from Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Lahore and Multan.
Top names from Pakistan in the field of fashion and design such as Umer Sayeed, Zainab Chottani, Saher Atif and others showcase their collection at the exhibition of Indo-Pak lifestyle products, designer apparels, furniture, jewellery etc from today at the Hotel Grand.
"Designated lounges for fashion, textiles, jewellery, lifestyle products, accessories and even furniture have been planned at the expo," says designer Huma Nassr who has curated the event.
The extravaganza that has brought in huge delegation from Pakistan, is part of the larger aim of its associates - Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), Karachi Chamber of Commerce and High Commission of Pakistan - to further build on the efforts of the governments of Pakistan and India to normalise trade relations between the two countries.
The event, coinciding with the onset of the festive season plans to introduce Pakistani trousseau teamed with Indian aesthetics.
The three-day extravaganza will come to an end with a red carpet event followed by fashion shows.
"The theme of the night is gold. So, designers will mostly be showcasing zardosi and other works keeping the theme in mind. The shoe is definitely going to bedazzle people," says Nassr.
