Category: LifeStyle

The House of Kamiar Rokni Celebrates 20 Years of Kamiar Rokni with Solo Fashion Show “The Optimist”

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-FASHION)

The House of Kamiar Rokni is set to celebrate 20 years of the indomitable Kamiar Rokni with an immersive fashion presentation, titled ‘The Optimist’.

The Optimist is a collection poignant in name even more so in this new world era of change, evolution and upheaval. It chronicles Kamiar Rokni’s artistic oeuvre over the last two decades, chronicling his past, present, and future.

The ties that bind fashion, art, culture and imagination make up the very fabric of The House of Kamiar Rokni’s DNA. Rokni is a colourist whose inspiration is steeped in history, music, his lineage and a perspective of memory that is deeply visual.

The Optimist explores artistic and cultural influences from Russia to China and extends to the Subcontinent, while playing with the diversity within femininity, from the modern to the classic, from softer to bolder expressions. The Optimist is based in rich velvets, organzas, jacquards, chiffons with handwoven silk trims, detailed silk and tissue nets, also introducing multiple rich textiles within one outfit. The collection explores many silhouettes across a colour palette that channels rich, high contrast bursts to the softer, dreamier and more ethereal hues.

Speaking on the vision behind this celebration, Kamiar Rokni commented, “I was thinking about past and the present and the future as a concept to commemorate 20 years of design. The more I looked back on my own work, the more I felt that The Optimist would be a completion of a trilogy that starting with The Orientalist and went to The Modernist. When I looked to the future, I thought of what encapsulated my design best and I believe it is the optimism inherent in all that I craft.”

 

About The House of Kamiar Rokni

Launched in late 2007, The House of Kamiar Rokni is among Pakistan’s premier fashion design houses. The brand strives to provide an immaculate essence of style in all their creations, designing signature one-of-a-kind pieces that evoke a sense of individuality and elegance in the people that wear them. Kamiar Rokni is one of South Asia’s most celebrated and awarded fashion designers, his work symbolic of an old-world charm and traditional heritage.

****************

“BE FREE, CHOOSE FREEDOM” – SHARMEEN OBAID-CHINOY

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Platon, one of the world’s most renowned portrait photographers, a communicator and storyteller, has released the official film on his conversation with two-time Academy Award Winner Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy.

Platon photographed Sharmeen for the British human rights organization “The People’s Portfolio”, where she was awarded for her contribution to human rights causes, for “inspiring leadership, [and showing] great courage and compassion for fellow human beings” through her films.

The film can be viewed here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CXSKy1qgSv6/

Excerpts from the film:

Platon: What do you say to a young girl, who thinks that the people around her don’t value her as a human being as much as a boy of the same age?

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy: I say to her that life is going to be very tough, that you will have to fight, for a place on the dinner table, to even get a piece of bread. You are going to have to fight to get an education, you are going to have to fight to be allowed to go out of your house, find a job, you are going to have to fight once you are at your workplace to get fair wages, you are going to then have to fight to get promoted, then you are going to have to fight with your husband when he wants more of your time and he wants you to quit your job, then you are going to have to fight for your children, but eventually once you get there, you will have to fight for other women.

Platon: If they were to ask you for advice, what would you say to them, who wants to be useful?

 Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy: “The volume of leadership, is what I want men to help women with. That is what we need the doors opened for. We are qualified, we have everything that it takes. Kick open that door for us, and watch us march forward, we don’t need anyone to hold our hands.”

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy: “My message to any young woman who is trying to achieve her dreams, who is trying to fight through a patriarchal system or who is just trying to exist today: BE FREE, Choose freedom.”

Platon on his Instagram account shared his thoughts on working with Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy:

“Dear friends, I want to share something close to my heart. Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy is from Pakistan, and she is one of the world’s greatest film directors. Her powerful, provocative documentaries compel us to have important conversations about women’s rights and gender justice around the world. She is the only female director to have won two Academy Awards by the age of 37. In the last 20 years, she has made 24 award-winning films in 16 different countries. I guess that’s why TIME Magazine included her in their 100 most influential people list. I first met Sharmeen at Davos many years ago and we became instant friends, but I must be honest, I don’t think I really knew her until recently when I invited her to my New York studio for a portrait session. Before I took this picture we sat down and had an honest conversation about her values. Suddenly, I felt the true force of power and humanity from her heart. I decided with my team to film our entire session so that I could share with the world the inspiration I feel from Sharmeen. So friends, it is with great pride that I share with you all for the first time this short film honoring Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy. I hope this lifts your spirits as we close out a difficult year. Sharmeen, I salute you.”

****************

Sajal Aly reveals she ‘failed’ in Mathematics at school: ‘We never became friends’

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Star Actor Sajal Aly is detailing her ‘traumatic’ relationship with Maths in school.

In a rare clip during an interview with Nida Yasir, the Khel Khel Mein stars Sajal and Bilal Abbas Khan touched upon their first failure in life.

“Where do I start from?” Sajal asked co-star Bilal Abbas Khan, prompting a nod from him.

“I think you can fail in any step of your life, even during school tests. I remember I was very bad at Maths and I failed once,” shared Sajal.

She continued, “In fact, my relationship with Maths was very traumatic. We never became friends. Not like I did not try, I really tried hard but the subject did not like me {laughs].”

Meanwhile, Sajal and Bilal are currently busy promoting their movie Khel Khel Mein. The actors pose as university students in the theatrical film.

********

“The Optimist” The House of Kamiar Rokni Celebrates 20 Years of Kamiar Rokni with Solo Fashion Show

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

The House of Kamiar Rokni is set to celebrate 20 years of the indomitable Kamiar Rokni with an immersive fashion presentation, titled ‘The Optimist’.

The Optimist is a collection poignant in name even more so in this new world era of change, evolution and upheaval. It chronicles Kamiar Rokni’s artistic oeuvre over the last two decades, chronicling his past, present, and future.

The ties that bind fashion, art, culture and imagination make up the very fabric of The House of Kamiar Rokni’s DNA. Rokni is a colourist whose inspiration is steeped in history, music, his lineage and a perspective of memory that is deeply visual.

The Optimist explores artistic and cultural influences from Russia to China and extends to the Subcontinent, while playing with the diversity within femininity, from the modern to the classic, from softer to bolder expressions. The Optimist is based in rich velvets, organzas, jacquards, chiffons with handwoven silk trims, detailed silk and tissue nets, also introducing multiple rich textiles within one outfit. The collection explores many silhouettes across a colour palette that channels rich, high contrast bursts to the softer, dreamier and more ethereal hues.

Speaking on the vision behind this celebration, Kamiar Rokni commented, “I was thinking about past and the present and the future as a concept to commemorate 20 years of design. The more I looked back on my own work, the more I felt that The Optimist would be a completion of a trilogy that starting with The Orientalist and went to The Modernist. When I looked to the future, I thought of what encapsulated my design best and I believe it is the optimism inherent in all that I craft.”

 About The House of Kamiar Rokni

Launched in late 2007, The House of Kamiar Rokni is among Pakistan’s premier fashion design houses. The brand strives to provide an immaculate essence of style in all their creations, designing signature one-of-a-kind pieces that evoke a sense of individuality and elegance in the people that wear them. Kamiar Rokni is one of South Asia’s most celebrated and awarded fashion designers, his work symbolic of an old-world charm and traditional heritage.

Facebook: www.fb.com/TheHouseofKamiarRokni

Instagram: www.instagram.com/TheHouseofKamiarRokni

Official Hashtag: #KamiarRokni20

************

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy Gets Awarded by British Organization ‘The People’s Portfolio’ for Contributing to Human Rights Causes Through Films

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Two-Time Academy Award Winner Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy has been awarded by British human rights organization The People’s Portfolio, for “inspiring leadership, [and showing] great courage and compassion for fellow human beings” through her documentaries.

The organization is founded by Platon, a lauded British portrait and documentary photographer. It aspires to create a visual language that breaks barriers, expands dignity, fights discrimination, and enlists the public to support human rights around the world.

Each year, the organization hosts a fundraiser to help with their future work and projects. The highlight of the event is always awarding a human rights defender who has shown extraordinary leadership of our time, in light of which, this year’s award is going to Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy in honor of her directorial efforts in creating extraordinary movies about women’s rights in her country. Previous winners esteemed with the award have been Nobel Peace Laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege, and Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution.

The People’s Portfolio is holding their annual fundraiser this year on December the 8th at 6:00 PM EST (or December the 9th at 4:00 AM as per Pakistan Standard Time) where Platon will be celebrating Sharmeen and all her achievements as well as debuting a short film that he has made about Sharmeen. The fundraiser aims to generate donations to lift the voices of human rights leaders around the world and give them the resources and tools to amplify their essential stories in 2021—and beyond.

**************

Fashion Gives Back! The Fundraisers’ Bargain Basement Sale 2021 is set to Support 6 Super Charities

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

The Fundraisers are back again with their much-awaited Bargain Basement Sale 2021 (#BBS21), which is an annual fundraising event that has been going strong since 2005 when it was founded. Featuring hundreds of coveted designer and branded items – ranging from clothing and accessories to furniture, home decor as well as vintage wear, showcased under one roof at heavily discounted prices, BBS21 is scheduled to take place this Sunday 5th December from 11 AM – 4 PM at Avari Hotel, Lahore outdoors on their beautiful lawns being mindful of COVID-19 precautions with all SOPs being followed. Indeed, this year over 200 leading Pakistani brands are participating and giving back to the community along with scrumptious goodies in-store for shoppers at the BBS Baked Goods Stall featuring the best bakeries of Lahore plus artwork from a wide array of leading artists of Pakistan including Nazia Ejaz, Mohsin Sheikh, Shazly Khan, Shiblee Munir, Faiza Sheikh and more!

100% of the proceeds raised from the event this year will go to the following six charities working for education and healthcare: (i) RS Foundation – for education of the underprivileged; (ii) Pink Ribbon Pakistan – for treatment of breast cancer; (iii) Lahore Hospital Welfare Society – for treatment of the sick and needy at Shams Shahabuddin Convalescent Home; (iv) Sunbeams School System – for education of the underprivileged (v) Mama Baby Fund – for infant and maternal health; and (vi) The Giving Tree Foundation – for cancer patient care. The premium tier sponsor for the event is Sapphire and second tier sponsors are Avari Hotel Lahore, Interwood, Siddiq Trade Centre, Arif Sons, and Guard Filters along with Daewoo as the logistics partner, LumenSoft as the tech partner, City FM 89 as the radio partner, and PR being provided by Lotus Client Management and Public Relations.

The event will feature the BBS Raffle boasting star prizes such as a motorbike, courtesy of Ravi Motors, two-nights complimentary stay at Byarsa Hotel in Skardu, a three night get-away at the exclusive Hindukush Heights Hotel in Chitral, a weekend-stay at the ever so chic Ambiance Hotel, along with an array of vouchers including Walled City naashta tours, Gulbaan flowers, Bandana clothing and high-value restaurant and salon vouchers. Raffle tickets can be purchased on the door for Rs.200 a pop.

 

BBS will also incorporate a Live Auction which will take place at 12:30 PM. With cash or credit card in hand, attendees can bid on unique items including a cozy round sofa-chair by Zahra Ebrahim, a three day stay at the exclusive Luxus Attabad in Hunza, a weekend-stay for 8 people at the luxurious and ever so pretty Blue Mountain Cottage near Muree, plus stunning works of art by Farhan Manto and Mohsin Sheikh. Then when you want to rest your tired feet or fuel up on some extra shopping energy, you can visit the BBS Food Court where one of Lahore’s favorites, Room Service will be serving up a selection of delicious savory treats which are bound to hit the spot!

Admission tickets can be bought at the door on the day of the event. The admission entrance donation is Rs. 500 from 11 AM – 1 PM and thereafter, Rs. 200 via cash or credit.

BBS founder Nuria Rafique-Iqbal has said, “We are so happy that we are able to hold BBS this year after last year’s absence due to Covid. It is crucial for the many charities that rely on us, that BBS continues and keeps raising funds for them so they can continue the great work they are doing. BBS is a platform for businesses to give back, be they in fashion, retail, services, food whatsoever –– BBS is done by the community, for the community. This is our 16th year of operations, and we are so grateful to enjoy the continued support of our sponsors, designers, brands, charities and the public at large. After the year we have had, I think we all deserve a day of fun so come and shop with us this Sunday, 5th December – not only will you get the most amazing bargains ever but every single rupee spent will be distributed to the six charities we are supporting this year! Remember, it is first come, first served so get there early to get the best deals. We look forward to welcoming our BBS Shoppers!”

For more information, please visit:

Website: www.fundraisersbbs.com (to shop online)

Facebook: www.facebook.com/fundraisersBBS

Twitter: @fundraisersBBS

Instagram: @thefundraisersbbs

Official Hashtags: #FundraisersBBS #BBS21 #FashionGivesBack #6SuperCharities 

******************

Aijaz Aslam’s father breathes his last

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Actor Aijaz Aslam’s father has passed away, confirm celebrity friends.

The news has been announced by Aslam’s friend and actor Adnan Siddiqui.

Siddiqui turned to his Instagram Stories on Wednesday to share his grief with fans. The cause of the death has not been disclosed.

“Saddened to inform you that our dear friend Aijaz Aslam’s father passed away a while ago. Keeping the family in our prayers. May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannah,” wrote Adnan Siddiqui.

Updating fans about the obituary, co-star Faysal Quraishi announced the funeral prayers of the deceased will be held on Wednesday, December 2.

**************

Mahira Khan pens loving note in honor of late grandmother.

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Renowned actress Mahira Khan recently took to social media with a candid tribute in honor of her late grandmother Razia Khannum.

The tribute post was shared on Instagram and included a caption that read, “My dearest my most beautiful my nani.. Razia Khannum.. Left us Thursday afternoon for her eternal resting place. It’s been a rough month.. sometimes very painful but most times beautiful.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CW8g3nyscIV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

“She was a force of a nature. A little girl who lost her mother when she was just 5.. she lived and breathed to have what she felt was the biggest possession one can have— family. And family she made. She was a great story teller, graceful sari wearer, fiercely independent, a woman with great pride, a health freak, a great listener, a doting mother, an expressive human being.. anybody who met her felt special around her… and most of all she was a great believer of love.”

“As she transitioned… I kept imagining her mother and the love of her life holding her hand and taking her with them. I used to pray that she goes the way she lived. With dignity. She was surrounded by all her children, grand children and great grand child.”

She also went on to write, “I am blessed to have had this time with her. We all are. To have looked after her.”

“It is an honor to be her grand daughter and I hope to honor her life by living the way she lived – with dignity and courage. While you read this, please make a prayer for my Nani.”

 ***************

Hania Aamir has a message for her fans

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Actor Hania Aamir advised social media users that taking of mental health should be the first priority.The celebrity wrote the statement as a caption of one of her viral pictures. She mentioned that hatred will lead to a person getting weak.

“There’s growth and maturity in moving on and letting go,” the Ishqiya star wrote. “Prioritize your mental health. Vibe to what makes you happy.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CW8Y-MNjJ9j/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

“Holding hate in your heart only weakens you.”

The Visaal star requested the people let go of their hate and live their life as it is too short for holding on to the sad bits of the past.

“You owe nothing to the bitter memories, not even a thought. You owe nothing to the strangers questioning your life choices, not even an explanation,” the actor added.

The celebrity advised the people to pick themselves up and move on.

“I pray that everyone reading this grows and moves on effortlessly, beautifully & gracefully,” she concluded.

Inspirational statements

Hania Aamir frequently takes to Instagram to post inspirational statements for her fans.

Earlier, the celebrity stated that humans lose sight of things in the environment due to distractions and noise but we try to please those who have not been stuck during difficult times.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CUAReBzDGi5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

“We run after the people who have hurt us and cry for the people who have betrayed us forgetting to be there for the ones who were our anchor when we had lost control,” she added.

Hania Aamir said that the nicest people are taken for granted just because they are ready to listen and care at any time without asking any reason.

**********

Iqra Aziz gushes over hubby Yasir Hussain in adorable birthday wish

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Iqra Aziz and Yasir Hussain make an adorable couple often leaving fans swooning over their perfect chemistry but what left fans awe-struck this time was Aziz’s moving birthday wish for her hubby.

The famed actor might be making waves in drama industry with her powerful performance in Feroze Khan starrer Khuda Aur Muhabbat but she seemed too soft for her other-half on his special day.

Taking to her Instagram account, the 24-year-old actor dropped a small video that shared a glimpse into the couple’s gorgeous moments.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CW1KGzhDSqN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The mother of one captioned the post, “Happy Birthday to the most beautiful human in the world. May you live thousands of years and may you spend all those years with me (Translated into English).”

Hussain commented on the post, “This is the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen.. love.”

Meanwhile, the Suno Chanda star has been living a busy the life of a new parent. She recently gave her fans a sneak peek into her every day journey of a mom in a 10-minute-long YouTube Vlog.

***********