KARACHI: The promotional ceremony of Karachi Fashion Week 2009 was launched at a local hotel on Tuesday. Karachi Fashion Week 2009, the four day fashion event that is going to be held from October 15 to 18 at Golf Club, will be hosted by Fashion Pakistan in collaboration with an event management company Triple E.

The launch was a part of promotional measures to provide people with regular updates and information on the event and its participants.

The ceremony was headed by Fashion Pakistan C.E.O, Ayesha Tammy, Arshad Siddiqui (Triple-E collaborator) and Sultana Siddiqui (Chairperson of Hum TV).

Ayesha Tammy said on the occasion that their efforts meant “to encourage, promote and facilitate the development and growth of the fashion industry in Pakistan, make it competitive in the international market, and also to build on relationships with buyers and foreign designers to promote investment”. She explained that during Fashion Week (October 15 to 18), they would not only observe works of famous designers like Maheen Karim, Maheen Khan, Rizwan Beyg, Deepak Parwani, Adnan Qardesi and Shamael Ansari, but would also encourage emerging designers”.

She added that they would showcase the best of Pakistani fashion and established designers would share the runaway with new and emerging talent in the categories of couture, prêt, men’s wear and women’s wear.

Ayesha Tammy said that Memorandums of Understanding had been signed with several international fashion institutions and she hoped to present the collection of one international designer each day of the Fashion Week.

She added that though Fashion Week was purely a fashion show, they hoped that in the future they would provide vocational training for emerging designers and hold workshops for fashion journalists.

The ceremony was attended by many famous fashion related personalities. Acclaimed designer Maheen Khan and Fashion journalists Zurain Imam, were present also present on the occasion.

-Source: The News-

By Aysha Ibtasam

A woman can never have enough bags. If you were to do a survey, almost all women would agree to this testament. That is why designers are emerging with new bag trends for your fashion taste buds from season to season.

I know it gets a little tricky and hard to keep up with the emerging trends and hosts of different styles to choose from, but fret not, I have done the work for you. In thisarticle, you can find everything you need to know about the spring ‘09 handbag trends.

Despite the many bags crowding your closet already, there is always room for another one, you can always squeeze it in that corner, but the bags for spring ‘09 are not to be locked up in a closet, they are so beautifully accessorized that you would want to show it off.

During this research I noticed that from the past year the embellishment has toned down a bit, perhaps the recession was an inspiration or the designers simply wanted to show more sleeker, cleaner, crisper bags; the whole less is more look.

The bags for Spring ‘09 are beautifully and creatively crafted to show 3-D embellishments, such as leather applique floral design, cut out mini dolls, studs, rhinestones, sequence, metal rings, mini pockets exposed on the outside of the bags, and etc.

Embellishments include chunky magnetic snap closures, knotted details, metal D-rings, grommets, zippers, leather tassels, chains or metal straps. Another important feature which make or break the bag in my opinion is how much content it can hold. Cute mini pockets placed on the outside of the bag not only made it aesthetically pleasing but also functional. Multi function slip pockets were another important design feather and compartments to hold cell phone and key chains were popular in many bag styles.

Spring 09 bags are varied in sizes. Large carryalls are hot, yet “itsy bitsy” bags are hotter and the medium size offers best of both trends. Dazzling colors are impossible to ignore this season, however neutrals have somehow managed to steal the show. Black and white accessories are essential and add a classic touch to the overall trend.

The stunning colors for Spring 09 are enough to make any fashion follower’s head spin. Colors such as Lime, Lemon, Salmon Rose, Slate Gray, Dusty Rose, LuciteGreen, Dark Citron, Vibrant Green, Fern Green, Ivory, Nude, Deep Purple, Teal, Faded Mustard, Bubble Gum Pink, Bold Turquoise, Cherry-Red, Black and of course, White are surfacing the runways and making their way into the stores. When you walk in any store, the mentioned colors are bound to me noticed.

You can freshen up that Spring wardrobe with accessories in any of these hues, and pick up designer duds with a slight shimmer or glossy finish for a twist on classic styles. Exotic skin bags are replaced with patent or glossy material for the most part. Other materials used are sturdy canvas, patchwork, crinkled leather, cork textured material, embossed leather, and printed patent leather are used to create unique designs.

Bags slung across your body or dangling from your wrist are little more than wallets with straps. They’re perfect for lunch with the gals or for stashing in your large tote during the day, and you can even use them for an after-work event. Since earth tones are the choice of color currently for clothing as I stated in my previous article. Sport one of these in a sumptuous color to add some “oomph” to your ensemble.

While the designer handbag is the ultimate luxury accessory for many women, sporting a stylish bag is an easy way to dress up a basic outfit during our budget-conscious time. The recession has encouraged many designers to go overboard with Spring 2009 handbag designs and colors without putting a lot of “bling, bling” or unnecessary embellishment on the bags; encouraging to make the accessories a focal point of the ensemble.

From oversized hobos to exotic shoppers, and miniature clutches which have been embellished with silk and sequins are offered along with listed below trends.

Slouchy Shoppers

The perfect weekender or errand bag is a metallic and soft leather print design. Look for your very own decked out in geometric prints and patent or glossy leather.

Sequin Clutches

Medium-sized clutches and pouches decked out in gleaming seqins and jewels which are great for an evening out when paired with a black outfit.

Patchwork Leather

Tap into your artistic side with patchwork leather and fabric. The trend is showing up on all styles of handbags including boxy shoppers, miniature hobos and oversized totes.

Patchwork Satchel

This is an excellent bag for those women who don’t want to feel like they’re lugging around a large duffel bag.

Frame Bags

The frame bag adds a sophisticated touch to the workday wardrobe, and is a functional, timeless piece that can serve double-duty as a shopper or tote for the weekend getaway.

It doesn’t stop here, there are many more styles and variations to choose from. This is an overview of what is in the stores currently and what the major trends for Spring ‘09 will be. Remember with so many options out in the market there is always one bag which is most suited for you, so go out and satisfy your fashion taste buds!

Some of the information is from the fashion resource along with my own research.

By Aysha Ibtasam

As this source says it, ‘Not everyone cares about fashion and not everyone wears makeup, but one thing is for sure… everyone has HAIR! Fixing your hair is a part of your daily routine whether you like it or not. Whether you choose to throw it back in a ponytail or prep your hair for a fabulous hairdo with curlers and styling gel, you still have a style’!! Spring calls for a new hairstyle.

Spring is the best time to get a fresh haircut especially if you have been wanting to get one. With new haircut, you might consider getting streaks or a different shade of hair color depending on your complexion and the type of haircut.  Like changing trends of clothes and accessories, the haircut changes with season too, especially in the fashion world-on the runways. Hairstyles are a bit exaggerated on the runways for media buzz, but hair stylist tones them down for main stream styling and managing.  

There were several looks seen on the catwalks for spring 2009, from sleek chignon to pixie cuts and flowy long locks.  This year around, the haircut trend is spread across wide, from Bob to long locks!  Depending on your face structure, hair texture and profession-with the help of your stylish need to determine the right haircut and color.  Consulting prior to getting a desired haircut and color will eliminate your chances of ending up with something which does not go with your personality. I highly recommend seeking a professional stylist. Get a hairstyle which is manageable each morning. Most common mistake people make is, they get their desired haircut thinking it will remain like this forever. Maintaining the style is crucial after a haircut and color.

Layered locks are never out of fashion, if you don’t want to take a chance and chop off the lovely locks, don’t!, Keep them long, however, go for a choppy layer look or shag. A shag is choppy layer cut which has blunt edges and is sort of messy. It gives you ‘rolled out of bed’ appearance. It’s more European look than North American. It’s a tousled and carefree look which is achieved through several steps. A shag hairstyle can be tailored to include bangs as well. To minimize a square face or create instant cheekbones, have the shag-cut in long strands where they caress your cheeks. Also, if you want instant height, this style can be worn with plenty of volume through the crown. This hair style is for a trendy and busy woman who is not afraid to carry an unkempt hair in a very chic way. This hairstyle will give you a funky attitude look, that is if you like that look.

Chignon, a fancy word for a bun was seen on the catwalks of some of the most prominent designers. If done properly, a chignon can last a whole day. But remember, this structured chignon is not close to what the librarian wore - the tight bun back in the days.  A chignon can be worn loose or tight depending on what look your trying to achieve, a softly feminine look or a more sleek and sophisticated one.  To spice up the chignon, make it off-centered and slightly loose for a more romantic look.

Bangs are fun and they are back! Bangs are not so terrifying- the non-desi bangs that is! Remember growing up, desi bangs stopped short several inches above the forehead and straight across? Not those! I am talking about sleek, long and choppy or an updated pageboy bangs. If you get the right length and the cut of the bang, they look so fresh and girly.

Regular Layer cut is suitable for everyone. Layers are very flattering as oppose to one length. Layer adds volume to flat hair. Layer look is modern and edgy. Long hair is beautiful to all eyes, but if they are flat and lifeless, it’s not very appealing. Bulk and definition can be added with some razored layer and curls. Long hair requires a lot of care. Long hair should be healthy and shiny. You can add life to straight hair by using fat curlers or soft waves. Use good conditioner and other treatments and if it suits you, it does not hurt to oil once in a while.

If you can’t seem to part with your long locks, then wear them in stylish pony tail. French pony tail always look so trendy. Little puffed up on the crown and tied high in the back, or you can loosen it in the back while letting your bangs sweep to one side.

As always there is something to suit everyone, whether you have short hair, long hair, are male or female, curly or straight. So get the right cut and color for Spring 2009.