Through the roller coaster of emotions that any business brings I have never lost sight of my belief in the Imani brand.  Today I am a very happy man having launched our second store within the UK.  Imani Studio London is officially open!!!

I always knew in my heart that the capital would be a fantastic location for the boutique but these things can only happen when the time is right, and when you’ve been through the blood, sweat and tears that prove you deserve it.  If only my parents were alive to see this day.  Well, I am sure they are watching from the heavens above.

Friday 9^th of March, accompanied by friends and family, amongst others, the store was opened amidst cheers and beaming smiles as renowned Pakistani designer, Maria B, snipped through the red ribbon.

During the two day launch on Friday and Saturday the stock flew off the rails as fashion savvy Londoners excitedly purchased the beautiful creations available.

What excites me most about London is that it has always been fashion forward.  It is the perfect place for sharing what we have always known – that Pakistani designers create some of the most beautiful, enticing, crisp collections seen anywhere.  From the exquisite craftsmanship to the vibrant colours, these designers capture the essence of the East and combine it with the most luxurious fabrics and immaculate detailing.

I am a proud Pakistani and I will, by the grace of God, continue to provide the fashionistas of Manchester, London and beyond, the latest trends and, of course, our personalised service.

We are pleased announce that Imani Studio London will, InshaAllah be formally opening on the Saturday 10th March 2012. We would like to invite you and your friends and family to visit the studio on Ilford lane, Ilford, East London. Don’t miss the chance to take advantage of our introductory low prices for the opening weekend.
Asim Jofa And Maria.B Lawn will also be launched on the same day at our London Branch.
The Latest Collections on display will be from the best designers of Pakistan.
HSY
Nickie& Nina
Maria.B
Mehdi
Asifa&Nabeel
Karma
Kamiar Rokni
Asim Jofa
Waseem Noor
Yasmeen Jiwa
Threads&Motifs

KARMA

INTRODUCTION TO KARMA  

The Karma Heritage   Karma is the leading luxury fashion house of Pakistan that provides its clients classic elegance, star power glamour, fabulous clothes and the complete retail experience. The House of Karma consists of three brands, Karma Red (Couture), Karma Pink (Pret) and Karma Princess (Girls Age 1-12). Karma began its journey a decade ago with the aim of capturing its share in Pakistan’s growing fashion industry. Driven by principles of originality, luxury and professionalism, the team at Karma embraced its mission giving first priority to satisfying its clientele. The result has been national and international acclaim as well as the creation of a globally recognized brand name. The label has established its reputation as a design house teeming with creativity, refined taste and high quality execution. Strictly professional and exceptionally talented, Maheen Kardar Ali has defined Karma’s signature style of a strong feminine whimsical aesthetic as Design Director for the past decade. Her vision for Karma exceeds territorial boundaries and goes beyond dressing women. Following the unprecedented success of wedding and couture collections, the company stormed into prêt with the Karma Pink and into high fashion clothing for little girls with Karma Princess in 2010. Now in its 11th year, Karma has come of age with two luxurious couture studios, nine Pink and Princess locations nationwide, an upscale corporate headquarters based in its hometown of Lahore as well as a presence in the USA and Middle East. Karma’s loyal clientele today exceeds 10,000 women and the brand is indispensible to fashionistas across the nation. With several new projects in the pipeline such as Karma Accessories, Blue, Home and Lifestyle, Karma will be the first conglomerate of its kind in Pakistan.

INTRODUCTION TO BRANDS

Karma Red

Luxurious, authentic and opulent, Karma Red has redefined bridal couture and has been the leading couture fashion house for over a decade. Each made to order ensemble defines new heights of elegance and is a handmade modern classic based on a thoroughly researched design aesthetic. Winner of multiple national and international awards, Karma Red has a strong design identity and a sought after demand that has evolved over the years and has created a distinctive signature style. The couture collections every season derive their inspirations from history, folklore, nature, icons and all things inspirational to Design Director of the last 11 years, Maheen Kardar Ali. Set in the luxurious glittering couture studios in Lahore and Karachi, Karma Red offers extensive samples of one of a kind collection designs ranging from event wear to trousseau to bridals. The quality of textiles used range from limited edition brocades, deluxe hand woven ‘kamkhabs’, beaten tissue and diaphanous silks covering the complete color spectrum from the hues found in nature to the intense palette of the Mughal court. Embellishment motifs are minutely developed and refined. The Karma Red couture studio teams are highly trained individuals taught by Maheen herself and cater to providing the Karma woman with the highest standard of customer service in the country. The Karma Red experience is empowering, rich and gratifying to all senses and the product definitive of expensive regality and classic opulence.

Karma Pink

Fashioned by the highly successful and internationally acclaimed design team at Karma led by Design Director Maheen Kardar Ali, this award winning prêt-a-porter label was launched in June 2005. This luxury pret line has since added awards, celebrity brand ambassadors and ten locations nationwide to its name. Catering to a broad spectrum of women, Karma Pink has brought to its store racks contemporary clothes and accessories with the signature Karma funk that are wearable, comfortable, and affordable at the same time. Karma Pink exudes trademark aesthetic, glamour and power and is the epitome of effective elegant fashion with high quality fabrication and finish as well as minute attention to detail. With a loyal and devoted client base of thousands of women all over the world, the label takes its inspirations from the rich season directions and brings affordable diffusion ensembles to the retail market. With numerous collections a year, all reflecting local and international trends and occasions, Karma Pink is a unique and instantly recognisable social phenomenon in the country and now beyond.

Karma Princess

Karma Princesses are about butterflies, sparkles, dreams, daisy chains, butter icing and rainbows. They explore the world with an innocence yet inner knowing. They are the girls everyone remembers at school. They believe in Peter Pan.  They dance to Abba and their favorite food is Magnolia cupcakes. They collect jewellery boxes and seashells and can sing up a storm. They steal your lipstick; adore ruby slippers, own Hello Kitty sunglasses and love Edward Cullen. They are about moments, magic, memories and all things beautiful. These are the little princesses that grow up tomorrow to become Karma women and we are the people who have been there with them from the very beginning.

INTRODUCTION TO THE DESIGN DIRECTOR

The Karma Muse

Maheen Kardar Ali is an exceptionally talented fashion designer with a sharp business acumen, a successful home maker, a loving mother and loyal friend, graduating as Valedictorian of Pakistan Institute of Fashion Design’s class of 2000 seems fitting for the woman who has revolutionalized Pakistani’s women’s’  apparel.  Maheen goes on to be a role model and source of extreme inspiration for young, confident and ambitious women who want to make a difference. As the Design and Creative Director of the House of Karma, Maheen has her hands full yet she maintains the high standards she has set for herself and continues to be the perfectionist that everyone expects her to be.

THE KARMA WOMAN

The Karma woman of today is multi facetted and acts in various roles. She is a powerhouse at work, a glamorous socialite, a Jane Austen fan, a provocative teenager, an elegant mother of three, a Chanel 5 addict. Her repetiore of moods and the characters that she plays in her life range from the innocent to the glamourous, girlie to the ultimate seductress. Though she channels numerous roles and responsibilities, the ultimate vision is always singular, the love of being a goddess, a siren, a diva, a woman, a success.

THE KARMA HISTORY

Karma has won the Lux Style Award three times which includes the best Women’s Wear for Karma Couture in Karachi and Dubai and the best Pret Wear for Karma Pink in Malaysia. Karma also has won the Indus Best Designer award and has shown in countries around the world such as the UAE, England, The USA, Prague, Malaysia, Canada, etc. Karma is also associated with reknown international charities such as Shaukat Khannum Memorial Trust, DIL and Hum Pakistani.

Imani-The Designer Studio Is committed to make Manchester a Fashion Capital of Pakistani And Indian Fashion. We have been working tirelessly to establish and introduce best of Pakistani Fashion internationally.
Imani Designer Studio has teamed up with Vision Events International to Proudly Present ” Rhythm of Asia 2011″
In association with ARY Network
Supported by: Saffron Events UK & IFMCH Charity.
on Sunday 18/09/11
at  The Midland Hotel, Peter Street, Manchester M60 2DS
This Year’s Exclusive Fashion will feature Best of Pakistani designers:
Umer Sayeed,
HSY,
Mehdi
Zanib Sajid
Ayesha Ibrahim,
Ambreen & Farhan,
Nazia Malik,
Gul Zeb,
Amna Farhan,
Jewelry by: Nazneen Tariq Khan & Sonar
With Top Pakistani Super Models & International Models from UK.
Hair & Make up by: Saba Ansari of Sabs Salon
All the proceedings from the Raffle & Auction will be donated to IFMCH Charity.
To Book online: www.chillitickets.com
Event Features:
Red Carpet with Canapes Fashion Show (1st segment) – Dinner & Raffle & Auction – Fashion show (2nd Segment)
TICKET PRICE: VIP’s GBP: 100 First Row GBP: 80 Second Row GBP: 60
Tickets Available at
Imani Studio Manchester
15, Chatley Street
Manchester M3 1HU
07734982915, 0161 8343367

For further queries call:
07853766209, 07770548866,

  ]]> http://www.imanistudio.com/pakistani-fashion/blog/samar-mehdi/ramadan-eid-fashion-exhibition-london-kinghtsbridge/feed/ 0 http://www.imanistudio.com/pakistani-fashion/blog/designers/pakistani-designer-sara-shahid-her-label-sublime-by-sara/ http://www.imanistudio.com/pakistani-fashion/blog/designers/pakistani-designer-sara-shahid-her-label-sublime-by-sara/#comments Sun, 15 May 2011 10:33:43 +0000 admin http://www.imanistudio.com/pakistani-fashion/blog/?p=183

1. Tell us something about your career as a fashion designer that people do not know about?

When I started my career I had no idea what direction it would take. I started small and put out a capsule collection of cuts, and designs I loved. They were understated with very little embellishment. It was many years ago when very few people in Lahore where making such clothes. People loved it! From that collection every year there was progression and I realized that there was a need for this aesthetic. I stuck to what I believed in and what I loved to do. Sublime  became a label synonymous with minimalism.

2. You are an inspiration for Pakistani Women. How do you feel about this?

I hope that I can inspire women in our part of the world that a working woman can be a mother, run a home and fulfill all the roles successfully. There is respect, recognition and a great sense of achievement in being able to do so. Women are great at multi tasking and are capable of achieving great things. I am so proud of the fact that we are able to through our work employ and help so many families out there, in our country there is a great need for this. If you are in a position to inspire it is your responsibility to do so much more through your work. Being socially responsible is key!

3.  What motivated you to come into the fashion industry and become a fashion designer?

I think it was a natural calling; I was always inclined towards this field. After finishing my education in London in Fashion design and Marketing I returned to Pakistan and found that they were endless opportunities and I took what I learnt and my personal aesthetic and put out my first collection and since then there has been no looking back.

4. Why did you name your label “Sublime”?

I have always loved the concept of a higher beauty, grandeur heavenly something out of the ordinary. I love the word  Sublime and felt that this is what I always wanted to do. Something SUBLIME!

5. You stock your fashion label Sublime at various places, how do you manage production and stocking and maintaining your own outlet?

It’s a tough job and initially I had a smaller set up we have had to grow with time and expansion. It has been difficult to manage due to logistical issues too and I am in the process of re organizing my production capacity. There is no point in stocking in ten different place if you are doing it half heartedly so I would rather stock at fewer places but give the clients an entire range.

6. Do you work alone on creating an ensemble, from selecting fabrics to creating designs?

Yes that can be viewed as a good thing or perhaps not so good at times, I have to put myself self into the collection entirely and do like to control the design aspect. Sometimes a team’s input can also prove beneficial but I am gradually getting there at the moment it is all being managed by me.

7. You maintain a balance and run your business efficiently; do you have a mentor who you always seek guidance from?

I started Sublime alone and pretty much made decisions along the way that I felt right. I have always tried to be rational, fare and followed my heart and thank fully things have turned out alright. My parents are great at giving me direction in terms of life, home and work; they have been great support and keep giving me perspective.

8. How do you feel when you see someone wearing your designs?

It’s always a great feeling!

9. How do you see the Pakistan fashion industry in years ahead?

I feel that the industry has grown rapidly in the last couple of years if we continue at this rate we can achieve a lot more in terms of fashion becoming a serious business. There has been a change in the industry where designers have started to put out collection seasonally; there is a move towards ready to wear, better quality clothing, and more availability. More and more designers are beginning to stock internationally; there is a general shift in the market and a lot more professionalism.

10. What role do fashion weeks in Pakistan play in taking the fashion industry forward?

I have been showing at all the PDFC SUNSILK FASHION WEEK so far and have felt that we are given a great platform to show our work seasonally. Each time it is getting bigger and better. The focus is shifting to the business of fashion. It promotes new and old designers on an equal platform, creates a healthy competition in which we get a better quality of work. It has also given designers a discipline which was very necessary to make this industry grow into a professional serious business.

11. Five things people do not know about Sara Shahid?

• I am a dreamer….
• I love music
• I am a bit of a control freak
• I think too much!
• I  always tend to believe that there is good in everyone

12.  Most adventurous experience you have ever had?

Not a very adventurous person …. But have had mini adventures often!

13. What are your future plans for your label?

Lots ahead but as I have always done, is consolidate and move a step at a time. In my mind I have many plans for my label but the future is not in my control I just pray for more success for SUBLIME!

14. What do you think sets Sublime’s design aesthetic and signature style from other labels?

Sublime is a label that has always been known for its less is more design philosophy. The label is known for its cuts and its understated glamour. With each collection I put out my inspiration and a message so it’s not just about the clothes it is about a Sublime lifestyle!

15. Three things that make you proud about the Pakistan Fashion Industry and Pakistani designers?

I am proud to be a part of this industry; it has given us so much. We are what we are because of this country. Contrary to what people may think there is a great deal of camaraderie amongst our group of Designers, we do help each other out and I do believe that there is room for all!

16. Any advice you would like to give to the Pakistani youth?

Live and let live! Be true to yourself and anything you choose to do, do it with a passion and believe in it.

Click the Link Below For More Details

Pakistan Fashion Extravaganza 2011 p [HQ]

Pakistan Fashion Extravaganza 2011 p [HQ]

Imani – The Designer Studio invites you to an exclusive evening of Fashion Exhibition by ” NICKIE & NINA”.

They will be showcasing their latest PFDC SUNSILK  FASHION WEEK COLLECTION At imani Studio Manchester.
Special Offers will be in store for certain collections.
Nickie & Nina will be present at this event personally to discuss your orders, to avoid any disappointment,
please book your one to one appointment with the designer in advance.

VENUE : Imani Studio
15, Chatley Street
Manchester    M3 1HU
Date:  Friday 6th May 2011
Time: 3pm – 8pm
If Some reason you can’t make it on Friday 6th of May , you will have an other chance to visit and preview the collection on Saturday 7th May2011  between 10 Am – 3pm.

For further info or appointment please Contact  Mr. Sultan Asi
Tel: 0161 8343367 or
Email: imani@imanistudio.com

Designer’s profile

Nickie and Nina are two sisters with an indisputable flair for fashion who together form an impressive team behind the Lahore based house of haute couture. Having designed their first collection in 1995 as a duo, Nickie and Nina have a historic relationship with fashion in Pakistan and launched the eponymous luxury brand label Nickie Nina in 2000 with the critically acclaimed millennium show in Lahore. The dynamic duo is also one of the founding members of the prestigious Pakistan Fashion Design Council. Today Nickie and Nina are recognized both within the country and internationally as among the most distinguished pioneers of women’s fashion in Pakistan.

The diverse range of creations at Nickie Nina includes bridal wear, formal and semi-formal ranges for ladies of all ages. Exclusive designs are available for special occasions and made according to the individual’s requirements. The duo work with a variety of fabrics and what truly sets them apart is the innovative way they combine two or more textures in a single creation. Their collections consist of a variety of fabrics and textures including masuri, jamawar, chiffon, texture chiffon, Lama fabric, silks, precious and semi-precious stones in fascinating combinations to create unique and distinctive ensembles that work together to form signature Nickie Nina pieces.

Nickie Nina’s collections satisfy the demands of today’s modern lifestyle which is infused with traditional roots. Each collection is contemporary and chic, yet timeless in its appeal and Nickie Nina continue to enjoy critical acclaim for their design sensibility, runway shows and exhibitions across Europe, Asia and North America.

https://www.imanistudio.com