As long as they are suppose to showcase our culture and style on the ramp I am very sorry bare legs and shoulders doesn't show any of the above two things if related to Pakistan, correct me if you see any women or man on public spaces and events with the the sort of lack of clothes we've seen on the ramps in the last fashion shows. Its not impossible if they try to present a pert line or couture without meeting the international parameters of lesser clothes, its the most common perception in locals I know. I loved the bridal collection in the latest Lahore Fashion Week and few clothes that I could imagine wearing while I think FPW1 also had some smart and elegant perts and couture's. Do we portray a diversified image of ours, I saw Ayesha Tammy Huq saying that we had FPW1 an international news for four or five days and google search has many headlines about FPW1 that presents Pakistan enlightened and away from talibanaization. But then what did we display by more of western clothes and a fraction of our Shalwar Qameez and Lehenga. When its Pakistan Fashion week it should look like one, shouldn't it? Its really funny to say that clothes are very reasonable at the fashion weeks but if you want to hear a good joke then whats wrong in saying that. We all know that the prices for the category of clothes that are wearable by me and people like me are almost half less when we'll have them stitched ourselves.

I am a graduate in fashion but somehow have not been able to come to terms with the growing industry here. I have been part of shows when I was studying but after my degree I have kept my distance, only because of westernized portrayal of fashion in our country. I don't understand why we have to follow some trend and not have our own cultural fashion shows. We ve been blessed but we want to take up the Paris curriculum to get degrees. Where is our identity is fashion? Just being able to cater to the world is not how I see us advancing. That is just like selling bananas which grow everywhere, so yes we have better tasting ones. WHat is so cool about that identity?

I am sorry, but fashion show do not belong to Pakistan. Its just like, making a kid of 5 years sitting on pilots seat in an airborne plane. The other day, I saw in media gallery of DAWN, a Pakistani model, wearing a dress which does not make any sense with a nude painting of a girl in front of her shirt, showing off her private parts. (remember, this was in Pakistan and not in Las Vegas). If you are trying to copy western (non-Muslim) countries, when they want to show their private parts, they really DO, and when they are doing modeling of the graceful and decent suits, they do not bring the nudity in the photos. Again, advise to all Pakistani's, the key to success and to impress others is "BE YOURSELF/VES". As when you copy others, you are doing nothing, but making fun of youself/ves and asking others to make fun of yours. Additionally, its just about Islam which prohibits such nudity in PUBLIC, where in the show, their were men, women and even the KIDS. For God sake, what message are you conveying the KIDS, and to the world, that you have lost all of your morale. Nudity is prohibited as its not the norm in NORMAL society. People who read DAWN, most of them are intellectuals and they do not appreciate this type of cheap promotional stuff.

To be honest, Pakistan's fashion shows are far from depicting the actual culture of Pakistan. Scantily dressed, starved to the bone models in attire with rocketing prices is not even close to the style and dressing of the average Pakistani woman. The average Pakistani woman, has no money to buy clothes like these. Moreover, her husband would never permit her to dress this way. She prefers a much more modest assortment of clothes and her dupatta is her best companion. She does not do herself up in so much makeup nor is her hair styled into an oversized melon on the top of her head. Fashion shows in a country with majority of the population between poverty line is a joke. Spending big bucks over glamour when there are people starving only a mile or two away is as inhumane as it gets. The masses sleep in overcrowded rooms and eat the bare minimum, considering the inflation and crazy-high food prices. Fayeza Ansari dressed in Deepak Pirwani means nothing to them, except wasteful squalor by the upper class. As for the argument that Fashion Shows are meant to serve a more progressive image abroad, I'm sorry to break it to the world, but it has not really done much. Catwalks and fancy designers have been unable to put up the xyz image they intend to, to the world. All they have done is encourage waste and created a few more brats and unrealistic expectations of a woman's beauty. It's distortion inside out.

It is fine too but it's getting more attention than needed and is only accessible to a very very few privilliged. To me it's only a gag for gossip and status symbol for the rich. More than this we need cinema, which is a far more powerful and intellectual device to promoting a culture.

Fashion Shows if conducted should be within the limits of Pakistani Culture and Religion. They only represent the elite class which is not the true face of Pakistan. We should come out of blind following of western culture and find dignity in our own culture and values.

These fashion shows do not represnt Pakistani culture at all. Infact 90% of the designs can not be bought or worn by an ordinary Pakistani. They are targeting the elite class. Pakistani culture can be better potrayed in different ways than fashion shows.

Waste a total waste...looking at shows it just seems a trend for posh class. I have never seen someone wearing dresses that are on show. If we just leave alone our cultural discussion and just thing how many of us are able to afford that stuff that

Indeed these shows are providing a platform to the designers to present their art, but these shows are not always the depiction of true Pakistani culture. The industry is inclined more towards the elite class and, like many other factors, increasing disparity between the rich and the poor. A poor person strives for basic clothing whereas the cost of the work displayed at these shows is exorbitant.

The current religious extremism in Pakistan is one extreme limit. This extremism will not be solved by going to other extreme. These attempts towards enlightened moderation will further divide our society into 2 extreme parts. Please, don

I have seen similar blogs on other websites in Pakistan. In Pakistan a few people may feel that a fashion show is a befitting reply to the right wing Islamic whereas as in most other part of the world, more women are taking up the hijab to protest against the ban or rising anti-Muslim sentiments. Who wears what is his or her own choice. Every one will bear the consequences or their own sin. Why should anyone else care? And who gives them a right to comment or punish on behalf of the God? The first priority is security and the second is liberty. As for as possible, neither should be compromised.

Honestly speaking when I was reading the newspapers in Dubai about Pakistan Fashion Week a few days ago, what they have shown are pictures of sleeveless models and the heading was "Peshawar models goes sleeveless on ramp to show that we are Anti-Taliban. Is this the only way left to show the world we are Anti-Taliban?

Even in the Western society, 70% of any fashion show displays the imagination and creativity of the designer (which may be very bizarre) and only 30% display is of some commercial value. In Pakistan, the fashion shows so far have not done much to show case Pakistani culture or style on the international arena. The problem is that we are in a fix. We and the other eastern countries designers think that if the clothes are not western, they are of no value to the fashion show. Actually the eastern designers will have to work very hard to show case our style by keeping a strong presence of our culture in our clothes. We are custodian of centuries old traditions of special fabrics and colors. we need to diffuse the western and eastern style to showcase Pakistan. The fashion industry is trying but the products can only be afforded by upper middle class. The fashion industry has still to go a long way to target the masses. The fashion shows must have commercial objective behind: Show your creations and get commercial orders and run it like an industry, other wise it is just rich people's club.

Being sponsors I'd had a chance to attend few top-notch fashion events in Karachi. IMO such cat walks and the revealing clothes models have to wear have nothing to do with culture or image of Pakistan. Fashion events in Pakistan just like any other country are purely calls to actions to invite Int'l buyers and promotion of business which I believe is not a bad idea as long Pakistani fashion industry is really making its way to get their brands recognized globally.

Fashion is elitist. Nowhere is fashion or high fashion that these recent shows display meant to be egalitarian. For an extremely poor and largely conservative society these fashion shows do not represent the country. And to be fair apart from one or two over zealous designers such as Amir Adnan (who claimed while barricaded inside a 5 star hotel that he was the bulwark in defiance of the Taliban), most organizers, models and designers don't claim to be representing the culture of the country. However, when it comes to the image of the country, it may not be the cultural aspect of it which is important. Instead it highlights the entrepreneurial spirit of individuals in the country. It represents business in a form that is recognizable and relevant in a foreign market, which such designers hope to break into. This sentiment was shared by one of the organizers of the Lahore Fashion week who said something to the same effect in an interview. If I remember correctly, she said that this talk of acting in defiance against the Taliban and taking a stand is a view developed by the foreign media and they are only interested in the business side of things. As a guest blogger on the Dawn noted, a foreign journalist, that in a country where all news seems to be bad news, and where to get something to print you are competing with news from all over the world, captioning "terrorism with high fashion" makes sure your article gets printed. At the end of the day, this issue is a talking point, so that your paper can put this topic for people like me to comment on.

When you are promoting Western, Semi-Nude Dresses how can you say that these shows represent our culture. These shows only promote vulgarity and nothing else - hence, must be stopped.

This is not our culture!

1 Any social cultural activity that will promote mingling of the sexes is good to over come social cultural starvation of the country. 2. The designers may come with new ideas of business wears for men/women in place of baggy trousers and long shirts to reflect smartness as opposed to lethargy. 3. May encourage questions being asked about import of Saudi cultural values in Pakistan female clothing that are 1000 years behind type and saps their self confidence. 4. Purpose of putting long cumbersome scarves in hot climate may be scrutinized by the designers. 5. It will encourage designers to target wider market with pretty fabrics called Banarsi cloth whose designing/printing is exclusive to Indo/Pakistan culture 5a. Expose Pakistan designing talent to the world. 6 Encourage promotion domestic presume/cosmetic industry All above activities will be promoting culture in Pakistan and trade.

Yes our fashion shows should represent our culture, but lets face it; fashion shows around the world are targeted at the elite and so there is nothing wrong if the same happens in pakistan

It's very easy to be negative. Even abroad only a minority can afford designer clothes so that is a silly argument. Even abroad those clothes are not meant to be worn everyday. I was there and most of the designs do reflect our culture so even that is a wrong statement - how many of you went to see the last fashion show? Please think before you write and don't just write for the sake of having an opinion!

What I fail to understand and comprehend is why do we always have to mention that we need to follow everything by Islam. Islam is not a set order but a mere guideline for us humans to follow. I am not asking us to accept the nudity of fashion. But with every positive step come along a bit of negativity. In this case of fashion, designers are usually eccentric. they need to think out of the block to revolutionize the trends. Sometimes it does backfire but you have to admit that the trend is of moving further. I agree fashion upto now is merely for the elite. but give it some time and I am certain that we will find more and more people getting involved year after year. It is a growing industry which employs thousands of labour.

Where is the promotion of our culture in these shows? All I see is an affectation with the west...

Let's look at the positive aspects! The fashion scene in Pakistan is showing a softer side of Pakistan, which we all should appreciate. It's proving an income to local crafsmen and female artisans and to all those people who are connected with the industry. Designers are reviving the Traditional arts and craft of Pakistan, which is a part of our cultural identity. It's catering towards the local and international market. FASHION HAS TO BE GLOBAL! The Fashion shows in Pakistan are innovative and and creative, just like London, Paris and Milan. The high Fashion from the shows always trinkets down to the local market in Pakistan.

Reading all the comment, it is obvious that no one thinks positively about these shows in our country. Hence my suggestion would be that our media, should NOT promote these things and instead should come up with new out-of-the-box ideas. Our own culture is much much richer than the western nudity where the quantum of body covered is inversely proportionate to being fashionable, i.e. the less clothes you have on your body the more fashionable you are thought to be.

It does not represent our culture at all. It simply higlights the moral degradation caused by Pakistani media, showbiz and fashion industry.

Sorry, this will not be promoting culture in Pakistan. This will be am invasion on Pakistani culture and society. Even without following your ideas, our females are much more confident than those in the west. We had a female prime minister twice. How many female Presidents did you have in the US in 200 years? NONE I guess! Our success is not in following western culture. We are what we are and our success is in being what we are are.

The photographs on the media, with bare backs and legs, were a pretty good indication that it wasn't our culture ....

Suppose you are from the so-called elite class. Would you like your sister or wife to wear that dress in public, that the model on the left hand side is wearing with arms, shoulders and half of her top revealing?

But don't forget that these obscene fashion shows confuse our young generation as to which line should they follow: to become the followers of Ghazi rashid? or say good-bye to doopatta, scarf, and lets show some skin? These fashion shows aren't going to help our women, who will tend to get too far from boundaries in the name of social freedome, leading to a slow, but eventual collapse of our social values.

Absolutely 100%. We agree.

These clothes look pointless to me. Who wears them any ways. Maybe only the rich elite, which is probably less than 1%. So much for our culture.

Let

I agree! at least someone is positive.

Come on what are you talking about? The Craftsman and ordinary workers/artisans? They do not get enough to feed themselves and their families. They are misused and exploited. Secondly provision of income can not be the sole deciding factor. Red Light Districts do provide income to Female workers, but do you think that would be something that we should promote in our society, just because it provides income. These Fashion Shows do not belong to us and should be taken to where they belong to. And last but not the least, the people who treat this like promoting softer side of Pakistan, have indeed severe INFERIORITY COMPLEX. They wish they wouldn't have born here in this society and to express that they try to align themselves with western culture and anything that represents that culture.

This issue has nothing to do with sister or mother, its about passion. If I belong to that particular class and my mindset take it as "cool thing" I won't mind my sister taking part in such shows.

What?????????????? Islam is not a set order? Are you Muslim? Whether Yes or No, have you studied Islam? My dear Islam provides you complete code of conduct for EVERY aspect of life - from eating to clothing, bathing, sex with your spouse, trade, foreign affairs - indeed everything. Even if we take your point and treat Islam like "mere guideline" still it means a lot. Islam does provide us guidelines about what to wear and what not to wear and these Fashion Shows are far away from those "mere guidelines".

Pakistani fashion designers have won numerous awards internationally which has brought fame and pride for all of us. Artistic representation has always been a profound subject in our cultural history, Lahore being the hub of it. Such efforts and unity shown by all the designers in Pakistan to arrange a fashion week in shadows of threats from extremists and Taliban

Why not? If Pak men follow western culture (and they do in a big way), then you don't see any problem with it... Stop considering women as 2nd degree humans or inferior to men.

What a polarised society we are. we are trying to elevate a culture which we don

90 % of clothes Shown in Ramp walk's r useless & people can't wear it in daily life or not even in parties or marriages :p The real Fashion is what people prefer to wear & what suites Local people ;)

There was no business to drag "ugly Indian girls" into your comment...that only shows a deep seated inferiority complex among some urban Pakistanis.....just stick to what you feel about your culture and society..please spare Indians from your riff raff

The more technical term, costume, has become so linked in the public eye with the term "fashion" that the more general term "costume" has in popular use mostly been relegated to special senses like fancy dress or masquerade wear, while the term "fashion" means clothing generally.

I don't know what you call western culture?? I haven't seen any gori wearing ghagras or this other dress that I see all the time worn by all these models on ramps. If you think burqa is our dress then you are sadly mistaken. I think its a very good thing to bring in new ideas and these designers are the reason that all these young girls today are wearing our traditional dresses in our weddings not the white dress which predominantly worn by westerners. This is our culture. I don't know why are people in a state of denial. I wouldn't want to wear arabic white dress which is not practical but people are vying for that outfit which I see arabic men in and abaya for women, is pathetic. That is not our culture. And after all who cares who wears what, its everyone's personal choice. We have so many other problems to discuss. I don't see this as problem at all. All these designers bring good name for the country in the international media so be it. Let them grow, if they grow, more people will be employed and it will be helping us out of poverty and state of hunger. I don't understand why are so obstructive of any sort of business activity in Pakistan when it needs it so badly, people have no jobs no nothing. We need this money to flow in the our country and still we are so obstructive. All these arguments regarding starved models, I think they look really good to me. I don't find over weight people attractive at all. (no offense) Designers are more accessible than ever before. I know more people now than ever that buy designers' stuff. I don't consider myself nearer to the elite class that someone mentioned about 1% of the total population of Pakistan. I don't know if the average Pakistani has no money then who is buying clothes from all these lawn exhibitions and designers boutiques. For all of designers to flourish, 1% is not enough. Lets get out of this state of denial.

To me Fashion really makes up your personality. But certainly there are boundaries in which we all should fall into. What we are seeing today is not the true reflection of our religion and culture. We must not forget what religion we are following and what is allowed for us. Today's fashion seen in Pakistan through these new fashion designers is more a copy and replica of the west. We should use these fashion shows to depict our true culture and not the blend of western and eastern styles that too is more vulgar than appealing to massess.

I agree with you 100%

Sure I wouldn't mind if they wanted to wear anything as that is their choice. You don't believe in freedom of choice I suppose. If you feel that I am from the "so-called elite class" then its only fair that I can say that maybe you belong to the narrow-minded class.

What exactly is your culture? Most people are very confused about that even.

OK, then go and do it. But please spare us from this.

I am Sorry Mr. Anish though i believe it mainly comes from india.

Being a Pakistani I have noticed everytime whenever we sit down to either pen or voice our criticism why do we ALWAYS have to drag our Mothers and Sisters and why not our Father and Brother. For God's sake stop dergading Women of our society. I have never been to a Pak Fashion Show but would love to witness one as a spectator. As far as promoting Culture goes I guess I have mixed feelings but it is a good way of mingling and socializing. On second thoughts if you look at the Bridal wear segment of the Fashion Show then 'Yes' it does promote our culture. It helps girls decide how to dress up for their big day and I am sure it does the same for Men.

Look, how long before Iqbal predicted it... (Allama Muhammad Iqbal, 1877 to 1938) (In Urdu poetry) Dunia ko hay phir marka-e-rooh-o-badan pesh Tehzeeb ne hai phir apnay darindon ko ubhara ALLAH ko hai pamardiay momin pe bharosa Iblees ko europe ki machinon ka sahara (Rough english translation) The world is again going to witness an encounter between the soul and the body Culture has again aroused its beasts Allah is confident over the bravery of his Men Satan has the support of European Machines

Why people see religion in fashion?? You should look into yourself to find religion not someone else. Culture is revolving all the time. I don't think fashion today is replica of the west.

How can any sane person possibly think about these fashion shows in a country struggling with poverty, corruption, energy issues and practically at war! Total nonsense .. fashion industry caters only for the elite, the fashion shown in these shows not even represents 1% of the total population .. these shows probably help the so called designers to be seen in India or some other countries where they have favorable market conditions.. I am not against a certain section putting up this show .. but it wouldv'e made more sense if the country was in peace and people in general weren't struggling to live a half respectible life.

You need to be tolerant here, nobody is forcing you to go and see such shows but whoever is taking part in it just don't stop him/her.

There is nothing wrong in being fashionable and trendy! Fashion shows give new ideas and a chance of social gathering. I dont see any wrong in that. As far as the religious part of fashion is concerned, one should choice stuff which suites him/her!!

Dear Mr. Anish, I am sorry that this comment was made about the Indian girls. I am certain that this comment came from someone who may not even be Indian or Pakistani. Just trying to create friction between two. Pakistanis do not carry that kind of view towards Indian girls or people in general. Most Pakistanis have a positive and warm view of India. After all we were one at one time. Unacceptable that someone whould make such a comment.

We have to look at the fashion shows in the context of trade shows of an industry that can be used to enhance not only the softer image of Pakistan but also as a tool to increase export of our products. This same narrow mindedness (that is ignoring economic aspect and putting all emphasis on culture) has killed our film industry. We do not even want to think of the impact it has beside culture and economics. I think we should at least have an open debate on the pros and cons of such issues. To shut every body up citing our cultural values is neither wise nor beneficial for the country in the long run. We should not forget also, that by shutting our fashion or film industry we are loosing opportunities to promote our industry and values. Our cultural values will change with or without our fashion or film industry, albeit by the cultures that are far more different than ours and far less considerate to our national interests.

It projects a different image of our country. We deserve this image. We arent intolerant people. We have many topnotch talented fashion designers who are making it big now. Support them.

Kanwal I couldn't agree with you more.

My Challenge: Can any of these models walk in such attire on the streets of even the metropolitan cities of Pakistan? If yes, then it's OK, but if no then what a hypocrisy! These ramp walks would be more pertinent to the other half of the world.

Funny, how hypocritical these fashion zombies are? The clothes they wear on the ramp doesn't represent the clothes that the culture represents. They all look the same as the west and the east (India). It would be weird for someone to wear these nontraditional clothes from Pakistan; I would rather get them from a much well known designer from the west. They are same anyone but with better name tag to itself. And like someone said above they cater to the elite. Who cares about fashion designers in Pakistan. They are the useless peeps who only thinks about women on the ramp with western clothes.

Do you think that encouraging our women to dress up lewdly is not equal to degrading our women? A fashion show is not bad at all, but when it crosses the limits of decency, it must be discouraged. I am a Pakistani man, and I would surely like to drag our Father and Brother, asking them that don't you feel ashamed of yourself when you watch this indecency and clap on it? Bridal segment is nice, and it tends to reflect our women, promoting our culture. Similarly, lots of Pakistani women like scarves and abaya, and they want more trendy styles. Living in Europe, I come across many Muslim women wearing extraordinarily beautiful hijabs, and I wanted to buy one for my sister too.

It is similar to how in my country (Canada) the people take the cultures of others, modernize, westernise and secularize it so that nothing of the values that it holds sacred are left, and then present it to the people so that it will be profitable. Whenever they show Pakistani culture here, it is always the dancing or whatever the westerners consider "cool" and fun. This is exactly what these fashion shows represent to me. Modernity is the disease which the world is facing today. It the disconnect and abandonment of the sacred in blind faith in the loosely defined term "progress". Progress which is darkening the hearts and souls of mankind, making them slaves to their passions and desires for things, from which the great religions of the world came to free man. It is really sad that Pakistanis want to appear all "modern" and likeable to the west, and want to conform to their norm. Their norm is based on the complete abandonment of that which God sent us and them. Their ideas of liberty and equality and freedom of speech are based on nothing concrete other than what the society seems to value at that specific point in time. those ideas are largely shaped by this consumer economy: whatever is profitable to the elite soon becomes a norm through the media. Whereas (until recently) the Pakistani tradition and culture has been rooted in the sound principles of God. Of course there are always those who will say "don't bring religion into this", or will criticize me for my faith in religion. But at least I have more of a reason to have faith in Islam and reliance on its principles than they do in their faith in modernity and reliance the ways of the "superior" west.

Adil, definitely Pakistan needs a softer image, but why go to the extreme? Religious fundamentalism is an extreme idea, and so are lewd fashion shows. A stronger society is surely the one where people more or less tend to have similar values. And contrarily, if social values are rather inhomogeneous, people tend to split up in groups and factions. We are already a broken mob, trying to become a nation. The teens of today are torn between the urge to enjoy glamour on our media or to attend congregation in the mosque ... who should they follow, the sayings of the Prophet in the book of Islamiat, or the promoters of 'skin exposure' on Fashion TV Pakistan?

I believe fashion norms are not universal in appeal or taste. Fashion is also age related. Younger folk will be more daring in their artistic expressions. Fashion (and fashion shows) represent art. Most art and art exhibitions are conceptual. It titillates and provokes the mind. Having said that, I believe for different reasons cited (employment, religious leanings) fashion in Pakistan/Indian culture should be encouraged but should draw heavily from the multitudes of clothing resources, fabrics and style from various historical periods and the variety of regional peoples/elasticities. More use of dupatta, shalwar kameez, saris should be explored. People whether rich or poor through ages have never shied away from any form of art or artistic expressions. It colours lives and excites the mind. The intrinsic value of art should never be underestimated.

It is only in the context of fashion and music that Pakistan is represented in the international media positively. I say Kudos to our designers, craftsmen and models for representing Pakistan all over the world in a positive light. We as a nation need to become more pragmatic and less emotional. We live in a global world and in order for us to grow we need to follow international standards so there is a demand for our goods abroad. In a country otherwise ravaged by an economic downturn and extreme poverty, this is providing a source of income to a large slew of workers both men and women and keeping them out of trouble. The fashion shows provide an opportunity for Pakistani craftsmanship to be showcased abroad and prove to the world that our goods are up to par and can compete with the best internationally. This translates into orders for our goods and provides income to our workers. It is time we all played a part in the development of our nation because we are a capable, skilled and resourceful nation as our designers have proved time and time again.

thats exactly what I think! haha

This is so true. I think I totally agree with your point of view.

Most of the dresses are proof of concept type things.

Anish, Though I do not approve whatever is said about your models. This is our blog and we are free to discuss anything about anybody. Please leave us alone. Better read your own newspapers when you have free time than spying on our blogs.

I do not understand the implied question in this debate. I think we are comparing two different things here. Fashion shows are an expression of art. Nothing more nothing less.. We should keep them that way. Yes there can be a big flourishing industry behind this but we are not there yet. The underline current of these impressions are drawn from the very cultural we all live in. Without these experiments a nation cannot progress. I do not find any evil design in this. For a paranoid and depressed person anything progressive is a curse. True, we need to put our house in order but all these things need to happen in parallel.

There are different types of fashion. There are regular for your everyday girls, upscale and then haute cature where the designers run their imaginations wild. This is why some clothes and hairstyles are so out of Pakistan that one ask......? I am not completely against it as it does bring $$$ into Pakistan and if the security situation wasn't so bad, perhaps we might get international designers as well as foreign orders as well granted Pakistani designers and cloth makers keep their bargains honest since I have seen Pakistani orders get cancelled due to the dandi marna attitude that people have in Pakistan. I would rather tax it wherever it occurs in halls etc than force it to go underground where the govt will completely lose out on revenue.

These are actually trade shows focusing on the business of clothing/textile/fashion and they are not meant for local buyers (for the most part). Fashion shows even in US don't showcase clothes regular people can wear in everyday life. But on the contrary PFW had designers with a pretty diverse collection catering to national/international buyers. Which in my opinion is something that should be appreciated as they took steps to promote significant part of our culture than to completely go for international palette.

That's why Indian girls are leading the world in beauty, fashion, art, movie, technolgy, business, media, and in all fields! Count how many pakistani girls are competing. At my work in US, non-of them are Pkistani girls only Indian girls! We know that you guys have too much coplexes! Please mind your business!!

I watched the PFDC fashion parade on TV here in Los Angeles last week. To be very frank I have to say they were no where near to translate a Genuine Pakistani Culture & heritage. To the fashion people I would ask not to be that much blind eyed to depict what we are not. Does our culture promote sleeveless dresses, Short shirts, skirts and pants? Please do not force a change that makes a mockery of our tradition and religious obligations. But the show also had one other side, the war of immense talent the creative mind the ideas to choose fabric, to mix up colors and the designs and their economic viability to trade and market it outside our culture to the culture they belong to. You want to use it successfully in the country use it wisely. To conclude I was discouraged and encouraged both by this show. Thanks

Modernity is not vulgarity. And today we have the thinking that the more fashionable is one who is more nude! The dresses in fashion week .............being a representator of Islamic Republic Of Pakistan this fashion in not any way representing the country.Remember your roots, water it, grow it , we have a healthy and developed culture we should promote it, being a copy cat is not our identity so just be what WE are so that east is convince to wear shalwar Qameez.

Some people might even consider this event for elites only....any opinions on this?

I agree with Faisal and Anish take a chill pill my friend...

Abida, you are acting as if someone is forcing you to participate/comment on it. Are any of these fashion designers asking you to wear their collection? It's a buyers show and if you are not interested in what they are selling, you can go and look elsewhere. It's synonym to asking someone to shutdown their store because you don't like what they are selling! I hope what I am saying would make more sense to you now.

I am so glad to see rational people such as Faisal, even though there are some ignorant souls. God bless Pakistan and India !

Kudos to you ! Omar

Aslam, I understand and respect your sentiments. No Indian news paper blogs are comparable to dawn blogs. Indians coming and commenting on dawn blogs is a big compliment to dawn, the bloggers and also the Pakistani people who comment on it. I think this is the only place where views are exchanged in a highly civilized manner. Indians and Pakistani are reading each other's news papers quite regularly now. It is our(both Indian and Pakistani) effort to understand each other. In the current phase, it is common that both sides are looking to score points over each other. I believe highly profound discussions will emerge eventually. - Pravin

Sara, You are right.

I think this fashion show highlights the enormous divide among various segments of Pakistani society. We have these fashion shows which cater to a very small proportion of the total population while the vast majority of people are too busy surviving to care. These fashions shows, along with bank-breaking wedding ceremonies and other extravagances are all examples of a society that would rather have the appearance of being modern (i.e. Western) rather than promote values of justice, fairness and equality that are inherent in Islam, and that are actually the best part of the Western world.

Faisal and Sara, Thanks for your comments. They go a long way!

Fashion shows are good to promote local Textile and desinger industry but it should not be used to display body parts of an individual, neither our society likes it nor Religion. Peace.

I am sure you are regretting what you mentioned. Open your eyes, break the glass and come out of that artificial world my friend. what time you are talking about. you call nudity advancement or should i remind you that in the stone age, people used to be like this. Based on your advancement theory, in next ten years, definition of the Advancement might by " an advanced person is a person who does not wear cloth or is a walking modle of nudity." No comments on religion, but ALL the religion, not just Islam, talk about modesty, hiding the private parts and social values. I will request every reader here, please, get the KNOWLEDGE and not just the INFORMATION. This is what makes you different and unique and civilized person.

Schazad or maybe a typo, Shehzad, please, voice with me to others, BE YOURSELF, if you want to be successful. Do not try to imitate others. p.s. by the way, after looking at the photos in the media gallery, I wanted to give them some charity, as the models do not eat anything or maybe they are being tortured before coming onto the stage. its on their faces and even the clothes are being designed by a person, as if, he/she has used designing as a way of venting out his/her frustration ;)

What goes around comes around;) Today you are teaching the society to be GLOBALIZED / ADVANCED and after 20-25 years, if boys and girls wear the same dresses as reflected in the media gallery, it will not be GLOBALIZATION, but a CATASTROPHE.

I think most people are missing the point. It was a 'fashion' not a 'culture' show. The person coming up with a design or a piece of art need not be constrained by cultural, moral, religious, or ethnic history or constraints. It is about what influenced a person's thought process. Also Pakistanis seem to overly sensitive about the notion of slavery when trying to appreciate anything associated with western cultural connotations. This sensitivity in itself is a sign of paralyzed mindset.

There is nothing wrong in promoting the latest fashionable/trendy products through fashion shows. It promotes business, and whatever the percentage, it does generate revenue. I haven't been to a fashion show, but what I have gathered through media is that most of the dresses that are presented are not aimed at local market. I don't think that such products can be used by most of women/men of our country. The designers must aim at the local likes/dislikes and design such dresses that can be worn by the common people. Even a Hijab can be designed in various trendy ways. Once that happens we can say that these shows are relevant to our society.

Stephen Andrew wishes to project an otherwise very tarnished image of Pakistan. Could a fashion show pull it off? Is it possible to look elegant in the midst of distress? The army is deployed within the bordres of the country. The schools are literally closed. But the schools had been closed partly due to either they had been destroyed or the Talibans made it impossible to step into schools. If there is no learning and only 2% of the G.D.P. goes to education, then, with no learning and sub-standard education, does it make sense to show off. Showing off what?

I do not understand why people of Pakistan feel that Bhurkha is their dress - It is a part of Arab Culture. Why should you give up the salwar's, Lehengas, Gagras, sarees - an evolution of fashion in our subcontinent over 2000 years? Moreover, don't you think that dress sense should evolve according to new technologies and requirements, and evolving sensibilities. I do not understand, why most interpreters and propagators of Islam forget that Quran says - "Man is special - because he has the ability to think." Why do we want to suppress our ability to think and decide what's right for us?

Wow Khalid, you nailed it! I observed a very similar mindset in India during the last two decades of progress. It waned over a period of time, but still exists.

Culture, in the comprehensive sense, is a mindset, and our culture is: 1) Modesty, for men and women alike. Both should lower their gaze and guard their modesty 2) Respect for the elderly, and women in particular 3) Disregard to 'lust' and 'sensuality' 4) National brotherhood 5) Family as the unit of society, instead of an individual as the unit (as in the West) 6) Fostering strong inter-family links via neighbor relations, or family-to-family friendships 7) Respect and protection of honour of all minorities living among us 8) Your mother is like my mother, and your sister is my sister

Fashion is search for identity. Fashion designing should be directed accordingly. Future Pakistani culture should be a mix of west,ethnic,Persian and French.After all we are a nuclear power. Why not dress accordingly.Culture always starts with the elite and trickles down. Look at the British. A.Bajwa

In my view this sudden surge (FPW,KFW etc rubbish) of nude fashion shows is an attempt by the Americans and their local touts and pawns to seek revenge of the humiliating defeat faced by the US/NATO forces at the hands of the Taliban in the Helmand surge in Afghanistan.By showing nudity/nakedness they just want to hurt the sentiments of the general Muslim populace and take their revenge for humiliating defeats at the hands of the Taliban but they have forgotten that such ploys will only make the Muslims more firm on their faith and better understand the tricks of their enemies...

@ Kamran, I don't know if you have done any charity but please keep it to yourself if you have indeed done any charity because other don't need to know about it. I think lean and smart is beautiful and being over weight is not very attractive to me and in general. I do see our Pakistani models to be attractive and very decent looking. Although not at par with international standards but its just a beginning but if all the negative thinkers are going to brag about everything new in our country and not let anyone do anything and have personal vendettas against innovations and new ideas then talent is going to run away and we are gonna left with a bunch of ostriches and pigeons.

I think you should work for Aamir Liaquat Hussain. He will be very happy to have you under his guard.

Well Pakistan is a pluralistic society with so many sects, languages, cultures, religions. Its just natural to live with each other in harmony and have tolerance among each other. I'll say kudos to these designers and musicians who represent this silent majority in our society. These handful of people who are against all this should take a hike.

Thanks Aslam, thats what i about to mention to Mr. Anish..go read your blogs and ppl from your country drag pakistan and muslim no matter what the discussion is all about.

We have adopted the western fashion even though what we should really have adopted is their honesty, simplicity and kind heartedness. They are the ones following Islam rather than us.

Faisal, please dont advocate. go read their blogs and comments you will sooner or later realise how much they love us. Secondly,They stand for nothing thats their standard.. they adopt whatever take them to fortunre..they knew it as well how fake they are.....no standard is their standard

Relax Guys. I am not against India. It was just one off comment in a fit. Pakistan zindabaad and Hindustan Zindabaad.

Yes, Nasir Bhai,it was indeed wrong of you to unnecessary say something which implies that Indian girls are ugly or vain.I just want to tell you that we as good Muslims,believe that looks are given by Allah and it is not looks, but deeds which count.Three of my female cousins are married in Pakistan and they are all (Alhamdolillah!) good looking.I am surprised that someone could make such an unnecessary and un-intelligent statement. But then again,it is indeed true that most of Indian blogs are full of anti-Muslim vitriol.I don't understand how this can happen in a secular country.

The fashion displayed in fashion shows all over the world, are not the fashions worn on the streets by ordinary people anywhere. Its called a SHOW because its fantasy, imaginary and entertainment. I would hate to think anyone would believe that westerners wear this clothing out in public.

I can bet none of these people having hatred against each other will go far. Be it Indian or Pakistani. Guys we need to grow up more then sixty years of hatred has not given us anything. Lets not hate each other. We don't want our next generation to fight like cats and dogs as we are doing so far.

Western European culture is full of all the vices you state. This has begun to infect the United States. The U.S. was begun as a Christian nation where the Bible was required reading in every school and students were expected to pray, etc. every day. Over time, the U.S. has become more like Western Europe. There is a culture war in the U.S. where one section of the population wants to remove religion and morality from every part of American society and turn us into a European style socialist country. Another section wishes to return to the American motto "God, Family, Country" and keep us a country with high moral values. These are two parallel societies neither of which has control. In the West there are strong family structures, even in Europe. Unfortunately, they are not the majority.

Really? these type of 'Fashion' shows have been going on since the mid-90's......open ur eyes and get out of this denial mode. This is the impact of globalization, nothing else.

Why we have such a distorted vision of the world.The dresses shown in these shows are worn by the western rich in private parties. You cannot quarrel with that.Pakistani women also wear highly fancy dresses in marriage parties. Needless to say that our fshion industry should focuss more on pret-a-porter, rather that haute couture.That would encourage young men and women to dress more elegantly,and perhaps think more elgantly.Actually our traditional dresses are a bit cumbersome to produce and wear.Tailored clothing is not amenable to mass production.Just think of a T-shirt and a tailored shirt and compare the cost of production,washing and wearing. Dress definitely creates an image.Pakistan had one image with Ayub Khan with his saville row suits and Zia with his achkan and salwar, and if you want to go back Jinnah with his suits and Ghandi with his dhoti. We used to make fun of hindus. Now you look at IPL matches. It is a different crowd.Still Indians and Pakistanis dress poorly compared even to rest of Asians. I guess they prefer to pamper their defense establishments.

Why not take fashion industry as a plain business. Why be so philosophic about it. Pakistan fashion industry was encouraged for value addition . Some thought that it will concentrate on pret a porter rather that haute couture. Well our sports goods industry does produce equipment for base ball which is not played in Pakistan.

Please stop vulgarity in the name of fashion. This is a direct appeal to Pakistan

We are unnecessarily debating about non-issues. These fashion shows have projected a positive image of our country, and truly represent OUR culture. I would like to stress on two major points. 1) Fashions shows are merely a show of artistic creativity, and do not always exhibit dresses for street-wear (unless meant to be otherwise). 2) These fashion shows truly represent our unique culture! Our culture is a culture of songs, dances, rhythms, rhymes and Sufism. Our culture is South Asian culture, NOT Arab culture, and I humbly request all me fellow countrymen to differentiate between the two. See our culture in Mughal Art and paintings of women from that era, their ghararas, sleeve-less dresses, cropped-ups are all part of our culture. Us urban Pakistanis today are sacrificing our culture in exchange for Arab culture, which I fear may slowly seep into our society. Debating on the religious (Islamic) aspect of it can be a matter of interpretation, and hence I would not like to indulge in a religious conflict.

Shehzad, oh, i am sorry, its westernized, Schazad. I do not agree with you. There are limits for everything. The way you are talking, as if you want others to walk naked on the street and other keep looking at them. its a society. Go to media gallery and watch the first photo of "Bold and Beautiful", where you will see a photo of naked woman on the front of the shirt. its not modernization neither its allowable in any part of the world in public. Even if you do that in public even in Las Vegas, you will be in jail immediately. But here, people were clapping. Open your eyes and brain mate. wake up....and drink espresso..

Mr. Taha, with due regard, I would disagree with your interpretation of our culture with difference with Arab Culture. All Muslims in whole world are brothers and sisters tied with strongest of rope of common/shared creed and religion. However, some diversity is is out of question when we see people hailing from poles embrace Islam, not succeeding in complete internal transformation. We are linked with Arab because,our recognition of being Muslims has holly linkages with Arab being majestic source. To me and to my deprived country men Fashion shows are merely directed to create business primarily focused on needless spending. It makes people shun wearings and keep in hunt of endless lust for clothes, eating away major chunk of income,hence left little to take care of needy.