May 18, 2003

Women and teenage girls were looking stunning. Models attired in colourful bridal dresses, glittering jewellery and bridal make-up were prancing around the gallery, which was illuminated with flashing lights. This was a unique scenario as fashion shows are not common in the NWFP. The models, one by one, started their run down the catwalk, and those watching them walk with the music applauded whole-heartedly.

A group of women belonging to different fields broke the taboo and showed that most women in the NWFP, who are usually clad in a shuttlecock burqa or chadar, do have aesthetic sense. The organizers of this private gathering seemed to be under pressure due to the present provincial government’s supposed disapproval of such activities.

There were no top models, top designers or beauticians involved in the show, but local beauticians who ran beauty parlours took part in this competition. A bridal dress and bridal make-up competition was held at a local boutique. Nadia, one of the organizers, requested the audience to encourage the models, who were not professionals and had broken the taboo to show their talent. She added that the beauticians, who were local women, also needed to be encouraged for their efforts.

Nasreen, an Afghan beautician who’s been in this field for seven years, said that this show had given confidence to all those who took part in it.

“Women in the NWFP are not aware of the latest trends in fashion and make-up and most of them can’t afford to spend money on such luxuries. It will take some time to create awareness of the latest trends,” she observed.

“There aren’t many women in the NWFP who adopt modeling, dress designing or beauty care as professions, but trends and traditions are changing now, though very slowly, and women are coming into this field,” Umber, another of the organizers who is also a dress designer, said.

Bridal dresses were designed by Naveeda Baig and Dilawar Hussain, who have been designing for more than a decade. Ainee, a guest watching this show, opined that things should change now in the NWFP and women should be encouraged to display their talent. “Women in the NWFP are still suppressed, but it’s high time they should be given a little freedom to enjoy life,” she said.

“Modeling in this show was a superb experience, but I realized that it is a very hectic and difficult job too,” Mona, a model, added.

There is a dire need for recreational and progressive activities for young women in the NWFP, as females remain confined within the four walls of the house and though they may be educated, they may never get a chance to adopt unconventional professions. Such shows are not organized on a larger level because there are financial constraints and women fear being exposed in front of men. It seems women in the province still have a long way to go.

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