ISLAMABAD: First Lady Begum Samina Alvi on Friday inaugurated a two-day exhibition titled Embroidering Dreams which showcased exceptional handcrafted products made by women across Pakistan.

The exhibition has been organised by Behbud Crafts Association in collaboration with the Islamabad Serena Hotel.

Begum Alvi expressed her support for the wonderful work done by the Behbud Association. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by a wide cross-section of people, including members of the diplomatic community, corporate sector and civil society.

Behbud, an organisation run entirely by women volunteers, has over the years evolved into a premier brand for ethnic and sustainable fashion. Inaugurated in 1972, it is a non-profit that focuses on empowering women.

Abida Malik, president of the Behbud Association, said: “We are very grateful to Serena Hotels for inviting us to hold this exhibition.

This endeavour is to promote the crafts of Pakistan and the more we sell, the more work these women get. As long as entities like Serena keep supporting us, these women will have growing livelihoods. These women stay at home and are skilled in these crafts and we believe if we do not support them, these crafts will die out.”

Ayur from Kazakhstan said: “This is the first year we are in Pakistan. I am very interested in this culture and these traditions. They are beautiful and of course I have already bought some.”

“Kazakhstan is also a Muslim country and these clothes are appropriate for a Muslim country. We also promote traditional crafts in Kazakhstan. In fact, next week we will go to the Behbud Centre where these dresses are made because we are so interested,” she said, expressing her surprise at how reasonably priced the handmade items were.

Sophia Pathma, said: “I feel all the products are really beautiful - fine and handmade - and by coming here we are able to support women. The range of these designs appeal to both local tastes and Western ones.”

The exhibits included exceptional threadwork outfits and accessories, home linens such as guest towels, tray and mat sets, napkins, shawls and dupattas. The range of techniques used, covered much of Pakistan, with the associated motifs and colours.

From exquisite Kantha Embroidery with beautiful patterns of flora, fauna, birds and geometrical shapes made in running stitches to Sindhi patchwork and appliqué, from shadow work to block print, cutwork and cross-stitch, the exhibition is a testament to immensely talented artisans of the country.

Zara Ameen said: “Behbud always has lovely items of gifts and to use in one’s own home. I find myself picking up all sorts of little things to keep in my gift box and the ornate envelopes for cash. The best thing is that the fabrics and threads used are good quality and you never have to worry about colours running and the cloth ripping.”

Speaking on the occasion, Serena Hotels Chief Executive Officer Aziz Bolani said Pakistan was blessed with so much talent when it came to making traditional crafts.

Published in Dawn, November 12th, 2022