The tail end of last year saw a flurry of fashion-related activities, particularly in Karachi, what with one fashion show after another enthralling audiences. It didn't end there, because just before the New Year's eve, Karachiites also found a new boutique opening its doors in the posh Zamzama area. And no, it's no high-end outlet pandering to the tastes of young, with-it women. In fact, it's a modest joint, owned by designer Emraan Rajput who has made a name for himself designing affordable eastern and western attires for men these last four years, from the time he launched his label in Lahore. Having previously stocked his collection at a multi-brand outlet on M. M. Alam Road, Rajput has come a long way in a short time, the opening of his flagship store in an up-scale shopping area of Karachi bears testimony to it.

A compact outlet, it was jam-packed at the opening day with people from the media and the fashion fraternity flocking in large numbers to be a part of the event. Rubbing shoulders with one another while sipping mocktails and giving interviews to television channels were a number of hair stylists and models including Angie Marshal, Farhat Misbah, Rizwana Khan, Aliya Tipu, Rabya Chaudhry, Fawzia and Nadya Hussin. Seeing a visibly excited Rajput at the launch, it is obvious that he is optimistic about the response his outlet will receive, as he feels that his outfits are affordable and wearable. His initial stock boasted a variety of formals, casuals and semi-formals and included both western and eastern wear with embroidered sherwanis, kurtas, trousers and shirts. It is heartening to see that young people are investing in businesses in these hard times and one hopes that he will be able to sustain his enterprise.