LAHORE: The doors to glitz and glamour opened to the audience at the Alhamra Art Centre, The Mall, on Saturday with Paper Miracles Fund Raising Fashion Show, featuring diplomats and dignitaries from around the globe as celebrity models.

The third fund raising Fashion show by Paper Miracles – an Islamabad based NGO – in collaboration with the Lahore Arts Council (LAC), was an amazing event that featured special appearance of ambassadors and expats as celebrity models displayed paper beads art jewellery.

The purpose of the event was to support and raise funds for the marginalised women, including paraplegic survivors of the 2005 earthquake. The show featured collection from Ali Nawaz.

In his welcoming remarks, LAC Executive Director retired Capt Atta Muhammad Khan termed the evening a unique one.

“People of great esteem have joined us tonight from all corners of the world to show the soft and colourful image of Pakistan,” said Mr Khan.

The ramp wore an elegant look, on its sides the floral decor had added a lovely look to the whole ambiance. The fashion show had three segments – traditional dresses, contemporary fusion and colours of Pakistan. The traditional dresses from all walks of life showcased the diversity and rich culture of Pakistan, representing unique identity of various regions. The contemporary fusion featured fusion designs carrying traditional Pakistani elements and the western style. The colours of Pakistan symbolised the colours on the Pakistani flag, featuring formal wear.

Dignitaries and ambassadors from Austria, Argentina, Bosnia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Japan, The Netherlands, besides diplomats from France, Turkey, Belgium, Poland, UK and USA participated in the show.

The show opened with the traditional segment in which ambassadors and diplomats from different countries walked the ramp wearing paper bead jewellery.

Among those who walked the ramp in the traditional segment included Rodolfo J Martin –Saravia, the Ambassador of Argentine, Dr Brigitta Blaha, Ambassador of Austria, Dr Nedim Makarevic, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

An impressive contemporary dance performance by Japanese artistes received huge appreciation from the audience.

The Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Inomata wonderfully played drums in the traditional style. The ambassadors of Bosnia and Japan sang Pakistani national song Dil Dil Pakistan.

A vast range of exclusive handmade jewellery and home textile items which uses paper beads made from recycled paper were put on display.

Published in Dawn, January 31st, 2016