The Pakistan Association of Greater Boston presented Boston En Vogue: South Asian Couture Collection featuring fashion icons from Pakistan and India to showcase their collections on December 8, 2012 at  the Sheraton Boston Hotel. The show featured stunning collections from top designers such as Huma Adnan of ENK Asia, Rani Emann, Ghazala Asam and Deepak Parwani from Pakistan.

“I went to school in the US and returned to Pakistan to join the family business. I had a flare for designing clothes and started designing clothes to just make some pocket money. My work started gaining recognition and later I moved into designing as a full time career” says Parwani. His work has gained much attention in several International fashion shows.  “While fashions in India are guided by Bollywood, in Pakistan we are guided by more international fashions. This helps me design clothes that can reach to an international market. Pakistani’s also do not tolerate less than the finest quality material. We have artisans who are very skilled and hence we can present excellent handi-work.”

What motivated Parwani to come to Boston to present his work? “I feel deeply committed to charitable causes. In Pakistan we bring women from rural areas, train them in work associated with designing clothes and try to create livelihoods for them. Today’s event is in support of charitable causes and that is always something that touches me deeply.”

What are some of the differences between the work culture and business in the design world between India and Pakistan? “India has a huge market. Designers can be successful just by catering to the Indian market. The work culture is also very professional and hence Indian designers can give excellent price points.”

Parwani is a Hindu living in Pakistan. How does he enjoy living in Pakistan despite being a minority? “I love it. Our people in Pakistan are wonderful. You will rarely find more warm hearted people in the world. I have had no issues at all. Even during riots no one disturbed my store.”
Any special message to our readers? “ I would strongly suggest that everyone take a look at the Pakistani people with an open mind. Yes there are many issues but there is also a lot of opportunity. We hope people can work with us to make this world a better place.”

The PAGB Executive Committee consists of:

Shazia Ahmed Khan - President
Ibrahim Khalid - Vice President
Mubarak Hasan - Treasurer
Shua Islam - General Secretary
Durre Kidwai - Director of Social Affairs
Meryum Khan - Director of Public Relations
Amina Ali Khan - Director of Membership

The Grand Sponsors of the event were Etihad Airways and PIA - Pakistan International.

 



    

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