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Features22 OK! NEWS30 SOCIETY DIARY62 SHAHBAZ & MAHEEN TASEERSon of late Salmaan Taseer talks to OK! about his
abduction, not losing hope and moving forward;
wife Maheen shares her pain, worries and hope
72 DAVID BECKHAMThe soccer superstar, fashion icon and dad-of-four
talks about achievements, keeping in shape, style
and family
78 FTAFarah Talib and Maliha Aziz talk to OK! Pakistan
about their brand, their distinct roles plus working
together…
86 CHRIS EVANSThe Hollywood actor talks about his latest action
flick, Captain America plus what the audience
doesn’t know so far…
92 AMIR KHANThe boxing legend sits down with OK! Pakistan for
an exclusive chat on boxing, charity and destiny...
100 CANNES FILM FESTIVALGeorge Clooney, Julia Roberts, Kristen Stewart,
Elle Fanning and Kendall Jenner talk about their
projects plus being at Cannes
106 ON THE LIST: THE WORLD’S MOST BREATHTAKING ISLANDS
Fashionista117 RED CARPET122 EDITORIAL: WHITE OUT128 THE 69TH ANNUAL CANNES FILM FESTIVAL130 PAKISTAN FASHION WEEK LONDON 2016134 FASHION EDIT: DECONSTRUCTED SHIRTS136 MEN’S EDIT: HIGH-SCHOOL HEARTTHROB138 JEWELLERY EDIT: SLITHERING SERPENTS140 NEW TO KNOW142 TRENDING146 STYLE CRUSH: GIGI HADID & ZAYN MALIK150 OK! STREETSTYLE152 UP CLOSE: ALI XEESHAN154 BEAUTY EDIT: GIVE IT SOME LIP155 BEAUTY ESSENTIALS156 BEAUTY EDIT: POP SOME PINK158 GET THE LOOK: AYESHA OMAR159 BEAUTY BUZZ: TRIED AND TESTED160 OK! SPOTLIGHT: SUMRIN ALI164 OK! CONFIDENTIAL: REMA TASEER168 MY WONDERFUL LIFE: UMAIR
TABANI170 25 BEST BRIDALS FOR SPRING/SUMMER 2016174 WHAT’S IN HER BAG
Lifestyle176 HYPE178 OK! ICON: PRINCE180 OK! TRAVEL: CANNES182 TRAVELLER’S TALE: SHANIERA AKRAM184 OK! INSIDER: VOGUE TURNS 100186 OK! HEALTH: GWYNETH PALTROW ON HEALTHY EATING188 DINE DIVINE: SUMMER MENU AT THE CUBE190 ART: WHAT’S ON192 FRIEZE NEW YORK194 MANUS X MACHINA: FASHION IN THE AGE OF TECHNOLOGY196 OK! LITERATI: IF YOU’RE SO SMART, WHY AREN’T YOU HAPPY?198 OK! WORLD IN ACTION200 OK! ASTROLOGY & TAROT
CONTENTS ISSUE 26, JUNE 2016
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Editor’s Note
Editor’s Picks
Sara Amir Turab Ali EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
imes flies! It’s already the middle of the year and here we are with our bumper June issue! We are happy to have bagged an exclusive interview with professional boxer and two-time former world champion Amir Khan, who was in Karachi recently to host a high-end charity event in order to raise funds for drilling wells in Thar. OK!
Pakistan met with him to discuss his philanthropic endeavours, his commitment to the drought-ravaged Thar region, and what he hopes to achieve with The Amir Khan Trust , which is concurrently working on several commendable projects around the globe. “When I was younger, I accompanied my parents when they did charitable work, such as building mosques and shelters for the poor near Rawalpindi and Islamabad. So obviously I learnt the value of giving back from them. God sees everything and I feel that maybe I’m in a good position because my parents did good things,” shares the boxing legend.
Yusra Askari talks to Shahbaz Taseer, who was kidnapped in August of 2011, just months after his father’s assassination, and spent a harrowing four and a half years in captivity! “I have travelled a long distance to be here,” he says quietly of his miraculous return home. “Anything that I have had to endure was worth it. I’ve picked up exactly where I left o�. I’m living again!” Although the ordeal has changed him as a person, Taseer’s valiant attitude, sense of humour and positivity are remarkable and he looks forward to making plans for the future with his wife and family. “This experience has taught me to be patient and to believe in myself, to believe in God and to believe that miracles are possible.”
We have a rendezvous with Farah Talib and Maliha Aziz, the charming mother-daughter designer duo, and chat about their brand, inspirations in life and how much fun they have collaborating on new collections. Plus, we have a wealth of ideas for the prettiest and freshest summer looks to embrace in this sweltering weather, so be sure to check out our fashion and beauty pages!
Soccer superstar David Beckham has enjoyed a glorious career and is an inspiration to many. Consistently ranked among the highest earners in football, in 2015 he launched ‘7: The David Beckham UNICEF Fund ’ to help protect children in danger around the world. From his career to his family to the values inculcated in him by his parents, Beckham talks candidly about all the experiences that have shaped his personality and made him the icon he is today. In Captain America: Civil War, a major disagreement splits the Avengers into opposing factions, one led by Captain America and the other by Iron Man. Hollywood star Chris Evans, who plays the role of Captain America, gives OK! the inside scoop from the movie’s set and dissects the complex role his character gets to play in the action flick. “You have this guy who’s an incredible austere and moral character. It’s hard trying to find ways to make him real and dynamic and I think in this movie he becomes potentially selfish, where he kind of puts his own desires first.”
Don’t miss our in depth feature on the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, as we bring you highlights from chats with Hollywood A-listers George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Elle Fanning, and Kristen Stewart. And OK! Pakistan’s Lifestyle Editor travels to London to pen an exclusive reportage on the Vogue Festival 2016, taking us through her fun journey of celebrating British Vogue’s 100th birthday in London!
Wishing you all a blessed and peaceful Ramzan!
T
The Forty Rules of Love
Good Earth’s Persia Garden Collection
Udaari TV serial
SHAMAELA H PARACHA
CHAIRPERSON
SAHER H PARACHA
CEO, PUBLISHER & EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF – SARA AMIR TURAB ALI
MANAGING EDITOR – MAIRA PAGGANWALA
FEATURES EDITOR – EIMAN MASROOR
CONTRIBUTING FASHION & BEAUTY EDITOR – ALYZEH RAHIM SHIRAZI
FASHION & BEAUTY EDITOR – ALIZEH PASHA
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT/FEATURES WRITER – FIZZA FURQAN
CREATIVE DESIGNER – ATIF MEHMOOD
LIFESTYLE & FEATURES WRITER – ANUSHKA TALPUR
LEGAL CONSULTANT – SHEZREH MIRZA
SALES & MARKETING MANAGER – KAMRAN GILANI
MARKETING EXECUTIVE – MEHR KASSIM
OK! INTERNATIONAL
OK! BULGARIA – SILVIA KANIN
OK! CHINA – FENG CHUXUAN
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OK! GEORGIA – NINO LOSELIANI
OK! GERMANY – OLIVER OPITZ
OK! GREECE – NIKOS GEORGIADIS
OK! JAPAN – KANA SUGAMORI
OK! LATVIA – LAILA PASTARE
OK! MIDDLE EAST – GEMMA WHITE
OK! MONGOLIA – BAYARSAIKHAN BALJINNYAM
OK! PAKISTAN – SAHER H PARACHA
OK! ROMANIA – ELENA STOICHITA
OK! RUSSIA – VADIM VERNIK
OK! SLOVAKIA – PATRÍCIA VITTEK
OK! THAILAND – WEERAWUT UJJUTAMANUS
OK! UNITED KINGDOM – KIRSTY TYLER
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CHAIRMAN – RICHARD DESMOND
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OK! Pakistan is published by Juicy Publications (PVT). LTD. under Licence from Northern and Shell Worldwide Ltd – London Headquarters, Northern & Shell Building, Number 10 Lower Thames Street, London EC3R 6EN. “OK!” and “OK! FIRST FOR CELEBRITY NEWS” are registered trademarks of Northern & Shell
Worldwide. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited.Printed by Atlas Printing Press L.L.C, Dubai
All comments and opinions expressed in OK! Pakistan are those of their respective contributors only. The views expressed in this magazine do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of OK! Pakistan, its management or employees. OK! Pakistan is not responsible for, and disclaims any and all liability to the fullest extent permitted by law for, the content of comments written by contributors to this magazine.
An ensemble of couturiers from across South Asia, showcased for the first
time at Fashion Parade London on the 31st of May. Continuing its tradition
of being held at the most exclusive venues in the British capital, this year
the venue for the event was the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, in Knightsbridge. Talking
about his first association with Fashion Parade, Hassan Sheheryar Yasin (HSY)
said: “I am really excited to be a part of this platform that has taken Pakistani
fashion to another level and given it huge exposure in the very exciting UK
market. London Fashion Parade is an important platform for Pakistani designers
to showcase our talent and craftsmanship to a wider international audience.”
As a fashion brand, HSY is best known for fusing contemporary and traditional
silhouettes. The brand’s inspiration is distinctly Eastern peppered with Western
influences. Besides HSY, other fashion houses set to showcase their craft at the
event include Saira Rizwan, Khusbhoo, Ali Xeeshan,Faiza Samee, Nomi Ansari,
Hira Shah, Raishma, Studio S by Seher Tareen and Mehreen Noorani.
22
Pakistani Designers Showcase At London Fashion Parade
OK! News
The Duke and Duchess
are delighted to share
new photographs
of Princess Charlotte,”
Kensington Palace wrote
on Twitter, to celebrate the
youngest royal’s first birthday
last month. The candid, and
absolutely adorable photos
were taken by the Duchess
of Cambridge, and show
Charlotte playing and posing
in her now signature dress and
tiny cardigan combinations.
“The Duke and Duchess are
happy to be able to share these
family moments, ahead of
their daughter’s first birthday,”
the palace went on to write.
“We hope that everyone enjoys
these lovely photos as much
as we do.”
Princess Charlotte turns one
Britney Spears is back
and she’s got the
Millennium Award to
prove it! The singer opened
the Billboard Music Awards
in Las Vegas with an epic
mash-up of her biggest
hits, before being honoured
with the gong. But her
performance wasn’t for the
faint-hearted, with the mum
of two showing o� her bu�
body in a fiery red two-piece.
“After tonight...all I really
want is a cheeseburger,”
she later joked on Insty.
Pink then fired up the stage
(quite literally!) with her
latest song Just Like Fire,
while Kesha put aside her
ongoing legal battle with Dr
Luke to deliver an emotional
rendition of Bob Dylan’s It
Ain’t Me Babe. Madonna
also put in a heartfelt
performance, leading
tributes to the late Prince
with her versions of Nothing
Compares 2 U and Purple
Rain with Stevie Wonder. Following a sad few months, Céline Dion was moved
to tears when her son René-Charles presented her with the Billboard Icon
Award. ”I want to thank the fans for travelling through music with me in good
and bad times,” she said, paying tribute to her late husband René. “I know [he]
will continue to watch over me.”24
The Billboard Music Awards
OK! NewsAngelina Jolie Is Now An LSE Professor
Fahad Hussayn Launches Limited Edition Collection In Qatar
United Nations Refugee Agency envoy and Hollywood star,
Angelina Jolie is set to become a visiting professor at the
London School of Economics (LSE). The Oscar-winning
actress was named as one of four new visiting professors in
practice who will contribute to a new master’s programme
on women, peace and security. On LSE’s o�cial website the
university said that the course was created to promote gender
equality and enhance women’s economic, social and political
participation and security. Jolie will join former foreign secretary
William Hague as a lecturer at the LSE’s Centre for Women, Peace
and Security where she will help to teach students studying for
a Master’s degree. Looking toward the future, the actress said
that, “I am looking forward to teaching and to learning from the
students as well as to sharing my own experiences of working
alongside governments and the United Nations”.
Fahad Hussayn Couture introduced luxury, limited edition couture pieces for the festive
season, ahead of the Mercedes Benz Doha Fashion Week, 2016. His latest collection
is titled Dulha Bhatti SS 2016 by Fahad Hussayn Weddings. Dulha Bhatti SS 2016 is a
tribute to a famous Rajpoot freedom fighter, Abdullah Bhatti from the Punjab. His passion
for freedom played an integral role as the key design inspiration for this collection. Apart
from a mix of post-colonial influences and the grandeur of the region, some significant
architectural inspiration was derived from Layallpur. “Dulha Bhatti SS 2016 brings history
and heritage into the spotlight to captivate the hearts of audiences”, says Fahad Hussayn. As
one of the region’s most sought-after designers, Fahad Hussayn is known for representing
art, history and architecture from diverse cultures in his fashion collections.
P akistani director, Shehzad Hameed won
the Gold Medal in the ‘Best Documentary:
Community Portraits’ for his film, Flight of the
Falcons at the New York Film Festival. The film is about
a courageous teacher Ri�at Arif, who is also known as
Sister Zeph, and the school she runs in Gujranwala.
It highlights the fight against societal issues such as
oppression of women and child marriage. The award
has brought global recognition to Ri�at Arif, who has
also been contacted by the Malala Foundation for
assistance.
26
Pakistani Filmmaker Bags Gold At New York Film Festival
OK! News
Leonardo DiCaprio’s New Love
Mel B On Spice Girl Reunion Plus X Factor
It’s been about five months since Leonardo DiCaprio had a model to cycle
around New York City with, so the romance, in the shape of Polish model Ela
Kawalec, makes perfect sense.
The pair was snapped cycling around the Big Apple - a classic DiCaprio date
move, which has also worked on exes Blake Lively and Kelly Rohrbach in the
past - after enjoying dinner at Bodega Negra before heading to a birthday party
at nightclub, Marquee, where they were described as “coupley”. “They were
dancing. Leo was dancing with her in his arms and canoodling. They were doing
their thing,” an onlooker spilled to Page Six of the new couple.
The stars gathered for this year’s RBS British LGBT Awards at London’s
Grand Connaught Rooms – and Mel B says she flew in especially from
Los Angeles to host the show, alongside Blue’s Duncan James. With
the 20th anniversary of her old band the Spice Girls approaching, the feisty
singer had already set tongues wagging about a potential reunion. Shortly
after landing on British soil, she shared a new photo of herself with former
bandmates Geri Horner and Emma Bunton. However, she later insisted they
were merely catching up for ‘a nice cup of tea’! There’s also been mounting
speculation in recent weeks about her possible return to this year’s X Factor.
Mel, who’s currently filming her fourth series of America’s Got Talent alongside
boss Simon Cowell, was a judge on X Factor back in 2014 and has admitted: “If
my name comes up - Simon throws a lot of names up in the air - I’d love to be
involved. If the money’s right!”
28
A.R. Rahman Named India’s Fourth Rio Olympics Brand Ambassador
Prince Harry At The Invictus Games 2016
OK! News
The Oscar-winning composer accepted an invitation by the
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to be named one of the
Goodwill Ambassadors in the upcoming Rio Olympics.
Rahman has said that he feels honoured by the o�er and looks
forward to his duties as Ambassador. Rajeev Mehta, the Secretary
General of the IOA said that, “It’s our privilege to have the Oscar-
winning living-legend music composer on board to spread
awareness and promote the Olympic movement. As per our
plan to reach out to maximum people in the country for Olympic
Sports, we are happy that Rahman has come forward from the
field of music to support our athletes and we already have Salman
Khan from Bollywood, Abhinav Bindra from Olympic Sports and
Sachin Tendulkar from Cricket. I am sure Rahman will inspire our
sportspersons.”
After the success of their previous album Indus Raag: Music beyond Borders, which
was Pakistan’s first ever Grammy entry, Tehzeeb Foundation is all set to release its
sequel, Indus Raag 2: Karachi Concerts. The CD pack will be released close to Eid-
ul-Fitr and comprises of 10 hours worth of live recordings, featuring around 65 musicians
from Pakistan, India, France and Turkey. Sharif Awan, patron of the foundation, while
talking to a local newspaper said, “The city pulses to a distinct rhythm of its own. The
album aims to pull together all the peculiar melodic flavours of this mini Pakistan.”
Prince Harry has well and truly charmed America with his extremely successful
Invictus Games, which wrapped in Orlando, Florida recently. “This has never been
about the medals. This is about sharing experiences and literally watching lives
change in front of you. We’re the lucky ones to have witnessed it together,” the 31-year-
old royal said in his speech during the closing ceremony. “This is coming back from rock
bottom. This is not a soft story. Far from it. This is a story of Invictus spirit.” “You are all
Invictus,” he added when closing the games, which were described by some as ‘the
making of’ him. “You are now ambassadors for the spirit of these games. Spread the word.
Never stop fighting. And do all you can to lift up everyone around you.”
Tehzeeb Foundation To Release Sequel To Pakistan’s First Grammy Entry
TE
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#LFVIPOUP KARACHI
ANJUM ZEHRA & AZRA MOHYEDDIN
NIGHAT MAYET KHAN & NAZNEEN TARIQ KHAN
NILOFER SAEED
QUIN THONG & T.U. DAWOOD
ASMA MOHSIN
BISMA BADER & ROZINA MUNIB
LADIESFUND VIP members were invited by Oxford University Press to a lecture
and interactive session by Quin SQ Thong. The world renowned speaker,
social entrepreneur & author came from Hong Kong to meet with and address
the dynamic women entrepreneurs and leaders of Pakistan at OUP’s historic
offices, followed by a networking lunch. KAUSAR AHMED
MONEEZA BUTT
BINA BUTT
SARWAT N SHAHRAHEELA
RAHEEL TARIQ KHAN
AMEENA SAIYID
JAHANARA KHAN ANGIE MARSHALL SANA BASHIR SHAHEDA PARVIN & IRUM FAWAD
KAMILA HABIB
SHAHEEN KHAN
Sensational DivaKARACHI
SHANIERA & WASIM AKRAM
MR. & MRS SAJID HASAN
TEHMINA KHALID
DEEPAK PERWANI
ABBAS JAFRI
SUMERA AND MOHSIN FEROZE
Mohsin Feroze of Multitech organised Scentsation Diva in
Karachi recently. The event was attended by celebrities, socialites
and media persons. HUMAYUN SAEED
UMAIR MIRZA
MEHWISH HAYAT
KYRA CHAUDRY IMRAN QURESHI
TEHSEEN FEROZE
SARWAT GILLANI
SABA HAMID AAMNA AQEEL FIA SOFIA KHAN NADIA HUSSAIN
MR. & MRS. MOM-MAR RANA
NADYA MIS-TRY
Momina Teli SS’16 Eid Exhibition
KARACHI
ANUSHEY & NATASIA KHALID
MAIRA & AREESHA
KIRAN TARIQ
MOMINA TELI
BISMA ADIL
KHADIJA & HIRA
Momina Teli exhibited her SS ‘16 Eid Collection, which features
trendy cuts, signature tunics and embellished trousers.
AASMA FEROZE
MRS. SATTAR
FALAK TELI
ZUBIALAILA
SANA
NAHEED IISA ZIA ZANTANIA & AIMAN
ANUM, AMNA & MAIRA
SHAHANA
MEHNAZ & MOAMMAR RANA
SAIM & RAY
HUMA TAHIR & MUNAF
BENITA DAVID
FIA KHAN
ZHALAY SARHADI
TIPU SHAREEF
SHAZIA SHAH
FARAH & KHAWAR ABEDI
NADIA HUSSAIN
UMAIR & SADAF
SUMBUL IQBAL RUBAB KIRAN BUTT MR & MRS NAEEM UL HAQ
AZFAR REHMAN ANOUSHEY ASHRAF
Tarzz Opens Mega Store At Dolmen Mall
KARACHI
Housing a wide range of premium stitched and unstitched fabric, Tarzz opened its mega store at
Dolmen Mall in Clifton, Karachi.
AMNA & SADIA
AMNA & MARI
KIRAN FARHAN PARDESI
RUBAB ABBAS
ALEENA
ZAHRA MUBASHIR
MRS. ABID
MEHREEN TABANI
MEHREEN & HIRA
SADIA
MAHA ZUBAIDA ASHRAF
ZANTIANA SAQIB ALEENA MASOOD & FAREENA ADEEL
SOPHIA DHEDHI
MUNAZZAH SHERAZANOUSHAY
Munnazah Sheraz’s Latest Collection
KARACHI
Munnazah Sheraz exhibited her Spring/Summer 2016 collection in Karachi, which was well attended
by socialites and fashionistas.
Farhan & Ambreen’sStore Launch
KARACHI
TEHMINA KHALED & SHARMILLA FAROOQUI
ARSALAN & SAMRA
SAMIA JAMEEL
AMBREEN & FARHAN
TABASSUM ARIF
KIRAN KHAN & UZMA KHAN
Farhan & Ambreen recently launched their clothing flagship
store.
HINA RIZVI
BEENA HASSAN
UZMA ALKARIM
SUNDUS TARIQBUSHRA
IMRAN ASLAM
SADIA
IQRA FAYYAZ AMNA MALIK SADAF & UMAIR LAGHARI
MISBAH MUMTAZ & SAIMA HAROON
HAJRA
MALIHA AZIZ & FARAH TALIB AZIZ
SANA & SAMINA
SANA SHAHNAWAZ
NATASHA KHALID
ANUM BAWANY
UZMA HAROON
NATASIA KHALID
BEENISH HAJI
AYLA ZAIDI
ANUSHA BAWANY
SHARMILA FAROOQUI
SAMINA SAEED
SHAHZAH LEGHARI SUALEHA SHIREEN REHMAN ZAINAB MUHAMMAD
MINHAL MALIK
ALIZEH PASHA
Farah Talib Aziz KARACHI
Farah Talib Aziz hosted a private exhibition at her
studio for the viewing of her Eid collection.
Scent Of Sultan KARACHI
JUNAID JAMSHED, SALMAN, WASIM AKRAM & SHAHI
HARSHA BHOGLE & RAMEEZ RAJA
ABRAR UL HAQ
WASEEM BADAMI
EVA & ALEX
Fashion and lifestyle brand J. by Junaid Jamshed takes veteran
cricketer Wasim Akram on board to launch a signature fragrance
414. The launch was attended by celebrities from the fields of fashion, cricket and film at Karachi’s Pearl
Continental Hotel.FAISAL VAWDA
INZAMAM-UL-HAQ
MR MANE OF MANE FLAVOUR & FRAGRANCE FRANCE
AYESHA OMERKHURSHEED HAIDER
IRFAN KHAN
EJAZ AHMED
AHMED SHAHZAD SHANIERA AKRAM SHANAZ RAMZI & ZULFIQAR RAMZI
GEORG WOLFF & MARKO
FAHAD LAKHANI
FAYSAL QURESHI, TEHSEEN FEROZ,AIJAZ ASLAM
MR & MRS MOAMMAR RANA
MOIN KHAN WITH HIS WIFE
FIA KHAN
FARHAN ALI AGHA MARIUM & TAHIR MIRZA
BEHROZE SABZWARI
AIMAN KHAN & MINAL KHAN
MOHSIN FEROZE
KYRA CHAUDHARY
SEHAR SAMI
JUNAID KHAN
SAMRA MUSLIM AB LAKHANI SADAF HAMID MAHEEN & UMAIR MIRZA
FAIZAN
Überliss Launch KARACHI
IRUM & MARTHA WATTS
GHAZANFAR & MARIAM
IRUM
DR. ALI & HINA
FATIMA
HIFSA & DR. SADIA
Founder of Avion Industries and Formaldehyde-Free Überliss Keratin & Bond Treatment, Dr. Ali N. Syed along with Martha Watts recently
partook in the brand’s launch events in Pakistan. Abdul and
Ghazanfar Rauf from AestheticLife hosted the presentations. NINA
FAUZIA
SHAHRUKH
AMNATANIA
ZOYA
KAMRAN GILANI NAGHMANA MONA & ASMA
SHAMSA, MEHRUNISA & FAJER
PROF. DR. AZIM JEHANGIR KHAN
PAS Awards 2016KARACHI
ALI AZMAT & YBQ
ADNAN & HIRA
ALI JAFFERY & SALMA JAFFERY
AHMED ALI BUTT
VASAY CHAUDRY AMNA ILYAS
PAS Awards, one of the most prestigious award ceremonies of the marketing and advertising industry,
awarded jubilant winners at an event held at the Expo Centre in Karachi
recently. SENATOR PERVAIZ RASHEED
TAHIR A KHAN
MANTAHAA MAQSOOD
FIA KHAN
SHEHRYAR MUNAWAR
SOHAI ALI ABRO
JERJEES SEJA SARWAT GILLANI ZHALAY SARHADI MR. & MRS ALI PASHA
MR. CYRUS PATEL &
MRS. NILOFER PATEL
MR. & MRS.
SHABBAR ZAIDI
MR. & MRS. FUAD
HASHMI
KHAWAJA
KALEEMHUMAIRA CHANNA
MUZAFFAR MANGHI &
AZHAR AFRIDI
AGHA TALAL
FARIS ISLAM
FRIEHA ALTAF
FARHAN HASSNY
AB LAKHANI
SABA MAJEED FAHAD LAKHANI FARHAN SAEED &
URWA HOCANE
MR. & MRS. AMIR
ASHRAF
MEHREEN AHMED
Pakistan Banking Awards 2016
KARACHI
The Institute of Bankers Pakistan (IBP) in collaboration with A F
Ferguson instituted the first Pakistan Banking Awards 2016 at Mohatta Palace. The event was attended by Pakistan’s banking executives and
corporate sector personnel.
FATIMA KASURI
RIMA FARID & KHADIJA REHMAN
SHAKIRA & NISHAT MAZHAR
ANNY SHOAEB
ZAHRA NAVEED
MOIZ KAZMI
MAHEEN KARDAR
RIZI OMER
ASMA & ZARA
AMINA MALIK
SARAH RAZA RANA NOMAN SAM DADA AMNA KHAN & UZMA RAMZAN
MINAHIL QASIM & FARIA WAQAS
MALEEHA, ZONIA ANWAAR & RUBIA MOGHEES
Zonia Anwaar Pret S/S 16 LAHORE
Zonia Anwaar held an exhibition to showcase Kievan, her recent
collection from PSFW S/S ‘16 and its pret variations. The collection features oversized tunics, lots of
layering and cut outs in a trending colour palette.
Juggun’s Prêt LaunchLAHORE
ASIM & SADIA
SOFIA & AMNA
MEHAK
SAEED
FEISAL & JUGGUN
MARIUM
RASHEED
MALIHA & KHADIJA
Zahid ur Rehman, Maryam Rasheed and renowned actress
Juggun Kazim launched Juggun’s Pret on MM Alam Road in Lahore.
The event was attended by socialites, bloggers and members of
the media. GHAZALA
TARANJEET SINGH
FATIMA
KASURI
MYDA MALIKNATTY
MINA
RUBIA MOGHEES
RIZWANA & ZAHRA
SALMA TURAB SAM ALI NAYAB & TASMIYA
NABIHA
ZEESHAN
Sabeen Salam launches at PFDC Fashion Active
LAHORE
SABEEN & SALAM
MAHBINA & MADIHA
SUMAYRAH KHAN
ASMA CHISHTY
IQRAA MANSHA
FAHAD & WALEED
Sabeen Salam launched her clothing line recently, showcasing her Retro Pret & Eid collection. Happy shoppers cleaned out the
racks & the designer was elated at the response. HAIDER MAQSOOD
MAHEEN KARDAR
MAIDA AZMAT
SHANZAY SHEIKHAYSHA REHMAN
SONIA KHAN
NOOR MONNOO
HAMZA TARRAR KHADIJA A. MALIK HINA & MARIAM
HINA ISMAIL
MARIAM KHAWAJA
Nayna 3D Projection Fashion Show 2016
LAHORE
BILAL MUKHTAR & SIDRA
HINA & SAMAN
SIDDIQ
NILOFER SHAHID
REZZ ALI
MR. & MRS. TAIMUR BANDEY
KlockWork celebrated Nayna’s 13 wonderful years with Pakistan’s
second 3D projection fashion show 2016. The event was attended
by designers, media persons and fashionistas. ANUSHEH
QURAT
RUBIA MUGHEES
MARIAM ZUBAIR KHAN
ARFA
MEHAK
BABLOO
SAHAR ATIF SANAM SHEIKH GLADYS & ARIF
SHOAIB & ANNY
SAM DADA
Nina Neri LaunchLAHORE
ANUSH & SHAZIA AMMAR
ALI AGA & KHURSHID ALAM
SASHA BARKAT
SHEHRBANO TASEER & SANA HASAN
HAYA ALAM
MINAHIL & MUDASSAR SHAHBAZ
The talented Sana Hasan launched her high-end handbag brand, Nina
Neri, at their new store on MM Alam Road in Lahore.
DANEESE ALI
GULRUKH SHAFIQ
RISHAM SAQIB
NOOR MONNOOVANESSA ALAM
RUBAB
NATASHA MONNOO
AAMNA TASEER SHAZIA DEEN SADAF & NATASHA KAMAL
HASAN & MEHAR AGHA
MEHAK ELLAHI
Cancer Care Hospital Charity Concert
LAHORE
HINA KASHIF & MIAN MUHAMMAD KASHIF ASHFAQ
DR. ABDUL MAJEED & MRS. SOHAIL
MRS. GHAZALA TARIQ
RAHAT FATEH ALI KHAN
CHAUDHRY SARWAR
DR. NABEELA SHAMI WITH MRS. MAJEED
Chen One supported Cancer Care Hospital & Research Centre to hold a fund raising concert featuring a live performance by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan at Royal Palm Golf &
Country Club in Lahore. AYAZ KHAN
MRS. AREESHA ZAMAN
DR. NAZISH FAISAL
WAJIH HUSSAINNAVEED SAEED
IFTIKHAR AZIZ
HAMID MAHMOOD
KASHIF MUNAWAR AYESHA SANA BARRISTER SULTAN TANVEER & ARAIB KASHIF
MAJ. (R) M. RAFIQ HASRAT
MAJ. GENERAL FIDA HUSSAIN MALIK
Pre RamadanTrunk Show
DUBAI
ALYZEH, SONIA & ANNIE MANSOOR
FAIZA MALIK & UMAIR TABANI
EVELYN SURI & MEHAK ADIL
ALEENA & BAKHTAWAR
UZMA JAVED
ROMANA KHALID & ZOYA KHALID
Ensemble Dubai hosted a two day trunk show featuring collections by
20 renowned designers.
HINA BUTT
RABIA ZIA
AIBA MALIK
SAFA KHANANNIE MANSOOR
ZOHA
AMENA FARHAN, AFRHAN SAMI & SABAH ZAMAN SHEFALII MUNSHI & & SADIQ SALEEM
MISBAH MEHTA & MUZNAH
Pakistan Fashion Week 9 LONDON
SAHIBA KAUR &
ADNAN ANSARI
NADA TAHIR
& DAVID
HOFFMAN
AAMIR
MAZHAR
CHRIS EAST
PATRIK
HOFFMAN
BUSHRA TAIMUR &
TAIMUR
After eight successful fashion events in London, Riwayat produced the 9th edition of Pakistan Fashion Week London, which was hosted at the Grand Connaught Rooms. The two day event showcased 36
top designers from the subcontinent and beyond at PFW.
SHAMAEEL
ANSARI
SHAHID MALIK
ERUM
MASOOD
UZMA BABARSAM DADA
ZEESHAN
BARIWALA
FEHMIDA
LAKHANY
TABESH & HAJIRA KHADIJAH SHAH SHIVANI AHLUWALIA WITH HER
MOTHER
PAKISTAN HIGH COMMISSIONER
SYED IBNE ABBAS WITH WIFE
SHAZIA KIYANI
AMBREEN AHMED & ANISHA
KHANSA & HAMID
HINA & ROZINA
ASMA WAQAR
ANA ALLI NAJIA & SAIRA HAQ ALI
NIDA AZWER
TASNEEM & ZAFAR
NAJWA IMRAN
AYESHA SANA
AISHA IMRAN
SHAYAN KADER
SANA RASHID NOOR UL AIN SARAH SALMAN SULTANAT MALIK & MOTIA
AMINA MALIK
MATT BELLAMY& ELLE
EVANS
LEONARDO
DICAPRIO
HEIDI KLUM
JOURDAN DUNN
ELLE FANNING
KEVIN SPACEY
ADRIANA LIMACHANEL IMAN
IRINA SHAYKKIRSTEN DUNST
JOEL EDGERTON
MILLA JOVOVICH
PARIS HILTON KARLIE KLOSS UMA THURMAN
KATY PERRY
SONAM KAPOOR BELLA HADID
amfAR Gala in CannesFRANCE
The 22nd Annual Cinema Against AIDS Gala this year was an ultra
glamorous affair, with stars bringing their best to the red carpet, while
sticking to the glitzy theme of ‘70’s disco. Attended by actors, models
and socialites, it was a star-studded, glittering affair, bringing out the
industry’s finest ball gowns and bow ties, and we are loving every bit of it.
ROSIE HUNTINGTON-
WHITELEY
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SHAHBAZTaseer
Son of late Salmaan Taseer talks to OK! Pakistan about his abduction, not losing hope and moving forward; wife Maheen
shares how her strong faith in God gave her courage and helped her overcome this dark chapter in their lives
“I had to make it back to my wife, my family and my friends. It’s the
only thing that kept me going”
64
What began as a mundane Friday
morning in the August of 2011
changed many a life forever.
Barely eight months after his
father’s brutal assassination,
when on his way to work, Shahbaz Taseer was
kidnapped just minutes away from home. Here
began an almost five-year nightmare, one that
thankfully had a happy ending.
“When I first got picked up, there was a lot of panic
and anxiety. I was drugged; I didn’t know what was
going on. And after what happened with my father,
I thought that maybe, they’ve come to kill me. I was
scared”, recalls Shahbaz.
From here onwards, for Shahbaz, life was akin to
living in an endless dark tunnel, one he had convinced
himself there was light at the end of. During his
almost five years in captivity, what kept Shahbaz
going was his strong will and determination. He
makes it sound simple: “When I looked around and
saw the lives of my captors, I realized these people
have nothing to look forward to, they have nothing to
live for. I acknowledged my surroundings but refused
to accept them; I refused to find any common ground
with my abductors. That stubbornness helped me a
lot”.
Shahbaz elaborates candidly: “Before my
kidnapping, my life was filled with promise. I had
too much at stake and for me failure was never an
option. I had to make it back to my wife, my family
and my friends. It’s the only thing that kept me going”.
But in the face of such adversity, did Shahbaz
really believe he’d make it through the ordeal he was
living? Di�cult as it was, “I felt like I was divided into
two parts. My heart and my brain. My heart said you
can never give up. My brain said listen to your heart.
But the truth is I think the amount of people globally
who prayed for me, gave me more strength than
even I could have imagined”, he explains.
Whichever way you try to break it down, however
you attempt to compartmentalize it, there’s no
denying “it’s been a very di�cult four and a half
years”. Shahbaz says it like it is: “What you realize
with time, is that you yourself are actually your worst
enemy, that’s your first battle. And your second battle
is you having to get used to the harshness of your
reality. And that you have to do almost immediately
because it’s something you don’t have a choice of
changing anytime soon”.
Shahbaz did all he had to make it through,
including learning how to cope with the bare
minimum. “It can be done. A human being can sleep
on the floor and get used to sleeping on the floor.
You can survive even if you are starved and underfed.
You can go through sickness. You just have to stay
motivated”, he believes.
And amidst the madness there was some
brief respite. While in captivity, Shahbaz, a die-
hard Manchester United fan made the strangest
acquaintance – that of one of the young Talibs who
watched the door to his cell and like him was also an
avid ManU supporter. Now and again, on Saturdays
and Sundays, the guard would sneak a radio into
Shahbaz’s cell and the two would listen to games on
BBC Sportsworld. This was Shahbaz’s sole window
to the outside world. “Getting soccer news kept me
sane. “You must surely be the only United fan in this
position,” I would tell myself. “They are playing and
winning for you.”, he wrote in his op-ed for the NYT.
Days spiraled into weeks that transcended into
months and years and then there was finally spring,
the spring of 2016, February 29th to be precise. At the
crack of dawn, around the same time when across
the border in Pakistan, his father’s assassin was
being taken to the gallows, a Taliban elder opened
the door to Shahbaz’s cell and set him free.
“I don’t think it was a coincidence my freedom
coincided with Qadri’s hanging – I think that’s the
miracle. I think that’s my father’s victory. The day
that his killer was hung, his son was free’, believes
Shahbaz.
“I never thought the Taliban would set me free.
I was always imagined they’d take me to a safe
house and there would be a trade-o�. I don’t know
what prompted them...but they did tell me they
don’t believe in ransom or kidnapping and it was
something they didn’t support”, says Shahbaz. “I
think they only had two options; one to kill me and
the other to let me go. I think just because I am
Muslim, they decided to go with the latter. It was
strange; I’ve seen Muslims killing Muslims, Muslims
telling other Muslims they aren’t Muslims and here
were these terrorists who didn’t kill me because I
OK! PAKISTAN • 65
Social media is wonderful! People
reach out to me and it has become a source of great comfort for me. I also find it easy to talk
about what happened to me because for me it’s a
memory. Not my present or my future.
66
“I always had faith that he would come back.” - Maheen Ghani Taseer
“Shahbaz is one of those people who brings joy into
people’s lives; whether it’s a house or a party - he’s larger
than life. His absence was felt not only by his family but
by people all around and that’s why the prayers that
went out for him were overwhelming, enormous and
consistent for these four and a half years.
There is so much evil in this world but goodness
always triumphs. It’s people’s prayers that brought
him back. I always had faith that he would come back.
Shahbaz is the kind of person who brings people up
in times of darkness, when they’re low. What upsets
me the most is that I couldn’t be with him in his hardest
times. What I didn’t realize is that he is stronger and
wiser than anybody I know.
He made it through and back on his own. I always
had faith, I knew that he’d come back to me and
that our love would triumph - that’s exactly what
happened. I look at Shahbaz and I’m amazed - he
inspires me every single day. He’s come back and
brought life back into all of us. He laughs, he jokes,
he’s kind, he’s humble – he’s so full of life. There aren’t
many people like that. I feel so proud and lucky to be
in his life and have him in mine. I’m so proud of him, of
everything he has achieved.
I take strength from him. I used to always tell
myself that there’s a future that you must constantly
remember if the present is to be survived. While he
was away, I just thought of him and just thinking of
him gave me strength. I am so glad that we could
overcome this dark chapter of our lives. We are now
just taking life as it comes, enjoying every moment –
we are just really, really happy.
To me, Shahbaz is someone we can all learn from
and look up to, especially for our generation.”
Shahbaz in three words?
Brave, kind and humorous.
A trait of his that you love?
That he makes everybody around him laugh.
What’s his nickname?
For everyone, it’s Shabby but I call him Jaan.
If you could change one thing about him, what
would it be?
The amount of time he spends playing video games.
Tell us something about Shahbaz that not many
people know of?
He’s a really good dancer.
What’s your fondest memory together?
It’s cheesy but I think it would have to be when he
came to London to propose to me.
What’s the nicest thing/best present he’s given
you?
Again, I think it’s really cheesy but just him and
himself.
How do the two of you spend your free time
together?
We do everything together. We watch TV shows
together, we travel together, when we want to just
unwind then we watch movies and have something
yummy to eat.
Next holiday destination?
Hopefully LA.
am a Muslim”, he elaborates.
And that was it! Here began Shahbaz’s journey
of a lifetime. He spent eight long days on the back
of motorcycle being driven out of Afghanistan into
Pakistan by one from amongst the group that held
him captive. The two journeyed Oruzgan to Kuchlak
through hail and shine.
Shahbaz remembers an instance, when en route,
a tyre of the motorcycle he was travelling on got
punctured. “The Talib at the wheel looked at me and
queried if I knew how to fix it. I pretended to be unable
to comprehend or speak Urdu or Pashto - I thought
that would be the best way to distance myself from
striking up a conversation. I didn’t even want to
attempt taking on the responsibility of steering the
course during this crazy trip”.
Recalling the situation as it transpired on March
8th when he finally reached Pakistan, Shahbaz
narrates: “The hotel in Kuchlak was brimming with
Afghan Taliban, when I reached it. I knew I wasn’t safe.
I was scared that if someone recognized me, I’d be in
a lot of trouble. Luckily things played out as they did.
I requested to use someone’s phone and I called my
mother. I explained to her not to speak with me in
English because my reaction will be to reply in English.
I coordinated my way out with her. She said that
someone would come to collect me and I realized it
would be someone from the security forces. I waited.
A raid ensued to identify me, following which I got into
their car and left. When I reached the security forces
compound was the first time I felt like I was finally
safe”.
Shahbaz spent his first hours of freedom, watching
The Dark Knight Rises and X-Men: Days of Future Past.
“Actually I didn’t sleep, I was awake the whole night
listening to music and surfing the internet catching up
on what I had missed out on in the last four and a half
years - it was a lot of fun. And before I knew it, they
came to say the plane is ready and we’re going to take
you home”, he says.
“There are no words” for Shahbaz to describe
his feelings or what went through his mind when he
was driving home for the first time after having spent
five years away. “My prayers had been answered, my
dreams had come true - not just mine but everyone’s.
It was a miracle and I enjoyed every moment of it”,
I felt like I was divided into two parts. My heart and my brain. My heart said you can never give up. My brain said listen to your heart. But the truth is I think the amount of people globally who prayed for me, gave me more strength than even I could have imagined.
Shahbaz TaseerWhat is the most important thing you learnt from this
experience?
Patience and the power of prayer.
How often were you allowed to speak to your family and
how did you let them know you were okay?
Almost never and they [obviously] knew I wasn’t okay. But I
guess they found comfort through hearing my voice just as I
did through hearing theirs.
How did reading Nelson Mandela’s book inspire you?
It inspired me in the sense that I had a perfect understanding
of what I had to do when I got out in order to heal; it was to
forgive and move on. I couldn’t carry this burden with me
otherwise as Nelson Mandela himself once said: I would
always be a prisoner.
What was the most di�cult decision you faced during
this ordeal?
I was fighting for my life so everything was di cult but I could
never lose hope and that was a very di cult thing to not lose.
What did you miss the most about your life and family?
I just missed their voices, their faces and their presence. I was
beginning to forget them.
How did you feel when you finally met your family?
There are no words to describe it. I think if I say I was happy
then it would be an understatement.
What did you miss the most about Maheen and how are
you catching up with lost time?
I missed her smile and I’m taking her on holiday so we’re just
taking it one step at a time.
You spent the last five years in captivity; how do you plan
to spend the next five years?
Free.
How do you feel this experience has changed you as a
person?
I have a lot more patience. I think it’s an extraordinary thing
to have.
Best present you’ve gotten?
A pair of Hermès shoes from my in laws, my brother got me
an incredible TV and Maheen also got me shoes.
Favourite TV show?
Game of Thrones.
Whose tweets do you love following?
My own tweets.
Three people you look up to?
My father, Nelson Mandela and Sir Alex Ferguson.
What was the most surprising thing you discovered when
you got back?
The BlackBerry was gone.
Favourite film currently?
Avengers and Captain America.
Favourite book?
The Peacock Throne.
Favourite thing about Lahore?
It’s home.
Greatest strength?
My faith.
Getting soccer news kept me sane. ‘You must surely be the only United fan in this position,” I would tell myself. ‘They are playing and winning for you’.
70
“I decided it was time ManU heard about their biggest fan
and acknowledge him.” - Leena Ghani (sister-in-law)
“My mother asked me how I thought of the
idea of doing this for Shahbaz. I actually can’t
recall the exact moment the idea popped into my
head, but all I can say is that after I heard him tell
me the story about how his guard would sneak
in a small radio and together they would listen
to the games, I couldn’t stop thinking about how
Manchester United had become more than just a
football team for him. It was a link to the outside
world. His favourite team helped him survive.
How can that not have an impact on anyone?
So I decided it was time ManU heard about their
biggest fan and acknowledge him. It’s the least
they could do. Shahbaz has always claimed that
Manchester United is his family.
So it began. I found every Manchester United
email/phone number I could and sent them
email upon email with every article, every news
clip about Shahbaz that had been published. At
first when I heard back they told me that they get
many emails and someone would get in touch
shortly. Luckily, I somehow came across this
number on a ManU forum. I called and this very
kind man answered. I told him about Shahbaz
and his story. It left him speechless, and he
promised me he would forward my request to
someone. In the meantime, Shahbaz’s story was
on CNN and BBC. I knew that would definitely get
their attention. Again, I forwarded all the news
their way. A day or two later a lady who I will never
forget named Jennifer Kane got in touch with me
and informed me that she had managed to get a
signed jersey for Shahbaz, and sure enough a few
days later it was here.
The smile and excitement that I saw on
Shahbaz’s face when I handed him the signed
jersey is forever etched in my memory; just to see
him that happy was worth every e�ort and more.
All this would not have been possible without
the help of the sweet man I spoke to on the
switchboard, the secretary at the training center,
and of course Jennifer. The kind extraordinary
Jennifer who made it all possible. All these people
are responsible for bringing so much joy into not
just Shahbaz’s life but everyone I know. Every
Manchester United fan.
Now to get him to meet the players! Fingers
crossed.”
SHAHBAZ TASEER WEARING A SIGNED
MANCHESTER UNITED JERSEY GIFTED
BY HIS SISTER IN LAW LEENA
he elaborates.
Shahbaz’s positivity is beyond remarkable. “I
have travelled a long distance to be here. Anything
that I have had to endure was worth it. I’ve picked up
exactly where I left o�. I’m living again”, he explains.
“My first holiday” in five years “was being home”,
says Shahbaz whose zest for life ensures he lives it
to the fullest. “You can take a Taseer out of Lahore
but you can never take Lahore out of a Taseer.
Lahore Lahore hai!” Not only is he back at work but
is spending his free time, swimming, video gaming,
watching all the new movies and television shows,
you name it! And catching up with loved ones, of
course. He says, “a new word will have to be invented
for how much my family and friends are spoiling me!”
In the short time he’s been home, Shahbaz has
forged a new friendship. “My family says Twitter
is my new best friend”, he shares. “Social media
is wonderful! People reach out to me and it has
become a source of great comfort for me. I also find
it easy to talk about what happened to me because
for me it’s a memory. Not my present or my future. It
makes it so much easier when you look at it like that”,
he adds.
While he was in captivity, Shahbaz’s kidnappers
used tweets posted by his mother, sister and wife to
play mind games with him. The irony; today Shahbaz
has befriended the very same medium to reconnect
with the world – one through which he candidly
speaks his mind. Goes to show, you can hold captive
a man but not what he stands for.
Just days after Shahbaz’s return, there was
another happy homecoming. Former Prime Minister,
Yousaf Raza Gilani’s son Ali Haider who was
kidnapped shortly after Shahbaz was taken captive,
returned home. Just hours after Haider flew back to
Lahore from Afghanistan, Shahbaz and the Taseer
family went over to the Gilani residence to welcome
him home. “I went to meet Haider and his family and
was overjoyed to see that he too came back stronger
and is full of promise”.
Shahbaz feels the last five years have changed
him. “I have come back understanding myself a lot
more. This experience has taught me to be patient
and to believe in myself, to believe in God and to
believe that miracles are possible”, he says.
A lot may have changed but Shahbaz’s palate
for his favourite meal clearly hasn’t. Shahbaz’s love
for family is only paralleled by his passion for Nihari.
After years of eating a bare minimum and packets of
instant noodles, it was the first meal he ate as a free
man and from there onwards the feast continued all
the way home. “I had Nihari three times before eating
another meal”, which was a Double Whopper, Onion
Rings and a Mango Milkshake from Burger King that
Bilawal (Bhutto-Zardari) came over with”, he recalls.
Like his father, would Shahbaz ever consider
joining politics or assuming public o�ce? He has
something entirely di�erent in mind. “I would love to
help the UN in areas where I have spent time. Those
people need help, the children there need us. War
isn’t the only solution but if it’s the step Pakistan
has taken, then we as a people must unite and help
develop the areas that are impacted, otherwise
generations will be lost”, Shahbaz believes. “If the
operation was the first step now development
rebuilding and education should be our focus. That’s
the root cause of this issue. I would go back in a flash
to help”, he adds.
While in captivity, Shahbaz ‘imagined’ himself ‘to
be a stand-up comedian’. Any possibilities of him
taking his routines into the public space? “My uncle,
Ehsan wants me to but I have work commitments.
My friends do su�er my wrath here and there”, he
laughs.
Stand-up routine or not, a book is certainly in the
o�ng. “My grandfather was a poet. My father for all
his amazing qualities was a writer, as well – he wrote
a book and also owned a fantastic newspaper. I think
it’s in me to write a book, as well”, says Shahbaz.
“It’ll be a great way to talk about my time away.
It’s a di�cult account to tell in an interview over even
in a conversation – it’s four and a half years. I think
writing a book would be an amazing medium to get
my story across”, he adds.
And with a book in the works, how far can a biopic
be? Shahbaz has sure got it all worked out! “While
I was living it, I had realized mine is a great story.
And because I’ve been to film school, in my head, I
decided that if a film about me is made, it would be
directed by my favourite director, Martin Scorsese.
And don’t think of me as an ego maniac but I’d love
Leonardo DiCaprio to play me. And if it’s in Pakistan,
my friend Ali Zafar – he’s the best, the best in this
part of the world!”
With the worst behind him, Shahbaz has his eye
firmly on the future – one that he will thankfully
be at the discretion of shaping himself. He has not
only emerged a stronger person but also someone
whose positive approach to life despite the immense
challenges faced, is nothing short of inspiring. The
sky is the limit – fly; for you Shahbaz as your name
defines are one “protected by God”.
INTERVIEW: YUSRA ASKARIPHOTOGRAPHS: FAISAL FAROOQUI @DRAGONFLY
OK! PAKISTAN • 71
My grandfather was a poet. My father for all his amazing qualities was a writer, as well – he wrote a book and also owned a fantastic newspaper. I think it’s in me to write a book, as well.
BeckhamDAVID
The soccer superstar, fashion icon and dad-of-four talks about achievements, keeping in shape, style, family and
much more
My biggest achievement in life is having four healthy children
David Beckham was recently
declared Sexiest Man Alive by
People magazine. Becks takes
over the crown from Aussie
hottie Chris Hemsworth, who
won the title last year. The
former footballer joins the ranks of stars like
Harrison Ford, Tom Cruise, Bradley Cooper and
Matt Damon. George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Johnny
Depp and Richard Gere have each won the award
twice. Speaking to People magazine, Beckham,
40, said: “It’s a huge honour, and I’m very pleased
to accept [it].” He did admit though that he was
a little surprised by the accolade. “I never feel
that I’m an attractive, sexy person,” he added.
“I mean I like to wear nice clothes and nice suits
and look and feel good, but I don’t ever think of
myself that way.”
On what his wife Victoria thinks of being
married to the Sexiest Man Alive, Beckham said to
People mag: “I would hope that she feels this way
about me all the time anyway!” And when asked if
there was anyone he would like to thank, Beckham
said: “My parents, my hairdresser, my stylist and
Photoshop.”
On what great shape he is in...
David Beckham: You know being a sportsman
or a footballer, I’ve always had to keep my body
in shape. And these days, more so. People are
healthier than they were ten to fifteen years ago.
On his least favourite part of his body…
DB: I would have to say, after 20 years of playing
football, my toes are not good. Yeah my toes – not
great.
On getting suited and booted...
DB: I’m like my middle son Romeo; he loves to
wear a suit so he gets that from me as well!
On the most important items in his wardrobe...
DB: Well it starts with the underwear, of course, so
a good pair of my underwear would be nice. And
then, you know, I always have a nice pair of vintage
jeans, vintage boots and a white T-shirt – I don’t
think you can go wrong with that. That’s always
something that I make sure I’ve got.
His style icons...
DB: Style icons for me are people like Steve
McQueen. He looked good in jeans and a T-shirt,
and he is one person who I have always looked up
to or looked to for style and a kind of inspiration.
On how he and his wife Victoria used to wear
matching outfits...
DB: Yeah. I mean we’ve worn matching outfits over
the years which some look good and some, not
so good. She always looked good in them but I’m
not sure I looked as great as she did. But yeah, the
matching outfits have happened over the years but
not anymore.
On Victoria’s fashion empire...
DB: She’s had such amazing success with her line
and I’m so proud of what she’s achieved. Because
to go from, you know, a Spice Girl to be taken
seriously in the fashion industry, that’s something
special and it’s a huge thing for her to be in the
position she’s in because she’s worked very, very
hard and she deserves every success that she’s
having.
On what else makes him proud...
DB: My children; simple as that. That’s my biggest
achievement in life – having four healthy children
that are very good kids. And, you know, they’re
beautiful as well so...
More on his family...
DB: When I met Victoria, we both knew that we
wanted quite a few children. And we knew we
wanted them pretty fast. But yeah, we’ve created
a family together – we’ve created four amazing
children.
On how he is coping with two teenagers in the
house...
DB: I think the moment you have children, you
worry from the moment you have them. So it
doesn’t matter whether they are teenagers or two
years old – I think you constantly worry as a parent.
But they’re good kids. We’ve got them under
control.
On keeping his cockney accent...
DB: You know, the fact that I’ve obviously lived in
Spain, Manchester andLos Angeles – I’ve never
really lost my accent. And I think that’s what
people have always commented on. Obviously
it was a lot stronger back in the day. I heard the
other day that I had apparently taken elocution
lessons to change the way I talk which I definitely
haven’t but it definitely was a lot stronger back in
the day.
On when he spends time away from his family
DB: I’m sure everyone’s the same; when you leave
your family, you know, even if it’s for a day or a
74
DAVID BECKHAM WITH HIS CHILDREN CRUZ , HARPER & ROMEO AT THE DAVID BECKHAM MATCH FOR CHILDREN IN AID OF UNICEF AT OLD TRAFFORD IN ENGLAND
night, you always miss them.
On explaining to a remote tribe in the amazon
jungle who he was...
DB: They asked, ‘What do you do as a job?’ And
I said, ‘Well, I was a soccer player?’ And he said,
‘What’s that?’ And that’s obviously the first time
that I’ve ever had to explain what soccer is to
anybody – besides Victoria! It made me laugh, but
I did my best to explain what football is. I didn’t do
a very good job but it was funny.
On the media attention he gets for everything
thing he does...
DB: It still amazes me whenever I get a new tattoo
or a new hairstyle, the amount that people talk
about it. It still amazes me. But I’m honoured
about it because people want to talk about it in a
positive way like they do...or negative at times. It’s
not something I complain about. I’m honoured and
I feel lucky to be in the position that I am, for people
to notice things like that.
On his acting ambitions...
DB: [Laughs] Who knows? I’ve stepped in and out
of it over the last ten years doing certain things.
On his kids and music...
DB: They love music; my eldest one specifically.
But they’re all into dancing and singing and stu�
as well.
On his work ethic...
DB: I think my hard work and that kind of side of
my career has come from both of my parents. They
are working class parents who worked really hard
to give their children everything in life. And I’ve got
two sisters who never went without anything and
my parents worked hard for that. We were very
fortunate to have parents that supported us the
way they did. I used to watch my dad go to work
at seven o’clock in the morning and come home at
ten o’clock at night and the same with my mum.
My mum would take us to school, pick us up from
school later, cook dinner, put us to bed and then
she’d have all of her clients come round and she’d
cut their hair. So she’d be still working at 11 o’clock
in the evening. And that’s where my kind of work
ethic comes from.
On his footballing career...
DB: I mean I feel very lucky every time I step on to
a football pitch. But to have that feeling – there’s
not many things that can give you that, there’s not
many things that can give you that special time. It
was the most special time that I had as a football
player – to actually be playing on a football field
with my friends was a dream. So I had moments
throughout my career where I felt that special but I
don’t think anything comes close to this.
On the famous ‘Class of 92’ at Manchester
United...
DB: It was a special time for us, as young kids to
It still amazes me whenever I get a new tattoo or a new hairstyle, the amount that people talk about it...But I’m honoured.
AT THE 6TH BIENNIAL UNICEF BALL AT THE BEVERLY WILSHIRE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL IN CALIFORNIA
76
WITH VICTORIA BECKHAM AT THE BRITISH FASHION
AWARDS 2015 IN LONDON
be at a club that we’ve supported our whole lives,
even though we were only still young. To actually
be a Manchester United player was a dream for
every one of us. To have the success that we had
over those ten to fiftteen years was every boy’s
dream. It’s every boy’s dream to play for the club
that they support but to then go on and win the
trophies that we did, to go on and win the treble
that we did in ’99 – it doesn’t get any better than
that. And to do it as friends, to do it as players who
have grown up through youth team, reserve team,
first team, go on and represent our countries – it
doesn’t get any better than that.
On winning the treble with Manchester United
in 1999....
DB: I mean that was the greatest year for me in
my career. To have won the treble for my boyhood
team that I’d always supported and always dreamt
of playing for, you know, to win the Premiership,
the FA Cup and the Champions League and create
history for Manchester United was special.
On Sir Alex Ferguson...
DB: He’s a man that obviously gave me the chance
to play for a club that I’d always wanted to play for,
you know, he was the man that signed me, he was
the man that put me into the first team with the
rest of the young kids, he had faith in us and we
looked at him as if he was a father figure.
On Captaining England...
DB: Being captain for England is the best thing
I’ve ever done in my career. To have been able to
lead my country out to World Cups, out to games
at Wembley, win games like we did 5-1 against
Germany – there’s nothing that comes close to
that.
On his sending o� at the World Cup ‘98...
DB: I mean it’s always difficult for me to talk
about that time in my life, in my career because
it was a tough time not just for myself but for my
family. But it was something that I came through
and I understand why it happened now. But it’s
still difficult to talk about it. Whether you’re a
sportsman or a banker or in any walk of life,
people throw challenges at you and that was my
moment, that was my moment of a challenge.
I’ve had a few others along the way as well.
[Laughs]
On playing with Zinedine Zidane at Real
Madrid...
DB: He’s one of the best players in the world and
you realise how he’s become one of the best
players in the world because he works hard in
training, he’s a serious man and without doubt, the
best player I’ve ever played with.
On his stint playing in America....
DB: I wanted a challenge. I’m all about fresh
starts and fresh challenges and I knew going
to America wouldn’t be the right thing in many
people’s minds but it was 100 per cent right
in my mind. I knew that it was something that
I wanted to do; I knew that I could make a
difference there, I knew that I could grow the
sport there. And America literally kind of opened
their arms and accepted not just myself but us
as a family, and that was really special and it
was a really great time for me professionally
and personally.
On whether he’d ever like to become a football
manager...
DB: I love coaching kids, I love coaching my own
kids, I also love coaching other kids as well. But
management is something that doesn’t float my
boat really.
On playing his final game as a professional
footballer for Paris Saint-Germain....
DB: As soon as I had announced my retirement, I
knew the day was going to be tough, I knew it was
going to be tough to get through for myself, for my
family, but I didn’t think it would be as di�cult as it
actually was.
OK! PAKISTAN • 77
Being captain for England is the best thing I’ve ever done in my career. To have been able to lead my country out to World Cups, out to games at Wembley, win games like we did 5-1 against Germany – there’s nothing that comes close to that.
INTERVIEW: JENNY DAVIS/HOTFEATURESPHOTOGRAPHS: GETTY
DAVID BECKHAM OPENS THE NEW ADIDAS HOMECOURT CONCEPT STORE AT THE MALL OF EMIRATES IN DUBAI
Farah Talib Aziz and Maliha Aziz talk to OK! Pakistan about their brand, their distinct roles plus working
together…
MAKER DUODream
The
80
With their appealing
feminine aesthetic,
stunning designs and
smart branding, the FTA
(Fatah Talib Aziz) brand
has emerged as a design
house to contend with. Based in Karachi, the
FTA design house has had a loyal following
of haute couture clients since 2005. With the
expansion of their prêt-à-porter collections,
the brand became available on an international
dimension. They have achieved incredible
success through signature bridal, formal and
prêt wear. More recently, the couture label
gained accessibility to a wider market with
their highly successful lawn campaigns. At the
helm of the design house are the charismatic
and lovely mother-daughter team, Farah Talib
and Maliha Aziz. Although both remain the
creative force behind FTA, Farah is integral to
operations, whereas Maliha is the director of
communications and PR for the brand.
Despite becoming the go-to brand for
fashionistas across the country, it is clear that no
matter what is in the pipeline for these brilliant
ladies, they remain humble and grounded and are
taking success in their stride, one step at a time.
OK! Pakistan gets up close and personal with Farah
Talib and Maliha Aziz, as they share their passions,
inspirations, memorable career moments, exciting
ventures, and what’s next on the horizon for the
dynamic duo.
How did you come into this line of business
and what do you attribute the success FTA has
encountered in recent years to?
Farah Talib: As a teenager, I was always
looking for new creative cuts and styles hence
I undertook training to learn pattern cutting,
stitching, embroidery etc. It was always a great
source of innovation and fun for me. I always
wanted to create, but being highly involved with
my three children, I never had the time or the
confidence. When my eldest left for college,
I started designing clothes on a larger scale; I
was highly encouraged by my clients and family
to take things to a more commercial level but
I’m really glad I let my work speak for itself
and our label grew organically. It’s always an
honour for me to make bridals as I feel like I have
responsibility of so many dreams and I really try
my best to make every bride feel special. We
have a signature aesthetic that reflects so much
of everything I love. It’s delicate, feminine and
inspired by natural beauty. I wanted to bring this
to the commercial front with our lawn that gives
every woman an option to wear our brand.
Maliha Aziz: I know it sounds cliché but I strongly
believe in the power of hard work and originality.
We have been really lucky that our clients have
appreciated the niche that we are trying to carve
for our brand. It has taken us years of persistence
to create a brand identity as well as a lot of caution
not to digress from our signature looks.
Maliha, tell us a bit about your fashion
background and how you decided to join your
mom and her design house.
MA: I completed my Bachelors of Arts from
The University of Arts London. It has six
colleges including London College of Fashion,
Central Saint Martins and London College of
Communication and we were allowed to take
courses across the colleges. It gave me the
freedom to explore different forms of creative
expression. From pattern cutting to colour
coordination, it taught me both practically
and theoretically about couture and prêt
wear. Although I went on to work in corporate
advertising in London, I knew I always wanted
to join my mother’s namesake label and bring a
younger vision to the brand.
Today FTA is considered a top-tier design
house; how did the label come into being?
FT: We don’t consider ourselves top tier! I feel one
has to keep pushing themselves and aiming higher
without compromising on quality. When I think
about it, I feel like we have a long way to go and we
are very excited to grow with our team.
MA: It’s all my mother’s hardwork and talent that
I was fortunate enough to spring o� and launch a
younger and slightly innovative twist to the classic
pieces that she creates.
I love imperialistic architecture and the old world charm. One can draw inspiration from everywhere, be it a mural in Istanbul or a café in Paris.
- Farah Talib
Tell us about your recent venture into
unstitched lawn. How does the FTA philosophy
translate into lawn and what makes it unique?
FT: We never planned on venturing into unstitched
fabric. We didn’t really think anyone would want
to buy print from us! It all happened so fast. In
fact, when I was o�ered a contract by a very well
established mill, I refused it thrice as it was during
my daughter’s wedding. However some things are
just God’s plan! It’s been well received and we
really sleep and breathe these prints so I hope our
clients love them as much as we do!
MA: I take care of the prints department and I can’t
explain to you how my vision revolves around print
making wherever I go! I want my prints to have a
signature FTA look, to be beautiful and feminine,
fresh and cool for the summer. The inspiration
can come from mundane everyday things like
my regular tea cup or a random wrapping paper
or it can come from a minute detail colour play
by Master Monet. We work on a single print for
months, sleep and breathe it, until finally someone
says let it go, it’s time to submit the design!
Describe your strength and roles in FTA. What is
the process by which you deal with di�erences
and come together to create a cohesive
collection?
FT: My daughter has a whirlpool of creative ideas;
she’s got an artistic mindset and I have a more
practical approach. I direct the silhouettes and
material options, as I never want to compromise
on quality and have more experience in this area.
I deal with all the operational part, as labour can
be tough to handle and source! My daughter
prefers low involvement in customer dealings and
she has no sense of pricings, so I deal with most
clients and their needs. Prints are her forte, so it
includes drawings and designs. The team always
brainstorms together and the final approvals
are mine. They really respect my opinion and
experience as I do theirs. It’s a great balance!
MA: I would like to say that I look after all the
fun creative and new areas whereas my mother
takes care of the more di�cult areas such as
client dealings and labour handling but I think we
both help each other out whenever and wherever
possible!
What are your main sources of inspiration
whilst creating collections?
FT: I love natural beauty and we source a lot of
sketches and drawing from fauna and flora. I
love adding shades to petals on roses or varied
stitches to feathers on a bird. I love imperialistic
architecture and the old world charm. One can
draw inspiration from everywhere be it a mural in
Istanbul or a café in Paris.
MA: We love all of the same themes and motifs!
It is amazing! Our inspiration and ideas to direct
a piece in a certain direction are usually identical,
which is really a blessing, as we are never torn
between contrasting opinions.
Any new lines or projects in the pipeline?
FT: We have some really exciting projects in the
pipeline and some innovative twists to our current
work.
A mother-daughter relationship is such a close
and intimate one; how do you balance this with
a unique working relationship?
FT: I think we are more like best friends! We have
very similar personalities and habits. We both take
no o�ence when the other gives advice or criticism;
in fact it is welcomed because we know it’s
85
OK! PAKISTAN • 85
Who is your fashion icon?
FT: Lady Diana, Princess of Wales.
MA: Queen Rania and Olivia Palermo.
Who is one local or international celebrity you
would like to dress?
FT: I would love to dress Queen Rania; she carries
every dress with unmatchable grace!
MA: Amal Clooney.
A fashion trend you think is timeless?
FT: Kalidaar/peshwas.
MA: Farshi ghararas.
A favourite local fashion designer?
FT: Rizwan Beyg.
MA: Khadijah Shah.
Favourite accessory at the moment?
FT: I’m a huge fan of sunglasses and like getting a
variety of experimental shapes.
MA: Mini cross body bags; those are just so
convenient.
A fashion extravagance you cannot live without?
FT: Shatoosh shawls.
MA: The pearl and diamond combo – I’m obsessed.
Advice to young fashionistas to stay cool yet
stylish during the grueling summer.
FT: Please stick to loose kurtas in soothing light
colours.
MA: Replace black tights with white cotton trousers
or shalwars.
A fashion trend you think will really take o� this
season?
FT: The classic kurta and shalwar.
MA: The babydoll cut kameez and shalwar.
What are your interests and hobbies; what do you
do in your free time?
FT: I love gardening and have a love for interiors.
MA: I love painting.
A hidden talent?
FT: I can cook! I’ve catered 80 plus guests by myself!MA: A knack for interiors.
Favourite travel or shopping destination
FT: New York City – I love the energy and creativity!
MA: Paris!
How do you unwind after a long day at work?
FT: By hanging out with my family!
MA: By talking about my long day with my husband
who has the answer to everything!
Who are you closest to?
FT: My children and my husband – we are a really
close-knit family; and I’m especially close to my
daughter!
MA: My husband and my mother.
Something no one knows about Farah Talib Aziz?
MA: She is the pillar of strength that holds her family
together.
Something no one knows about Maliha Aziz?
FT: She has the kindest heart ever!
What colour defines FTA best and why?
FT: Pastels! I wish everything I made was in ivories
and pastels!
MA: Pastel pink.
Three beauty products you can’t live without?
FT: Moisturiser, night repair and blush.
MA: Blush, moisturizer and hair repair treatments.
If you weren’t fashion designers, you’d be…
FT: An interior decorator for sure!
MA: A fashion journalist.
84
Our inspiration and ideas to direct a piece in a certain direction are usually identical, which is really a blessing, as we are never torn between contrasting opinions.
- Maliha Aziz
honest and truthful. I only have one daughter and I really
love that we have such similar aesthetics, we both love and
hate the same things, our diet is exactly alike, our workout
routine is coordinated – even our clothes are sometimes
shared! We have fun!
MA: I think I’m really spoilt working for my mother as I can
push the envelope as much as I want knowing that there is
a positive check behind me that will correct me if I’ve gone
too far! I am given a lot of freedom to do as I wish as well as
unlimited advice! I love working with my mother and I am
so grateful for our partnership!
What are the main challenges for Pakistan as a fashion
industry?
FT: The biggest challenge, in my opinion, is imitation
and flat out copying of designs. Internationally, top-tier
designers are imitated by high street [labels] – that is
fashion. But in Pakistan high-end designers imitate and
copy each other and that too, shamelessly! I find that very
unethical and honestly very heart-breaking!
MA: I think the industry’s biggest challenge is that there is
no criticism.
A career achievement you are most proud of?
FT: Creating my daughter’s bridal was a long, creative and
emotional journey for me. I wanted to express so much in
that one piece; I really wanted it to be perfect and I needed
her to love it with all her heart. When I saw her wear it all
together on her wedding day, my heart melted and to me,
she couldn’t have looked more perfect – it was very her, it
personified her. She loved it, which was the most important
part!
What remains the most memorable or fun moment in
your career this far?
FT: When I was launching my first lawn collection, it was a
very lengthy process and we really put our heart and soul
into designing it and perfecting every detail. I will never
forget the day when I went to the mill to oversee the final
printing; I’m a very reserved person and I never thought I
would be producing my designs on such a large scale! It
was a strange feeling of nervousness, hope and happiness.
MA: Our campaign shoots are always fun! We have been
really lucky to work with the most amazing people! Our
shoot in London last year was insanely entertaining and
we loved every moment of it, as well as our shoot in
Istanbul where we discovered the city while running all
around it!
How do you overcome career setbacks or di�culties?
FT: I just pray to God for the best way forward!
MA: I take most things to heart but praying for the best is
the most helpful solution.
Achieving a work-life balance can be challenging; how
do you manage to create the fun and magic in what you
do? What part of work do you enjoy most and what do
you find most di�cult?
FT: I think it’s very important to respect everyone no matter
how big or small their role is. It’s very challenging to manage
egos sometimes and satisfy the whole team! My team is
like my family and every one of them is very dear to me.
What I love most is the hustle bustle and chaos in a day’s
work! It’s exciting when such lengthy processes create the
most beautiful pieces!
MA: I find it quite hard to log o� of work; my mind is
constantly thinking about something or the other.
What do you think are the three necessary fashion
staples for the modern fashionista of today?
FT: A classic investment shawl, a great pair of go-to pearl
earrings and a comfortable pair of nude heels.
MA: A great pair of white pants, well-fitted jeans and a
classic button-down shirt.
INTERVIEW: SONYA JAMILPHOTOGRAPHS: KASHIF RAFIQ UDDIN
The Hollywood actor talks about his latest action flick, Captain America plus what the audience
doesn’t know so far…
CHRISEVANS“Being an actor, there are certain things you want
to share and certain things you don’t”
Chris Evans is beginning to get the
hang of this superhero thing. On his
third movie into the Captain America
franchise, his presence has spread
into both Avengers movies and
now he crosses over with Iron Man again, with
appearances by Ant-Man and Spider-man, on
loan from Sony Pictures. Here, he defends the
superhero genre against detractors concerned
about the future of studio filmmaking, and
explains why Captain America isn’t just for
Americans.
How much pressure is there when your
character is the lead in the title?
Chris Evans: There’s pressure but I don’t know if
it’s anywhere near the pressure that people like
the Russos or Marvel feel. Honestly, movies live
and die based on the directors and the producers.
We’ve all seen phenomenal actors and great
scripts that still didn’t come to fruition in good
ways and it really goes to show that a good
movie lives and dies based on the directors. You
can have all the other pieces in place, but unless
you have quality storytellers, you may fall on your
face. So yeah, there’s pressure but not as much
as the directors face. But they did it. They did the
job real well.
Who would you fight against?
CE: I’d probably want to aim low. You don’t want
to fight Vision cause he’s going to destroy you.
In order to survive, I probably take Black Widow
cause at least she’s human, but from a character
standpoint, probably Iron Man because our
characters obviously have the most friction.
What about the climactic scene at the airport?
CE: Yeah, it was great. It was hot. It was Atlanta
in August. So I think everyone was toasty and
there’s only a couple of scenes, a couple of
shots where you might be that one fifty-fifty
where everyone’s running together. But for the
most part, it’s pick and pops where you’re just
getting pieces. So it’s a lot of waiting around
but you really have the confidence that this is
going to be something special. You can see in
Anthony and Joe’s face, and Kevin, these guys
get so excited when these moments work.
It’s a meticulous process cause it’s such a
grand scheme. On the day, it’s not as cool and
romantic as you think it would be, but there’s
an energy on set and an excitement that keeps
you invested, knowing that it’s going to be
something epic.
Can you talk about how this character is
relatable around the globe, despite his name…
CE: That was always a concern, whether the
name, ‘America’, whether or not he would kind
of polarise certain audiences. But in truth the
name, America, what he stands for is something
ubiquitous across the world; what he believes in,
honour, morality and values, that’s something
you can find anywhere but in terms of who he’s
been throughout the arc of his character. He’s
always kind of fought for the greater good. He’s
always put the needs of the masses before his
own desire. And that’s exactly what’s di�erent
88
ROBERT DOWNEY JR., ANTHONY MACKIE & CHRIS EVANS ATTEND THE PREMIERE OF MARVEL’S CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR AT DOLBY THEATRE IN LOS ANGELES
you invested, knowing that it’s going to be
OK! PAKISTAN • 89
CHRIS EVANS AT THE PREMIERE OF
CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR AT VUE
WESTFIELD IN LONDON
You have this guy who’s an incredible austere and moral character. It’s hard trying to find ways to make him real and dynamic and I think in this movie he becomes potentially selfish, where he kind of puts his own desires first. But it’s rooted in family, which I think is a thru-line we can all relate to.
in this film. Instead of kind of dedicating himself
towards what others need in this film, this kind
of prioritising what he wants, which is a slight
departure from what he is normally allegiant to,
it colours the character in a really nice way. You
have this guy who’s an incredible austere and
moral character. It’s hard trying to find ways to
make him real and dynamic and I think in this
movie he becomes potentially selfish, where he
kind of puts his own desires first. But it’s rooted
in family, which I think is a thru-line we can all
relate to.
What are some secrets you know about the
character that the audience doesn’t know?
CE: This is almost the way it is with being an
actor in general, certain things you want to
share and certain things you don’t. I think, to
some degree, it’s almost nice having certain
things you want to share and certain things you
don’t. To some degree, it’s almost nice having
certain parts of the character that are intimate.
And ultimately, at the end of the day, these guys
do a good job of fleshing out the tones that they
want you to see better than we ever could. I was
90
As you kind of continue on the journey, you realise how amazing it is what they’re doing and what they’re accomplishing and how fortunate you are to be a part of it, this unbelievable interwebbing of stories, and you are just so fortunate to be a part of it. make him real and dynamic and I think in this actor in general, certain things you want to
JOAN CELIA LEE, CHRIS EVANS, & STAN LEE ATTEND
THE PREMIERE OF MARVEL’S CAPTAIN AMERICA:
CIVIL WAR AT DOLBY THEATRE IN LOS ANGELES
INTERVIEW: VICTOR DRAVEN/THE INTERVIEW FEEDPHOTOGRAPHS: GETTY
CHRIS EVANS AT THE WORLD PREMIERE OF MARVEL’S CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR AT DOLBY THEATRE IN LOS ANGELE
just doing an interview with the director and
producer, and they were talking about how they
formed these stories and formed these arcs,
I’m deviating from the question but it seems
worthy of bringing up. It just blew my mind. I’ve
been doing this for a long time. We were having
an interview and they were talking about how
they were going to a meeting. Sometimes
with these giant Marvel movies, any big movie
where you think there’s a thousand cooks in the
kitchen, you think there’s some formula, some
algorithm that kicks in and there’s thirty people
in suits saying this is what it needs to be. But
the truth is it really is just [directors] Joe and
Anthony, [producer] Kevin and [screenwriter]
Nate in a room mapping out stories of so many
characters, so many arcs, and they’re making
them real. They’re making them actual fleshed
out arcs and conflicts that are worthy of a film.
All the explosions in the world aren’t going to
make you care. And it’s nuts to think that it really
comes down to a few people’s brains. Again,
this isn’t exactly the answer to the question but
I think it’s worth bringing up cause it blew my
mind. Cause I’ve been doing this for a while and
it was nuts to kind of realise it really does start
from just a few people.
The more the franchise continues, the greater
the story it seems you have to tell…
CE: Great, I’ve been reading a lot about this in
the press. I’ve been doing this for a while now
but it really is nice to kind of step back. The
first couple of years of your involvement of a
franchise, you’re very internal; you’re scared
about being the thing that’s going to cause it to
be awful and you’re terrified in a very egoistic
manner. But as you kind of continue on the
journey, you realise how amazing it is what
they’re doing and what they’re accomplishing
and how fortunate you are to be a part of it, this
unbelievable interwebbing of stories, and you
are just so fortunate to be a part of it. And I say
keep going, let’s keep going. Let’s let the wave
get bigger and bigger cause it’s not stopping.
It’s not like they’re making bad movies. They’re
making good movies. If you want to put it in the
superhero box, you can. But the fact is, they’re
still good movies. Especially the Russos, they
ground it in such an authentic way; it’s really
humans, real struggles, real conflict, good
cinematic storytelling with a streak of superhero
colour thrown in. So I say keep it going. If you
can keep doing it, keep doing it.
We’ve all seen phenomenal actors and great scripts that still didn’t come to fruition in good ways and it really goes to show that a good movie lives and dies based on the directors.
The boxing legend sits down with OK! Pakistan for an exclusive chat on boxing, charity and destiny...
AmirKHAN
“I believe that God has put me on earth for a purpose and it’s definitely to help other people”
94
Earlier this month, hype around two-
time boxing champion Amir Khan
crescendoed as news broke that he
would be hosting a high-end charity
event at the Pearl Continental Hotel
in Karachi. The ‘fight’ - what they
call a match in boxing jargon - was a massive step
forward in the boxer’s philanthropic endeavours as
it was set to launch The Amir Khan Trust globally.
Amir has been involved with charitable work in
the past but our conversation with the World Boxing
Council Silver Welterweight Champion revealed
that he wanted to set up a charity that he could
call his own and one that he would feel personally
connected to. The Amir Khan Trust will use Penny
Appeal as their delivery partner to provide the
humanitarian aid that Thar desperately needs; it’s
important to note that the trust is run by his altruistic
friends and family, and bears zero operational costs.
The black-tie event - hosted by The Amir Khan
Foundation for the first time - attracted the crème
de la crème of Pakistan’s society and media. It
opened with an auction to raise funds for charity
followed by an exhibition match fought by ambitious
young girls from a boxing club in Lyari. The main
event however, featured seven international boxers
(Amir’s brother Haroon aka Harry King Khan, Tasif
Khan, Gallagher Dayle, Jody Meikle, Stuart Maddox,
Francis Peter Douglas Croes and Phil Townley)
who had specifically been flown in to be part of the
occasion. With HBL as the main sponsor, the event
was also supported by the British and Irish Boxing
Authority (BIBA).
With the news of boxing legend Muhammad Ali
passing away, it is only natural to draw comparisons
between the two. Both have been controversial,
both driven by their faith to give back to the world
and both
have been
o u t s p o k e n
about their
desire to
help the less
p r i v i l e g e d .
Three days
prior to the
u n f o r t u n a t e
demise of the
legend, we had
the opportunity
to sit down
and speak to
another boxing
legend, Amir.
We spoke
about The Amir
Khan Foundation and Trust, boxing plus lots more.
His upfront and unassuming personality provided a
unique glimpse of the man behind the medals.
Tell us about the moment you realised you
wanted to start boxing professionally.
Amir Khan: It was when I was around ten or eleven
years old. I started boxing at eight and started
winning fights; a lot of people would come and
tell me that I was going to be the next champion.
I initially said that I just wanted to do this for fun
but it was around the age of ten or 11 that I realised
I wanted to do this for a living and make a career
out of it.
What are some of the problems that aspiring
boxers face?
AK: There’s only ten percent of boxers who make
money. You literally have to be at the top and I’ve
been very lucky to be there. If I had to stop today, I
could financially support my family but I still have a
lot left in me. As a boxer you go through a lot; you get
hit in the face, head and body and all for a living that
may not help you sustain your family unless you
make it to the top. I know I am very fortunate to have
gotten where I have and I know what most boxers
have been through. It’s very tough to be a fighter and
earn money unless you reach the pinnacle and I’m
very grateful that God has put me here.
How important is it to you to give back to
society?
AK: I think it’s very important. I believe God has
blessed me so I need to give back. It’s a good thing to
help people and it’s very important to me. I started
giving back as soon as I started earning by the grace
of God early on.
WITH INTERNATIONAL BOXERS AT THE CHARITY FIGHT HELD IN KARACHI
money. You literally have to be at the top and I’ve
AMIR KHAN AUCTIONS OFF HIS SHORTS TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE PEOPLE OF THAR
AMIR KHAN AFTER A MATCH WITH SAUL CANELO ALVAREZ OF MEXICO (OUT OF FRAME) AT THE WBC
MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP LAS VEGAS
I like to help charities that help children because they are the future. If you are in poverty and you’ve gotten help [and you see the benefit of that help] then you definitely see the benefit of helping out.
OK! PAKISTAN • 95
96
THE BOXER AT THE BT SPORT
INDUSTRY AWARDS HELD AT
BATTERSEA EVOLUTION IN LONDON
OK! PAKISTAN • 97
Your charity work has been focused primarily
towards provisioning basic amenities and
necessities…tell us more about that.
AK: I have been very fortunate. I was eight years old
when I started boxing and whatever I needed was
just always there for me. My wants beyond my basic
necessities were always met. Without being blessed
with those things, I don’t think I would ever have
been able to achieve what I have so far. I like to help
charities especially ones that work with children; I
like to help charities that help children because they
are the future. If you are in poverty and you’ve gotten
help [and you see the benefit of that help] then you
definitely see the benefit of helping out. I see it as
a snowball e�ect. I believe God has put me in this
position to help other people.
Is giving to charity something that has been
inculcated by your parents?
AK: It was like that, yes. My parents encouraged me
to always give a percentage of the money I earned
from fights. They educated me about giving to
charity [and the benefits of it]. When I was younger,
I accompanied my parents when they did charitable
work such as building mosques and shelter for the
poor near Rawalpindi and Islamabad. So obviously
I learnt the value of giving back from them. God
sees everything and I feel that maybe I’m in a good
position because my parents did good things.
Can you tell us about your relationship with your
delivery partner, Penny Appeal for this project?
AK: Penny Appeal is an international charity and
is our delivery partner for the Thar project. They’re
extremely good at what they do, and my team and I
have worked with them before as well. For the Thar
project, we are working with the division of Penny
Appeal based in Pakistan and they are currently
looking for on the ground people. I called and asked
them if they would like to be involved with the
project and with God’s good grace, they agreed. We
were really happy to hear that they wanted to get on
board as we wanted to start the project as soon as
possible because of Ramadan plus it’s expected to
get much hotter this summer as well. I’m very eager
to start this project as soon as possible.
Why did you specifically pick Thar to focus on?
AK: I was on a plane over here and I watched a
documentary about Thar. I never knew there was a
place in Pakistan like Thar – there’s literally nothing
like it. It’s one of the poorest areas in the world.
It astonished me to see how many people live in
such abject poverty. You see a lot of people who
are poor but no one is focusing on Thar. People
who live far away from cities don’t get talked
about. They just seem to be forgotten and in this
case, [Thar] it seems they have been left there to
rot really. That’s why I want to make a di�erence
by raising awareness and use my name to further
the cause. It’s to highlight the [problems faced by
the] people of Thar. Initially, we wanted to give
the funds from the charity fight to The Amir Khan
Foundation but after watching this documentary,
I was moved and compelled. It showed the
problems that these people face on a day to day
basis and how they miss out on the most basic
necessity – water. As soon as I landed in Karachi,
I told my team members that I wanted to give
the funds from this charity event to the people of
Thar. At first, members of my team were puzzled
and asked why I wanted to focus on Thar. But then
I showed them the documentary and talked to
them about the poverty there and they understood
– they understood that the people of Thar really
needed all the help that they could get. I’m glad I
saw this documentary – it was meant to be.
You seem to believe in fate and destiny…
AK: I believe that God has put me on earth for a
purpose and it’s definitely to help other people.
And you know, if you help other people, God
definitely helps you. All the success I’ve gained, the
fights I’ve lost and the fights I’ve won, somehow
I’ve always managed to come back and become
a champion again. I’m still at the top of my career
and it rarely happens that you can come back and
reach the top after a bad fight. And I do believe I’ve
been helped out by God because I’ve been trying to
help other people and trying to do good. It’s clear to
me that it is only possible with God’s help and that
I have to help others because that’s what makes
God happy. It’s very hard for one guy to attain the
success I have achieved. Boxing is not a big sport
in Pakistan. It’s amazing that I have fans here and
in India as well. I’ve had extraordinary moments in
my life such as meeting the Queen [of England]
several times. It’s extraordinary to me that so
many people know of me here that I was able to
gain substantial success, so I do believe it was
definitely God who put me here – I couldn’t have
done it alone. I believe that I’m here for a reason,
and that reason is to do good.
When I was younger, I accompanied my parents when they did charitable work such as building mosques and shelter for the poor...so I learnt the value of giving back from them.
AMIR KHAN IS A CHARITY AMBASSADOR FOR PENNY APPEAL
98
The Amir Khan Trust’s Revolutionary Project in TharThar will be The Amir Khan Trust’s first project, and
the boxer’s special devotion towards the whole
region of Tharpakar is as admirable as it is crucial.
1.2 million residents of the area have been in the grip
of a prolonged drought since 2013; the situation has
been a result of a lack of consistent rainfall which
has led to a shortage of drinkable water as well
as a significant decrease in both crop and fodder
production. The problem with the groundwater in
the region is that it has extremely high levels of salt
and mineral content which in turn makes it harmful
for both humans and animals to consume. Dug
fresh water wells are the only sustainable source of
water in the region, and while the local population
has constructed some rainwater harvesting tanks,
the location is still in desperate need for fresh water
wells as the existing ones are often inaccessible.
Traditionally, women are responsible for fetching
drinking water and with the current shortage, they
often have to walk over three to four kilometres to
secure drinking water from underground wells in
nearby regions. Children often have to abandon any
educational pursuits as they are also burdened with
the tedious task. The people of Thar can use all the
help they can get and Amir’s high-profiled charity is
set to do just that plus help create awareness of the
issue.
WOMEN AND CHILDREN HAVE TO TRAVEL LONG DISTANCES IN
THAR TO GAIN ACCESS TO CLEAN DRINKING WATER
AMIR KHAN CARRYING OUT PHILANTHROPIC
WORK IN GAMBIA WITH PENNY APPEAL
OK! PAKISTAN • 99
Amir Khan’s Philanthropic Endeavours...
In the past, Amir has supported numerous
charitable causes and has worked actively towards
facilitating community causes that help advance
the economic development of communities. After
the earthquake and tsunami in the Indian Ocean
in 2004, Amir helped raise money for the victims.
He has also raised money for the victims of the
Kashmir earthquakes and has personally visited
Pakistan in order to help dispense food in relief
camps in the city. The international boxer has also
worked with Penny Appeal in Gambia to help raise
funds for accessible clean drinking water. Amir’s
philanthropic work seems to have a theme towards
development and providing sustainable solutions
for future generations to the problems they are
a�icted with. He has worked with several charities
in the United Kingdom that work with similar aims
such as The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Children and The National Literacy Trust.
Amir has a keen interest in helping communities
and children in specific – he wants to invest in
and build a better future. This can be seen in the
charities aforementioned, but it is also evident
through the awareness campaigns the boxer
has been a part of and continues to support.
He has been involved with a campaign that
promotes child safety in the United Kingdom as
well as another campaign that seeks to improve
the current criminal justice system in terms of
rehabilitation and access to justice. Amir is also
part of a campaign that actively encourages men
to play a role in ending violence against women.
He has been recognised by several organisations
for the good his charitable work has achieved and
he has also received an honourary degree from the
University of Bolton for his contributions to sport
and charity.
Amir’s philanthropic work is spiritually led – he
is God-fearing and strongly believes he is destined
to help the less privileged. “If you help others, God
helps you,” Amir shared with us earlier at a pre-
fight dinner. “If you wish to succeed, you have to
help others succeed because God is watching and
that’s what He likes.” Throughout our conversation
with this exceptional boxer, it was evident that he
is grateful to God for everything he has achieved
and where he is in life today.
INTERVIEW: MASHALL KHATTAKPHOTOGRAPHS: WENN, AFP, COURTESY PENNY APPEAL
After watching this documentary [on Thar], I was moved. It showed the problems that these people face on a day to day basis and how they miss out on the most basic necessity – water.
AMIR KHAN IN GAMBIA ON A CHARITY MISSION WITH
PENNY APPEAL - THE BOXER HAS TIME AND AGAIN
FOCUSED ON CAUSES THAT INVEST IN THE FUTURE
AND CHILDREN
A Celebrity Affair Here are some highlights from chats which took place at the
Cannes Film Festival 2016 with George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Kristen Stewart, Elle Fanning and Kendall Jenner
The stars were out in force for the 2016 Cannes Film Festival.
Among them were some of Hollywood’s biggest names
including George Clooney and Julia Roberts, who team up
for Money Monster. The pair flew into the Côte d’Azur for the
screening of the movie, which is directed by Oscar-winning
actress Jodie Foster.
Other big names at the event were Kristen Stewart, who was
starring in two films at the festival – Woody Allen’s Cafe Society and
Olivier Assayas’ Personal Shopper. Hollywood starlet Elle Fanning was
in the South of France along with director Nicolas Winding Refn for the
premiere of The Neon Demon.
There were 21 films in competition in total and the jury headed by
film-maker George Miller handed the top prize, the Palme d’Or, to Ken
Loach’s drama I, Daniel Blake. Meanwhile, model and reality TV star
Kendall Jenner jetted into Cannes for the launch of new ice cream,
Magnum Double.
100
Cannes Film Festival
So firstly Julia, what’s it like being here in Cannes?
Julia Roberts: It’s been wonderful. It’s exciting and thrilling and ever so slightly
terrifying. A great combination of things! [Laughs]
George, you’ve been to Cannes many times; you must be so used to it.
Does Cannes have no effect on you now?
George Clooney: No effect at all. The truth is I came here for the first time
with Batman and Robin so I got a baptism of fire the first time I came here.
[Laughs]
Julia, in Money Monster you play a TV producer. Did you go and meet TV
people before shooting this role?
JR: I did; it was great. Jodie [Foster] set me up at a TV studio in Manhattan
and I was able to see how these control rooms function, see who does
what, how it all works and what makes them tick. I saw news shows
being produced, I saw regular television shows being produced – it was
really fascinating. And then we just had some people who stayed with us
throughout the shooting to make sure that every little button I pressed or
thing that I did was absolutely authentic.
What was it like directing somebody like George Clooney on screen?
JR: I never direct George. Every once in a while I might say, “Can you
come over here.” You know, I don’t even think of Patty as his director so
much, at this point, she’s just kind of keeping him within the lines of the
show. We’ve come apart a little bit on the day that the movie begins
and I think that that is what makes their relationship more complex
and interesting; it’s because it doesn’t run like clockwork anymore.
And George, you play a news anchor – did you do much research
into that?
GC: I know some of these guys a little bit but Jodie [Foster] had a
really clear idea of what she wanted these people to be and what
she wanted these characters to be. So all we really had to do was
take the script and do what she wanted us to do and that was
the fun of it. I mean I grew up in broadcasting - my father was a
news presenter for 45 years - so I’ve seen it change from Walter
Cronkite to what it can be in these times, particularly in finance.
It’s games, it’s entertainment – it’s not really information or news.
Julia, what was Jodie Foster like as a director?
JR: Well we had a really good relationship and I felt that there
was just a great understanding between us and a great flow of
information and she was very patient; all the things that you
really look for. And super-prepared and you really can’t ask
for someone with more understanding than a person who
has devoted their life to being such a brilliant actor because
then she comes with such a huge amount of compassion for
what actors are trying to accomplish. And we had a lot of
technology that we dealt with, especially in the control room
and she was really good at never making all the technical
aspects feel more important than what I was trying to
accomplish.
George, you are a director too; how would you define
Jodie Foster as a director?
GC: Well, there are two elements to it. First of all, it’s
really nice whenever you’re directed by an actor because
they know how it works. A lot of times other directors, if
they’ve come from cinematography or if they’ve come
from editing, they don’t understand how you get [it
done] – they just want results. They don’t really sort of
help you find the way to where you want to be. Actors
know how to talk to actors. Number one was that. And
Jodie was so prepared that she was able to do really
complex shots, like the opening shots were basically
a one-er, I mean we did it in two different directions,
but complicated shots which isn’t something that
‘acting’ directors are normally known for. So it was
fun because you got to work with her technically;
she was absolutely at her best game but she
also knows how to talk to actors and that’s fun.
George Clooney and Julia Roberts on Money Monster
OK! PAKISTAN • 101
102
That’s fun for me because you short stop all the other
complicated parts of it. She doesn’t just say, “At the end
of the scene I need you to cry” – which I do most of the
time anyway! [Laughs]
George, can you talk about the dancing scenes in
the film? What was it like shooting those scenes?
GC: Look, when Jodie first brought this to me she said,
you know, “I’d like to do a musical” and I thought, “I’m
the guy!” [Laughs] We talked about it early on about
how I thought maybe I should dance in it and Jodie
said there’s a choreographer that’s very, very sweet;
a very talented young lady and we went into a room
for a minute and I said, “I’m a really bad dancer and
I think it would be really funny if I did that.” So I sort
of showed her what I wanted to do and she said,
“Just don’t tell anybody that I had anything to do
with this at all.” I said, “OK, I promise.” [Laughs]
And then we went out and started shooting it
and there were a lot of people with their mouths
open for the whole shoot!
Julia, how did this role come about in the
first place?
JR: I mean the great thing was when I came
into this, George had sent me the script and I
responded very favourably to it and the more
excited I got, the quicker he said, “OK, now
you need to talk to Jodie.” And then Jodie
and I got on the phone and we were both so
excited and had this great meeting of the
minds of this joyful commitment to what
we wanted to say about this topic and
these people and immediately got to great
work of being in TV studios and being
in control rooms and seeing how it all
works and what it really entails and the
pressure that people in those situations
are under. It was hugely educational
and very exciting and a lot of the deeply
hard work that I did and things that I
accomplished I don’t think are in the
film [Laughs] but I have them in my
heart and Jodie knows I did them. I
was really just trying to impress Jodie
all the time! [Laughs] And so I think
I accomplished my true goal in the
end.
And what about you George…
how did you get involved with the
project?
GC: I could make a lot of jokes
but the truth is this; Jodie sent
me the script and said, “Do you
want to do this?” and I wanted
to work with Jodie and I loved
the script and I thought well this
is absolutely the perfect time
and then we didn’t think we’d
get Julia to do it. So, you know,
the truth of the matter was it
was something that I think we
all wanted to make. It was
easy, you know, these things
can often times be really
difficult to put together; this
one came together really
easily and I think we all had
a really good time making
it and that’s always a good
sign. It was fun; we were
all in New York in the
worst spring ever, trying
to shoot...but we had a
great time.
So Kristen, in Personal Shopper, you play a
personal shopper, which speaks to sort of the
surrealism of fame and having to have somebody
go out and do things for you. Can you talk about
how you shaped this role and how in your own
life you have things that you simply cannot do
because of a lack of normalcy?
Kristen Stewart: Yeah well, there’s a lot of self hatred
and really conflicted desires that go along with her
attraction to the whole fashion industry and the
shiny things. To be on the other side of that, to feel so
incapable, like you can’t go to the store [yourself and
buy stu�…I mean technically you can, but it can just
prove to be logistically not worth it. But Maureen is
so capable. She’s incredibly tactile and just incredibly
physical. So it was fun to play somebody who is so
sort of like, what’s the word I’m looking for – just
capable. Sometimes I do feel a little bit like I’ve had
my limbs cut o� and that’s not to say that’s a bad
feeling; it’s just surreal, it is di�erent. Yeah.
There’s a lot of text messaging in the film. What
is your relationship with technology and phones?
KS: Yeah, it’s weird how you can engage in something
that does not exist and absolutely project everything
onto a simple bit of punctuation. You read into the
fact that they wrote three dots and not one and
then there was a space between this word and this
one...I’ve also been thinking about distractions a
lot lately. I’m absolutely guilty of sort of constant
stimuli that’s not actually stimulating at all. It’s like
your brain is firing and it has carved out a pathway
and it just keeps falling into that one pathway. It’s
like something gratifying about the phone, because I
definitely fall into that too. But it’s just trippy because
within the context of the movie, my character is
utterly alone and can’t talk to anyone, like truly,
just cannot speak, every word is like, ‘Ger, ger, ger...’
and the fact that she can sit behind this phone and
feel closer to feeling maybe alive or something; it
definitely says a lot about how we interact with each
other and conversely, technology. It’s a little terrifying
because it would be a lot easier for me to sit down
and write you an email about what I’m talking about
right now. But it’s nice to engage too. [Laughs] So the
movie definitely touches on that.
So much of the performance is directed through
texting. Your fear is very convincing, how did you
generate that?
KS: Well, I just imagine that if I receive these text
messages that it would be really scary! [Laughs]
It’s really hard to speak to that, again I’m not trying
to a�ect you, I’m really genuinely not trying to
manipulate anyone into being anything. And so I was
surprised every day by how scary the movie was.
I thought that it was trippy when I read it. I thought
it was dreamy and surreal and really existential but
- not to sound too pretentious - what surprised me
was the adrenalin of the momentum. It’s like it just
persists, it just doesn’t let her alone. And the constant
nature of life is so terrifying, like you can’t get away
from it. Like right now, I can’t get out of here, I can’t
get out of right here – and that is scary. And that was
really all the kind of stu� that I was kind of thinking of.
Did you watch any supernatural films when you
were preparing for this?
KS: I didn’t prepare for this movie at all. I read the
script once and I wanted to discover it every single
day. So literally I tried to forget it immediately. So no
like references or ghostly things. When I was little
that was actually what I was most genuinely afraid
of. I wasn’t afraid of people breaking into my house
or like monsters. I would sit up at night and be like,
“Who’s in here?” So it’s definitely coming from
somewhere pretty real.
Not only is your character restless on the inside
but you’re constantly on the move, racing
around Paris – was the shoot exhausting?
KS: Yeah. I did Cafe Society which is strange to
say because it was always untitled, I did The
Woody Allen Movie before this and he [Olivier]
really wanted to accelerate the making of this
movie and go before Woody and I was like, “I
simply can’t.” It was like, “If I do the job right I’ll
be decimated and just leveled and not light
and pretty and fun for the Woody movie.” So
yeah, like the exhilaration though, it’s very
reassuring like an experience that almost -
and I don’t mean to sound too dramatic or
actor-y saying like “It almost broke me” - but
genuinely you do feel that. This movie made
me feel like there is nothing that I could put
myself through that would ever actually
make me not be able to keep going, which is
a really, really good feeling. Because I tried;
I was working seven days a weeks. I was
working for Chanel at the same time too.
16 hour days, seven day weeks, genuinely
and like, oh man I’ve just never felt so good
feeling so bad.
So you chose to make this after making
Woody Allen’s film Cafe Society
because you felt that the shoot was
going to demand a lot from you; and
that it might be too painful? Or is pain
too strong a word?
KS: Honestly, this was one of the
most painful but pleasantly, desirably
painful experiences. I knew that if I
did the job right then by the end of
the movie I would be fully expended.
And I definitely got there. I fell apart at
the end of this movie. I was way too
skinny and exhausted. This movie
is a ghost story on the surface but
when you get stuck in your own head
and your own demons and voices
become too surreal to comprehend
and perception of reality is just
like much too daunting, those are
the questions that keep you up
at night. Those are the questions
that are stultifying. And for two
months running around Paris and
being frozen and just never feeling
quite sure about anything and
the isolation of how lonely that
character is was di�cult but at
the same time, Olivier always
works with the same people
and it’s very clichéd to call a
group of people who make a
movie a ‘family’ but as isolated
and alone as I felt, I couldn’t
have been less alone actually,
because I had people. I mean
if I ever fell I knew that I could
because I would be caught.
Kristen Stewart: “I’ve never felt so good feeling so bad”
OK! PAKISTAN • 103
104
How have you found Cannes so far?
Elle Fanning: Oh wow. It’s so much chaos but
beautiful chaos. It’s so exciting.
And you’re missing your prom night to be here
is that right?
EF: Yes, my senior prom. When I heard that our
movie got into Cannes I was like, “OK I’ll go to
Cannes for sure.” And so yes, our premiere is
basically my prom night. I think that that’s an
upgrade. I think so at least! [Laughs] My best friend
is here so we’re going to have our prom night. This
is the best prom. It’s kind of the ultimate. It beats
everybody else’s.
We saw you photographing the photographers
at the photocall?
EF: Yes I did! I’ve never been to Cannes before.
This is my very first time here so I’m very wide-
eyed. Everything is very exciting and yeah, that was
so much fun; it’s so intense but it’s fun, you have
to have fun with it. I had a good phone case that
said, “Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn” on it so I
wanted to show it o� and I got to take some photos
of them, turned it back on the photographers.
[Laughs]
What was it like working with Nicolas on The
Neon Demon?
EF: Nic is a genius. I love Nic. I hope I can do all
my movies with Nic forever. I’m so proud of this
movie. It’s so di�erent and edgy, and it’s kind of this
feminist movement in a way. It’s all girls and it’s
cool. It’s rock’n’roll, as Nic says.
Were you familiar with Nicolas’ work before
you partnered up with him? He’s quite a unique
director…
EF: Yes he is but I was a huge fan anyway. I love
Drive and I had a huge crush on Ryan Gosling as
well [Laughs] so I was like, “Yes!” I’ve seen Drive
multiple times and I wanted to work with Nic. I
like movies that are di�erent and kind of strange
and kind of push the boundaries – movies that
are not safe. And then when I heard that Nic was
going to make a movie with girls in the fashion
industry I was like, “Nic doing a movie with all
these girls?” It doesn’t sound like the norm for him.
But I was like, “I want to be a part of it so badly.”
And he wanted to meet with me so I came over
to where he was staying and it’s funny I saw that
he’s like surrounded by all these women in his life
– his wife, two daughters so there are all these
princess clothes surrounding his house. So I’m like,
“OK, he has his feminine side.” So I got that and I
hadn’t read the script or anything but he explained
his idea behind what he wanted to make and we
just right away were like...I was so on board and
just wanted to do it – wanted to create it. Because
honestly we had to mould it together, you know, it
wasn’t just there. We changed a lot of things during
filming because we shot in chronological order so
you had more freedom to do that.
This is quite a di�erent role for you…
EF: I like to choose di�erent roles that are
interesting and peak my interest in a way. But this
was I guess a more darker role than I had done
before and I think that on the outside, I’m a very
happy person but everyone has the good and
bad in them. So it was fun to
explore that side, and since
we shoot in chronological
order, it was amazing
because Jesse progresses
and changes so much, you
know, the day before those
were like the memories we
created so I could really kind
of track her literally turning
into a complete narcissist!
[Laughs] And yet in the
beginning, we talked about
her and she’s like Dorothy
in a way in Wizard of Oz,
because she’s plopped
into this world and you
don’t really know where
she comes from but
she’s this innocent, kind
of wide-eyed looking
at these sparkly things.
And LA is such a neon...
for a while I thought LA
was The Neon Demon in
a way because that city
is so haunting but so
enticing. It sucks you in
but it will spit you out
too! [Laughs]
Could you relate to
the ‘meat market’
aspect of the movie
even though here it
is obviously taken
to extremes…
EF: [Laughs] I did
my first film when I
was two so I guess
I’ve kind of been
doing this my
whole life and I
love it. I was born
in Georgia, and
we incorporate
that into the
movie also as
we wanted
to include as
many things
as possible.
So in a weird
way, I’m kind
of this small
town girl who
moved to the
big city so I could relate to that. And growing up in
LA, you definitely see a lot of things, especially in
the industry too. Even being here at Cannes, this
is my first time, it’s so exciting but going to these
parties, I felt like Jesse. You have to be able to not
get sucked in too much I guess.
How have you so far avoided not getting
completely sucked into the Hollywood
lifestyle?
EF: Well, I mean I’m graduating this year from a
normal high school and I still live with my parents.
I have such a good family I think that they would
w h i p
me into shape if I did
anything. And also you have to kind of separate
yourself too. When I was younger, I looked at films
as someone would consider soccer practice or
playing a match like, “Oh, that’s just my extra-
curricular activity.” I’d go o� and do a movie
for a little bit. But once I’m home... there’s that
and you’re always thinking of characters and I
daydream a lot also so I’m always in my head in
that way but once you’re home, you’re home. So
you have to separate yourself from it. I think that
the people who just live in that ‘movie world’ like
non-stop, 24/7, 100 per cent – it’s too intense. You
can’t do that. So yeah, you kind of step out of it
and take out the trash and be normal. [Laughs]
Elle Fanning: “I had a huge crush on Ryan Gosling”
OK! PAKISTAN • 105
Do you see this as a film festival that brings out your wild
side?
Kendall Jenner: Yeah, definitely. I have a lot of fun here for sure.
It’s like one of my favourite times of the year to come.
How important is it to you that you have friends and
family working in the same industry and does that act as a
support system?
KJ: Yeah, most definitely a support system. It’s super important
to me. I consider myself very lucky. I get to travel to all these
places, and this business can sometimes get kind of lonely
but I’m lucky enough to have all my best friends and some
of my family work around the same areas. So even fashion
weeks and stu� like that, I’m surrounded by all my friends.
What sort of movies do you like?
KJ: One of my favourite movies ever is Moulin Rouge. I don’t
know why; I grew up watching that movie and I could like
literally recite every line in the movie. It’s just one of my
favourites.
Would you ever take a break from your modeling career
to do some acting?
KJ: I don’t know about that at this very moment. I’m very
happy with what’s happening but I wouldn’t ever say no
to that. I’m very busy right now so I don’t know where I’d
find the time.
Your career is going so well at the moment but what is
the plan for the future?
KJ: I’m kind of just going for longevity. I’m going to keep
doing this for as long as I can. I love doing it and I still
see a lot ahead of me and I still see a lot that I’d like to
accomplish that I haven’t yet.
What has it been like working with Mert & Marcus
for this Magnum ‘Dare to go Double’ campaign?
KJ: Working with Mert & Marcus is amazing. They make
you feel so amazing and confident and the pictures are
always so beautiful. They are some of my favourite
people to work with. And they are very fun so we
always have a good time on set. We laugh the whole
time and take selfies...so it’s always a good time.
Tell us about what it’s meant working on this
project and how excited you are to be launching
Magnum Double in Cannes?
KJ: Yeah, I’m super excited. This project is really
awesome. First of all, I’m a huge fan of the ice cream
bar and the whole concept behind it and ‘Dare to
go double’ and all of that. I think there is a huge
confidence thing behind it and I think that it really
says a lot and I love it.
This must have been a dream shoot to work on…
chocolate, ice cream, great outfits and you’re
all friends...
KJ: It was amazing. I mean working with Mert &
Marcus is always incredible and they make you
feel so good, confident and comfortable. So I think
that the whole collaboration was just perfect.
Overall, what does it really mean to you; the
whole ‘Dare to go Double’ kind of attitude?
KJ: It’s inspiring. I think the whole thing is really
awesome. I think it’s amazing. It is surrounded
by confidence, being yourself, taking time for
yourself; it’s kind of all about you and just being
the best you can be. And yeah, it’s just like
rocking your own world!
Kendall Jenner: “I consider myself very lucky”
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Summer is here and it’s time to pack your bags and take that much-needed beachy vacation! Here, we list down 15 of the most picturesque and relaxing spots in the world…
THE WORLD’S MOST Breathtaking Islands
ON THE LIST
Capri, ItalyCapri is an island in Italy’s
Gulf of Naples. Its spectacular
attractions include Blue Gretto
Cave, Roman Palace Villa Jovis,
and rock formation Faragloni.
Mariah Carey owns a villa
on this island and Leonardo
DiCaprio has often been seen
vacationing here!
MACHU PICCHU
Celebrities spotted in
Italy
LEONARDO
DICAPRIO
MARIAH CAREY
OK! PAKISTAN • 107
’S MOST eathtaking Islands
Maldives Maldives is a nation in the
Indian Ocean which comprises
several islands. It has been
ranked as the top honeymoon
destination consecutively by
TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice
Awards. Aside from the resorts,
a great place to visit whilst
your stay here would be the
Maldives National Museum.
Prince William and Duchess
of Cambridge also visited
Maldives in 2014.
Mauritius Mauritius is a volcanic
nation situated in East
Africa. Places to see include
Black River Gorges National
Park, the Trou aux Cerfs
Volcano and the Tamarind
Falls. Celebrities who have
visited Mauritius include
Prince Harry, Kylie Minogue
and Gwyneth Paltrow.
MACHU PICCHU
Celebrities spotted in Maldives
KATE
MIDDLETON
PRINCE
WILLIAM
MACHU PICCHU
Celebrities spotted in Mauritius
PRINCE
HARRY
GWYNETH
PALTROW
108
Ibiza, Spain Ibiza is one of the
Balearic Islands in the
Mediterranean Sea and
is best known for its
nightclubs and super fun
night life! The best time
to visit would be in June.
A must visit is the Port de
Sant Miguel beach; from
Tiesto to DeadMau5, be
sure to find some of the
best DJs performing there.
Seychelles Seychelles has 115 islands in the
Indian Ocean o� East Africa.
It’s one of the most popular
honeymoon spots ever - George
Clooney and Amal Alamuddin
visited Seychelles for their
honeymoon as well! Sainte
Anne Marine National Park and
Bicentennial Monuments are
points of interests.
MACHU PICCHU
Celebrities spotted in
Spain
DEADMAU5
TIESTO
MACHU PICCHU
Celebrities spotted in Seychelles
GEORGE
CLOONEY
AMAL
ALAMUDDIN
OK! PAKISTAN • 109
Bali, Indonesia It’s known for its rich culture and
volcanoes. Some places to visit
are the Uluwatu Temple, Ubud
Monkey Forest and Mount Batur.
Celebrities who have visited Bali
include Ashton Kutcher and Mila
Kunis. Khayangan which means
“Seventh Heaven” is one of the
most picturesque spots where
couples choose to marry.
Tahiti The 8th shaped island of Tahiti
is the largest island in the
French Polynesia. It has the
best to o�er from its majestic
mountain peaks to its turquoise
water and white sand beaches.
Shark feeding is one of its most
famous and thrilling excursions.
A must visit is Tahiti’s pearl farm
called Champon. Interesting
fact: Carrie Underwood chose
Tahiti as her honeymoon spot!
MACHU PICCHU
Celebrities spotted in Indonesia
ASHTON
KUTCHER
MILA KUNIS
MACHU PICCHU
Celebrities spotted in
Tahiti
CARRIE
UNDERWOOD
110
Bora Bora Bora Bora is an island in
the French Polynesia. This
white sand island with sky
blue water is to die for!
Coral Gardens, volcanic
Mount Otemanu and
Tupitipiti Point are spots
to see. Jennifer Aniston
and Justin Theroux
honeymooned there as
well!
Fiji Located in the South Pacific,
Fiji has more than 300 exotic
islands. Among favourite
spots are Denarau Island and
Mamanuca. Other attractions
include the Thurston Botanical
Gardens, Fiji Museum and the
Kula Eco Parrot Park. Celebrities
who have visited include Pierce
Brosnan, Russell Crowe and
Nicole Kidman.
MACHU PICCHU
Celebrities spotted in Bora Bora
JUSTIN
THEROUX
JENNIFER
ANISTON
MACHU PICCHU
Celebrities spotted in
Fiji
NICOLE
KIDMAN
PIERCE
BROSNAN
OK! PAKISTAN • 111
Santorini, GreeceSantorini is the most breathtaking
and serene island in the Angean
Sea. Places to visit include Volcano
Santorini Caldera, Archeological
Museum of Thera and Imerovigli.
The film Tomb Raider was shot in
Santorini, and celebrities who have
vacationed in Santorini include the
Kardashians, Sophia Vergara and
Tom Hanks.
Mustique Mustique is a private
island in St Vincent and
the Grenadines, in the
West Indies. Places to see
here include the Bamboo
Church, Mustique Museum
and don’t forget to watch
a movie at the Open Air
Cinema! Celebrities who
have visited Mustique
include Jennifer Lopez and
the late Amy Winehouse.
MACHU PICCHU
Celebrities spotted in
Greece
SOFIA
VERGARA
KIM
KARDASHIAN
MACHU PICCHU
Celebrities spotted in Mustique
JENNIFER
LOPEZ
112
Saint Barthélamy Saint Barts is a Caribbean Island,
where the natives speak French.
Its capital Gustavia, other than
the white sand beaches, has
historical attractions that include
The Wall House and 17th century
Fort Karl. Celebrities who have
vacationed here include Beyoncé,
Jay-Z and Gwen Stefani.
ProvidencialesProvidenciales is an island in
the northwest Caicos Islands.
Places to visit include the
Princess Alexandra National
Park, Little Water Cay and
Caicos Conch Farm. Celebrities
who have visited this beautiful
island include Cameron Diaz, Rio
Ferdinand and Demi Moore.
MACHU PICCHU
Celebrities spotted in Saint
Barthélamy
GWEN
STEFANI
JAY-Z &
BEYONCE
MACHU PICCHU
Celebrities spotted in
Providenciales
DEMI MOORE
CAMERON DIAZ
OK! PAKISTAN • 113
Dubrovnik, CroatiaDubrovnik is a southern city in
Croatia facing the Adriatic Sea.
Its points of interest are the St.
Blaise Church, Renaissance Sponza
Palace and Gothic Rector’s Palace.
Celebrities who have visited include
Catherine Zeta-Jones, Richard Gere
and Michael Douglas.
Palawan, Phillipines Palawan is an island province
in the Philippines. Points of
interest include the Tubbataha
Reef, Puerto Princesa
Subterranean River National
Park and Honda Bay. Rachel
Weisz and Jeremy Renner
were seen shooting here for
the movie Bourne Legacy.
MACHU PICCHU
Celebrities spotted in
Croatia
MICHAEL
DOUGLAS
CATHERINE
ZETA-JONES
MACHU PICCHU
Celebrities spotted in
Phillipines
RACHEL
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STYLE BEAUTY HEALTH FOOD TRAVEL ENTERTAINMENT
OK! PAKISTAN • 117
Kendall Jenner oozes
glamour and sex
appeal in a stunning
Versace gown at the
Magnum Doubles Party
in Cannes.
OK! Best DRESSED
The radiant and
pregnant, Blake
Lively looks every bit
a princess in a floor-
sweeping Vivienne
Westwood couture
dress at the Slack Bay
Cannes premiere.
Bollywood sensation,
Aishwarya Rai stuns in
an Elie Saab couture
gown at the Le Bon
Gros Géant Cannes
premiere.
OK! Red CARPET
118
Sonam Kapoor
knows how to make
an impact in a Ralph
& Russo couture
gown paired with a
Bvlgari choker to the
Cannes Film Festival
2016.
Looking svelte
as ever, Mallika
Sherawat dons a
Georges Hobeika
gown at the Café
Society Cannes
premiere.
We love the detailing
on Karlie Kloss’s
Marchesa gown
accessorised with
Chopard jewellery
and Giuseppe Zanotti
shoes at AmfAR’s
23rd Cinema Against
AIDS Gala.
Lily Donaldson stuns
in a red sequined
Prada gown at
AmfAR’s 23rd
Cinema Against
AIDS Gala in France.
Alessandra Ambrosio
glistens in a
statement Zuhair
Murad gown paired
with Bvlgari jewellery
at The Last Face
Cannes Film Festival
premiere.
OK! PAKISTAN • 119
CARPET ROCKSTARS
Paris Hilton looks
sultry in an all-white
Michael Costello
gown at The Heart
Fund Generous
People Gala 2016 in
Cannes. PH
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With the star of the upcoming film Dobara Phir Se as our model this month, we bring you the most coveted whites of the summer. Breezy pants, flowy jackets
and blouses and a classic shirt reinvented to an au courant dress is exactly what you need with rising temperatures. Just be sure to accessorise your look with
vibrant jewellery and Summer’s favourite flats, the khusas.
Whiteout
CONCEPT, STYLING & ART DIRECTION: ALIZEH PASHA
PHOTOGRAPHY: SHAHBAZ SHAZI
HAIR & MAKE-UP: SABS
MODEL: TOOBA SIDDIQUI
OUTFIT: NIDA AZWER
EARRINGS: FNK ASIA
NECKLACE: MAHIN
DRESS: ZAHEER ABBAS
NECKLACE & BRACELETS: MAHIN
EARRINGS: FNK ASIA
SHOES: SOMA INTERNATIONAL
OUTFIT: MISHA LAKHANI
BELT: MISHA LAKHANI
JEWELLERY: MAHIN
SHOES: SOMA INTERNATIONAL
OUTFIT: FNK ASIA
NECKLACE & EARRINGS: FNK ASIA
BRACELETS: MAHIN
JACKET: ALIZEH PASHA DESIGNS
CROP TOP: MANGO
PANTS: MISHA LAKHANI
EARRINGS & NECKLACE: FNK ASIA
BRACELETS: MAHIN
SHOES: SOMA INTERNATIONAL
128
The 69th Annual Cannes Film Festival
The Cannes Film Festival is one of the world’s most exciting film festivals featuring the world’s finest film artists and emerging
talents. Minus the awards, the trails of couture gowns and dazzling jewellery
worn by celebs such as Blake Lively, Sonam Kapoor, Jourdan Dunn and Elle Fanning kept us enthralled while Aishwarya Rai’s purple lipstick
left us in a quizzical uproar.
Cannes Film FestivalThe Cannes Film Festival is one of the
world’s most exciting film festivals featuring The Cannes Film Festival is one of the
world’s most exciting film festivals featuring The Cannes Film Festival is one of the
the world’s finest film artists and emerging world’s most exciting film festivals featuring the world’s finest film artists and emerging
world’s most exciting film festivals featuring
talents. Minus the awards, the trails of the world’s finest film artists and emerging
talents. Minus the awards, the trails of the world’s finest film artists and emerging
couture gowns and dazzling jewellery talents. Minus the awards, the trails of couture gowns and dazzling jewellery talents. Minus the awards, the trails of
worn by celebs such as Blake Lively, Sonam couture gowns and dazzling jewellery
worn by celebs such as Blake Lively, Sonam couture gowns and dazzling jewellery
Kapoor, Jourdan Dunn and Elle Fanning kept us worn by celebs such as Blake Lively, Sonam
Kapoor, Jourdan Dunn and Elle Fanning kept us worn by celebs such as Blake Lively, Sonam
enthralled while Aishwarya Rai’s purple lipstick Kapoor, Jourdan Dunn and Elle Fanning kept us enthralled while Aishwarya Rai’s purple lipstick Kapoor, Jourdan Dunn and Elle Fanning kept us
left us in a quizzical uproar.
KRISTEN
STEWART
KATE MOSS
KIM
KARDASHIAN
VANESSA
PARADIS
NAOMI WATTS
& SUSAN
SARANDON
ALESSANDRA
AMBROSIO KATY PERRY
MISCHA
BARTON
CHARLIZE
THERONAISHWARYA RAI
BACHCHAN
GEORGE
CLOONEY&
AMAL CLOONEY
JULIANNE
MOORE
JULIA ROBERTS
JUSTIN
TIMBERLAKE
& ANNA
KENDRICK
CHANEL
IMAN
BELLA HADID
VICTORIA
BECKHAM
LEA SEYDOUX
ROSIE
HUNTINGTON-
WHITELEY
MALLIKA
SHERAWAT
ADRIANA
LIMA
LARA STONE
EVA
LONGORIA
JESSICA
CHASTAIN
MARION
COTILLARD
KIRSTEN
DUNST
SONAM
KAPOOR
CHLOE
SEVIGNY
PH
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Pakistan Fashion WeekLONDON 2016
The ninth PFWL hosted at the Grand Connaught Rooms and produced by Riwayat is an exceptional platform for Pakistani and Indian designers to display their cra� and talent internationally. Focusing on contemporary, resort and bridal couture, the show featured designs from Pakistan’s finest including Shamaeel Ansari and Nida Azwer to name a few along with retail giants such as
Sapphire, Gul Ahmed and Al-Zohaib textiles. Take a look at some of OK! Pakistan’s favourite ensembles to incorporate in your wardrobe.Sapphire, Gul Ahmed and Al-Zohaib textiles. Take a look at some of OK! Pakistan’s favourite ensembles to incorporate in your wardrobe.
LAJWANTI
GOAL BY
FOZIA
AGHA
NOOR
IQRA
SAQIB
GOGI BY
HASAN RIAZ
GUL
AHMED
AL ZOHAIB
TEXTILES
BOMBAY
STORES
DIVA BY SANA
RASHID
EMBELLISHED BY
SADAF AMIR
FLORA
GOAL BY
FOZIA
OK! PAKISTAN • 131
SHAMAEEL
ANSARI
SHAMAEEL
ANSARI
SEEMA’SMAHOGANY BY
SAM DADA
SARAH
SALMAN
MOAZZAM
ABBASI
MADIHA
GOHAR
MAHAGONY BY
SAM DADA
GUL
AHMED
NIDA
AZWER
SAPPHIRE
AL ZOHAIB
TEXTILES
BOMBAY
STORES
DIVA BY SANA
RASHID
EMBELLISHED BY
SADAF AMIR
SONALI’S
CREATION
NIDA
AZWER
SAPPHIRE
GOGI BY
HASAN
RIAZ
MADIHA
GOHAR
AGHA
NOOR
ZAYNUB
WAZIR
OK! PAKISTAN • 133
ZAYNUB WAZIR
SHAZIA KIYANI
IQRA SAQIB
LAJWANTI
MOAZZAM ABBASI
SARAH SALMAN
SEEMA’S
SHAZIA KIYANI
SHAMAEEL ANSARI
FLORA1
PH
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134
DECONSTRUCTED
OK! Fashion EDIT Z
AC
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PR
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20
16
Derek Lam 10 CrosbyTie Waist Shirtdress,
PKR 39,000
Edie Parker Flavia Pineapple Clutch,
PKR 140,000
Johanna Ortiz
Cotton Striped Sherlock
One Sleeved Top,
PKR 96,000 Brian Atwood
Floral Ayers
Sandals,
PKR 117,000
Pompin & Co.The Milos,PKR 1,950
Vivienne WestwoodBuilders Asymmetric
Shirt,
PKR 40,00
Charlotte OlympiaPerspex Clutch,
PKR 164,000
Rosie AssoulinPoplin One Armed
Bandit Top,
PKR 59,000
Charles & KeithCage Heel Pumps,
PKR 4,900
Johanna Ortiz
Simone De Beauvoir
Dress,
PKR 190,000
9LinesRoy Lichtenstein
Iphone 6 Case,
PKR 1,900
9LinesFried Egg Cross
Body, PKR 2,600
Mansur GavrielRoyal Blue Mini Bucket,
PKR 61,000
Nicholas KirkwoodMirrored-Leather and
Mesh Sandals, PKR 100,000
MarniGraphic Sunglasses,
PKR 57,000
Johanna OrtizCotton Da�odil Wrap
Top,
PKR 46,000
ElleryJeanne Shirting Top,
PKR 69,000
Ports 1961Wrap-Around Striped Shirt,
PKR 41,000
STOCKISTS: CARTIER www.cartier.com; CHARLES & KEITH www.charleskeith.com; ADEAM, CHARLOTTE OLYMPIA, DEREK LAM, EDIE PARKER, ELLERY, JOHANNA ORTIZ, MANSUR GAVRIEL, MARNI, ROSIE ASSOULIN, URANIA GAZELLI www.modaoperandi.com; 9 LINES www.9lines.net; BRIAN ATWOOD, EMILIO PUCCI, ERICKSON BEAMON, J.W. ANDERSON, JACQUEMUS, MONSE, NICHOLAS KIRKWOOD, SOPHIA WEBSTER, TOME, VICTORIA BECKHAM, VINCE, VIVIENNE WESTWOOD www.netaporter.com; DIOR www.dior.com; KAREN WALKER www.karenwalker.com; N021, PORTS 1961 www.farfetch.com; POMPIN & CO. www.pompin.co; ZARA www.zara.com; HERMÉS www.hermes.com; prices are approximate
SHIRTS
OK! PAKISTAN • 135
The crisp, classic white perennial is always a cult favourite but this Summer warrants you to turn it up a notch and wear your shirt with a little bit of attitude. Wear yours backwards if it sounds too daunting or tuck in a sleeve and knot it up if you’ve got some creative juices flowing through your body or better yet take a glance at what our favourite labels have to offer and shop away!
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JacquemusOne-Shoulder Cotton-Poplin Shirt,PKR 36,000
Sophia Webster
Nereida Leather & Satin Sandals,
PKR 89,000
J.W. Anderson
Striped Cotton-Poplin Top,
PKR 78,000
Erickson BeamonGeometry One Earrings,
PKR 41,000
Karen WalkerOne Splash Dusty Pink,PKR 22,000
Emilio PucciOne-Shoulder Top,PKR 59,000Adeam
Pleated Sunburst Top,PKR 55,00
MonseOne-Shoulder Shirt,
PKR 84,000
Urania GazelliGreen Apple Clutch,PKR 71,000
Victoria, Victoria Beckham
Bow-Embellished Cotton-Poplin Shirt,PKR 55,000
TomeFreedom For All
Ru�ed Cotton Shirt,
PKR 58,000
CartierAmulette De Cartier,PKR 460,000
VinceStriped Shirt,PKR 24,000
ZaraStudio Knot Dress,
PKR 4,900
HermèsIona Bracelet,PKR 29,000
DiorCeleste Earrings,PKR 37,000
No21Sleeveless Striped
& Knotted Top,PKR 77,000
Ports 1961Button Down Shirt,PKR 59,000
OK! Men’s EDIT
HIGH-SCHOOL HEARTTHROB From the trendy bomber jacket to the casual white sneakers, we love every bit of Zac Efron’s outfit. The actor gets every girl’s heart pounding with this simple look, proving that you don’t always have to suit up to make a girl swoon!
STOCKISTS: KENZO www.farfetch.com; TED BAKER LONDON www.johnlewis.com; ZARA www.zara.com; TOPMAN www.topman.com; NEXT www.next.com; H&M www.hm.com; NEW LOOK www.newlook.com; ADIDAS www.adidas.com; VANS www.vans.com; GUCCI www.gucci.com; PACSUN www.pacsun.com; APPLE www.apple.com; prices are approximate
136
VANS
Canvas Sk8-Hi, PKR 6,000
TOPMAN
Navy Bomber Jacket,PKR 6,000
APPLE
Watch 38mm 18-Karat Rose
Gold Case with White Sport
Band (price on request)
PACSUN
Riot Society Fight For Your Right T-Shirt,
PKR 2,500
ZARA
Printed Bomber Jacket,PKR 6,000
GUCCI
Leather belt with feline buckle,PKR 50,000
HIGH-SCHOOL HEARTTHROB
H&M
Slim Low Jeans, PKR 3,000
NEW LOOK
Black Washed Slim Fit Jeans,
PKR 3,000
NEXT
Crew Neck T-Shirt,
PKR 900
ADIDAS
Men’s Originals Superstar Shoes,
PKR 8,000
TED BAKER LONDON
Reversible Bomber Jacket, PKR 18,000
KENZO
Print Block Bomber Jacket,
PKR 90,000
ZARA
VANS
Sk8-Hi Reissue,
PKR 6,000
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KIKI
MCDONOUGH
Multi-Gem Snake
Necklace
DAVID WEBB
Platinum Gold
Diamond, Coral &
Cabochon Emerald
Snake Bangle
TIFFANY & CO.
Gold & Diamond
Snake Bangle-Bracelet
WENDY YUE
Serpent’s
Nest Ring
CARTIER
Emerald, Ruby &
Gold Bracelet
DIOR COFFRET
DE VICTOIRE
Snake Earrings
BOUCHERON
Snake Earrings
ROBERTO COIN
Martellato Snake
Ring
LORENZ
BAUMER
Diamond &
Pearl Ring
CARTIER
Snake Necklace
BVLGARI
Bracelet/ Watch In Yellow
Gold Set With Jade, Rubies &
Diamonds, Circa 1968
LYDIA COURTEILLE
Pair of Opal, Brown
Diamond & Diamond
Earrings
CARTIER
Snake Ear
Clips
THEO FENNELL
Diamond Brooch
BETTERIDGE
Collection
Gem-Set Snake
Bracelet
OK! Jewellery EDIT
STOCKISTS: THEO FENNELL www.theofennell.com; CARTIER www.cartier.com; LORENZ BAUMER www.lorenzbaumer.com; BVLGARI www.bvlgari.com; BETTERIDGE www.betteridge.com; SERAPHINA JEWLLERY
www.seraphinajewellery.com; DIOR www.dior.com; BOUCHERON www.boucheron.com; LYDIA COURTEILLE www.lydiacourteille.com; BOCHIC www.bochic.com; LOREE RODKIN www.loreerodkin.com; ROBERTO
COIN www.robertocoin.com; FARAH KHAN www.farahkhanfinejewellery.com; DAVID WEBB www.davidwebb.com; WENDY YUE www.wendyyue.com; TIFFANY & CO. www.ti�any.com; BUCCELLATI www.buccellati.
com; KIKI MCDONOUGH www.kiki.co.uk
SerpentsSlithering
From ancient times, serpents have slithered their way into fashion and
have been worn as ornaments to represent desire, everlasting love,
wisdom, good and evil. This month, let these surreptitious serpents
slither their way into your closets and become a wardrobe staple.
STOCKISTS: THEO FENNELL www.theofennell.com; CARTIER www.cartier.com; LORENZ BAUMER www.lorenzbaumer.com; BVLGARI www.bvlgari.com; BETTERIDGE www.betteridge.com; SERAPHINA JEWLLERY
LYDIA
COURTEILLE
Snake Bracelet
BOUCHERON
Python Ring
LOREE RODKIN
Coiled Snake
Bondage Ring
DIOR
Antique Snake
Ring
BOCHIC
Snake Bracelet
FARAH KHAN
Snake Around A
Pearl Ring
STOCKISTS: THEO FENNELL www.theofennell.com; CARTIER www.cartier.com; LORENZ BAUMER www.lorenzbaumer.com; BVLGARI www.bvlgari.com; BETTERIDGE www.betteridge.com; SERAPHINA JEWLLERY
www.seraphinajewellery.com; DIOR www.dior.com; BOUCHERON www.boucheron.com; LYDIA COURTEILLE www.lydiacourteille.com; BOCHIC www.bochic.com; LOREE RODKIN www.loreerodkin.com; ROBERTO
STOCKISTS: THEO FENNELL www.theofennell.com; CARTIER www.cartier.com; LORENZ BAUMER www.lorenzbaumer.com; BVLGARI www.bvlgari.com; BETTERIDGE www.betteridge.com; SERAPHINA JEWLLERY STOCKISTS: THEO FENNELL www.theofennell.com; CARTIER www.cartier.com; LORENZ BAUMER www.lorenzbaumer.com; BVLGARI www.bvlgari.com; BETTERIDGE www.betteridge.com; SERAPHINA JEWLLERY STOCKISTS: THEO FENNELL www.theofennell.com; CARTIER www.cartier.com; LORENZ BAUMER www.lorenzbaumer.com; BVLGARI www.bvlgari.com; BETTERIDGE www.betteridge.com; SERAPHINA JEWLLERY
www.seraphinajewellery.com; DIOR www.dior.com; BOUCHERON www.boucheron.com; LYDIA COURTEILLE www.lydiacourteille.com; BOCHIC www.bochic.com; LOREE RODKIN www.loreerodkin.com; ROBERTO
STOCKISTS: THEO FENNELL www.theofennell.com; CARTIER www.cartier.com; LORENZ BAUMER www.lorenzbaumer.com; BVLGARI www.bvlgari.com; BETTERIDGE www.betteridge.com; SERAPHINA JEWLLERY STOCKISTS: THEO FENNELL www.theofennell.com; CARTIER www.cartier.com; LORENZ BAUMER www.lorenzbaumer.com; BVLGARI www.bvlgari.com; BETTERIDGE www.betteridge.com; SERAPHINA JEWLLERY STOCKISTS: THEO FENNELL www.theofennell.com; CARTIER www.cartier.com; LORENZ BAUMER www.lorenzbaumer.com; BVLGARI www.bvlgari.com; BETTERIDGE www.betteridge.com; SERAPHINA JEWLLERY
www.seraphinajewellery.com; DIOR www.dior.com; BOUCHERON www.boucheron.com; LYDIA COURTEILLE www.lydiacourteille.com; BOCHIC www.bochic.com; LOREE RODKIN www.loreerodkin.com; ROBERTO
STOCKISTS: THEO FENNELL www.theofennell.com; CARTIER www.cartier.com; LORENZ BAUMER www.lorenzbaumer.com; BVLGARI www.bvlgari.com; BETTERIDGE www.betteridge.com; SERAPHINA JEWLLERY STOCKISTS: THEO FENNELL www.theofennell.com; CARTIER www.cartier.com; LORENZ BAUMER www.lorenzbaumer.com; BVLGARI www.bvlgari.com; BETTERIDGE www.betteridge.com; SERAPHINA JEWLLERY
www.seraphinajewellery.com; DIOR www.dior.com; BOUCHERON www.boucheron.com; LYDIA COURTEILLE www.lydiacourteille.com; BOCHIC www.bochic.com; LOREE RODKIN www.loreerodkin.com; ROBERTO
STOCKISTS: THEO FENNELL www.theofennell.com; CARTIER www.cartier.com; LORENZ BAUMER www.lorenzbaumer.com; BVLGARI www.bvlgari.com; BETTERIDGE www.betteridge.com; SERAPHINA JEWLLERY STOCKISTS: THEO FENNELL www.theofennell.com; CARTIER www.cartier.com; LORENZ BAUMER www.lorenzbaumer.com; BVLGARI www.bvlgari.com; BETTERIDGE www.betteridge.com; SERAPHINA JEWLLERY
BVLGARI
Necklace with
Emerald Drop
SERAPHINA JEWELLERY
Gold Green Aventurine
Snake Cu�
BUCCELLATI
Ruby & Gold
Ring
140
New To KNOW
Upcoming designer Fatima Masud talks to
OK! about her luxury loungewear brand
Amène, which was launched earlier
this year. She focuses on silhouettes
of pyjamas and chooses to use luxurious fabrics
in exclusive prints. Whether worn o -duty with
a casual pair of jeans or in a dressier
way in the evening, Amène
will most definitely leave you
feeling like a goddess and as
glamorous as ever!
Tell us a little bit about
yourself.
Fatima Masud: My love
for fashion began at a very
young age. After graduating
from London College of
Fashion, I wanted to create
something comfortable yet trendy. I like the idea of mixing pieces that
can be worn casually and can easily transition into evening wear.
What’s the reason behind naming your brand Amène?
FM: Amène is a French word that means amiable and friendly. It just
came about while sitting with a few friends, one of whom had studied
French. When we were exchanging ideas for the name of the brand the
word Amène sounded really good and seemed to have a nice ring to it
as well.
Where do you get your design inspiration?
FM: Inspiration comes from a number of di erent things; places I travel
to, surroundings, art galleries, music and movies. All this helps me shape
my thought process and contribute to my creativity and what I design.
Where can we buy your products?
FM: The products can be bought online through our website www.amene.
co. In addition to web-based selling, we’re planning to retail our products.
Who would you love to see wearing your designs?
FM: Kate Middleton.
Have you been featured anywhere so far?
FM: Yes, I have been featured in quite a few magazines including Sunday
Times, Paperazzi and Good Times.
Do you have any past experience in fashion design?
FM: Yes, I attended Central Saint Martins and am a graduate of London
College of Fashion. As a part of my course I had to work with a designer
so I worked with Faustine Steinmetz.
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Amène
pcoming designer Fatima Masud talks to
! about her luxury loungewear brand
Amène, which was launched earlier
this year. She focuses on silhouettes
of pyjamas and chooses to use luxurious fabrics
in exclusive prints. Whether worn o -duty with
a casual pair of jeans or in a dressier
OK! Trending
Scream Holy Chic!It's time to catch the morning
sunlight in style! And this
would not be possible without
a pair of chic sunglasses.
This London based company
named ‘Holy Chic London’
is all about 'IT' eyewear
with a street style touch.
Their collection titled
Frame of Mind boasts
seven unique sunglasses,
each named very carefully
representing a mood or
state of mind. What makes
us even more excited is
that we’ve already spotted
them on Mahirah Khan! The
collection is very well priced
and available now at www.holychiclondon.com, so
make sure you grab a pair or two to be on top of the
style charts this Summer!
142
Summer GirlBefore the scorching heat
starts to take a toll on you,
let's introduce you to this
fabulous summer deal!
Dress up in style keeping
the Summer heat in mind
with Zara Shahjahan's new
limited edition Summer Chic
collection. The neutral shades
and exquisite cuts make
this your go-to collection for
the entire season. We're in
love with the range of tops
available. This collection is
hands-down everything you'll
need this Summer – simply
team a pair of sneakers and
jeans with one of the exclusive
tops and you're all set to go!
Circle BagIt’s time to come back full circle
for another fun-filled Summer and
another must have ‘IT’ accessory by
your side. The Circle Bag by Mansur
Gavriel is this season’s hottest new
trend. The inspiration for the bag has
been taken by iconic shapes by the
designers Rachel Mansur and Floriana
Gavriel. The bag is crafted in beautiful
supple Italian leather and lined with
suede. We think this bag is a breath
of fresh air and a simple yet stand out
piece. This has already been spotted
on Solange Knowles on the streets of
NYC and it’s your turn to bring it here
to Pakistan.
Ear CandyOne can never have enough statement
earrings. We are obsessed with Oscar
De La Renta’s new range of earrings.
Not only has this design house
reinvented their popular beaded tassel,
which now comes with a beautiful
crystal stone and a light-weight silk
tassel, but alongside that they have
released many new statement styles in
a range of beautiful colours. We think
this is an absolute must have to pair
with your o� the shoulder tops this
season. They also sell out fast so act
right away!
Ear Candy
crystal stone and a light-weight silk
tassel, but alongside that they have
released many new statement styles in
a range of beautiful colours. We think
this is an absolute must have to pair
with your o� the shoulder tops this
season. They also sell out fast so act
right away!
designers Rachel Mansur and Floriana
Gavriel. The bag is crafted in beautiful
of fresh air and a simple yet stand out
on Solange Knowles on the streets of
designers Rachel Mansur and Floriana
Look Smashing in SomaYou would probably have to take another guess
if you feel traditional footwear was a thing of
the past because we are currently swooning
over the shoes and accessories label Soma.
Soma's new footwear designs range from the
delicately embroidered or hand painted khusas
to the fringed slip ons called Sarwas Sandals.
Nothing is over the top but all shoes are definitely
statement worthy! These can be combined with
just about any look; Western
or Eastern, tops or kurtas. The
sandals are easily available
online via Facebook and
Instagram under the name
‘somaintl'.
OK! PAKISTAN • 143
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Tulip PantsFashion keeps evolving but
we assure that you won't
be able to pass this trend
without giving it a try at least
once. Tulip pants are the
new hot summer trend in
town that we see all A-list
personalities following.
These tulip pants are a
perfect version of class and
elegance and super easy
to style. They're comfy and
summer perfect. Simply add
a kurta or a crop top with
your neutral toned tulip pants
teamed up with stilettos
for an ultra-feminine yet
dynamic appearance. These
are available by Shamsha
Hashwani, Zehra Saleem and
Beechtree to name a few.
Luxury LoungewearSave some space in your summer
wardrobe for the most amazing
loungewear in town. Fashion Designer,
Fatima Masud has recently been the talk
of the town with her luxury loungewear
brand 'Amène' launched at Cosa Nostra,
Gulberg in Lahore. The collection titled
The Mosonic Collection include cropped
tops, camisoles, kimono robes, eye
masks, jogger pants, pyjama pants and
culottes in either pure cotton or silk. The
colour palette is a combination of soft
summer pastel tones perfect for the
season.
IT Girls in IT LawnIt's that time of the year again! All of us are looking
forward to revamp our wardrobes a little with new
Summer pieces and all we see around us are new lawn
campaigns hitting the market every other day. Well let's
make this a little easier for you guys – what stood out
the most to us this month are the fabulous new lawn
collections by Shehla Chatoor featuring the sultry Nargis
Fakhri and Feeha Jamshed making her lawn debut with
the gorgeous Mahirah Khan. Both the collections are
distinctive in style with an array of prints and shades.
Shehla's collection is perfectly balanced between a luxe
touch, delicate prints and her signature style. Whereas,
Feeha's collection is bold and edgy with geometrical
inspiration. Nothing could inspire us more than two
strong females, modelling collections for two other
strong female designers; that’s a whole load of girl and
lawn power right there. Both the collections are now
available at all leading retailers.
STOCKISTS: GIANVITO ROSSI, STUART WEITZMAN, CURRENT/ELLIOTT, www.netaporter.com, BALMAIN, www.neimanmarcus.com, BURBERRY BRIT, ARME DE L’AMOUR, HARRIS WHARF LONDON
www.harrods.com; prices are approximate
Prices are approximate
GETTHELOOK
GIGI HADID The Californian, blonde bombshell is no doubt every bit super model material.
Gigi Hadid began her career in modeling for Baby Guess from the age of two,
concentrated on completing high school and then went on to act and model
with Sports Illustrated, Vogue, Elle and numerous other publications, along
with modeling for all the coveted fashion giants across the globe. Gigi Hadid
is girlfriend to superstar Zayn Malik and BFFs with Kendall Jenner and Taylor
Swift – the squad literally coined the term #squadgoals. The model steals the
social media limelight every single day with her enviable bod and killer style.
CURRENT/ELLIOTT
Fling Distressed Low-Rise
Boyfriend Jeans,
PKR 37,820
OK! Style CRUSH
146
STUART WEITZMAN
Nudist Song Coated
Suede Sandals,
PKR 51,390
BURBERRY BRIT
Remmington Double
Front Leather Jacket,
PKR 195,910
HARRIS WHARF
LONDON
Shawl Collar Wool Coat,
PKR 45,395
GIANVITO ROSSI
Suede Over-The-
Knee Boot,
PKR 171,555
ARME DE L’AMOUR
Rhomboid Silver-Plated
Body Chain,
PKR 43,125BALMAIN
Long Sleeve Embellished
Mini Dress,
PKR 586,180
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OK! PROMOTION
GIUSEPPE
ZANOTTI
Leather High-Top
Sneakers,
PKR 93,705
SAINT LAURENT
Skinny-Fit Jeans,
PKR 62,750
ALL BLUES
Brushed Silver
Ring,
PKR 21,320
A.P.C.
Cotton and Wool-
Blend Varsity
Jacket,
PKR 50,630
STOCKLISTS: GREATS, SAINT LAURENT, A.P.C, GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI, www.mrporter.com, ALEXANDER MCQUEEN, BOTTEGA VENETA, ALL BLUES www.matchesfashion.com; prices are approximate
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GETTHELOOK
ZAYN MALIK Zayn Malik is a sensation and nothing less! After his 2015 departure from boy
band, One Direction, he left millions of pre-teen and teenage girls heartbroken.
Currently, he’s got an 18.9 million Twitter following and 10.3 million Instagram
followers. He’s dating one of the most popular supermodels in the world, Gigi
Hadid, and his über cool sartorial choices, funky hairstyles and dapper looks
make even women far older swoon over him.
OK! Style CRUSH
148
ALEXANDER
MCQUEEN
Truth-Print Cotton Shirt,
PKR 14,815
BOTTEGA VENETA
Napoli Button-Cu¡
Cotton Shirt,
PKR 33,270
GREATS
The Royale Leather
High-Top Sneakers,
PKR 17,390
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@ANNIESWIFT LOOKS EASY BREEZY BEAUTIFUL IN THE PERFECT WHITE OFF THE SHOULDER TOP!
@KEEPINGUPWITHKHAN’S DENIM BOTTOMS
ARE GIVING US SERIOUS STYLE ENVY. SHE
IS ALWAYS LOOKS EFFORTLESSLY WELL PUT
TOGETHER.
@HERA7 ROCKING A CULOTTE JUMPSUIT.
PERFECT FOR A MID-SUMMER NIGHT.
NISA TIWANA GLAMS UP HER STYLE QUOTIENT WITH THESE EMBELLISHED MATCHING SEPERATES – WE LOVE IT@NISA_TIWANA.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO LIKE US BUT WE
SURE DO LIKE YOUR TEE!
@WALIYANAJIB PROVING YOU DON’T
HAVE TO DO MUCH TO LOOK GOOD
– A SIMPLE TEE AND JEANS CAN DO
THE TRICK.
@EM__ALI CHANNELING LONDON STREETSTYLE VIBES.
MAN BUN ALERT: @UKHAN HAS NAILED HIS CASUAL, EVERYDAY LOOK!
@SANIAS LOOKING LOVELY WHILST PAIRING UP SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE COLOURS FOR THE SEASON.
#OKStreetstyle As the scorching heat approaches, these style icons up their
summer sizzle!
THIS DENIM ON DENIM LOOK NEVER GETS OLD AND @HEMAYAL GIVES IT LIFE WITH THOSE OVER SIZED EYE GLASSES.
The designer shares it all with OK! Pakistan
UP CLOSE WITH
152
ALI XEESHAN
Pakistani fashion designer Ali Xeeshan is a
graduate of the Pakistan Institute of Fashion
Design (PIFD) in Lahore. Xeeshan started
as a couturier focusing on formals and bridal
couture, later diversifying into prêt-à-porter,
a formal collection for men and a complete
range of accessories. Xeeshan has developed
a unique style of his own which led him to
receive an award for Excellence in Fashion from
the Ministry of Production in Islamabad. He is
inspired by Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage, which
the designer feels is still an untapped reserve of
creativity.
A proud fashion moment?
Ali Xeeshan: Whenever I come on the ramp to
take a bow after a successful show – that moment
is always a proud fashion moment for me.
One thing you can’t stand?
AX: When someone is unnecessarily mean.
Favourite menswear designer?
AX: Republic, without a doubt.
You can’t live without?
AX: Internet.
You will not be seen wearing?
AX: You will never see me wearing boring clothes.
What makes you cringe?
AX: Bad aesthetics make me cringe. One should
wear what defines them.
One thing you don’t mind splurging on?
AX: Exotic accessories are always welcome.
Fashion icons?
AX: Meesha Shafi, Blake Lively, Rihanna.
G u i l t y
pleasure?
AX: Unnecessary excessive
shopping while I’m traveling
makes me so satisfied.
What would we always
find on your beside table?
AX: Multi vitamins, dry fruits
and a sketchpad.
If you could dress
one person locally,
who would it be?
AX: I wish I could
time travel and
dress up Mrs.
Benazir Bhutto.
What is an
u n f o r g e t t a b l e
present you have
received?
AX: Yet to come…
diamonds are
unforgettable –
hope all my friends get the idea now!
Three tips for achieving success?
AX: Hard work, smart work and party.
Favourite scent?
AX: Tom Ford series.
Favourite book?
AX: Influence.
Favourite travel destination?
AX: Any place away from my workshop…
lol.
What do you do when you aren’t
working?
AX: I spend the money I made through
work.
If you were stranded somewhere, what is the
one thing you wish you had on you (apart from
your mobile)?
AX: Good company can be a big help.
Words to live by?
AX: Never give up, never lose hope and strive for
excellence.
OK! PAKISTAN • 153
INTERVIEW: MEHR KASSIMPHOTOGRAPHS: COURTESY ALI XEESHAN
AX:
G u i l t y G u i l t y
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GIVE IT
SOME LIP
BOLDLY PUCKER UP WITH BRIGHT HUES
1 RIMMEL LONDON MOISTURE RENEW
SHEER & SHINE LIPSTICK IN SPIN ALL
SPRING, PKR 990 A highly moisturising lip-stick that gives a sheer yet very glossy finish. This vibrant peachy shade is ideal for Spring, plus it has an SPF 20 to protect lips from the
sun. A real all-rounder.
2 BURBERRY KISSES HYDRATING LIP CO-
LOUR IN BRIGHT CORAL 73, PKR 3,800
The possibilities are endless with this lipstick. A single sweep will give a subtle luminous
finish, but if a bold look is what you’re after, add another two layers for a burst of colour
that will give you that perfect pout.
3 TOPSHOP LIPSTICK IN TEASE, PKR 1,220 Make a statement with this highly pigmented
pink shade that’s ideal for day and night. Beneath the velvet finish, it keeps lips mois-turised and nourished to eliminate signs of
dryness and prevent feathering. Wear alone or, for more volume, add a touch of gloss.
4 SISLEY HYDRATING LONG LASTING LIP-
STICK IN L31 ROSE FUCHSIA, PKR 5,480
In just one stroke you’ll get full coverage that’s long-lasting and stays put with no bleeding or smudging. The bevelled tip is shaped to
give a precise application, perfect when applying such a rich shade, plus the colour
stays intense.
5 MAC ZAC POSEN LIPSTICK IN
DARLING CLEMENTINE, PKR 2,590 This matte orange lipstick is ideal for layering,
so you can decide how bright or intense you want your lips to be. For a standout look, keep
the eyes simple with a flick of black eyeliner to really compliment this bright hue.
6 BOBBI BROWN NOURISHING LIP
COLOUR IN COSMIC PEONY, PKR 3,200 Formulated with avocado, babassu and
jojoba oils to keep lips hydrated and nour-ished throughout the day and reduce the
appearance of fine lines. Glides on like a balm and gives a high shine, making the bold colour
really pop.
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STOCKISTS: BOBBI BROWN www.bobbibrown.co.uk; BURBERRY www.burberry.com; MAC www.maccosmetics.co.uk; RIMMEL LONDON www.boots.com; SISLEY www.sisley-paris.com; TOPSHOP www.topshop.com; prices are approximate
OK! Beauty EDIT
EssentialsBEAUTY
prices are approximate
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THE LIPSTICK UPDATE
After stalking
the Chanel
Cruise Cuba
show and drooling over Tom
Ford’s latest limited-edition
collection, Summer Soleil,
we can confidently say
that tropical pink lipstick
is the only bright lip tint
you’ll need all summer
long. Pair it with metallic
bronze or gold smoky eyes
to add an instant update
to your summer beauty
look. Try TOM FORD’s
MoistureCore Lip Color in
Pipa or CHANEL’s Ultra
Hydrating Lip Colour in
Arthur to get the
look.
PKR 5,500 for
Tom Ford; www.
tomford.com
PKR 3,700 for
Chanel; www.
chanel.com
OK! PAKISTAN • 155
ARE YOU READY TO BE DYSON’D?
One product that has made the
most amount of noise this month is
the almost noiseless DYSON Supersonic
Hair Dryer. Beautifully designed - it has a
hole in the middle - it is lightweight enough
to prevent arm aches, it can switch between
two temperatures and three speeds, doesn’t
expose the tresses to hair-frying temperatures
and is super quiet. Designed by James Dyson,
who The New York Times calls ‘the Steve
Jobs of domestic appliances’ this product
will start a beauty revolution come June but
with a hefty price tag. People are already
saving up, will you?
PKR 40,000; www.dyson.co.uk
THE SUNSCREEN TO HAVEDermatologist and creator of one of the
world’s leading professional anti-aging
skincare products, Dr. Obagi of Obagi
NuDerm has been in the beauty industry
for the last 35 years. His latest line ZO SKIN
HEALTH is now available in Pakistan and
we couldn’t be happier. With the sun, heat
and pollution at its prime – we look to no
other skincare label to provide us with
maximum protection from the sun and its
harmful rays. Bye-bye hyperpigmentation
and sunspots! The Oclipse Sunscreen
+ Primer SPF 30 is on top of our beauty
essentials list this month. Packed with
antioxidants, titanium dioxide, vitamin
E and silicones – the super-charged sun
protection serum comes in a silky matte
finish with a slight tint.
PKR 6,825; Available at Amethyst by Roohi
021-35835979
SMOKY METALLICSBlame it on the Met Gala or
changing seasons, but our current
obsession
are bronze
and gold
smoky eyes
instead of
basic black.
We love
Blake Lively,
Lily-Rose
Depp and
Zendaya’s
twist on
the old and
basic black
smoky eyes
and we suggest you give it a try. It
may as well be the only beauty look
one needs to sparkle this summer.
The CHANEL Les 4 Ombres limited-
edition quad is on our must-have essentials
list. Grab it before it sells out!
PKR 6,700; www.chanel.com
MATTE IT OUT!There is a fine line
between dewy skin
and oily skin. Dewy
looks radiant and
fresh, and oily – well
that’s just something
one needs to combat!
The summer heat
and humidity tends to make even the most
flawless skin look oily, super shiny and
gross. We love how Kylie Jenner and Kate
Middleton never look lathered in oil. Apply
the NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder
Foundation and top it o§ with their Makeup
Setting Spray in Matte to make sure your
make-up stays put and skin
remains shine-free this
summer!
PKR 950 for Powder Foundation
PKR 800 for Makeup
Setting Spray;
www.nyxcosmetics.com
1. NARS ORGASM BLUSH, PKR 3,500 This lightweight, peachy-pink powder is highly blendable and ideal for layering, so you can decide how rosy you want your cheeks to be. It also contains a faint shimmer to leave
your skin looking fresh and full of radiance. 2. DIOR VERNIS COUTURE COLOUR GEL SHINE AND LONG WEAR NAIL LACQUER IN ULTRADIOR, PKR 2,890 Formulated with gel coat resins and techno-polymer, this nail polish will give you high shine and extensive wear time. This highly pigmented shade is versatile – apply just one layer for a sheer finish or add a couple of coats to get the perfect pink. 3. BOURJOIS ROUGE EDITION SOUFFLE DE VELVET IN FUCHSIAMALLOW, PKR 1,370 This long-wearing liquid lipstick glides
on like a gloss but gives the finish of a matte lipstick. Its hydrating, velvety formula helps prevent drying, and in just one stroke will saturate lips with a sheer pink shade that will really make your lips pop! 4. YVES SAINT LAURENT FUSION INK BLUSH IN 02, PKR 5,320 This gel blush gives a burst of fresh pink colour that lasts for 12 hours. Apply on to the apple of the cheek and blend quickly with fingertips or the applicator. The liquid
will evaporate, leaving a vibrant and luscious stain in its place. 5. LANCÔME SHINE LOVER LIPSTICK IN FRENCH SOURIRE, PKR 3,350 The balm-like texture melts into the lips, so application is easy. This shade
is subtle, but you can apply a few layers to really make it stand out. 6. URBAN DECAY 24/7 GLIDE-ON EYE PENCIL IN HEARTLESS, PKR 2,360 Use this frosted pink pencil as an eyeliner or for highlighting the inner
corner of the eye, brow bone and even the cheekbone. With a deeply hydrating formula of jojoba oil, vitamin E and cottonseed oil, it literally glides on.
2
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POP SOME PINK!
ADD SOME GIRLIE GOODNESS TO YOUR SPRING LOOK
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STOCKISTS: BOURJOIS AT www.boots.com; DIOR www.dior.com; LANCÔME www.lancome.co.uk; NARS www.narscosmetics.co.uk; URBAN DECAY www.urbandecay.co.uk; YVES SAINT LAURENT www.yslbeauty.co.uk; prices are approximate
OK! Beauty EDIT
STOCKISTS: ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS www.anastasiabeverlyhills.com; LAURA MERCIER, CLINIQUE, NARS, URBAN DECAY www.sephora.com; L’ORÉAL www.daraz.pk; LUSCIOUS COSMETICSwww.iloveluscious.com; MARC JACOBS www.marcjacobsbeauty.com; SWEET TOUCH ENGLAND available at makeup city; prices are approximate
OK! Beauty
Get theLook
AYESHA OMAR The bubbly and beautiful Ayesha Omar proved yet again that she knows exactly how to make heads turn! The actress looked drop-dead gorgeous at was downright glowing in soft and shimmery make-up, and now you too can recreate this luminous look, just read on!
Shimmer and sparkle all through the night (or day) with the ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Glow Kit. With a choice of four highly blendable shades, this will leave you shimmering. PKR 4,000
Wow everyone around you with SWEET TOUCH ENGLAND’s waterproof mascara which will leave you with long and voluminous eyelashes. PKR 750
Get a gorgeous glossy pout just like Ayesha’s with this MARC JACOBS beautiful champagne grape and essential oil-infused Lust For Lacquer Lip Vinyl in the shade 308 (Heart Shaped).PKR 3,000
Get Ayesha’s flawless glowing skin by using the NARS All Day Weightless Luminous Foundation. It promises full coverage and is guaranteed to stay put throughout your busy day making you feel as radiant as ever.PKR 5,000
Get a pop of pink on the apples of your cheeks and add some colour to your overall look with the highly pigmented LUSCIOUS COSMETICS Powder Blush in Doll Face. PKR 925
158
Make your foundation look fresh all day long with the LAURA MERCIER Foundation Primer. With added vitamins A, C and E, it nourishes your skin and its water-based formula keeps make-up in place. PKR 4,000
This lightweight and oil-free CLINIQUE Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief cream-gel is the perfect pre-make-up moisturiser to keep your skin feeling supple, hydrated and super smooth. PKR 4,000
Glide the L’ORÉAL Infalliable Matte-Matic Liner across your lids to pull your eye make-up together. The highly pigmented gel-cream formula allows for easy application and a beautiful finish. PKR 900
Choose a soft gold or light bronze shade to go all over your lid from this absolutely to-die-for Naked 3 Eye Shadow Palette by URBAN DECAY filled with 12 gorgeous shades for the ultimate dewy make-up look. PKR 5,600
STOCKISTS: ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS www.anastasiabeverlyhills.com; LAURA MERCIER, CLINIQUE, NARS, URBAN DECAY www.sephora.com; L’ORÉAL www.daraz.pk; LUSCIOUS COSMETICSSTOCKISTS: ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS www.anastasiabeverlyhills.com; LAURA MERCIER, CLINIQUE, NARS, URBAN DECAY www.sephora.com; L’ORÉAL www.daraz.pk; LUSCIOUS COSMETICSwww.iloveluscious.com; MARC JACOBS www.marcjacobsbeauty.com; SWEET TOUCH ENGLAND available at makeup city;
The cutest and newest spa and gym
haven in Karachi is the Karachi
Ladies Club. Nestled in a quiet
remotely residential area in old
Clifton, the Ladies Club is the
ultimate one-stop ladies-only
spot for women looking to workout, take fitness
classes and get pampered with massages or
spruce up with a blow-dry post workout. Wanting
to check out the latest in Karachi, we book
ourselves an appointment for their Aromatherapy
Massage and head on over.
On entering the idyllic space, we are guided
to our spa room where candle lights and serene
music await us. We are told to change and gather
a towel from a beautifully decorated tray. One
of the first few things we notice is the spa bed.
The one thing a lot of the spa beds in Pakistan
don’t have is a face cradle. Without a face cradle,
even the most calming massages become
uncomfortable as keeping one’s head sideways
throughout an hour-long treatment pains the
neck and shoulders. The Ladies Club spa bed has
a face cradle and we instantly know we’ve come
to the right place.
Our treatment starts with the masseuse
washing her hands, showing us the time then
moving on to get us to breathe in the deliciously
invigorating spa oil which is followed by some
breathing techniques and stretches. The
massage then starts from the base of our leg.
The masseuse asks us what level of pressure
we want and if we want her to concentrate
on any particular areas. Rhythmic strokes,
gentle kneading techniques and the scent and
background music put us completely at ease
as we start to enjoy the massage. Her hands
are soft upon first touch but firm in technique
– something we look forward to always! Once
the leg is completely tended to, the masseuse
makes her way down to our foot and gives us
a relaxing foot massage, making sure to put
pressure on key areas.
Upon finishing one leg, she moves onto the
next. With gentle strokes, she makes sure not
an area goes un-pampered. Her techniques are
at par with some of the best spas we’ve been to
internationally and we are thrilled. The weeks’
tiredness seems to slowly melt away as do all our
worries.
After about 15 or so minutes, when are legs
are totally relaxed, the masseuse moves her
concentration to our back. With gentle hands she
strokes our sides, putting us at ease before she
takes the knots out of our shoulders. Di�erent
methods to relax our muscles transport us to a
calmer place. The spine is worked terrifically as
are our shoulders. Moving from the shoulders to
our ears with ease, the therapist takes out knots
on the way. She kneads and uses her thumbs and
knuckles when necessary all the while making
sure the massage is relaxing and takes our mind
o� worldly stresses.
After our back is complete, gentle stretches
enable the masseuse to open our muscles even
more before she makes her way to the front.
Once our back
is done, we are
asked to flip over
and the therapist
starts the whole
process again
beginning from
our feet and
moving up slowly
to our legs, until
she reaches our
face and scalp.
Her face massage
is invigorating
and scalp is even
better.
After countless
massages over
a few decades,
we know the
d i f f e r e n c e
between the good, the bad and the one that
almost puts you to sleep. We love the ones
that almost put you to sleep because those are
most successful in calming our mind, body and
soul. The Aromatherapy Massage definitely was
one that enabled us to hit the snooze button at
various intervals during the massage – it was
calming and relaxed our tense muscles so we
could embrace the day in better form.PRICE: PKR 2,500. CONTACT 021-35148129 for appointments.
Beauty
OK! PAKISTAN • 159
BUZZTRIED & TESTED
AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE, KARACHI LADIES CLUB
DIY How To...Update your
smoky eyeWith temperatures on the rise, the regular black
smoky eye is too blah and blasé. Just like your
wardrobe needs an update, so do your beauty
rituals and make-up products. It is time to
lighten up and give your look a fresh makeover!
Celebs from Scarlett Johansson, Amanda
Seyfried, Taylor Swift and Kristen Stewart have
been spotted sporting this fresh hued summer
smoky eye and we suggest you give it a try too.
Step 1: Apply primer all over lid to
prevent shadow from spreading and help stay
longer.
Step 2: Apply a light shade of purple in
your crease. Starting from the outer corner of
your eye and stopping just past the iris. Blend
the shadow properly.
Step 3: Apply a
darker shade of purple
into your crease, making
sure you concentrate on
just the corner of your
lids. Blend to make sure
it doesn’t look like a line.
Step 4: Apply a
pinkish gold or silver on
your lids starting from the inner corner of your
eyes all the way to the outer corners. Make sure
you apply a tad bit more on the centre of your
lids.
Step 5: Finish the process
o� with eyeliner,
mascara and
Revitabrow on
your eyebrows
to make them
appear and grow
thicker with each
consecutive
application. TE
XT
: A
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PH
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: G
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SCARLETT JOHANSSON
AMANDA SEYFRIED
KRISTEN STEWART
Sumrin AliVice President, Al Karam Textiles talks to OK! Pakistan
about taking the brand to new heights, working with major international brands plus her guilty pleasures
OK! SPOTLIGHT
OK! PAKISTAN • 161
S umrin Ali is the youngest and only
female Vice President to have ever
been part of the Al Karam team.
Her role at Al Karam is to look
after both export (home textiles
primarily) and domestic (apparel
which includes lawn, signature collections plus
prêt), and her area of expertise is creative and
product development.
Apart from studying at Central Saint Martins,
she went to Parsons School of Design to attain a
degree in Fashion and Textile Design. “At Parsons,
we used to get real-life projects from design
houses such as Vivienne Westwood, Alexander
McQueen, Dior, Maison Martin Margiela etc. as well
as editorials such as Harpers Bazaar, Vogue etc. A
unique culture where students convert passion
into action right from the start,” she shares.
We met Sumrin at her residence for a quick chat
and discovered lots of things about her including
her massive shoe and bag fetish! She is ambitious,
goal-oriented and full of perseverance yet extremely
down to earth, fun and possesses a great sense of
humour!
Sumrin, what plans do you have for the brand?
Sumrin Ali: Creativity is the main prerequisite for
innovation. This is the classic path of the intellectual
progress. The evolution in design thinking is
extremely essential in today’s world. Apart from
improving the product, we are developing strategies
to enhance the entire experience our customers
have with our company, product and service.
Something rather valuable that will have an easier
time reaching, engaging, closing and retaining
customers. The customer experience is really your
brand!
Internationally, which brands do you guys work
with?
SA: We work with prestigious brands such as Ralph
Lauren, Chaps, Vera Wang, West Elm, Pottery Barn,
Tommy Hilfiger, Donna Karan, Hugo Boss and
Gianfranco Ferré to name a few out of 35. We also
work with departmental stores across the globe
such as Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, Bloomingdales,
John Lewis, Galerie Lafayette, Costco, Bed Bath &
Beyond and Target as well.
How has the experience been working with such
top-tier brands?
SA: There is a sense of pride and achievement that
comes from working with brands that you have
known and admired all your life. The challenge
of meaningful work provided us with great
opportunities to explore and develop as a company.
It gave us the ability to contribute to their design
process for a tangible impact with di�erent views,
perspective and priorities. We are the only supplier
who works with their product development and
creative team giving them design solutions. We have
earned the respect of our customers and partners
globally because of the quality of our designs. It
clearly reflects that what we do, we do well.
Can you tell us about how you stepped into this
field?
SA: A career in a mill is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.
After graduating and moving back to Pakistan,
entering a male-dominant industry was definitely
not one of my priorities. It is extremely di�cult for
women to thrive especially in the export sector, which
employ fewer women and are particularly vulnerable
to masculine stereotypes with tremendous pressure
to work hard. I would particularly like to mention our
owner/director Fawad Anwar who is the vision behind
it all. He not only gave me courage but also recognised
my true potential as a real mentor. He has always
been supportive of my passion, helped me lean in and
pushed me to break through the glass ceiling.
Describe the Al Karam woman.
SA: The Al Karam woman is a hallmark of elegance
as well as glamour. Our collections relate to how
women live their lives today. They are mainly
homemakers who are conscious of what they wear
embracing femininity.
Would you say Al Karam has an edge over other
textile brands?
SA: Al Karam puts particular emphasis on the
quality. We want our clothes to feel good on the skin.
A high-quality look with neat seams and beautiful
detailing in terms of prints as well as pret is what
di�erentiates Al Karam from other textile brands.
What inspires you and your team when creating
collections?
SA: The Al Karam woman is one who inspires us
to create a collection; our muse, so to speak. Our
design process for the collections always begins
with establishing a mood and an atmosphere that
fits the lifestyle of our muse. This gives our collection
a point of view and focus. Design trends evolve
in infinite circles. What gives us an edge in terms
of trend forecasting is the variety of international
customers that we work with across the globe.
There are so many lawn brands available in
the market today – how does Al Karam stay
competitive?
SA: We start with a vision! We are aligned with
162
Sumrin on favouritesFavourite travel destination?
A rich cultural heritage buzzing with the very best operas, plays and concerts. It has to be Salzburg! If you are truly an art fanatic, this is the place to be. The vivacious costumes and accessories during the array of theatrics tailored to perfection are certainly a delight to watch. It’s undoubtedly an overwhelming experience.
Pet peeves?
My pet peeve is when people don’t take care of their hygiene.
Your personal style statement?
Style is not the way you dress, it’s the way you live!
Words to live by?
Always dream big and invest your time and intensity in those who reflect sincerity.
Favourite international designer?
There are quite a few that I truly admire; Martin Margiela, John Galliano and Rei Kawakubo.
Three things you never leave the house without.
Cellphone, lip gloss and mascara.
Three words that describe you best?
Sincere, passionate and pragmatic.
A beauty product you swear by.
YSL Touche Éclat.
You have a massive shoe and handbag collection;
would you like to confess any guilty pleasures?
Apart from my obsession with shoes and handbags, watching the show Keeping Up with the Kardashians is probably what I’m secretly ashamed of! This show is so bad, it’s good.
Your greatest strength?
I have quite a few strengths; my greatest strength is probably that I’m extremely hardworking. My job is rather more unglamorous than glamorous. I’m a creative and business head, and I work very hard at that.
The last book you read?
#GirlBoss by Sophia Amoruso.
Your latest obsession?
Right now I’m obsessing over lawn wars, analysing prints and grand campaigns. To my amazement, it’s no more an a�ordable easygoing commodity but a rather “I carry Hermès” facade.
OK! PAKISTAN • 163
international trends and have great analytical data
from our international customers that we work
with. We have a strong cohesive design team that
works with our team based in New York, London
and Paris. We are not wavered in terms of what
we design by the outside; we decide what path to
forge.
You must have a busy routine. What is your
average workday like?
SA: I have a very challenging position of authority.
I’m constantly examining things to make them
better and remake them into my vision. I have four
departments to look into every day and juggle
between two o�ces, the mill and the design studio.
You can imagine how I cope with my marathon
commute. I spend 8 to 10 hours to guide decisions on product development and help think through
how to build out the business. At least twice a
week, I work outside the work hours to correspond
with my international design team.
What was the most recent fashion fad that you
wished never existed?
SA: The Drop-Crotch Harem pants. This was the
trend that made me cringe. I’d be happy to don
a pair of these myself if it will put an end to this
heinous crime.
What has been the most memorable or proudest
moment in your career?
SA: The proudest moment was when Al Karam
was selected to participate in a trade show
organised by Ralph Lauren. Only five vendors were
selected based on their innovation and design
capabilities globally. We have an incredibly savvy
marketing team that helped in placing our own
brand at Neiman Marcus.
Al Karam seems to be spending massively on
their advertising. Has that helped improve sales
and the popularity of the brand?
SA: It definitely has helped the brand in terms of
image building and sales. There is an increase
in brand awareness and brand equity among
consumers. The large advertising spending has
allowed Al Karam to gain a competitive advantage
in key areas.
What has been the greatest setback in your
career and how did you overcome it?
SA: I’m still at the beginning of my career. I
completely detest the idea of job hop. If I ever have
a career curveball thrown at me, I’d rather opt to
look for a positive outcome, learn from it and lead.
Someone who inspires you…
SA: I keep my influences slot open for anything
thoughtful. The person that inspired me greatly
is undoubtedly my father. He is a major source of
inspiration for me and taught me to get inspiration
from a desire to be the best I can be, not from a
desire to want to be someone else. Seeing him
succeed at almost anything motivated me to set
lofty goals and to succeed.
What do you think it takes for a woman to be
successful in a field like yours?
SA: I know that what success I have had has
occurred, in large part, because of my husband.
He has played an important role in supporting me
and giving me stability. He is truly my anchor. Also,
believe in what you do. If you don’t believe in it, no
one else will. In this field, you have to choose the
right fit, a company that believes in you and respects
your judgment, your vision and recognises the value
you add to the business.
Tell us a little about the way you were perceived
when you initially joined a male dominated
workplace.
SA: This is a rather tough question. I was perceived
to be from an a�uent family with a lack of mill
experience who will definitely not survive the
heat for more than a day. I’m the youngest vice
president [Al Karam] and the only female in the top
management till date.
Your take on gender roles?
SA: Men and women are biologically di�erent.
Women are nurturers and men are dubbed as
protectors. That’s the reason a plethora of strong
females in the workplace is generally discouraged
because culturally women are often expected to
be less dominant. Although religiously, women
and men are to be equal in human dignity; women
shouldn’t be treated any di�erent. Gender roles are
natural but one should have a freedom of choice.
I’m not in favour of feminism, not a victim.
What do you like to do in your free time?
SA: When I have free time, if I have time, I indulge in
a spa treatment.
A life-changing experience or moment?
SA: The biggest impact in my life occurred when I
had a car accident. This was one experience that
inculcated a sense of spirituality in me and made
me re-evaluate my life. It prompted me to get closer
to God and I started cherishing each moment, as
tomorrow is not guaranteed. I was more thankful of
all the things that I was truly blessed to have.
What do you think our textile industry lacks
currently? Anything in particular you’d like to
improve?
SA: Our textile industry lacks the concept of
Research and Development (R&D). Having the right
mindset impacts learning as well as achievement. Al
Karam, which is a vertically integrated operation, has
recently added a competitive R&D department that
will focus on an ambitious target of taking on the
R&D process from fiber to the final product. This will
help us take on the challenge of meaningful work.
What advice would you give to fresh designers
who want to enter the market?
SA: Passion and perseverance! You have to
have passion for what you love. There will be
peaks accompanied with missteps. You need to
have strong passion to pull you forward. Passion
without perseverance will never make you achieve
great feats.
INTERVIEW: FIZZA FURQAN AND EIMAN MASROORCONCEPT AND STYLING: FIZZA FURQAN
PHOTOGRAPHS: UZAIR KHANHAIR AND MAKE-UP: ERIC AT JY STYLE STUDIO
OK! CONFIDENTIAL
Parisheh James The model sits down with OK! Pakistan for a one-on-one exclusive on her meteoric rise to fame and how she manages all the glamour that followed
PH
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OK! PAKISTAN • 165
Daughter of fashion mogul and
veteran supermodel Frieha Altaf,
Parisheh James is all set to take
the fashion world by storm. Already
having walked in Fashion Pakistan
Week thrice for prominent
designers, all the way from Deeapak Perwani to
Zainab Chottani, this unstoppable 18-year-old beauty is just getting started.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Parisheh James: My inspiration comes from my
mother. Ever since I was a young girl, she has been
teaching me how to be independent and true to
myself and I feel that day by day I am becoming
more like her.
Do you find it di�cult to manage school
alongside all the glamour of the fashion world?
How do you maintain your sanity?
PJ: It has been extremely di�cult for me to manage
time between school and modeling since both
require hard work and dedication. I manage both
by studying when I have short breaks between
rehearsals, or I make schedules for myself.
What has been your favourite moment in your
career so far?
PJ: My favourite moment so far would probably be
being involved in fashion week for the third time
and having people talk about my walk with utmost
admiration.
Do you get special attention from the kids at
your school because of your modeling career?
PJ: I have experienced kids look my way and
identify me as a model and my teachers especially
show great pleasure in watching my modeling
166
OK! PAKISTAN • 167
My favourite moment so far would probably be being involved in fashion week for the third time and having people talk about my walk with utmost admiration.experience by talking about the importance of
extra-cirriculars to students. They enjoy seeing
that side of me they don’t know.
Do you plan to pursue modeling as a full-time
career? If not, what are your future plans?
PJ: Many people have asked me whether I want
to continue my modeling career and what I know
now is that I want to get an education first. I am
going to be studying Media and Communication
in university which is
connected to fashion in
a way so I’m excited to
see what will happen
from there.
What are your closet
essentials?
PJ: My closet essentials
would be my Dr. Martin
boots, my high-wasted
jeans and my hundred
black leggings.
How would you
describe your personal
style?
PJ: My personal style is
a mix between edgy and
every day. It’s constantly
evolving as new trends
that I love filter into my
wardrobe.
Who is your biggest
inspiration?
PJ: Once again, my
mother undoubtedly.
What does your dream
shoot look like?
PJ: I’ve always dreamt
of having shoots
underwater. I feel that
these days the scenery
is highly important
as it accentuates the
clothing, and I feel that
the underwater world
is never included in
Pakistani shoots.
Who are some of your
favourite models?
PJ: I would say Gigi
Hadid, Kendall Jenner
and Alessandra
Ambrosio.
What advice would
you like to give to young girls
who wish to pursue a career in
modeling?
PJ: Modeling isn’t about being
conventionally beautiful or
about how skinny you need to
be to be considered a model. Be
healthy and work hard to achieve
your goals. If you want to be a
model, I would suggest that you
start learning how to walk, take
photos and focus on having the
right attitude.
Any pre-show rituals?
PJ: I mostly practice my walk
before the shows to memorise the
routine and I try di�erent ways of posing
at the head ramp to display the clothing
as much as possible, while making it look
elegant at the same time.
What made you want to model?
PJ: I’ve always wanted to be a part of the industry
because as a young girl all the glamour was
happening around me. I also just want to follow
my mother’s footsteps and experience the fashion
world on my own.
How do you relax after a long day?
PJ: I usually hang out with my friends or go to the
beach to get some fresh air to give my body and
mind a break.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
PJ: I actually don’t know, although I do see
myself involved in some form of media and
communication, but I want to be open to whatever
comes my way.
INTERVIEW: RAJAA MOINI
Favourite destination?
Miami.
Guilty pleasure?
Shopping.
Motto to live by?
Be yourself always.
What can’t
you live
without?
My family.
Favourite movie?
The Godfather.
Three things
you cant live
without?
Phone, chips
and chocolate.
Favourite style icon?
Fawad Khan.
Most
passionate
about?
Our brand
– Sania
Maskatiya.
Favourite
book?
Biography of
Steve Jobs.
MY WONDERFUL LIFECo-founder and CEO of Sania Maskatiya, the highly talented, down-to-earth, and
super charming Umair Tabani reveals some of his favourite things
168
Favourite scent?
Dolce & Gabbana Velvet
Desert Oud.
Ideal weekend?
A nice meal at home
with a few friends.
Celebrity crush?
Mahirah Khan.
Last extravagant
buy?
A pair of black suede
shoes.
Favourite dessert?
Cookies from Anum
Jangda and chocolate
mousse cake from
Fatema Rawji.
Favourite
hotel?
Any beach
resort.
Any celebrity
encounters?
A few.
Favourite
restaurant?
L’Atelier De Joël
Robuchon.
Fitness regime?
A 45 minutes workout thrice a week with
my trainer Wasif – comprising TRX, light
weights and cardio.
Favourite designers?
Tom Ford, Dolce & Gabbana,
Dior and Prada for Western wear.
Sabyasachi and Raghavendra
Rathore for Eastern wear.
25 Best Bridals for Spring/Summer 2016
Bridal Couture Week – The Gold Edition was a three-day extravaganza where numerous talented designers from across the nation showcased bridal trends. Team OK! Pakistan went to #BCW where they saw the performances
and the celeb showstoppers, and narrowed down 25 best bridals for you to wear now!
ASIFA AND NABEEL
ÉLAN
AYESHA IBRAHIM
AMIR ADNAN
AISHA IMRAN
170
OK! PAKISTAN • 171
TENA
DURRANI
TENA DURRANI
SONYA BATTLASADIA MIRZATABBASUM
MUGHAL
SHAMAEEL ANSARI
NIDA AZWER
NICKIE AND NINA
MANSOOR
AKRAM
MOHSIN NAVEED
RANJHA
UZMA BABAR TENA DURRANI
YASMIN
ZAMAN
ERUM KHAN
ERUM KHAN
FAHAD
HUSSAYN
FAHAD
HUSSAYN
FOZIA
HAMMAD
ZAINAB
CHOTTANI
ZAINAB
CHOTTANI
What’sher Bag?
Makeup maestro Anam Falak reveals what she totes around in her bag and the items she can’t live without!
The BagHermes Birkin 30 cm in Sapphire Blue and Togo
leather. It’s just so big and sturdy and I can throw just
about anything in there!
ininBag?
Makeup maestro Anam Falak
Bag? Makeup maestro Anam Falak
Bag? reveals what she totes around
Sapphire Blue and Togo leather. It’s just so big and sturdy and I can throw just
Girlactik Faceglow In Bronze
This is my go-to bronzer when I
don’t have time; it’s so easy to use
and gives the perfect bronzed glow!
Amber Oud By RojaPacked in a travel perfume
dispenser, it’s my signature scent – I
am obsessed with smelling like oud.
A Selfie StickI got this from a corner
shop in New York; I didn’t
think at that time that
I was going to use it as
much as I do now but being
so active on social media, it has
had its fare share of use!
An Emergency Charger Always
Super Drug Micellar Wipes
Because they are just
the best face wipes
ever!
Benefit Mascara
They’re Real In Black
I literally buy one
every three months!
Tom Ford Sunglasses 90% of the time I carry my Alessandra
sunnies; these were so hard to find and when I
did, I had to pay double the price for them but
I don’t regret it as they are so practical and I
wear them all the time!
Beauty Blender Sponge
I use this for
everything from
applying my liquid
foundation to dusting
on a tiny bit of blush
on my cheeks!
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisture In
PorcelainThis is my go-to foundation
for when I need a little
colour and coverage but
at the same time want my
skin to remain hydrated
and be able to breathe.
WalletA Ja�erjees one I
was gifted on my birthday
when I was in medical school with my
name stamped on it
Iphone 6
Carmex Lip BalmI tend to have dry
lips and I use it for
everything even dry
elbows.
Tangle Teaser BrushI do everything with this brush from
taking care of unruly hair knots to
backcombing my hair to make it look
less flat!
Tarte Cosmetics Blush In Flush
This gives the right
amount of colour to
my cheeks!
Creme De La Mer Face Moisturiser
I always keep the small sized bottle
on me because I can’t live without
moisturising my skin.
Gerard Cosmetics
Hydra Matte Liquid Lipstick In Serenity And
Lip Liner In Cher
This lip colour is my
signature hue as it
goes with everything!
The lip liner works as
a lipstick as well so
when I want a darker
colour, I just swipe it
all over my lips!
Tom Ford Eyeshadow
Quad In Cocoa Mirage
This is so matte and
wonderful as I can
use the shadows for
contouring my face too
and sometimes I use
the deep browns for my
eyebrows when I can’t
find my brow pencil.
La Roche Posay I always carry an
SPF.
FucicortIt’s my emergency pimple cream that zaps
zits overnight.
174
176
Nandita Das To Direct Film On Manto
Rangeen Pakistan: Lahore
{LIFESTYLERamadan Food Festival
Nandita Das announced formally at the 69th Cannes
Film festival that Nawazuddin, who has been
garnering widespread praise for his portrayal of a
serial killer in his new film Raman Raghav 2.0, will
play the role of the celebrated Pakistani author, Manto. The film
will be shot in Mumbai and Lahore towards the end of this year
and will be produced by Vivek Kajaria under the banner of Holy
Basil Productions. When talking about the actor, Nandita Das
said, “I have Nawazuddin in mind from the very outset…in India,
economics always interferes with art and there was pressure on
me to cast a more mainstream star.”
Rangeen Pakistan is a colouring book designed for adults, which will
take you on a cultural journey through Lahore. This colouring book
for adults Created by blogger and social media star Abdullah Syed,
the colouring book has more than 30 intricate, detailed hand-drawn
illustrations to keep you engaged for hours – helping you relax, focus and de-
stress. This colouring book allows you to fill it using any medium from colour
pencils to watercolors and acrylics. Colouring books for adults are trending
globally and have been known to help serve as a relaxation aid and serve as
memory aids.
Dump your best silverware in your purse, throw
your diet in the closet, wear your best pair of
stretchable jeans and head to the Ramadan
Food Festival being held from the 22nd
to the 26th of June. Prepare to fill up on delectable
food with friends and family because with Ramadan
comes a bigger appetite (and undoubtedly a bigger
waistline). Hosted by Triple-E at Frere Hall in Karachi,
the festival promises great food and a good time. Join
the celebration as it brings together people from all
over the city, united over their undying love for all things
edible and delicious!
TE
XT
:MA
SH
AL
L K
HA
TT
AK
OK! PAKISTAN • 177
The Glassworker
– Pakistan’s First Fully Hand-drawn Animated Film
{LIFESTYLE
Sonya Battla’s Kaju Shoot With ACF
Yasmeen Lari wins Fukuoka PrizeS
onya Battla did a fun shoot for her clothing line Kaju at the Ayesha Chundrigar
Foundation (ACF) animal shelter, which featured models Ri�ah and Javeria
playing with animals in the shelter. A little unknown fact is that the prêt line
is named after Sonya’s dog, Kaju, who passed away. Aside from raising
awareness and sending adorable pictures of rescue animals our way, 10% from every sale will be donated to ACF! We love this initiative that combines fashion and support for
our furry friends. P
akistani architect, Yasmeen Lari has been
awarded the prestigious Japanese Fukuoka
Prize in the Arts and Culture category this year.
The Fukuoka Prize was established in 1990, and was founded by the Fukuoka City of Japan. The
award seeks to honour the outstanding work that has
been achieved by organisations, groups or individuals
for the promotion and preservation of diverse cultures
of Asia. The architect is the third Pakistani recipient of
the Fukuoka Prize, with Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Dr.
Uxi Mufti having won the prize before Lari.
25 year-old Pakistani musician, composer, artist
and youngest TED Senior Fellow Usman Riaz
is all set to release The Glassworker under
the banner of his production company Mano
Animation Studios. The teaser caused waves throughout
when it first gave everyone a glimpse into the impeccably
animated film and expectations have been running high
ever since. The movie is a coming of age story, which
revolves around a boy who learns the art of glassblowing
in his father’s shop, and his relationship with a girl who
frequently visits the shop. Usman has composed the
music for the film himself as well. The film received its
funding from a successful Kickstarter campaign.
178
PRINCEICONS OF OK!
OK! CELEBRATES THE EXTRAORDINARY CAREER OF THE INTERNATIONAL
SUPERSTAR – AN ACCOMPLISHED SINGER, SONGWRITER AND MUSICIAN
Pioneering musical giant, Prince was
found dead at his Paisley Park Studios
complex in Minnesota on the morning
of Thursday, April 21st. At the relatively
young age of 57, the multi-award-
winning and genre-crossing musician ended 40
years of an astonishingly prolific career. Courting
both controversy and religion, the composer was a
true genius. Rising to international superstardom
in the ’80s, the performer was the epitome of
glam rock, pop and funk. His outrageous lyrics
and edgy arrangements were rivalled only by his
outfits – lavish, sequin-adorned stage costumes
were often accompanied by high heels to elevate
the 5ft 2in star’s diminutive stature. Although
he once quipped: ‘People say I’m wearing heels
because I’m short. I wear heels because the
women like ’em.’ And if his slew of rumoured
conquests is anything to go by - from Hollywood
actresses to backing singers and fellow musicians
- he was speaking the truth.
While the world was still reeling from the news
of his death, music legend Prince was secretly
cremated in a ‘no drama’ funeral in Minnesota.
The ceremony took place at the First Memorial
Waterston Chapel in Minneapolis, just a day after
the star was found dead. Following the cremation,
which was estimated to have cost just £1,300 and
was attended by his sister Tyka Nelson, 55, her son
Prez and another family member, the Purple Rain
singer’s ashes were shortly after driven to their
final resting place. Prince’s publicist, Yvette Noel-
Schure, has revealed the location of his ashes ‘will
remain private’, adding: ‘An announcement will be
made at a future date for a musical celebration.’
As hundreds of fans gathered outside the music
icon’s home, the rest of his close friends and
family - including his former percussionist Sheila
E, bassist Larry Graham, singer Judith Hill and
model Damaris Lewis - visited Paisley Park On
April 23 for a memorial service, which Yvette
described as a ‘private, beautiful ceremony to say
a loving goodbye’. As a Jehovah’s Witness, Prince’s
faith dictated that he had to be cremated within a
week of his death.
Born in 1957 to musical parents, Prince Rogers
Nelson was named after his father’s jazz group,
The Prince Rogers Trio. Su£ering from epileptic
seizures, the youngster was often teased at
school, earning the nickname Gazoo, after the
Flintstones character, due to his pint-sized stature
and massive afro. During an interview many years
later, the singer attributed his recovery from
epilepsy to higher beings, saying: ‘My mother told
me one day I walked in to her and said: “Mom,
I’m not going to be sick anymore,” and she said:
“Why?” and I said: “Because an angel told me so.”’
Socially awkward, Prince - or Skipper, as he
was known to his family - sought solace in music.
Encouraged by his jazz pianist father, he learned
to play the piano, keyboard and drums. By the
age of 10, however, the Nelson family was torn
apart by divorce, with Prince’s parents moving to
opposite ends of the South. Prince and his sister
were shuttled between the two but there was
contention between the musical youngster and
his new stepfather. Prince ended up moving in
with his neighbours, the Andersons. It was with his
cousin Charles and new adopted brother Andre
that he formed his first band, Grand Central. The
group played live shows in the Minneapolis area,
gaining a small local following before changing
their name to Champagne and subsequently
fizzling out. But the future star’s self-belief kept
him going. ‘I had a massive ego [as a youth],’ he
once said. ‘Massive. But that’s not such a bad
thing. Because at least you’re aspiring to be
something, you consider yourself great because
you want to be great.’ Prince touted himself as a
recording session musician and by the age of 17
had secured management and time in the studio
to cut some serious demos. It wasn’t long before
he was snapped up by Warner Bros and set to
task on his first album, For You. The multi-talented
musician not only played close to every instrument
on the album, but also produced the whole
thing, making him the youngest ever producer
to have worked for Warner. The album was well
received with the press likening the fledgling star
to Little Richard, partly due to his flamboyant
performances. The singer later admitted: ‘Early in
my career I tried to compensate by being as flashy
and as noisy as I could.’ It wasn’t something that
OK! PAKISTAN • 179
he necessarily turned down. His eponymous follow-
up album spawned the hit I Wanna Be Your Lover,
unleashing a glimpse of his trademark raunchy style.
His eclectic and imaginary sounds, double-tracked
vocals and heavy guitars with synth-style keyboards
combined musical genres, earning its own name:
the Minneapolis sound.
Whatever the label thought of his eccentric
style, Prince’s output was prolific and critically
well-received. 1999 was the album that sent him
to stratospheric success, setting him up as one of
the main musical players, dominating the ’80s.
Prince confessed to a need to make music as
uncontrollable: “I have a writing addiction,” he said.
It was this passion that led to a bottomless supply
of creation. Whole albums were shelved in favour of
newer compositions.
It was in the early ’90s that Prince changed his name to an unpronounceable symbol in retaliation
for Warner Bros’s control over his output. He
famously performed with the word ‘SLAVE’ scrawled
across his cheek. Fans and press alike received the
new moniker with a mixed reaction. But, as ever,
the artist formally known as Prince knew exactly
what he was doing: ‘When I became a symbol, all
the writers were cracking funnies, but I was the one
laughing. I knew I’d be here today, feeling each new
album is my first.’ And he was more than able to deal
with any negative press – what mattered to him was
what fans thought of him.
In the year 2000, the artist reclaimed his name
after all obligations to
Warner Bros were met,
and he also married his
second wife, Manuela
Testolini (after divorcing
first wife Mayte Garcia).
He released the album
The Rainbow Children,
inspired by his faith, ‘Now
I’ve got older fans, they
have families, so they
want to bring their kids,
so I think it’s a pretty
good move to take some
of those songs out, so
you can get a bigger
audience to experience the same thing.’
The mid-noughties saw him wrangling with
the Internet, specifically streaming services. His
inability to control his image and likeness through
sites such as YouTube had long irked him, but at
least he could control his own distribution. ‘I don’t
see why I should give my new music to iTunes or
anyone else,’ he said. ‘They will not give me an
advance for it and they get mad when they don’t get
it. All computers and digital gadgets are no good.
They just fill your head with numbers and they are
not good for you.’
He was earnest about his distress at the ever-
changing and diminishing industry through which
he had come up. ‘Movies are real! Music is real! It
a�ects people, it’s real… The other night I went to
a club and I watched a DJ control an entire room.
Even politicians can’t do that,’ he said. The musical
legend had an unbelievably prolific output, releasing
39 studio albums over a 40-year career. Managing to remain a mysterious and often elusive artist in an
increasingly accessible world, Prince was an icon,
living just out of reach but delivering album after
album alongside his momentous live performances
and occasional acting roles. The world’s shock at the
sudden departure of such a youthful and creative
soul can at least be comforted by the myriad of
music and film left to revel in. And, of course, the
star’s own advice on maintaining youthfulness: ‘I
don’t believe in time. I don’t count. When you count,
it ages you.’
1958 Prince Rogers Nelson is born
on June 7 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
1976 Signs a £600k three-record
deal with Warner Bros.
1977 Records debut album,
Minneapolis Genius.
1978 O�cial debut album, For You,
is released.
1979 Releases the album, Prince.
1980 Releases the album, Dirty Mind,
and causes a stir with the album’s explicit
lyrics.
1981 Releases the album,
Controversy.
1982 Gains international success
with the release of 1999.
1984 Releases the album (and film)
Purple Rain, which sells 13 million copies in the US alone.
1992 Signs a £60 million deal
with Warner Bros.
1993 Changes his name to a
symbol, takes on the moniker, The Artist
Formerly Known As Prince.
1995 Starts writing ‘SLAVE’ on his
cheek to protest about the restrictions
of his record label. He releases ten discs
worth of material on being released from
his contract.
1996 Marries 24-year-old girlfriend of six years Mayte Garcia. Son Gregory is
born with Pfei�er’s disease, a rare skull
disorder and lives for only one week.
1999 Plays the track 1999, for a New
Year’s Eve party before announcing that
he has retired the song.
2000 Changes name back to Prince.
Divorces Mayte.
2001 Marries Manuela Testolini.
Becomes a Jehovah’s Witness.
2004 Releases Musicology, the tour
of which becomes the most successful
draw in the US.
Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of
Fame.
2006 Releases the album 3121
winning a Golden Globe for The Song Of
The Heart, composed for the animated
film, Happy Feet. Divorces Manuela.
2007 Performs a run of 21 concerts at London’s O2 Arena.
2010 Releases his 33rd studio album,
20Ten, which is given away for free.
2014 Releases Plectrum Electrum,
opening the UK tour with a series of gigs
in London.
2016 Prince is found dead at his
property in Minesota on April and is soon
after laid to rest in a private ceremony.
A MAMMOTH MUSIC CAREER THAT SHOWS NO
SIGNS OF FADING
FEATURE: ANNABEL ZAMMIT, KIRSTY HATCHER & LUCIE BARATPHOTOGRAPHS: GETTY, WENN
PRINCE AND SECOND WIFE MANUELA TESTOLINI
ATTEND THE 76TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS
AT THE KODAK THEATER IN HOLLYWOOD
PRINCE SPEAKS ONSTAGE DURING THE 57TH
ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS AT THE AT THE
STAPLES CENTER IN LOS ANGELES
PRINCE & MARY J. BLIGE PERFORM ONSTAGE
DURING THE 2012 IHEARTRADIO MUSIC FESTIVAL IN
LAS VEGAS
180
There’s no better place to star-spot
than the French Riivera during the
month of the Cannes Film Festival.
However, even the hottest sirens
in showbiz need a break from the
endless whirl of film premieres and cocktail
soirees. OK!’s Danielle Harrison jetted out to the
Côte d’Azur for some five-star R&R that would turn
even the hottest Hollywood stars green with envy…
NICE TO SEE YOUAfter touching down in Nice, we were chau�eured to
the five-star Le Mas Candille
Spa Resort, a 15-minute
drive from Cannes, just
outside the charming
village of Mougins. Driving
down the olive tree-lined
entrance, we pulled up at
the reception and enjoyed
a welcome tour around
the resort – the hotel is
nestled within eight acres
of Provençal parkland,
so it’s pretty spectacular.
Following in the footsteps
of some of Hollywood’s
finest stars (Brad Pitt and
Penélope Cruz have both
stayed at Le Mas Candille), we checked into a
suite in the converted Le Mas farmhouse for
some much-needed rest and relaxation. Our
room had a traditional feel, with beautiful views
overlooking the perfume capital of Grasse and
the tops of the snowy Alps in the distance.
SCENT-SATIONAL!Having settled into our room, we visited the nearby
town of Grasse for a visit to the International
Museum Of Perfume, where OK! learned all
OK! TRAVEL
OK! SLIPS AWAY FROM THE STARS FOR SOME R&R…
YES YOU CANNES!
A VIEW OF THE VILLAS IN
THE VILLAGE OF MOUGIN
LE MAS CANDILLE SPA
RESORT
about the art of fragrance. Afterwards, we
took part in a masterclass at the historic
Fragonard Perfume Factory and created
our own unique fragrance. We opted for
a fresh scent with top notes of lemon
and were presented with a certificate for
our hard work! With our souvenir in hand,
it was time to head back to the resort for
dinner. After a hot bubble bath and a spritz
of our new perfume, we headed down to
Le Candille for a Michelin-starred feast
created by head chef Serge Gouloumès.
As the night drew in, we enjoyed a
breathtaking view over the Alps as the food
arrived. We tucked into egg ‘en surprise’
and sautéed wild mushrooms, which were
followed by delicious, seared French sea
scallops. Dessert more than satisfied our
sweet tooth as we were served a mouth-
watering course of fresh mango and dragon fruit
scented with violets.
READY, STEADY COOK!We woke up the next morning after a blissful
night’s sleep and enjoyed a quick breakfast of
croissants and cheese before hitting a food
market in Cannes with chef Serge. We wander
around amazed by the vibrant colours of the fresh
fruit and vegetables on o�er as Serge selected
the best produce, after which he invited us back
to his kitchen to share some of his secrets and
to let us taste his masterpieces. We sampled
everything he put in front of us, including clams
with roasted tomato pasta and his creamy mash
with tru�e oil. After we enjoyed the buzz of the
kitchen, we returned to the dining room, where we
were served macaroons with juicy strawberries
that we picked up at the market.
TIME TO RELAX…We retreated to the resort’s Shiseido Spa and
were greeted by Laurie, who leads us into one of
the five treatment rooms. Struggling to decide
which massage to choose, Laurie recommended
the Qi massage, which uses hot Japanese towels
to enhance relaxation. She worked on our legs
and then our backs and arms before repeating
the process with the hot towels and left us with a
feeling of being well looked-after and very sleepy.
Afterwards, OK! headed next door to the relaxation
room and later soaked up the sun and enjoyed the
Zen-like atmosphere by the hydrotherapy pool.
MAD ABOUT MOUGINSFeeling refreshed, we take a short walk up the hill
to the traditional village of Mougins, with its narrow
streets and picturesque buildings. After getting our
bearings, we head for the Musee D’Art Classique de
Mougins, where we took in some of the 700 pieces
of artwork by some of the world’s most famous
artists including; Picasso, Man Ray and Damien
Hirst. Our idyllic day ended at La Méditerranée in
Mougins, where we devoured smoked salmon on
a dill wa�e, a vegetable tart with grilled fish and a
warm fruit panettone for dessert.
IN THE CANNES!Before jetting back to London, we followed in the
footsteps of the A-list with a whirlwind tour of
Cannes. Spotting a red carpet, we took a quick
selfie, before walking past the handprints of film
stars along the street. We measured ours against
Angelina Jolie’s and discover we have the same size
hands. After that we spent the last couple of hours
with a stroll to the beach, where we dined on the
sand in the 20˚C heat. It was pure heaven.
OK! PAKISTAN • 181
FEATURE: DANIELLE HARRISON
PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK, GETTY
FRAGONARD PERFUME FACTORY
MACAROONS AND STRAWBERRIES
LA MÉDITERRANÉE IN MOUGINS
INSIDE THE MUSEE DÁRT CLASSIQUE DE MOUGINS
THE BEACH AT CANNES
Once again, the whole of India stops. For
the month of April and May, every year,
all anyone has on their mind is cricket! It’s
the Indian Premier League (IPL) season in India,
which includes eight teams comprising of Indian
and overseas players competing for the trophy.
It’s the best time to be in India. You can feel the
excitement in the streets. Every city has its home
team competing. Billboards, team colours and
flags beam through the streets of India. Games are
completely sold out with adoring fans lining up to
get a chance to watch their beloved boys belting it
out on the field.
My husband is in his 6th year as the team
mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and
this will be my 4th year of joining him and the team
on tour – every year it gets better and better. It’s
also a great time to live in India, eat great food,
catch up with friends, shop, party and simply enjoy
the buzz the IPL is creating.
Accomodation:We reach Kolkata and the streets are filled with
fans cheering for their Knights. Police escorts
headline the convoy from the airport to the hotel.
When we arrive at the ITC
Sonar (the team’s o�cial
accommodation when in
Kolkata) it’s as if we are
arriving home. Sta� and
guests are waiting for the
team’s arrival with music
and flower petals. The
team is home. The ITC
chain always looks after us
wherever we stay in India
and their spas and gyms
are amazing.
This year was a great year,
although we just missed
out on the final we were
in the top four the whole
way. All the boys are like
brothers and the wives
and girlfriends (WAGS) are like long lost sisters.
The girls immediately arrange our own Whatsapp
group and start the festivities.
What We Were Upto:The first party was at Juhi chawla’s 10-storey home
in Mumbai. She and her husband Jai are part owners
with Shah Rukh Khan, and they’re such amazing
down-to-earth people! The night’s proceedings
started with a grand bu�et of a home-cooked
vegetarian cuisine
and ended with all
the West Indian boys
singing Karaoke
reggae tracks for our
entertainment.
All the WAGS get
together for spa dates, gym, shopping trips,
sightseeing, and those of us who had our little
ones arrange swimming and food play dates in the
hotels or parks. My daughter, Aiyla, visited India
with us for the first time and thrived on the coconut
water, daal chawal and mango – the head chef
was personally overseeing Aiylas menu. She was a
very popular girl. She loved seeing the abundance
of koi in the pond surrounding the hotel and of
course “the cricket”.
The cricket is electric; the fans are fanatical, very
much like it was with the PSL for Pakistan. I love
going to a T20 match. It’s a lot like Aussie Rules
as it’s fast and furious. These cricket matches are
total powerhouses and the cricketers give their
everything out on the field, even in the sweltering
summer heat of the sub-continent. And so do
the fans! The crowd is what makes it so exciting.
I enjoy watching and going to the matches; it’s a
182
OK! Pakistan gets an inside scoop on Shaniera’s fabulous Indian journey
AIYLA WITH THE KOI AT ITC
SONAR KOLKATA
WASIM RUNNING
IN MUMBAI
WASIM’S SURPRISE BIRTHDAY
CELEBRATIONS WITH AYYAN PATHAN
TRAVELLER’S TALE
very entertaining sport as you never know which
way the game will go, and with cricket, anything is
possible.
We really are a very tight family at KKR. We all have
breakfast together, meet for the matches and the
after-parties are the best, especially when we win.
Shah Rukh always takes time
from his ultra busy schedule to
come to the matches and hang
out with us after the game.
He adores his beloved Knights
but also treats everyone like
his family. He really is a truly
exceptional man and so very
down-to-earth – you can’t help
but love him.
It’s always a lot of fun going to
India with my husband as he
has so many friends from all
over, so I’m constantly meeting
wonderful people
and making new
friendships wherever
we go. One night
Arjun Rampal called
Wasim whilst we
were doing a hilarious
interview for The
Telegraph at a Chinese
restaurant,Yauatcha.
Arjun asked if we
would like to come
to his friend’s house,
which was set in the
middle of beautiful
gardens with a pool
pavilion – something
very majestic! I find the
architecture in Kolkata
fascinating.
We stayed up talking
and laughing for half the night and Arjun rang
Wasim the next day and informed him he had
twisted his knee during a stunt on set the next
morning. He told us that we were way too much
fun and that he couldn’t bring himself to leave
even though he had an early shoot the next day.
Bollywood actors really are very normal people
just living an extraordinary life.
Wherever Wasim and I are, we always make time
for exercise, and one of the best things about India
is that it has places to run outside. Running around
the Queen’s Necklace in Bombay in the early
morning is very beautiful. It’s like a calm before
the storm. All the hustle bustle in Mumbai fades
away and it’s just about you and the fresh air and
morning sun. I walk or run behind Wasim and it’s
amazing to see all the fans when they recognise
him. He’s too quick for anyone to catch up to, but
the faces of these wonderful people light up like
they have seen an asteroid tearing past them.
So I have become an avid Snapchatter lately.
Although my snaps are very random and leave a
lot to the imagination, they give hints on what I am
up to – sometimes very interesting and worth a
sneaky look!
Just Before our last match, we organised a team
surprise for Wasim’s 50th birthday. The whole
team got together and surprised Wasim in one
of the restaurants at the hotel! Wasim was very
touched by the gesture.
After two weeks into the tournament, Kapil Sharma
called us and asked if we wanted to come on his
show. I had watched the show in Pakistan a lot and
Wasim had featured on Comedy Nights a few times
so we said yes! The whole time we were filming
my stomach hurt so much from laughing. Such a
talented man and
his team are just as
funny. Kapil doesn’t
speak much English
and I was talking
in broken Urdu but
it was a
riot. We enjoyed it and hope
everyone did too.
Food & Shopping:Food and shopping is a lot of
fun in all cities in India. One
restaurant I will never forget
was in Delhi on the 16th floor
of the ITC Maurya called
Tian. The cuisine was an
eclectic Asian interpretation
but completely original and
innovative. The dishes were
editable art. The chef made
everything for us himself and
I made sure I Snapchatted the whole experience.
The dessert was the ultimate. A thick glass slab
was placed on our table and the chef then created
a masterpiece out of a chocolate egg filled with
mousse and dry ice, blueberry ash, rose petals,
strawberry coulis, apple fudge, coconut chips and
who knows what else. The egg was crystallised
with dry ice and smashed in the middle. It was
something else. It took dessert to a whole new
level for me!
In terms of shopping, we know a lot of amazing
designers so I ask a lot of the girls if they want to
come and our friends open their boutiques for us
and give us extra special treatment. I like to get
out of my comfort zone and try anything new.
Fabrics are lovely and if you’re into a bit of high-
end fashion, the malls are very accommodating,
especially Quest Mall in Kolkata. It has everything
from Jimmy Choo, Ti�any and Co, Chanel, my go-
to make-up brand Mac and your faster fashion
such as Forever New.
As for jewellery, India has
some beautiful pieces
but I don’t buy my own…
Wasim does! I love it when
he surprises me with
something – he has the
best taste!
What To Wear:It’s not about what you
wear, it’s about how loud
you cheer! Throw some
designer jeans and a team
t-shirt or colours alike with
some hot sunglasses and
that will do the trick! Forget
the high heels and the
designer outfits, it’s cricket
and it’s crazy fun just the
way you are!
Highlight Of The Trip:The food and the parties.
Worst Part About The Trip:The tra�c. And it can get a little
depressing for me when I see the sick
and homeless; I don’t have enough
money to give away to the people who
need it.
What I Packed:I hate packing; I never know what to
pack but I have come to a solution -
one suitcase for clothes, a
smaller one for handbags,
shoes and toiletries,
and an extra empty one
for shopping. Don’t tell
Wasim!
Best Indian Food: Bukhara - the naan was
the size of a table and the
daal makhni was to-die-
for!
Favourite Cricket Ground: It has to be Eden Gardens
in Kolkata; it’s our home ground and the crowd is
phenomenal!
Favourite Restaurant: I’m a massive fan of Vietnamese food and there
is a new restaurant at the Taj Hotel in Delhi called
Blue Ginger – it even has Pho!
How to get there: I flew PIA from Karachi to Mumbai direct; it’s only
a two and a half hour flight – easy! They may not
take o� exactly on time but the pilots are great and
it’s always a smooth flight, plus Mahirah Khan and
I were on the same flight and we were constantly
laughing at things we both found funny on the
plane. Am I Right, MK? She’s got a great sense of
humour, that chick!
To fly home I flew Emirates business class like
I always do. They are the best airline in the
world and if I can help it, I try not to fly any other
airline. PH
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OK! PAKISTAN • 183
YUSUF PATHAN AND HIS SON AND I
ENJOYING PANI PURI – MY FAVOURITE
THE DESSERT AT TIAN – AMAZING
CHEERING FOR OUR TEAM AT EDEN
GARDENS
SHANIERA,
KAPIL & WASIM
AKRAM
WITH SHAH RUKH KHAN
184
OK! Pakistan’s Lifestyle Editor, Mashall Khattak takes us through her journey of celebrating British Vogue’s 100th Birthday in London
The Vogue Festival is an annual event held in London by British Vogue to help democratise fashion. The event is a pet project
of British Vogue’s Alexandra Shulman and is a distinguishing di�erence between American and British Vogue as the former
does not host its own festival. The one of a kind world event is laced with celebrities, editors and fashionistas from across the
world including Europe, the Middle East and Japan. This year to celebrate turning a century old, British Vogue held the annual
festival with great pomp and glory. To further add to the celebrations, Vogue also held the Vogue 100 Gala, which was a truly
star-studded event.
Social Media IndulgencesTo kick things o� there’s nothing more fun than
indulging in a few social media traditions that
are unique to the Vogue Festival. These include
taking a picture of the programme of the talks
and pictures either up against the Vogue cover
wall or by the entrance. This year was especially
fun because there was a customised Snapchat
filter for the event which allowed you to become
a Vogue cover.
Vogue CaféVogue Cafés have taken over the
fashion world with branches in
Moscow and Dubai. Every year
The Vogue Festival in the UK has a
pop up version of the café so that
fashionistas, bloggers and editors can
nibble on munchies in between talks
and shopping at the stalls. Besides,
who doesn’t want to eat things with
Vogue plastered all over it.
Smoothie WarsThere’s a secret cold war between
the two smoothie camps in the
fashion world between those
who juice green and those who
prefer colour in their smoothies
or juices. The Vogue Festival for
the magazine’s 100th birthday of
course catered to both and the
battle played out on Snapchat.
OK! INSIDER
OK! PAKISTAN • 185
The Beauty Bar The Vogue Festival is a real treat for everyone who
follows the beauty industry carefully. There was a
nails manicure bar with people opting for Vogue
Manicures that had been especially created for the
festival. There was also a stall where festival goers
could buy numerous beauty and fashion books
as well as perfumes from Jo Malone and Grace Coddington’s famous
perfume that had just recently been launched at Commes des Garcon’s
event the night before. I especially loved that the perfume bottle
was shaped like a cat and that the overall design asthetic reflected
Coddington’s love for cats.
Street Style British Street Style is
notoriously adventurous. It’s
quirky, imaginative but has a
certain je ne sais quoi about
it. Wether it was during a talk
or up against the Vogue cover
wall or prancing through the
stalls, fashionistas from across
the world embraced the quirky
British sensibility and made it
their own.
SARAH HARRIS &
MASHALL KHATTAK
DEREK BLASBERG & LAUREN SANTO DOMINGO
KATE
MOSS ALEXA
CHUNG
KIM KARDASHIAN
& KANYE WEST
VOGUE FESTIVAL
MANICURE
Celebrity OutfitsAt the festival itself, everyone couldn’t stop talking about the Talbot Runhof shimmering
dress worn by Kim Kardashian. However, I personally believe that as a design house Gucci
definitely stole the show. I loved the rich Gucci co-ord suit that Alexa Chung wore as well
as Derek Balsberg’s witty nod to Riviera style in a Gucci ensemble. I also love jackets and
I couldn’t keep my eyes o� British Vogue’s Features Editor Sarah Harris’ leather jacket.
However, my favourite outfit from the festival had to be the all-black ensemble that Moda
Operendi founder Lauren Santo Domingo wore for her talk. At the Vogue 100 Gala, I loved Kate Moss’ and Alexa Chung’s gowns.
GRACE
CODDINGTON’S
PERFUME
Vogue ChocolateFashion girls in Britain eat. They especially
love their chocolate.
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186
IT’S ALL EASY Gwyneth Paltrow discusses bringing up her children, the joys of cooking, health and
her latest cook book
OK! HEALTH
Gwyneth Paltrow has achieved an awful
lot in her 43 years. As well as scooping
the top gong in acting when she won
a Best Actress Oscar for Shakespeare
In Love at just 27 years old, she has also starred
in other hits such as the Iron Man franchise,
Sliding Doors and The Talented Mr Ripley. And
then there’s her widely successful healthy and
lifestyle business, Goop and best selling cook
books.
The actress separated from her husband Chris
Martin in 2014 after 10 years of marriage in a move
they famously called ‘conscious uncoupling’. And
while their divorce is yet to be finalised they are
still friendly and often photographed together
at family gatherings. Gwyneth and Chris share
custody of children, Apple, 12, and 10-year-old
Moses, and she recently described Chris as ‘like a
brother’ to her.
Opening up about how the pair have been able
to maintain a close bond, Gwyneth has revealed:
‘It’s almost about having to press the “override”
button wherever you feel angry or jealous or
brokenhearted. But when we said we’re going to
put the children first, we meant it. If you want to
put your children first, then why are you slagging
your husband o� in front of them?’ She added: ‘I’m
going back to the baseline of I love this person, he
is the father of my children, he’s a wonderful man.
I’m just going to put my issues aside for right now.
It really has not been easy for me at times, I’m sure
it’s not been easy for him.’
Since the split, the Coldplay front-man has
been linked to Jennifer Lawrence and Peaky
Blinders actress Annabelle Wallis, while Gwyneth
has been dating TV producer Brad Falchuk.
The daughter of actress Blythe Danner and
film director Bruce Paltrow, Gwyneth has also
become something of a lifestyle guru, thanks to
her website Goop. O�ering advice on everything
from food and fashion to travel and beauty, it’s
created a few headlines – especially thanks to
her love of controversial beauty fads, including
vaginal steaming and bee sting therapy.
Given her adventurous nature, it was no
surprise when she published her first recipe book,
My Father’s Daughter, in 2011. She calls her father
Bruce, who died in 2002, her ‘mentor’ and says: ‘I
feel closest to my father when I am in the kitchen.’
But with a son who is gluten intolerant and
an almost total ban on sugar and dairy imposed
at home, she admits that meal times take some
planning. Her fourth cookbook, entitled It’s All
Easy: Delicious Weekday Recipes For The Super-
Busy Home Cook, has just been published,
designed to give time-stretched working mums
simple ideas for healthy weekday dinners.
Here, Gwyneth discusses why food is so
important, the best way to shop and how to eat
well while travelling…
OK! PAKISTAN • 187
Why did you want to write cookbooks?
Gwyneth Paltrow: I started writing down recipes
because I was always a foodie. My dad was the
one who taught me to cook – we learned together
and our connection to food was such a huge part
of our relationship. I thought it would be nice to
write down the recipes and pay homage to him at
the same time.
Were there any other personal reasons?
GP: Yes, my son has really bad eczema and
he’s allergic to gluten and cow’s milk. It’s been
incredible because so many people are trying to
avoid gluten either for weight or they’re allergic to
it, so that’s sort of how it all happened.
What’s your philosophy on food and cooking?
GP: Food should be organic wherever possible,
local where possible, minimally processed or
messed with, and made with love.
Going gluten, dairy and sugar-
free is pretty drastic…
GP: Everyone in my family is intolerant to gluten
and cow dairy. We had the food sensitivities test
and the doctor told us to avoid these foods, and
sugar as much as possible. My son has eczema so
I have to take these dietary rules seriously.
Do you ever allow the kids treats?
GP: We try to eat this way most of the time and
then have treats along the way. For example, the
kids get a Coke of the week, and we have pizza
more than we should. But I have tried to set it as
the baseline for the way we eat. I can’t control
what they eat from the school cafeteria, nor at
their friends’ houses, so I try to keep it relatively
clean at home. When we are healthier, we all have
more energy, more stable moods and Moses’
eczema disappears.
What do you miss when you eat this way?
GP: Bread and cheese!
What’s the biggest challenge cooking and
eating this way?
GP: Coming up with the recipes that stick to the
guidelines. But we’ve done the work for you this
time!
What’s your favourite recipe in the book?
GP: I love all of them but in particular the salmon
burgers, the Chinese chicken salad, the fish
roasted in salt, Thai style, and the brown rice
fusilli with tuna, olives and fried capers. Also the
dessert section is great.
How do you keep your kids healthy when you’re
away from home?
GP: I try. We were in Paris on the Iron Man press tour
– try eating gluten-free in Paris, it’s a nightmare!
So one day I was like, let’s go find Japanese food.
Asian foods are amazing for avoiding a lot of that
stu�.
What do Chris and the kids think about it?
GP: Everyone’s on
board. The kids
don’t really notice
the food at home
is healthy because
they’re still having
meatballs, chicken
nuggets and
dumplings.
Do your kids cook
with you a lot?
GP: Oh yes. My
son, especially, is
really into it. He can
perfectly crack an
egg.
What advice do
you have regarding
nutrition?
GP: A nutritionist
once told me
the way we’ve
changed our diet
in the past 50
years is crazy. If you
showed our great-
grandmothers the
way we’re eating,
they’d be like: ‘This
isn’t even food.
What are you doing?’ And she said the best thing
to do when you’re at the supermarket is to shop
round the outside. That’s where the fresh food is.
Your mum has said you’re ‘the most self-
composed person’ she knows…
GP: I honestly think it’s pretty basic stu� like
exercise and self-discovery. It’s also all about
knowing you’re in a process and trying to interpret
su�ering as lessons as opposed to burdens. It’s
always looking at life as an opening and as an
adventure, and to make sure you are filled with
lots of love.
Your family are very musical – when you cook,
do you also sing or rap?
GP: Do you have a hidden camera in my kitchen?
That is so crazy. How do you know that? Yes, we
are a hip-hop household, 100 per cent!
INTERVIEW: JESSICA YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHS: GETTY
Going gluten, dairy and sugar-
GP:
board. The kids
don’t really notice
the food at home
is healthy because
they’re still having
meatballs, chicken
nuggets and
dumplings.
Do your kids cook
with you a lot?
GP:
son, especially, is
really into it. He can
perfectly crack an
egg.
What advice do
you have regarding
nutrition?
GP:
once told me
the way we’ve
changed our diet
in the past 50
years is crazy. If you
showed our great-
grandmothers the
way we’re eating,
they’d be like: ‘This Going gluten, dairy and sugar-Going gluten, dairy and sugar-
GWYNETH WITH SON MOSES, 10, AND DAUGHTER APPLE, 12
We only have a few high-end restaurants and those are losing their
charm as well; amongst the many restaurants calling themselves
‘fine dining’ eateries, there are only a few that actually make the cut.
Lahore’s food scene is perhaps the most festive one in the country; we love
having everything from ‘desi’ to continental but things definitely go up a notch
in summers, for this is when the menu is revamped to bring us some zesty
salads and entrees.
A revamped menu to complement the change in weather always creates
hype but does The Cube at The Nishat Hotel succeed in becoming the new
‘it’ place in town? A visit was in order that
had us looking for great, authentic food in the
heart of the city. The buzz about The Cube’s
revamped menu with a change in the culinary
team brought us to the bustling Khurshid
Kasuri Road housing the famous Nishat hotel
and needless to say, we were quite impressed
by its splendour and aura.
The interior is squeaky clean and elegantly
done with enormous attention to detail; very
much a wow factor; somewhat très moderne.
We were bedazzled by the beauty of this
hotel; it is filled with gilt-framed art and
stunning installations. The main lobby with a
giant sized light installation is particularly eye
Summer menu of THE CUBE is a must try!THE CUBE
Dine DIVINE
188
catching and adds much to the decor .
We were told that the kitchen sources
the freshest top quality ingredients to
ensure a delectable meal. The servers
were dressed in crisp, white uniform
and looked sharp; they were polite and
conscientious about their work. I saw
a table occupied by an all girls’ group
chatting away. It is interesting to note
that women form the main clientele for
most restaurants and co�ee shops during
lunch hours.
We browsed the carte du jour (chef’s
specialties), but if you feel confused by the
diverse selection on the menu and have no
idea where to start from than you can always
ask the server for recommendations.
Served chilled in tall glasses were water
melon, sweet melon and peach juice as thirst
quenchers of the highest
order that served their
purpose well. They were
refreshing enough to beat
the sizzling heat.
Variety seemed to be
the key in the appetisers; I
would happily label it as a
healthy lunch option after
having the most delicious
Quinoa Salad with oven
dried tomatoes, herbs,
nuts and cranberries that is
characterized by a unique
sweet-and-sour flavour.
This is by far one of the
best salads we’ve had in
Lahore! The downside is
its high price; it is a very
generous portion though,
enough for about four
people, but we feel it
should be served with an
option of ordering half and
full portions.
We also had Goat Cheese Salad with
caramelized walnuts, sweet corn and
a generous dose of mixed greens and
pomegranate molasses that gave a tangy
zest. However, it was the former that
actually stole our hearts.
Up next were the scrumptious
Coconut Butter Prawns that were bursting
with flavour! And the quintessentially
flavoursome Four Cheese Pizza added
much zing to the menu. The Quattro
Formaggio consisting of fresh mozzarella,
parmesan, gouda and cheddar for all
cheese bu�s is bound to become a
favourite, especially with kids. I, for one,
liked the Florentine more so, for it was an
interesting blend of spinach, artichoke
and parmesan etc. The pizzas are made
using the freshest ingredients and have
an authentic taste, making it a worthwhile experience for the diner.
By this time I was stu�ed but took a bite of the lip smacking Grilled Cheese
Sandwich with braised beef short ribs, green chilli, mayo and cheddar. The
Red Snapper was served on a bed of creamed mushrooms, and was coated
in light, golden crumbs; it was very fresh and had a delicate flavour. The
accompanying horseradish butter was the star dish and my favourite of the
day.
We were also served Spinach, Ricotta and Pesto Lasagna and Linguini
which had a strong taste and were baked to perfection. Sometimes, one need
to develop a palate for certain flavours and this was perhaps the reason that I
took a few morsels and moved on to desserts.
The desserts are divine, probably the best in town! And even though I am
generally not a fan of molten lava cake and find it overrated, I was hooked
after trying it
at The Cube; one should definitely come here to have this amazing specialty!
The strong flavour leaves a divine aftertaste, it is easily the best Salted
Caramel Molten Cake in town, served with a dollop of ice cream and sticky
caramel sauce alongside. Also on the menu are Sticky To�ee Pudding and
Chocolate Macaroon Cake with Orange Buttercream.
The scrumptious meal came to an end on a sweet note with the sugar
rush hitting the roof - this was certainly a memorable dining experience. A bit
on the expensive side - it costs between Rs. 2,000 to 2,500 per person - the
ambience and delicious food are definitely worth it and we highly recommend
it to foodies. The Cube is o� to a great start and this place should be on
everyone’s list for some great food and presentation!
TEXT: RUBIA MOGHEES PHOTOGRAPHS: FAISAL FAROOQUI @DRAGONFLY
OK! PAKISTAN • 189
Yayoi Kusama: Sculptures, Paintings & Mirror Rooms25 May till 30 July 2016, Victoria Miro, Wharf Road, LONDON
Spanning the gallery’s three locations and waterside garden, the exhibition features new paintings –
including Kusama’s ongoing My Eternal Soul series and signature Infinity Nets – iconic pumpkin sculptures,
and immersive mirror rooms, all conceived specially for this presentation. Kusama’s obsessive repetition
of polka dots is a major theme of the exhibit. The pumpkin is another motif that she had previously used
that has returned in a major fashion for this exhibit. The exhibit will not disappoint art enthusiasts and
beginners alike.
MANUS X MACHINA: Fashion in the Age of Technology5th May 2016 till 14th August 2016, The Metropoletan Museum Art,
NYC
The Costume
Institute’s
Spring 2016
exhibition,
presented in
the Museum’s
Robert
Lehman Wing,
explores
how fashion
designers are
reconciling the
hand-made and the machine-made in the creation of haute couture
and avant-garde ready-to-wear. With more than 170 ensembles
dating from the early 20th century to the present, the exhibition will
address the founding of the haute couture in the 19th century and
the emergence of a distinction between the hand (manus) and the
machine (machina) at the onset of mass production. It explores this
ongoing dichotomy, in which hand and machine are presented as
discordant tools in the creative process, and question the relationship
and distinction between haute couture and ready-to-wear.
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Jeff Koons: Now 18th May till 16th October
2016, Newport Street
Gallery, London, ENGLAND
Jeff Koons is widely
considered to be one of the
most significant artists to
have emerged in the postwar
era. Since the late 1970s, his
diverse work has explored
themes pertaining to taste,
consumerism, mass culture,
beauty and acceptance. Now
is the first major UK exhibition
to be devoted to the artist
since Jeff Koons: Popeye Series,
at the Serpentine Gallery
in 2009. Spanning 35 years
of the artist’s extraordinary
career, Now features over 30
paintings, works on paper and
sculptures dating from 1979
to 2014. It is worth mentioning
that a number of these works
have never before been shown.
Delacroix as a Model March 16 till August 1, 2016, Musée National Eugène-Delacroix,
PARIS
Eugène Delacroix was a muse
for many artists during his
lifetime as well as, from the
future young Impressionists
to Picasso and Matisse.
This exceptional exhibition,
presented in the painter’s private
studio, is an opportunity to
show some recent acquisitions
for the first time, including the
magnificent interpretation of
Women of Algiers in their Apartment by Henri Fantin-Latour (1836–1904),
acquired in 2015 thanks to a generous donation from the Société des
Amis d’Eugène Delacroix.
WHAT’S ON?ART EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS
AROUND THE WORLD
VM Gallery 14th Emerging Talents Show May till 24th June 2016, VM
Gallery, Rangoonwala centre,
KARACHI
The V.M’s mission for the promotion
of visual arts in the country rea¢rms
its commitment of social and
cultural activities by taking the lead
in introducing young talent, and by
supporting the emerging art genres.
An idea developed by Gallery Director
Ri£at Alvi in 2003 to exhibit fresh
graduate work of Fine Arts from
all over the country; showcasing
their creativity under one roof, had
been a first in the country – a sort of
exhibition that had a dual purpose;
to provide a venue to the graduate; to
highlight di£erent bodies of artwork,
to be able to compare di£erent
levels of instructions being imparted
in our art institutions and also to
catapult the emerging artist into
the mainstreams of art activities.
With collaboration from the Head
of Departments of Fine Arts from
art colleges and universities on a
national level, a large body of work in
painting, sculpture, ceramics, digital
and installation art is showcased to
a local audience. In its 14th season,
the exhibition has remained a very
special annual event and is the
highlight of the VM‘s yearly calendar.
192
T he 25th edition of Frieze took place
from May 5-8, 2016 at Randall’s
Island Park, New York. Over 200
galleries were housed within the
expansive white serpentine tent,
hosting over 1000 artists represented
by 31 countries, all displaying a wide
variety of contemporary art. Attracting
43,000 fair-goers this year, Frieze New York presented
a notable mix of international and local galleries, those
with a local presence gearing for fierce competition
from their overseas counterparts. For example, The
Gagosian displayed a fascinating breadth of Damien
Hirst’s pieces at their pavilion. Commanding a prime
corner spot within the tent, the gallery brought
together an assortment of dizzying butterflies, (mini)
shark tanks and coloured dots as one made their way
through.
Amongst other standout pieces were works
by Yayoi Kusama, who displayed a pavilion of 3D
sculpture framing an artwork which sold on the first
day. Done in her signature dotted print, the 3D piece
comprised cushioned tentacles rising from the ground,
framing the artwork on the wall.
Italian artist Michelangelo Istoletto displayed an
interesting quartet of painted mirrors titled Color
FRIEZE NEW YORK
OK! PAKISTAN • 193
and Light, resulting in a montage of
reflective and painted pieces. Jim
Hodges’ work titled Untitled (When
We Collide) comprised ceramic light
sockets and light bulbs on a wood
and metal panel.
Pakistan too was well represented
at Frieze with artist Imran Qureshi
displaying assorted works, shown by
Nature Morte Gallery of New Delhi.
Frieze was not just all about
the art, incorporating plenty other
programmes and initiatives such as
Frieze talks, Reading Room, Frieze
Projects and Sounds, comprising
everything from discussions with
writers and editors to performances
and lived art. This provided an
immersive experience for people of
all ages, spanning various interests.
Also in the mix throughout
the tent were Manhattan’s most
coveted and trendiest cafes and
restaurants setting up pop-up shops
and makeshift patios within and
outside the tent. Amongst those,
Manhattan favourite San Ambroeus
set up shop within the VIP lounge,
offering uninhibited Manhattan
skyline and island views. Holding
court over a large double height, split
level space, this helped bring a fresh
tropical setting within the sunlit tent,
providing much needed respite from
the crowds.
Displaying an ambitious breadth
and variety of art, the fair was better
organised than previous years, and
luckily as the sun came out to play,
Frieze delivered a multi-sensory
experience, immersing one in the
food, discussions and performances.
A smaller version of Frieze London
but relevant enough to make a
place for itself within the global
art calendar boasting biennials
and Art Basel amongst others, the
anniversary edition of Frieze New
York did not disappoint. Here’s
gearing for the next 25! TE
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T he Metropolitan Museum of
Modern Art opened its annual
exhibit in collaboration with the
Anna Wintour Costume Institute
titled Manus x Machina: Fashion
in an Age of Technology. The
exhibit structured itself around
the technical aspects of garment
creation by hand, machine and the recent
advent of digital technology such as 3D printing,
in haute couture, Prêt-à-Porter and ready-to-
wear. The exhibit was put up in collaboration
with Apple, fittingly, who provided the digital
elements within the exhibit.
As usual, the annual MET Gala marked the
opening of the exhibit with its annual crop of
glitterati in thematic dress. Patrons and guests
embraced the futuristic theme fusing metallic
with the galactic, with many notables making
the best-dressed list. A standout moment
was Claire Danes in a Silver Zac Posen gown,
that would light up underneath with LED
lights. Nicolas Ghesquière was another who
offered a superb interpretation of the night’s
theme by dressing Alicia Vikander amongst
others.
“The exhibit comprising galleries
explored garment making and its attributes.
“Structured around the métiers, or trades, of
dressmaking continued in the Encyclopedie,
one of the most provocative publications of
MANUS X MACHINA:Fashion in an Age of Technology
OK! PAKISTAN • 195
the French Enlightenment.”
“Detailing the skills and tools
requisite for these arts, provides
an erstwhile articulation of the
exhibition’s theme — Manus x
Machina, hand x machine.”
The exhibition entrance
greeted us with a single display
of an intricately sculpted and
embroidered wedding gown
by none other than Chanel.
The embroidery pattern on the
expansive trail was reflected
in a digital mural on the
ceiling which reflected back
down on the white walls and
floors below. Unlike last year’s
exhibit, most garments were
not displayed in glass cases,
therefore encouraging a close
examination of the fabrics and
techniques on display.
Notable standout pieces
included a cast fiberglass dress
painted with gold metallic
pigment, hand embroidered
with “pollens” created from
crystals and pearled paper,
complete with wheels operated
via remote control. Constructed by Hussein
Chalayan, of the dress he says, “During a peak
moment, all the pollens are released into the air
and swirl around the wearer. It was intended as a
poetic gesture, as the dress is meant to symbolise
new beginnings.”
Notable collections were those within the
Embroidery wing, highlighting the exquisite work
of specialist French “maisons” such as Hurel,
Lanel, Lesage, Montex and Broderies Vermont. A
carefully constructed and intricately embroidered
Alexander McQueen dress evoked
the wonders of the sea, completely
embroidered with pearls, beads,
coral and shell, evoking coral reefs
on the shoulders and the waist.
Amongst other notable designers
within this wing were Iris van Herpen,
Saint Laurent and Louis Vuitton, who
displayed a series of cotton poplin
dresses with overlays of silk net,
bonded with laser cut metallic strips
and hand airbrushed with coloured
pigment. The overall effect was that
of a futuristic metallic garment with
a self-raised structural look.
Sequined layers of tulle by the
House of Dior evoked the flapper
gowns of the Gatsby era, being
just as relevant today, even though
constructed in 1950. Within the lacework wing,
Threeasfour displayed an
“interdimensional” dress, made of
neoprene and mesh, hand appliquéd
in 3D printed resin and nylon.
Proenza Schouler too displayed a white ceramic
custom lace with white ultrasonic-welded satin
viscose crepe “embroidery.”
Another notable technique included 3D printed
quilt employed by none other than the House of
Chanel. Classic Chanel suits created in this 3D
printed polyamide over lay with hand – stitched
with black pearls and beads, overlayed onto a
bed of sequins embroidered by Lesage. From
the Autumn/Winter 2015-16 collection, Chanel shows us a digital evolution of a classic. The many
nuances and
details of this
garment are only
noted at close
e x a m i n a t i o n ,
where one can
see the raised quilt and painted tweed pattern.
The pleating naturally highlighted by Issey
Miyake showed foldable, versatile garment
structures.
The exhibition was both informative and
evocative, bringing many different elements of
sights, sounds, technology
and spatial techniques to
give all patrons a multi-
sensory experience. Bringing
the inner workings of the
ateliers and their expertise
to the forefront, the exhibit
brought full circle the
making of a garment and the digital techniques
it now employs taking us into the ateliers and
showing us its processes. Accompanying videos
with the most innovative pieces helped viewers
understand the intricacy and complexity of a
seemingly simple piece, reinforcing and making
relevant the age-old and newer techniques for
the future of fashion. To quote the exhibit, “Where
the hand and machine are equal and mutual
protagonists solving design problems enhancing
design practices and, intricately, advancing the
future of fashion.”
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H appiness seems to be trending
these days – as hipster as that
sounds and not to say happiness is
the new avocado but from popular
blogs to top TED talks to personal
Instagram accounts, happiness
and more importantly prioritising
happiness seems to be the ‘it thing’
gripping millennials and middle-agers alike whether
it is self-calibration through meditation or through
oneness with nature. Happiness being a worthy goal,
if not the only goal, has opened a host of discussions
on why aren’t we as happy as we could be and
amongst the (mostly) pseudo-science fueled debates
enters Raj Raghunathan with If You’re So Smart, Why
Aren’t You Happy? – a book that aims to answer that
question whilst giving you a profound set of solutions
in the process, all rooted in solid good science and
backed with extensive and rigorous research. It’s not
an easy book to breeze through but if one can commit
to soak up the literature while diligently practicing
the exercises it may be of more value than anything
previously prescribed on happiness – a feat in itself!
A professor at University of Texas McCombs School
of Business and a psychologist, Raghunathan sets
out to converse the true determinants of a happy and
fulfilling life and debunking the many myths surrounding
happiness that incidentally keep happiness away from
our lives. One of the first claims Raghunathan makes is
that unhappiness is usually because of our own doing and that is reflected in
the ‘Seven Deadly Sins Of Happiness’ which is how the book is divided, in seven
chapters each dealing with a sin and a corresponding resolution to the sin: the
habits of the highly happy. For those already averted to the idea of reading this
book because it sounds too much like a course textbook need not be worried,
Raghunathan has made the content as personal as possible by generously
adding anecdotes full of reflections and introspections and has peppered the
material with his whimsical yet inherently sweet sense of humour (at times one
might cringe at his ‘dad jokes’ like the one about Fifty Shades of Grey but his
effort to come across relatable is genuine and mostly appreciated).
While happiness means different things to different people there are
some collective truths that are applicable across nationalities and cultures
that Raghunathan has so painstakingly researched, that is, happiness can
be defined as love/connection, authentic pride, harmony, and abundance.
Raghunathan puts special emphasis on abundance; an orientation he declares
involves believing “one has enough, indeed, more than enough of anything and
everything one could want from life”. His Seven Happiness Killers (devaluing
happiness, chasing superiority, desperation for love, being overly controlling,
distrusting others, passionate/indifferent pursuit of passion, and mind
addiction) are taken from all nooks of life: professional, personal, and spiritual
and may at first glance seem like normal and sensible values and behaviors as
asserted by pop culture, history, and even parents. That is why Raghunathan
has dedicated full chapters complete with references to multiple studies on
how these values ultimately lead to unhappiness in the long run.
Chasing superiority, Raghunathan admits, is hardwired in us due to it
being crucial for survival and is encouraged by our mentors and parents
but it also gives way to chasing wealth, fame, and power, being a ‘taker’ in
relationships rather than a ‘giver’, and leaves one vulnerable to depression.
The corresponding ‘habit of the happy’ of chasing superiority is pursuing
flow, a notion that does not get much universal discussion and it is in these
instances that Raghunathan’s research and insights shine through – he
makes a compelling case for dismissing a hardwired sin for a relatively fresh
concept by assisting the reader to connect what they already know “most of
us have experienced, at one point or another…flow - the kind of experience in
which you get so absorbed that you lose track of time” with new knowledge:
pursuing flow allows mastery of skills and provides inspiration to other which
in turn enhances happiness. Raghunathan’s well-rounded arguments cover all
bases which includes a practical how-to on adding flow to one’s work-life and
switch careers if desired. Similarly, desperation for love may not necessarily
OK! LITERATI
Why Aren’t You Happy?
Professor Raghunathan gives us precious insights on how to live a fulfilling and happy life all backed by hard-core science – and who wouldn’t want to be happier?
By Raj Raghunathan
If You’re So Smart,
OK! PAKISTAN • 197
seem like a bad thing seeing how common needy protagonists are in most romantic
movies and books but Raghunathan cautions against this hidden happiness sin as
desperation for love can lead one to be either needy or avoidant –robbing one of
meaningful relationships and hence a major source of unhappiness. Without delving
into pop-psychology or going down the self-help route by stipulating ‘rules for love’,
Raghunathan lays out simple yet effective ways such as expressing gratitude and
practicing self-compassion to ensure secure attachment in relationships. Although
Raghunathan keeps his feet and his book firmly planted in concrete science there is
an undeniable sense of positivity and optimism in tone throughout the book which
is why one might not be too shocked to find the subject of spirituality making its
way into it. Mindfulness,
another trendy topic that has
travelled from meditation
retreats and made its
way into the playbooks of
Fortune 500 leaders gets,
unsurprisingly, a thumbs-
up from Raghunathan.
Using it to counteract ‘mind
addiction’ or overreliance on
thoughtful deliberation, he
dispels the myths around
mindfulness and presents
it as a tool that can virtually
be used by everyone. He
fully acknowledges the
paradoxical nature of
mindfulness like how being
observant of thoughts
reduces the negative
emotions yet promotes
positive ones and notes
the psychological and
physiological benefits
such as boosting mental
acuity, slowing down aging,
and increasing flexibility
and response to difficult
situations.
Raghunathan’s biggest strength lies in how he makes, on face value,
difficult concepts and theories virtually accessible to anyone who has the
motivation and curiosity to look deeper. Instead of fleetingly mentioning life-
changing notions and letting the readers do the heavy-lifting of analysing
like some academics do, Raghunathan lays it all down in the simplest
terms he can find, persuasively reiterates his arguments, and provides the
readers with clear cut plans to follow. He also does an astoundingly great
job of dissecting and explaining the background and the application of each
and every research study detailed in the book. He pursues each topic from
multiple angles and leaves no stone unturned in exhaustively weighing one
point against another. Another strength is the simultaneous relevance and
timelessness of his theories which will find an audience across bounds of
age and culture. The hidden gem, however, of the book is not the content but
the set of exercises relating to each happiness habit that are challenging yet
exciting and immensely fruit-bearing. Raghunathan goes as far as to say that
completing the happiness exercises whilst not reading the book will still be
more beneficial than the vice-versa.
The one big drawback of the book is that it is not for everyone, Raghunathan has
designed it to cater to the smart and successful, that is, people who already have a
good lock-down on their basic necessities and enjoy some privilege in life. Another
drawback is the complexity of the book; one might not find it easy to read owing
to the references it makes to numerous studies. Perhaps it is due to our previous
exposure to pop-psychology and pseudo-science that actual science might come
across as yawn-inducing but if one can get over the need to read quickly and sit
down to absorb the book with full attention, the rewards one might reap would be
substantial.
There is one thing Raghunathan mentions as essential to benefiting the most
from this book which is keeping an open mind, a point he makes in his introduction
and his conclusion – “tell yourself the story that you are open-minded and aren’t
closed to evolving in new ways, even if doing so involves questioning your mostly
deeply held worldviews…Open-mindedness is hugely important for happiness…
So more you believe that you don’t have a set identity, that you can change into
whoever you need to become in order to lead a happier life - that is more you give
yourself the freedom to evolve - the more easily you will be able to adopt the new
happiness habits”.
STOCKISTS: LIBERTY BOOKS www.libertybooks.comTEXT: SARAH S. SAIF
The Happiness Track: How to Apply the
Science of Happiness
to Accelerate Your Success
by Emma Seppala:
Seppala dispels myths
surrounding success and makes
an argument using psychology and
neuroscience for how happiness
leads one to thrive career-wise.
You Are Not Your Brain: The 4-Step Solution for
Changing Bad Habits, Ending Unhealthy Thinking,
and Taking Control of Your
Life by Jeffrey M. Schwartz
& Rebecca Gladding
Two neuroscientists set out to arm people
against deceptive messages from the brain
that hinder happiness and fulfillment.
Hardwiring Happiness: The New Brain Science of
Content-ment, Calm,
andConfidence
by RickHanson
Dr. Hanson provides a plan to
strengthen the brain through
everyday experiences to instill
peace, confidence, and hap-
piness.
Recommendations
WORLD IN ACTION
198
DAVID CAMERON MAKES A JOINT APPEARANCE WITH THE MAYOR OF LONDON SADIQ KHAN AS THEY LAUNCH
THE ‘BRITAIN STRONGER IN EUROPE’ GUARANTEE CARD AHEAD OF THE EU REFERENDUM IN BRITAIN
THE GIRLS OF LYARI BOXING SCHOOL OPEN THE CHARITY FIGHT IN
KARACHI, PAKISTAN – THE FIGHT WAS HOSTED BY BOXING SUPERSTAR,
AMIR KHAN TO HELP RAISE FUNDS FOR PEOPLE OF THAR
TURKISH SOLDIERS FIRE A MILITARY CANNON TO MARK THE FASTING BREAK TIME
AT THE BLUE MOSQUE SQUARE IN ISTANBUL DURING THE FIRST DAY OF RAMADAN
SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE SAILS LIGHT UP AS PART OF VIVID SYDNEY – AN ANNUAL FESTIVAL THAT FEATURES LIGHT
SCULPTURES AND INSTALLATIONS THROUGHOUT THE CITY
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OK! PAKISTAN • 199
OK! ASTROLOGY & TAROTMariam Aftab puts your cards on the table
200
AriesMar 21 – Apr 20
Discussions with
partners or your mate could
bring special feelings of
love and friendship. Activity
with friends, groups, or associates
is compelling and charming. Some
visionary projects need your magical
touch, and could bring untold
emotional rewards. Be thankful for an
ideal love live. Financial matters are
good these days.
Lucky Numbers: Series of 3
Antidote for Evil Eye: Keep blue
agate in your bedroom
TaurusApr 21 – May 21
This is a month when
everyone appears to
be in top form. Your ability
to see the big picture will put you
in good standing. Travel plans and
promotional ideas will appeal to
family members and to those you
love. Your financial life improves
drastically. Don’t hesitate to import
ideas or products. Technical projects
are starred for success.
Lucky Numbers: 1,5,9
Antidote for Evil Eye: Burn
lemongrass incense in the o�ce area
GeminiMay 22 – Jun 21
Negotiations and contracts
could bring great
success. All the people
involved seem to be in harmony,
making this a month of idealism and
celebration. They could provide the
finances you need to bring about the
harmony you foresee. Your ability
to see the big picture is legendary. A
little confusion about your home can
disturb you, be careful.
Lucky Numbers: 5,7
Antidote for Evil Eye: Rotate 7 chillies
clockwise over crown chakra and burn
on stove
Negotiations and contracts
CancerJun 22 – Jul 23
Your need for peace may
be in conflict with some
career opportunities or
public situations. You can be
pushed into the limelight and may not
want the extra attention. Your financial
situation may demand that you find
a compromise between personal
desires and duty. Make the e�orts
to reach more fulfilling agreements
through discussions with a partner or
someone you love.
Lucky Numbers: 3,7,9
Antidote for Evil Eye: Burn rosemary
oil in the bedroom area
Leo Jul 24 – Aug
23
Powerful work projects
will keep you on your
toes. You may have
to sacrifice some personal financial
goals for the greater good. You’ll be
able to make up for lost time and
income once you have major projects
underway. Keep a cool and united
front. Strong connections that relate
to your job could also spell romance.
Lucky Numbers: 1,9
Antidote for Evil Eye: Keep a red
wallet for financial gain
Leo
VirgoAug 24 – Sep 23
Join forces with
someone who will
work by your side and provide the
inspiration to make even the most
daunting tasks seem easy. Projects
that relate to entertainment are
starred for success. Get ready to
network, publicise, and promote. You
may also become involved in fund-
raising for the needy.
Lucky Numbers: 3,5
Antidote for Evil Eye: Keep a money
plant in the o�ce area
SagittariusNov 23 – Dec 21
Count the costs of a new
home or an environment that’s
more conducive to love and romance.
A serious discussion may lead to a
deeper tie with someone important
in your life. Unfortunately, a loving
partnership could disrupt your home
life. You may go along with anything
just to keep peace and for the sake of
love – avoid too much celebration this
month.
Lucky Numbers: Odd numbers
Antidote for Evil Eye: Give black cloth
to any deserving person
PiscesFeb 20 – Mar 20
Get ready for a change of
scene. You may discover
a job situation that will allow
for more fun, freedom, and pleasure in
your life. Use this month to follow your
heart and your dreams. Put together a
social event and entertain people who
are in a position to help implement
your ideas. Rely on your ability to
negotiate.
Lucky Numbers: 1,2,3
Antidote for Evil Eye: Bathe with sea
salt
LibraSep 24 – Oct 23
This month you
may decide
to travel to see
someone you love. You are excited
about a partner who is very helpful.
Try not to be too accommodating,
but remember that your charming,
loving nature is the key to a successful
relationship. Let others blow o� steam
in their own ways. Be careful with
finances.
Lucky Numbers: 2,8
Antidote for Evil Eye: Keep a red
wallet for financial gain
CapricornDec 22 – Jan 21
This is a good month
to set all your ideas in
motion. Entertain friends
and make plans to increase
your income through group projects.
Your social consciousness may impel
you to institute reform with land or
property. You can work to satisfy your
need to express your creative vision.
A mate or partner will give you some
suggestions, which will be good for
your home life.
Lucky Numbers: Series of 2
Antidote for Evil Eye: Rotate 1 ½
kg red meat over crown chakra and
throw to birds of prey every Monday
Libra
ScorpioOct 24 – Nov 22
You will do anything to
keep someone close
to your side right now. A relationship
could turn into something more
serious than a passing romance.
Financial matters may need more
careful attention than you are willing
to give. Money could slip through your
fingers, so spend carefully.
Lucky Numbers: Series of 3
Antidote for Evil Eye: Burn sandal
wood incense at the entrance of your
home
AquariusJan 21 – Feb 19
You may feel very needy
and emotional this
month. The hardest part of making
contact with someone is in allowing
yourself to be vulnerable – just avoid
emotional compulsions. You must
continue to show your charm and
graciousness if you are to achieve your
goal and obtain the extra benefits you
need. Be careful during long-distance
driving.
Lucky Numbers: 7,9
Antidote for Evil Eye: Burn white
candles in the o�ce or living area
home or an environment that’s
Capricorn
WASIM AKRAMJUNE 3, 1966
ANGELINA JOLIEJUNE 4, 1975
PRINCE WILLIAMJUNE 21 1982
VANEEZA AHMADJUNE 29, 1971
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