a chat with sahar dada

I had the opportunity to meet Sahar during her private exhibition, just outside of Chicago, several years ago. It was the first time we were collaborating and meeting, and she was delightful and kind. Sahar is undoubtedly a rising talent out of the greater Chicago area. She is gifted with a discerning eye, desire to help her clientele achieve their vision, and works with a sense of integrity that has helped establish her as a designer.

Recently, I spoke with Sahar by phone to discuss several things — focusing on her growth as a designer and the new projects she’s working on. Since that in-person meeting several years ago, Sahar has established two distinct brands – Sahar Dada, a modern womenswear line of timeless and versatile silhouettes, and Ari and Oak, a custom, formal, bridal line, she’s launched with her talented mother and business partner.

“The Sahar Dada woman is experimental, seeks a great quality product, and is ageless. Ten years from now, she should be able to find each piece in the same condition as the day she brought it home.”  

Sahar Dada

Sahar Dada

Just a few short weeks from now, Sahar’s fall and holiday collection will be available. It’s reflective of her journey as a maturing designer – made up of edgier cuts, offers a “different dimension” than her previous collections, and is a darker color palette. Her beautifully crafted blouses, cocktail dresses, and embellished skirts would be a perfect complement to that moto jacket. Swoon.

Sahar started her first collection in 2010 with a focus on eastern attire. In 2013, she began a line of modern and western apparel for women. While based in Chicago, IL, Sahar has a large following in Dubai, UAE, and designs products for an international audience. In only a few short years, Sahar has built a client base to include owners of recognizable sports teams, philanthropists, fashion bloggers, and brides and bridal parties who have been featured in Grace Ormonde.

Success for Sahar means consistency, longevity, versatility, and most importantly, the desire to make pieces tailored to her clients vision.

Be sure to add her to your digital rolodex of fashion house contacts.

View the Sahar Dada collection at http://www.sahardada.com.

| Instagram-@sahardada | Snapchat-sahardada | Ari and Oak – Instagram @ariandoak |

india couture week 2016

India Couture Week 2016 started yesterday and I’m already salivating. Any fashion lover can relate. While I’m a wee bit far from Mumbai, the world of social media has made it possible to further indulge this curiosity. The five-day affair opens with the most coveted and acclaimed of designers as would any other major industry event.

This years show begins with Manish Malhotra – an international designer who has been a household name in India for decades. Malhotra’s collection, A Persian Story, will set the precedence for many of the other talents to follow, including favorites Tarun Tahiliani and Anita Dongre.

Fawad Khan and Deepika Padukone are pictured below walking the runway for Malhotra. The best of Bollywood and Lollywood wil be present for this important week and I anticipate nothing short of spectacular and jaw-dropping couture.

Deepika’s lehenga and choli ensemble in deep red leads me to believe that the South Asian bridal wave will head back to a traditional color palette. She can do no wrong!

 

 

 

nomi ansari

I had a chance to speak with Nomi Ansari at the end of his formal exhibition in Washington, D.C. just about three years ago. He was kind and generous with his time that evening. It was clearly obvious that Nomi was passionate about the art of design and possessed a discerning eye for colors, cuts, and embellishments that hadn’t been done before. His exhibition was a collection of vibrant colors, textures and adornments. Models walked the runway in unique pieces that were not only stunning but practical. A piece from his collection would fit seamlessly into a bridal trousseau and used as a main day event ensemble for a Mehendi, Dholki, Gaya Holud, Pooja ceremony or any other festive and traditional occasion.

In a short period of time, Nomi has built a brand name and design empire. Fashion-conscious men and women are often seen wearing Nomi Ansari and his style and use of color make his pieces a delightful giveaway. I look forward to seeing what his next collection brings to the world of fashion.

http://www.nomiansari.com.pk

 

deepak perwani

I had the opportunity to meet Deepak Perwani several years ago when he was exhibiting his latest collection in Washington, D.C. We met at a private residence which hosted a viewing after the formal exhibition earlier that week. Deepak was humble, forthcoming and incredibly transparent. It was clear in that brief interaction what energized and inspired him. I learned about Deepak Perwani the fashion designer and humanitarian and how they were one and the same.

Deepak, aside from being a prominent and established international fashion designer, is a humanitarian. He’s devoted to bridging the gap between the fortunate and less fortunate, and in providing opportunities to improve the conditions for the poor. He is devoted to end poverty.

Over the last two decades, Deepak Perwani has transformed the face of menswear in Pakistan, and earned international acclaim. He dresses both men and women in sophisticated ensembles of high-quality and style. Having worn his pieces, I can truly speak to the quality of his pieces and the emphasis on drama.

Talk about a feel good and do good designer.

http://www.deepakperwani.com

 

 

Deepak Perwani

 

Deepak Perwani

sabyasachi mukherjee

Sabyasachi Mukherjee is one of the greatest South Asian designers of our time. Using the label ‘Sabyasachi’, his design philosophy is “personalized imperfection of the human hand.”Imperfection that has been perfected in intricately woven and heavily embellished fabrics. A delicate balance of pattern, texture and hand embroidery.

A Sabyasachi ensembles blends regal, old world with new world in a way unlike any other designer of this generation. A Sabyasachi piece is immediately noticed by the discerning eye. Celebrities have been seen wearing Sabysachi pieces for decades.

His most recent collection, ‘Bater,’ was presented at Amazon India Couture Week 2015 in collaboration with the mastermind behind the ‘red sole’, Christian Louboutin. This collaboration added to the anticipation of the latest collection.

Below are some examples of his work.

Sabyasachi Mukherjee

 

Sabyasachi Mukherjee

 

anita dongre

Recently, Kate Middleton was featured wearing an Anita Dongre dress during the Prince and Princesses trip to India. For many, this was their first time hearing and seeing a recognizable piece by the famed designer. In reality, Anita has been filling celebrity closets for decades with beautifully crafted and elegant pieces.

Below is Kate Middleton wearing the popular piece (that was shortened to her liking with the help of her stylist). Oh what a few inches can do to a dress.

https://shop.anitadongre.com/

Anita Dongre

Anita Dongre

tarun tahiliani

“Indians layered, draped, wrapped and tucked fabric, prints, colours and more in an unabashed medley — a celebration of life and craft.  Surely we should retain that essence, that flavour in our contemporary fashion — for that is our identity,  the layering of an old civilization of thousands of years.” – Tarun Tahiliani

The exclusivity of his work is evident in a website that limits the use of words and visuals to depict one of the great fashion talents of India. Each handcrafted ensemble speaks for itself.

http://www.taruntahiliani.com

Tarun Tahiliani

 

Tarun Tahiliani

elan by khadija shah

Elan is one of the hottest designer houses out of Pakistan. Creative Director and Founder, Khadija Shah, is nothing short of gifted. In a short period of time, I’ve watched elan rise as one of the leading designer houses mentioned when discussing the best of the best of Pakistan and beyond.

Elan pieces are ethereal and exquisite. Each ensemble is hand-crafted on delicate fabrics with intricate designs and detail. It takes several months to complete one bridal dress, but they are nothing short of spectacular. While elan is one of many outstanding designers out of Pakistan (given Pakistan’s history of producing creative genius’s), Khadija Shah has established an international reputation as one of the leading designer houses in  quality and style.

I recently wore Elan for a religious holiday and can attest to the meticulous detail that went into it – from cut, seamless finish, to a perfected bodice that was visible on a ready-to-wear piece from the pret collection.

South Asians are fortunate to be able to shop for traditional wear online. My outfit arrived to my front door in 3 days flat.  Take a look for yourself:

http://www.elan.pk

welcome to diya | a lifestyle blog

Welcome.

I’ve been debating about starting a blog for several years now and when I look back, I have no good excuse for why it hasn’t happened. So here we are with diya | a lifestyle blog where I discuss all things South Asian.

As a Pakistani-American, I’ve watched our collective community grow over the last few decades in the U.S. and there are a lot of wonderful ‘things’ I’d like to discuss on this blog.  A particular focus will be on highlighting people and places. People who are of South Asian descent that I find thought-provoking and inspiring. Individuals who I think we (I) can grow and learn from, and other fun stuff along the way.

I hope you find this blog engaging, educational, and light-hearted.

Thank you for stopping by.