Design by Maheen Khan

This is the first in a four-part series on the designers featured in Milan Fashion Week’s N-U-De New Upcoming Designers Project, which showcased international designers from Pakistan, Colombia, Russia, and India.

When one thinks of Pakistan, fashion is usually not the first thing that comes to mind. In fact, it probably comes somewhere around, oh, dead last.

It’s a shame. Located east of Afghanistan and Iran and northwest of India, Pakistan presented some big talents at its N-U-De New Upcoming Designers Project show, which was held on the last day of Milan Fashion Week last September. The show was a joint effort by the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana and the Pakistan Embassy in Italy, which has put together an intensive program of events to showcase a range of Pakistani culture, in efforts to ease tensions between native Italians and Pakistani immigrants.

The kaleidoscopic show featured three designers who are already well established in Pakistan: Rizwan Beyg, Maheen Khan, and Deepak Perwani.

Rizwan Beyg

Rizwan Beyg’s roots in England and Pakistan lend multicultural influences to his designs, while his background as an architect and interior designer explains his interest in utilizing rich, interesting fabrics. This collection was all in natural white, inspired by the salt plains of Karachi. It featured traditional materials, hand-crafted by village women in the Haripur Hazara region of Pakistan.

Design by Rizwan Beyg

In his words: “The collection I’m presenting at Milano Moda Donna pays homage not only to the women of Pakistan but to women everywhere. The collection is an attempt to fuse the diversity of the East with a modern Western silhouette.”

Maheen Khan

Nicknamed the Coco Chanel of the East, Maheen Khan has been a major player in the Pakistani fashion world for 35 years. She has designed costumes for films ranging from SWEENEY TODD to ELIZABETH: THE GOLDEN AGE and is responsible for Benazir Bhutto’s characteristic look: a green kameez paired with a white headscarf. The collection she exhibited was chic and minimalist, with soft neutrals and vibrant brights.

In her words: “The woman my collections are meant for seeks a touch of magic and mystery. She knows what she wants; she’s sophisticated, self-assured. For her, I create little gems to enhance her wardrobe.”

Deepak Perwani

The “bad boy” of Pakistani fashion, Deepak Perwani is known for his bold, innovative style. His collection took inspiration from the bright colors and decorative motifs of the Dastarhawan, a traditional tablecloth used for dining in countries across the east. His designs were my favorite of the showcase.

In his words: “I want to bring some color to Milan, to bring a little of myself and my country into women’s lives. I think they will like it.”

Designs by Maheen Khan (L) and Deepak Perwani (R)