For long, these dresses have not only kept their native wearers captivated by their beauty but have also attracted the attention of others. Of late, many Saudis love to theme some of their parties — more particularly henna parties — on such dresses.
However, getting exclusive Pakistani designer wear in the Kingdom is not a piece of cake. That's why an overwhelming turnout was witnessed at the Jeddah Marriott where a Pakistani cultural event was held last Wednesday to highlight the beauty of Pakistani dresses and handicrafts.
The “Pakistani Dress Exhibition” was organized by Sehar Kamran, principal of the Pakistan International School Jeddah — English Section and a national award-winning educationist, to raise funds for flood victims in Pakistan and highlight a positive image of Pakistani culture.
The event was inaugurated by Princess Hala Abdullah Abdul Aziz, who donated SR50,000 for relief efforts. Kamran presented the princess with two dresses and two paintings as souvenirs. The princess appreciated the initiative and acknowledged that the event will “promote Pakistani culture in the Kingdom” and further strengthen ties between the two countries.
The princess also expressed her interest in fashion and dresses, and was extremely impressed with the Pakistani dress material and handicrafts on display. She also showed her affection for Pakistan, its culture and people, particularly the late Benazir Bhutto.
The exhibition was attended by many dignitaries, including the wife of the Turkish consul general, the spouses of other diplomats, and other women who included Saudis, Pakistanis and people of other nationalities.
Dresses by two Pakistan-based boutiques, Amna Wahaj and Senorita, were also on display. However, neither of the designers were there. Nonetheless, the displayed dresses spellbound the multinational attendees and most of them went with their hands full of shopping bags.
On display were also a wide range of chiffon, pure silk and hand-loomed fabric, and other material for exclusive traditional, formal and casual wear.
A variety of contemporary and classical designs were also on showcase. However, those designs that were a fusion of east and west were the center of attraction for many of the event’s younger visitors. Ponchos and butterfly style shirts were also in great variety, while dark colors such as brown, red, maroon and purple, suitable for the winter season, were also on display.
Hand-carved wooden handicrafts and chic clutches were no less prominent among the showcased item. “Is it possible that Pakistani women who crave to shop something so exclusively desi and up-to-date here will leave such an event?” exclaimed Shehnaz Mirza, a Pakistani visitor, with excitement.
Such was the excitement shared by many other visitors that Kamran was left extremely satisfied. “The exhibition was a great success as it served the objective of promoting Pakistan's softer image in Saudi Arabia and also provided a platform to interact, share views and learn about Pakistani culture,” she said.
“With all the miseries going around in Pakistan and the negative media portrayal, there was a greater need of an event like this that reflects the beauty of our culture and people. There was also a need to bring the hearts of the two brotherly nations closer which are there for each other and support each other in every challenging moment but somehow lack the perfect cultural understanding,” said Kamran.