PARIS: The Pakistan Embassy in France has organized a fashion extravaganza in Paris dedicated to celebrating the skills of rural Pakistani women artisans and showcasing their artistic work.
The show “Culture to Couture,” was held in collaboration with acclaimed designer Omar Mansoor and the Kaarvan Crafts Foundation, a press release said.
On the occasion, ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad extended a warm welcome to the guests, emphasizing the vital role of rural women, who, as artisans-entrepreneurs, contribute significantly to national development and inspire the aspirations of millions in Pakistan.
In his address, he underlined Pakistan’s rich heritage of handcrafted clothing and textiles, featuring intricate embroideries, block printing, ajrak, phulkari work, chunri making, ralli, and more.
The ambassador also highlighted the fusion of tradition and modernity in Pakistani fashion, where designers skillfully incorporate artisanal techniques into contemporary designs, providing a fresh and modern twist. He underscored fashion as a universal language fostering communication among diverse cultures, pointing out the shared ties in fashion between France, the couture capital, and Pakistan, a producer of fine garments for renowned global brands.
Fashion Show Organized in France to Promote Pakistan’s Rural Women Artisans
Sharing insights into the fashion show’s inception, Ambassador Ahmad praised Kaarvan Crafts Foundation for promoting women’s empowerment and Omar Mansoor for transforming the vision and work of the younger generation through creative design and sustainable quality.
Omar Mansoor, a London-based Pakistani fashion designer renowned for his couture occasion wear, captivated the Parisian audience, showcasing the diverse designs with universal appeal. Kaarvan Crafts Foundation, led by Danish Khan, was acknowledged for its significant contribution to providing life skills to over 29,000 rural women in Pakistan.
The audience was enthralled by a captivating performance from opera singer Clara Bellon, adding a touch of Pak-France art and culture to the event. A documentary featuring testimonials of female artisans supported by Kaarvan was showcased, providing a glimpse into their craftsmanship. The fashion show, attended by a diverse audience, including French officials, diplomats, fashion and business circles, students, and media representatives, successfully blended creativity, tradition, and cultural exchange, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.
