He came out with a lawn collection last year but the designer known for making a splash with his theatrics is doing it differently this time around –Ali Xeeshan is all set to launch a collection of cotton pret wear next month.
He came out with a lawn collection last year but the designer known for making a splash with his theatrics is doing it differently this time around –Ali Xeeshan is all set to launch a collection of cotton pret wear next month. The bright floral prints are reminiscent of the
quirky aesthetic that is visible in the designer’s couture pieces, but he’s purposely kept the silhouettes straight and non-fussy. “I wanted to do something easy and breezy for the summer months so the silhouette, whether it is for a dress or a tunic, is pretty basic,” Ali revealed.
The collection comprises of a total of 32 pieces that include long dresses, ’60s-inspired shift dresses, lightweight jackets and shirts. You’ll find a hint of embellishment here and there but overall, the bold floral designs make enough of a statement on their own.
The ensembles, priced between PKR 8,000 to PKR 16,000 will be available for retail online as well as at Ensemble and Labels in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad from the first week of March. The good news for fans of Ali Xeeshan’s aesthetic is that while his couture may have been hard to find at stores nationwide, he plans to up the production of the cotton line to fulfill demand all through the summer months. “With shaadi season at an ebb, it makes sense to switch gears and do something that will sell all season,” says the designer. “Plus, the affordable line makes it easy for people who like my couture but might not be able to afford it to own an Ali Xeeshan piece.”
Faris Shafi releases hard-hitting new single
Faris Shafi, kid brother to Meesha Shafi and a talented musician in his own right, is out
with his third single, ‘Jawab De’. The song follows on the heels of the earlier success of his rap singles ‘Awaam’ and ‘Muskura’, both of which minced no words when it came to attacking the system – the inept government in the former and religious extremism in the latter. Jawab De is equally hard-hitting – a song that voices the helplessness and rage felt by the common man in a country where everything from terrorism to misplaced morality to the apathy of the ruling elite affects his day-to-day life.
The video is not for the faint-hearted; in between shots of the singer are images taken from real life footage of public lynching, police beatings and terrorist attacks, including some disturbing visuals of the aftermath of the Peshawar school massacre. The dark feel of the video is well suited to the at-times offensive but mostly ominous lyrics that portend a dark future. Faris will surely come under attack for hurting the sensibilities of some people with his new offering, but for those who are fans of his style of music, Jawab De is an honest and unflinching look at the reality of life in Pakistan nowadays. Photograph by Abdullah Haris
Is Idris Elba the next James Bond?
He is the favoured choice by everyone from Jamie Foxx to Kanye West to step into the debonair shoes of 007. But Idris Elba may have got his most weighty endorsement so far – from a former Bond no less.
In a recent interview, Pierce Brosnan, who played the fictional M16 spy in four films between 1994 and 2002, was asked whether he thought Elba would make a good Bond. Responding succinctly, Brosnan said: “Yeah, he would actually.”
Elba has been a championed contender to take over the role when Daniel Craig, 46, eventually steps aside.
But the 42-year-old actor, best known for television roles in The Wire and Luther, and for his portrayal of Nelson Mandela, originally dismissed the speculation, calling it “a rumour that’s gotten out of control, basically, but that’s all it is. There’s no truth in it whatsoever”.
However, the rumour mill was reignited last September when the London-born actor responded to a fan’s question on Reddit about whether he would be willing to take the role, writing: “Yes, if it was offered to me, absolutely.”
In November, the large cache of hacked Sony Pictures’ emails also revealed that the film studios saw Elba as an ideal successor to Craig, with then co-chair Amy Pascal reportedly sending an email that read: “Idris should be the next Bond.” However, Sony have since refused to confirm any future casting for Bond.
Elba initially remained quiet on the subject but later tweeted a picture of himself with the caption “Isn’t 007 supposed to [be] handsome? Glad you think I’ve got a shot!” – The Guardian
