There are designers who rely on drama and gimmickry to sell their clothes. And there are those, like Mahgul Rashid, who shy away from the spotlight but still manage to make fashionistas swoon with the impeccable design sensibility. The young designer recently set up shop in a new studio space located centrally in Lahore’s Gulberg.
There are designers who rely on drama and gimmickry to sell their clothes. And there are those, like Mahgul Rashid, who shy away from the spotlight but still 
manage to make fashionistas swoon with the impeccable design sensibility. The young designer recently set up shop in a new studio space located centrally in Lahore’s Gulberg. True to character, the studio doesn’t waste the potential client’s time and energy by distracting them with a fancy décor – with racks upon racks lining the interior showcasing Mahgul’s formal and bridal lines, fashion takes centre stage within the functional space.
Unstoppable: Mahgul Rashid, 9-month pregnant with her second baby and ready to take on the fashion season with full force!
And it is fashion that will entice the most discerning amongst you. Whether it is the heavily embroidered red tunic and flowy white pants combo made popular by Mahira Khan, Humaima’s Mallick’s sheer embellished top worn to the DMPS premiere in Islamabad or the birdcage clutch that Meesha Shafi carried to Fashion Week earlier this year, you can sample these goodies and much more under one roof. With their distinctly modern aesthetic, the formal and bridal collections offer a 
refreshing change from traditional wedding wear – perfect for the woman who wants to make a statement on her big day without going OTT. The craftsmanship on display is stunning – from traditional South Asian motifs to designs inspired by art and architecture, the patterns form a variety that is a visual pleasure.
While the studio is meant primarily for viewings and appointments, the designer’s summer pret line, featuring breezy tunics with edgy embellishments and fun prints, is up for grabs at great discounted prices. Although at the rate the ensembles were flying off the racks on the day of the launch, we’d be surprised to if there are many pieces left by now. For those interested in buying Mahgul off-the-rack, the label is stocked at PFDC and FPL in Lahore and at Ensemble in Lahore and Karachi.
As for the designer herself, she is gearing up to show a capsule collection at the upcoming PFDC L’Oreal Bridal Week. “It’s going to be very different; in fact it’s not what one would expect from a bridal collection at all,” revealed Mahgul. While we do wish she would finally take the plunge and put up a full collection, instead of a limited one, we have to admit we’re looking forward to seeing what she has in store for us.
– Mariam Mushtaq
