Fashion and fun for everyone

Islamabad: A warm sunny day; a gentle breeze and heart-warming moments were the name of the game at a fund raising fashion show organized by the Behbood Association. Held at the residence of vice president, Abida Malik who had volunteered the space – it’s not everyone who will open their home for both known and unknown persons - the show was attended by Behbood supporters and well-wishers, including the spouses of a few diplomats.

A display of clothes and linen had been set up near the entrance and the front lawn had been covered with a canopy to shield the models and spectators from the sun’s rays; the catwalk had been set up in the middle of two rows of chairs, beautiful flower arrangements added to the ambience and a sense of anticipation was in the air as those who came in time waited for the tardy to arrive. The MC for the event was Talat Azim, who kindly filled in for the person who cancelled at the last minute. She said a few words about the association and made appropriate remarks throughout the show.

The event finally began with Abida welcoming those who were present and thanking all the people who had helped to organize the show. The opening and closing section featured the well-known model of yesteryears, Vaneeza Ahmed and her two daughters and it can truthfully be said she can still give present day models a run for their money! She wore a gorgeous white crocheted ‘garara’ outfit - very different from run of the mill, heavily embossed ones – and looked elegant, while her two, shy ‘bridesmaids’ looked cute in their respective dresses.

She was followed by very young girls from Behboods Saidpur school, who showcased the many different styles – including festive outfits like ‘garara’ suits - available for children at the association’s outlets. Led by their teacher, most of them were confident, an indication that education plays a positive role in grooming children to face different challenges of the world.

A medley of styles followed, which included both Eastern and western wear – skirts; tops; shirts; pants; pyjamas; dresses; long and short coats etc: There were many different versions of the ‘shalwar,’ which appears to be making a comeback of sorts – fully embroidered; half embroidered and just at the hemline, maybe not everyone’s cup of tea, as they say, but very colourful and eye-catching, in keeping with fashion trends these days. The skirts were voluminous and looked ideal for summer; the cape style tops were beautifully embroidered and all in all, there was something for everyone’s preference, be they young or the young at heart. Speaking of the latter, a few of Behbood’s volunteers donned the beautifully embroidered white ‘dupattas’ -- a popular item at the outlet - and walked the ramp. It was sporting of them to do so.

The music was okay but those who controlled it did not lower the sound level throughout– music needs to be softer when it is time to applaud the models so that they can hear it and be encouraged! Lunch was served and of course there was a dash to buy the dress or outfit which had appealed on the catwalk. There must have been a few disappointed customers, as Behbood makes just one, or maybe sometimes two or three items with the same pattern/design, so the clothes have an individual, ppersonal touch.

In closing: A little bird told me the outfits modelled by the school girls had been presented to them, which was a nice gesture; the ‘models’ had volunteered their services but Vaneeza had helped ‘groom’ them and all volunteers had pitched in to make the show a success.

Behbud Association was founded by Akhtar Riazuddin, with the help of a small group of volunteers in 1967 and its mission is to empower women by providing health, education, income-generation and vocational training to the less fortunate, regardless of colour, cast or creed.

Behbud Boutique in Islamabad displays and sells items made by the skilled workers that Behbud trains and employs. You can find a treasure trove of latest fashions to buy knowing you are helping women empower themselves!