t the 2024 Kashmir Hum Style Awards (KHSA), style emerged as the biggest winner of the evening. Celebrating everyone from up-and-coming designers to established names, the night honored the style icons of the entertainment world. But beneath the surface of these awards lay a larger mission: rewarding those who had made a mark as style icons in their respective fields.

This mission was evident in the name of the award ceremony itself and across various categories dedicated to style. Even the two new categories introduced this year – Most Stylish Content Creator and Fashion Art Director – aimed to promote the art of style, which aligns well with the goals of a style awards ceremony.

The red carpet was a glittering affair where attendees turned up dazzling in show-stopping looks. However, the award ceremony itself was not a mere formality where awards were simply handed out. Throughout the event, hosted by HSY, Kiran Malik, and Zahid Ahmed, the energy remained high, thanks in part to electrifying performances.

The opening performance (featuring the KHSA anthem, ‘Million Ka Daur’, performed by rap sensation Faris Shafi, Aima Baig and composer Adnan Dhool), set the tone for the night. Similarly, the hugely popular Asim Azhar delivered a high-energy medley of his hits, offering a glimpse of his upcoming album, Bay Matlab and was joined by rapper Talhah Yunus. Other notable performances included one by Bilal Saeed and a dance performance by Khaqan Shah-nawaz, Mamia Shajaffar, and Shuja Asad.

KHSA 2024 certainly made an effort to excel. However, there were some areas for impro-vement. Viewers’ Choice winners cannot be held accountable because they are voted for by the public. However, nominations at large needed to be better for gender parity to be achieved and the right names to be recognized. The responsibility falls on the jury.

In the category of Most Stylish Performer (Male/Female), only Aima Baig was nominated, competing against five male nominees. This highlights the lack of female representation. It should have been balanced, with three men and three women nominated, considering the ample female performers available. Alternatively, the category could have been divided into Most Stylish Performer (Male) and Most Stylish Performer (Female), giving female artists a fair chance. Most Stylish Music Video should have been included as a category, as modern music videos are not only thoughtful but also stylish. While much could be said about the winners, since they were chosen by viewers, let’s leave it at that.

However, in the fashion categories, the nominees showed some inconsistencies. Sania Maskatiya was nominated in three major categories but did not win in any, while some undeserving candidates not only made it to certain categories but also won. This discrepancy is puzzling. Mohsin Naveed Ranjha wasn’t even nominated, and Ali Xeeshan was also left out, which is even more perplexing. As a style-focused award ceremony, particularly for the fashion industry, KHSA needs to be more organized. We hope that with each passing year and the return of the ceremony, lessons will be learned from past mistakes, enabling it to become a true benchmark as a credible award ceremony in style and enter-tainment in the country.

2024 KHSA winners: The complete list

Viewer’s Choice Awards

1. Most Stylish Content Creator:

Sona Rafiq (winner)

2. Most Stylish Sports Personality:

Shoaib Malik (winner)

3. Most Stylish Performer Male/Female: Faris Shafi and Asim Azhar

4. Most Stylish Actor (Television) – Female: Hania Aamir

5. Most Stylish Actor (Television) – Male: Shahroz Sabzwari

6. Most Stylish Actor (Film) – Female: Kiran Malik

7. Most Stylish Actor (Film) – Male: Fahad Mustafa

Jury’s Choice Awards

8. Best Model (Female): Abeer Asad Khan

9. Best Model (Male): Sauban Umais

10. Rising Star 2024: Saboor Akram, Manto

11. Hair & Makeup Artist of the Year: Qasim Liaqat

12. Fashion Photographer of the Year: Asad Bin Javed

13. Designer of the Year (Bridal): Shehla Chatoor

14. Designer of the Year (Lawn): Fahad Hussayn

15. Designer of the Year (Menswear): Munib Nawaz

16: Designer of the Year (Pret Wear): Rastah

17: Retail Brand of the Year: Khaadi

18: Fashion Videographer of the Year: Muzammil Garewal

19: Fashion Art Director: Hashim Ali

20. Fashion Stylist of the Year: Mamoon Tariq