Binding threads

Boundaries may have divided the population of India and Pakistan, but the common culture that binds the diverse sub-continent together continues to act like an invisible glue. And for those of us who forget this fact, a Pakistani woman sporting a Banarsi sari or an Indian woman emitting sheer grace in a Pakistani salwar kameez is a ready reminder. Take for instance Aroosa Alam and Peenaz Masani flaunting the best of Indian art and Shabana Azmi flaunting her beautiful Pakistani drapes. The trend is getting more pronounced, with traditional clothing from across the fence flooding Indian markets and vice-versa.

India’s Ritu Kumar and Pakistan’s Nadia Lakdawala are some of the most sought after designers being approached with lucrative orders by customers from the other side of the border. The rich and the fashion-conscious form a majority of their clientele, who mainly look for what is unique to the other country. As a result, there is a growing demand for Indian Silk saris and ghagra cholis in Pakistan, while in India, it is the zardosi and meenakari-studded dresses and Peshawari juttis that are much in demand. The prices match the status of the clients, with prices ranging between Rs 4,000 and Rs 25,000 (INR).

The craze is mutual, she adds, “I have friends and customers, who often go to Pakistan to shop for clothes for special occasions. I have a client, Roshni, who has been to Pakistan innumerable times for shopping. “All of the special occasions in their family are famous for showcasing Indian and Pakistani designer clothes side by side,” she says.

Anjali Kapoor, a boutique owner, says clothes done in vegetable dyes too are a big hit with the Pakistani public. “In fact, each state has its own specialty, which has of late been attracting many Pakistani customers,” she explains. She says that as far as Indians’ craze for Pakistani threads is concerned, their bridal wear is more in demand in India these days. The intricate thread, gold and glasswork, which is done by village women in Pakistan, is also very popular here as these are rare in India, she adds.

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