Indian Express

Designs for Peace

VIDYA PRABHU Posted online: Sat Jan 26 2013, 00:48 hrs
This weekend, India v/s Pakistan does not allude to a cricket match. Instead, it is the title of an exhibition by fashion designer Ayesha Aejaz that is taking place at Breach Candy’s Cymroza art gallery. “The exhibition is being held on Saturday and Sunday. I wanted to time it with the occasion of India’s 63rd Republic Day, to highlight the fact that both the countries need to put the acrimony behind them,” says Aejaz.

Born and brought up in India with extended family in Pakistan, the Mumbai-based designer was keen to do her bit in spreading the message of cross-border unity. Her effort has taken the form of a multi-designer exhibition where two of the four designers are from across the border. “While Kausar Makwana and I are from India, Hina Khan and Nyma Motiwala are from Karachi,” she says. This is the second edition of the Indo-Pak exhibition; the first was held in September last year.

“However, the Pakistani designers won’t be able to make it due to visa issues,” reveals Aejaz, who keeps visiting her relatives in Pakistan and admits that her designs are influenced by the country’s culture.

“The collections oscillate between luxury pret and formal. So, ornate salwar suits and maxi dresses dominate our line,” she says. The embroidery work is intricate, with thread and shadow work enhancing the beauty of bright-hued cotton, silk and lawn creations. “We have kept our pricing affordable; the range starts at Rs 2,500,” she adds.