Fashion now links India and Pakistan

Creativity knows no boundaries and this was proved once again by fashion connoisseurs from India and Pakistan

Creativity knows no boundaries and this was proved once again by fashion connoisseurs from India and Pakistan at a show here Thursday.

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Fashion is not all about couture, silk and models. It is much beyond that and to prove this, renowned fashion designers from both the countries showcased their collection at the fashion show organised by the International Trade & Exhibition (ITE) group.

Sulakshana Monga, a Delhi-based designer, felt lucky to showcase her collection with the Pakistani designers.

"I find no difference between their designs and ours. They use more of silk and we use more georgette, this is the only difference," she said.

Unlike Sulakshna, another designer from the capital Umesh Vashisht said: "Indian fashion industry has reached its climax, it has got international recognition, the designers are going places. But Pakistan fashion industry is evolving, it has still not opened up completely."

Umesh plans to visit Pakistan soon to study the apparel market there.

"I have no qualms in going to Pakistan, earlier I was a bit apprehensive but today I think we have come very close and made good friends," said an enthusiastic Umesh.

"But I think they need to be more bold with their cuts, they are still very conservative. They lack the western concept."

Agreed Usman Dittu, a Karachi-based designer: "Our models cannot wear shorts due to religious reasons. But with the new generation coming in, I am sure it is going to change."

On the recent spate of tensions between the two countries, Usman said: "These are all political farce. It is sad that we are not together, but they cannot stop fashion designers from getting together and bringing out the rich culture of both the countries through their creations."

Indian fashion wear market is currently pegged at Rs.3 billion and Indian apparel industry combining both the export and domestic sectors represents a monolithic Rs.550 billion