Lahore, April 21
She\'s a member of Pakistan\'s Punjab legislative assembly. And she has a fashion label of her own -- Teena. She also believes India is a great market for Pakistan-designed labels. Hina Butt feels improving trade between India and Pakistan can give a boost to the fashion industry in both countries.

\"I think both governments should make trade between the two countries a smooth affair,\" Butt told IANS when asked about the one thing that she would want the government to help the design fraternity with.

IANS caught up with Butt as she was participating as a designer in the eighth edition of PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week 2015 -- a four-day mega fashion gala, which started here on April 18.

The designer feels that with campaigns like Aman ki Asha -- a joint initiative by one leading media house each from India and Pakistan to improve diplomatic and cultural relations between the two nations -- the situation is becoming better gradually.

\"I think that with programmes like Aman ki Asha, many things have started, I can see celebrities going to and fro and spreading the message of peace. As a common citizen, I would love to have open trade (with India), but especially so because I am a designer.\"

Butt said the Pakistan government of Nawaz Sharif was in favour of such opening up and was doing a good job about it. Butt, in her mid-thirties, who has been a member of the Punjab legislative assembly since 2013, says that given an opportunity, she would love to showcase her creations in India someday, as most of her clients in Dubai happen to be Indians.

\"I think people in India love Pakistani designs. India is a great market for us and I think we should definitely focus on it and do maximum business from there,\" said the designer, herself a big fan of Bollywood stars Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor who would love to design for them one day.

\"I have started stocking (my designs) in Dubai. I have seen a lot of Pakistani cuts are loved by Indians. Similarly, I did an exhibition once or twice there (in Dubai) and it was sold out, so I think Indian market can be a very good opportunity,\" Butt said.

At PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week 2015, her collection, under her label Teena by Hina Butt, was titled \'Suzandozi\'. With focus on colourful needlework, the collection was inspired by Suzani, a textile technique from Uzbekistan.

With clean cutlines, the collection comprised of crop tops, volume gowns, straight printed pants, embroidered kurtas, skirts and digitally printed dresses.

Butt launched her label in November 2010 and has since established a distinct brand presence in an increasingly competitive industry under the philosophy of delivering luxury formal, semi-formal and bridal wear for fashion consumers in Pakistan and overseas.

(The writer\'s visit to the fashion week is at the invitation of the Pakistan Fashion Design Council. Nivedita can be contacted at nivedita.s@ians.in.)

Pakistan politician with designs on India