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 [email protected].)
