Lifestyle expo ‘Aalishan Pakistan’ saw a weekend frenzy as shoppers came in huge numbers to get a piece of Pakistani fashion and lifestyle.
Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, Both Hall No 14 & 18 were packed with gleeful visitors who were seen carrying a bunch of shopping bags from brands from across the border like Bareeze, Orient, Khaadi, Gul Ahmed, Dynasty, Dawood Textiles, Hadiqua Kiyani, kidswear brand Pinks & Blues, and home décor company Salman Traders for their marble wares, to name a few. As many as 300 exhibitors from the neighbouring country are showcasing fashion and lifestyle products at ‘Aalishan Pakistan’ exhibition which is on till September 14th.
There were a number of happy faces in the crowd. Visitors thronged the exhibition that opened in the morning with an exuberant display of fashionable garments, accessories, home décor essentials, footwears, handicrafts and jewelry. When asked about their experience of ‘Aalishan Pakistan’, visitors joyfully remarked that it was an overwhelming experience shopping for Pakistani suits, palazzos, lawn fabric and print.
They wish that the expo happens every year so that they can get their slice of Pakistani fashion. Exhibitors too are overjoyed with the phenomenal response and recognition that their brands have received by the Indian buyers, and would be happy to return again whenever there is an opportunity to exhibit in India. Many of the participants who are showcasing their products at ‘Aalishan Pakistan’ this year have also been a part of ‘Lifestyle Pakistan’ which was held in 2012.
Speaking on ‘Aalishan Pakistan’, Sher Afgan who is official spokesperson for TDAP, said: “As we had anticipated, Aalishan Pakistan has been a great success notwithstanding it is being held after two years. We are more interested in Pakistani textiles as we have a unique blend which is very popular in South-Asian countries including India. We have also some of our finest designers here who have been able to showcase their creations equally well. Two years ago at Lifestyle Pakistan we had just one hall, and this time around we have two halls and both of them are doing really well.”
‘Aalishan Pakistan’ opened with a fashion show showcasing the best of Pakistani couture that was held at Taj Palace, New Delhi, on September 10th. Famed design houses like Kayseria, Rang Ja, Lala Textiles, Faiza Samee, Deepak Perwani, Wardha Saleem, FNKAsia, Ahan and Farnaz Mustafa showcased their latest collection on the ramp and awed the audiences. A four-day art exhibition titled ‘Pakistan Art Today’, showcasing the new works of 11 Pakistani contemporary artists was inaugurated at Art Junction, The Lalit, by Padma Vibhushan Shri Satish Gujral and High Commission of Pakistan Abdul Basit together with other dignitaries, eminent artists and guests.
‘Aalishan Pakistan’ is an initiative of TDAP to further build on the efforts of the governments of Pakistan and India to normalise trade between the two countries. It is the second showcase of top quality export products of Pakistan under one roof in India. The exhibition will have over 350 stalls while TDAP’s own kiosk has been designed by students of Asian Institute of Fashion Design. With a trade potential of billions of dollars between the two countries, the event will not only offer a unique opportunity to trade community of India to interact with Pakistani counterparts, but also a first-hand opportunity for customers to feel and own the best quality products Pakistan has to offer.
The first Lifestyle Pakistan exhibition helped in generating business of around US$ 7 million and future prospect deals of around US$ 20-25 million were made during business-to-business meetings. Due to tremendous response received, many of Pakistani exhibitors like Gul Ahmed and Junaid Jamshed have inaugurated their outlets in different cities of India.
