7/31/2016

Indus Threads: An Online Clothing Rental Service Bringing South Asian Fashion To U.S.






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Indus Threads is a Silicon Valley based clothing rental service in the U.S. featuring South Asian designers and fashion. The company has developed a platform that allows North American consumers to rent South Asian wear. It is also enabling the promising South Asian designers to reach mainstream U.S. markets.

In a media meet-up held at T2f, Indus Threads founder Sumaira Nabeel shared the concept behind fashion startup,

“Our world is so interconnected. My dream is to make this connection through a platform that breaks down barriers of entry for design talent: It’s conscious, it’s green, and it’s where markets are heading.”



Sumaira Nabeel, inspired by her own experience and business back ground wanted to create a solution for consumers and make access to new markets seamless for designers.



Founded in 2015, IT was born out of a need for a service that could provide access to the newest South Asian fashion at the click of a button. With an active team working out of Karachi, company is partnering with reputed designers; Wardha Saleem, Ayesha Farooq Hashwani, Sanober Azfar, Sehrish Rehman, Nadia Farooqui, Maheen Karim, Zohra Alam, Elan, Nida Azwer, Kamiar Rokini and Mahgul, who believe in the long term vision of the company.

The media event was attended by famous designers and celebrities such as; ; Wardha Saleem,  Sanober Azfar and Kashif Rashid. 



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7/29/2016

Crescent Star Foods Re-launches Bombay Chowpatty - Taste The New Recipes For Happiness






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Photo Oh, Lady Mania
Over the past twenty years, Bombay Chowpatty has emerged as a leading desi food joint in Dubai, Kuwait, Doha and Oman. It offers wide range of chaats and other desi dishes. Bombay Chowpatty has created a lifestyle change towards hygienic food. The outlets offers fun and family atmosphere.

Crescent Star Foods, a subsidiary of Crescent Star Insurance Ltd, acquired Bombay Chowpatty in June 2016 in order to provide their customers with a great desi dinning experience.

 Mr. Naim Anwar President and CEO , Crescent Star Foods stated:

"Bombay Chowpatty is a recent and welcome addition to our food business. The management of Crescent Star Foods has acquired control of the UAE based International Food Chain with the rights for Sindh and Baluchistan in Pakistan."

Bombay Chowpatty is known for its authentic desi food and holds matchless potential in the menu. Its menu represents true Pakistani taste and is the perfect substitute for homemade food.

New recipes included in the menu
Hanif Daud, Director Crescent Star Foods (Pvt) Ltd stated:

"Quality food with delectable taste is the hallmark of our culture and tradition. Crescent Star Foods after getting Bombay Chowpatty under one umbrella, worked day and night to bring the same tradition back into the business."

After the recent successful launch of Golden Chic in Dolmen Mall Clifton Karachi, crescent Star Foods Has re-launched the Bombay Chowpatty.

" We are proudly unveiling new Recipes for Happiness, new Standards of Quality and Taste  and a new  brand Outlook. On behalf of our our entire team at Crescent Star Foods I would like to reaffirm our mission to enrich our customers lives by offering  them quality food choices at affordable prices.", speaking at the relaunch, Mr Hanif Daud commented.

Photo Oh, Lady Mania
Crescent Star Foods has redesigned the menu of Bombay Chowpatty and introduced new recipes such as: Signature Chatkhara, Hyderabadi Handi, Chicken Cheese Kabab, Lahori Murgh Chanay, Shahi Kheer and much more.

Speaking regarding the expansion of the Bombay Chowpatty chain, Mr Saqib Zaidi Senior Vice President Chief Operating Officer, Crescent Star Foods stated:

"Currently we have three outlets already operating in Karachi at Dolmen Mall Clifton, Dolmen Mall Tariq Road and Ocean Mall Clifton respectively. The management is planning to open more joints under the strategy of expansion."



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7/20/2016

Nomi Ansari's Oudh Collection Is Traditional With A Twist






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Nomi Ansari's Oudh Collection Photographed by Fashion Photographer Azeen Sani

The fashion designer and the color of King, Nomi Ansari is known for his unique designs, embellishments and color combinations. Using sophisticated and innovative embroidery methods in traditional outfits, the bride and bride-groom of Ansari all the time appeared outstanding and impressive. He transformed the conventional wedding look with his chic designs.

His bridal collections are matchless due to their hues, energetic motifs, and aesthetic beauty. The latest collection also displays traditional yet modern-day patterns as the embroidery and shade sparkles in each dress.


Fashion Designer Nomi Ansari With Model 

Ansari’s Oudh Collection, featuring the beautiful Maya Ali and elegant Junaid Khan, can be described like a flickering fairy-tale. Working with innumerable colours, he wholeheartedly experimented with his new wedding collection. He used all the contrasting hues to develop an inimitable design with a touch of great subtlety.

The innovative style of lehnga (skirt) and choli (blouse) features all the traditional elements, for example Swarovski stone work, ‪in custom ‪‎digital print with hand embroidery. The dupatta motifs with flamboyant embroidery border is the highlight of the collection. The ‪modified ‪‎crimson sherwani ‪is perfect traditional look for a Pakistani bride-groom.

Here are some glimpses from the Oudh collection demonstrating a dazzling, multihued and some filmy perspective.












For inquiry, please visit Nomi Ansari's official website  nomiansari.com.pk

You can contact him via his Facebook page as well NomiAnsariStudio



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7/14/2016

Recipe - Smoked Mince (Dum ka Qeema)






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Photo - Oh Lady Mania

In Pakistan, meat dishes have their own significance. It may be the wedding dinners or family lunches and dinners, in fact, no formal or casual meal is complete without meat based dish.  

Today, we are going to share our secret recipe of smoked mince, in Urdu we have a name Dum Ka Qeema for this unique yet simple dish. Many people do not like to eat red mince, no worries, you can use the red or white meat mince. You can even use fish mince for it. I have used red mince in this recipe.  

Different aromatic eastern spices will add a very delicious taste to the mince and it will become a mouth watering dish for your family and guests. 


Photo - Oh Lady Mania

Let's start this Smoked Mince:

Ingredients


Red meat mince 500 gms
White onions 1 medium, fried and crushed
Ginger Garlic paste 1 tbsp
Green chili paste 1 tsp
Red chili powder to taste
Crushed cumin seeds 1 tsp
All spice 1 tsp
Gram flour (Baisan) 3 tbsp
Salt to taste
Black pepper powder 1/2 tsp
Lemon juice 1 tbsp
Yogurt 3/4 cup
Ginger thinly sliced 1 tbsp
Oil 1 cup
Piece of Charcoal

Method

In a large dish, add yogurt and all spices except oil and ginger slices.
Mix all the ingredients well.
Now add mince in it and mix all very well.
Cover it and place it in fridge for 30 minutes.
After the marination time is up, take out you mince and keep a side at room temperature.
In a pan, heat oil and add the marinated mince in it.
Stir fry mince for 3 minutes.
Add 1/2 cup water and cover it.
Cook it for 12 to 15 minutes.
Again stir fry for few minutes so that oil separates.
Make sure you stir continuously during cooking, otherwise mince will stick to the pan.
Lastly heat a charcoal piece and place it in the middle of your pan over a piece of roti/bread. 
Pour some oil drops on coal and immediately cover the pan.
Leave it for 5 minutes, the charcoal smell will enhance the flavour of mince and spices.
Take out the cooked mince in a dish and garnish it with chopped coriander leaves, ginger slices and green chilies. 
Serve it with parathas, chapati and naan.




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7/13/2016

Review - Garnier Fructis Fortifying Conditioner






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Photo: Oh Lady Mania
Hairs that are strong and luscious add beauty to your over all look. So, every women wants healthy, shiny hairs and we are no exception.

We were looking for a good conditioner that can give not only smooth shiny look to hairs but also keep them away from damage. Our search for such a product led us to Garnier Fructis Fortifying Conditioner.

Let's see what is the claim of the company and what is the reality.

Photo: Oh Lady Mania
The Brand claims:

Garnier Fructis Fortifying Strength and Shine Conditioner for normal hairs, gives shinier look to hairs even after many washes. Its vitamin rich formula along with fortifying ingredients provides strength while grapefruit extracts nourishes hair from root to tip and leaves hair fresh and smooth for long time. It also helps in easy detangling and B3 and B6 properties revitalizes hairs. It also has AHA which gives extra health to hairs.

Our Verdict:

Garnier Fructis Fortifying Conditioner is easy to use without any complicated instructions. It left hairs soft and also gave some extra shine. It also gave long lasting freshness and clean look to hairs even after hours.


This conditioner is not damaging to hairs as it does not dry hairs but locks nourishment and leaves hairs smooth and irresistibly glisten. 

We found this Garnier product good for hairs because of its nourishing properties that we all want in our hair products and it also keep hairs smooth and shiny for long time and due to this property hairs are easy to manage. It smells pleasant and refreshing.

Packaging:

The green packaging comes with a durable flip open cap. It is easy to handle and carry in travel bag. 

Rating:

We would like to give this conditioner 4/5. 

Availability & Price:

Garnier Fructis Fortifying Conditioner for Normal Hairs is easily available in all stores at an affordable price.




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7/09/2016

Pakistan's Renowned Philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi Dies At 88






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Renowned Philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi

The legendary humanitarian Abdul Sattar Edhi, who mostly referred to as "The Richest Poor Man" and "Pakistan's Mother Teresa" died in Karachi after a prolonged illness and renal failure. He was 88.

He founded the famous Edhi Foundation in 1957, a non-profit social welfare program in Pakistan. It is the only foundation that is providing numerous services throughout the Pakistan. Its services include free hospitals, medical care, shelters for destitute, handicapped persons and orphans, drug rehabilitation, international level relief efforts, emergency, ambulance and air ambulance services, educational centers, blood banks, marine and coastal services. 

In 2005, Edhi Foundation provided $100,000 in aid to relief efforts after Katrina Hurricane. 


Young Edhi
Born on 1 January 1928, Edhi began his social work as a very young man. Mostly known as "Angel Of Mercy", Edhi remained a simple, humble and modest man throughout his life. He lived in a two room apartment near his foundation. 



For his humanitarian work, he earned several awards at local and international level. Following is the list of his awards:


International awards
Ramon Magsaysay Award (1986)
Lenin Peace Prize (1988)
Paul Harris Fellow (1993)
Peace Prize from USSR (1998)
Largest Voluntary Ambulance Organization of World – Guinness Book of World Records (2000)
Hamdan Award (2000) UAE
International Balzan Prize (2000) Italy
Peace and Harmony Award (Delhi), 2001
Peace Award (Mumbai), 2004
Peace Award (Hyderabad Deccan), 2005
Wolf of Bhogio Peace Award (Italy), 2005
Gandhi Peace Award (Delhi), 2007
Peace Award, Seoul, (South Korea), 2008
Honorary Doctorate degree (2006).
UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize (2009)


National awards
Nishan-e-Imtiaz, civil decoration from the Government of Pakistan (1989)
Silver Jubilee Shield by College of Physicians and Surgeons, Pakistan, (1962–1987)
Moiz ur rehman award, Pakistan, (2015)
The Social Worker of Sub-Continent by Government of Sindh, Pakistan, (1989)
Recognition of meritorious services to oppressed humanity during the 1980's Government of Pakistan (1989)
Pakistan Civic Award (1992)
Shield of Honor by Pakistan Army (E & C)
Khidmat Award by the Pakistan Academy of Medical Sciences

Human Rights Award by Pakistan Human Rights Society

Not only Pakistani nation but the whole world is mourning his death. He left a legacy of work and he will remain in hearts for his love of humanity. 

Rest In Peace Edhi Sahab!





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7/06/2016

Eid Mubarak!







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May the magic of this Eid bring lots of happiness in your life and may you celebrate it with all your close friends & may it fill your heart with wonders. 

Eid Mubarak to all our friends :)

Eid is incomplete without the shopping of  bangles and the beauty of henna. 
Do you think these bangles and henna designs are fabulous?














photos: web



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7/05/2016

CORNETTO POP ROCK - Season 1 - Desan Da Raja








The creators of Cornetto Pop Rock are ecstatic to announce the launch of their second music video nation-wide!


This duet is set to release this Eid with a tune that will get you dancing on your seats. A remixed, revamped and up beat modern-version of Desan Da Raja. This is our first international duet to release with Qurram Hussain (from JoSh) and Komal Rizvi.



This video is truly a celebration of Pakistani culture, art, history and most of all music. Beautifully directed by Amaan Ahmed from Uncutstudios while Beenish Pervaz and Aamna Aqueel do the rock star yet simplistic styling and wardrobe respectively. The concept of the video may have been brewed by BB Events & PR and Empact Activations but beautifully brought to life by the directorial team at Uncut Studios.


Qurram Hussain is the vocalist and the brains behind the music of Montreal-based, South-Asian fusion band ‘JoSH’, a music duo that has released four award-winning albums and over 15 videos internationally. He has performed in more than 150 cities of the world and his experience in different music cultures of the world has made him one of the international specialists of fusion music. Qurram Hussain has already created super-hit remixes with Dj Domeno, Priyanka Chopra, Pitbull and Nelly Furtado. Popularly known as ‘Q’ all over the music world, he believes, that it’s ‘high time’ people realize that ‘Q’ is Qurram Hussain, and his roots are deeply set in Pakistan.


Mr. Hussain comments on his experience on the international collaboration and says,

"Cornetto Pop Rock is a very special project for me, especially considering that its my first solo venture. I could not have asked for a better song to introduce my solo musical self, because its a classic Pakistani track that I grew up listening to. Even though it was mostly heard at weddings, its melody resonated with me all my life, and when the opportunity came to perform with the ever-talented Komal Rizvi, I thought this would be the best song to collaborate on.

I have worked very hard to give the music of this song the uniqueness that will be fresh, and yet keep the original authenticity. So far it got all the right people loving it, so it became part of this wonderful Cornetto Pop Rock platform, but now its going to be heard by the true bosses of entertainment, the fans! I'm extremely happy that I got to work with someone like Komal who can do justice to the energy of a song like Desan Da Raja. She has the spunky energy, the positive vibe, and the tonal quality that brought this song to the modern era, and right down to the video, was able to deliver on the emotion and fun we were trying to capture in the song. Always ready with a laugh, Komal started as a fellow artist and ended up as a great friend by the time the project was done"


Komal Rizvi began her career as a teenage star, starring in Pakistan’s record holding drama serial 'Hawwaein", hosting India and Pakistan’s most popular Talk Show called 'BPL OYE' on Channel [V], and a super hit pop song call Parbath... Being a record breaker from the get go Komal was the first 16 year old to receive a national award for best new comer on silver screen, the first woman to sing bhangra in Pakistan (Bao jee), the first woman to release a hip hop dance video (Chahiye), the first female to have a music video shot and choreographed internationally (bao jee and Tu Jo Mila in Thailand), the first Pakistani to host an international show in India, the first solo artist to launch an album internationally via EMI, the first person in Pakistan to have a super hot reality TV show (MTV Pakistan: Komals comeback), the first and only female to have three albums launched internationally, and last bit not the least. She has represented Pakistan in international Global festivals in Norway, Dubai, United Kingdom etc and now is set to perform for MTV India Undivided- on Eid this July 2016 amongst other things.


Ms Rizvi comments on Cornetto Pop Rock,

“I am very excited about this song, from the moment Q and I decided we will be re doing this popular wedding classic, till the end product was finished, the process was very inspiring! As I re-wrote my part of the lyrics I was surprised to realize how easily they are flowing through me, jamming and rehearsing the song also felt so organic and natural and, of course, the wonderful chemistry with Q as a colleague and now also a good friend just made the whole journey so much lovelier. It's a fun song, light and happy, something out nation needs right now, a positive and enjoyable song. I hope it is received with the same love and joy as how it was produced.”


Cornetto Pop Rock is a national music platform that aims to revive the pop rock culture in Pakistan. The platform touches many avenues for music lovers including; hosting a series of concerts and auditions in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, releasing 6 music videos/songs comprising of duets and solos, providing a platform for new singers, encouraging young bloggers and photographers and most of all igniting the patriotic bone.


The platform is the brainchild of Empact Activations & BB Events & PR. The Season 1 line up includes maestros of the music fraternity such as Ali Azmat, Komal Rizvi, Noori, , Umair Jaswal, Qurram Hussain, Zoe Viccaji, Quratulain Baloch and the international sensat-ion Ali Zafar.


Take a look a at our latest music video on; here









7/01/2016

Review: SNM Lawn Summer Vol 2 By DIN Industries






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Photo: Oh, Lady Mania

As Eid is around the corner, almost all fashion brands have launched their à la mode Eid collections and exclusive summer lawn collections. 

Keeping in mind the festive occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, Din Industries has come up with a chic SNM lawn summer vol 2. 

In this article, we will share our thoughts about the brand DIN Lifestyle, the SNM Lawn vol 2 and the Forest Green lawn suit that we have received from Din Industries. Thanks Din Industries for this lovely design. 

So, first of all let's check out the brand's history and its assurances.

The Brand Claims:

Din Industries' history can be traced back to 1954. Starting with the leather business, Din Group is now a proud exporter of Pakistan with exports worth over $100 million per annum and annual sales turnover in excess of $130 million.

Din Industries intermixed its proficiency to launch a finest clothing brand SNM. This brand is a result of great aesthetic sense to create alluring hues, incomparable designs, and detailed embroideries. The passion behind the state-of-the-art is to provide customers with a fine quality fabric along with innovative colors and a trendy luxury clothing. From ethnic to abstract and the most fine fabric, SNM is all about a lasting impression among the fashion industry. 

Forest Green - SNM Lawn 

Forest Green - SNM Lawn Vol 2

Forest Green suit is from the SNM summer collection vol 2. It is a floral pattern that impeccably harmonizes with the summer season. It is simply the outfit that would fulfill the needs of summer wardrobe. 


Three piece Forest Green
Shirt Front: Digital print with embroidery
We got it to review and frankly speaking, we liked it very much. The most attractive thing for us is the neat embroidery, there are no lose threads or big stitches in it. The excellent quality of this lawn is its breathable fabric that can lower the body temperature due to its good absorbency feature.

Shirt Back - Digital print 
The shirt and dupatta motifs are very appealing and eye-catching. The vibrant colors are appealing and refreshing for hot summer days. The shirt's front has a digital print and embroidery while the back and sleeves are also digital printed cloth.  

Trouser with embroidery patti

Silk Dupatta with digital print
The digital printed silk dupatta is a pleasing design that enhances the overall look of the suit. Its soft material is very easily wearable during hot and humid weather. There is a finely embroidered patti measuring around 1 meter for the plain trouser. This is a three piece embroidered suit with a price range of Rs 4,750.  

SNM SUMMER VOL 2

Let's check out some of the fascinating prints in irresistible colors from this collection: 








Our Rating:

For its high quality fabric, fine embroidery, pleasing colours and reasonable price, we have no doubts in giving SNM Lawn Collection a straight  4.5/5 rating.

Availability:


The SNM Lawn Vol 2 is easily available nationwide, and you can shop online from the e-store snmstores.com.


You can also check out their facebook page for the latest updates. 



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