Saira Shakira - Pakistan's Most Recognized Designer Duo
Saira Shakira is an established Pakistani designer who designs eastern and haute couture clothing. She has a strong identity that evolves season after season without losing sight of its roots. In 2007, she recorded a duet with Wyclef Jean, "Hips Don't Lie", which became a worldwide success. That same year, she performed at Live Earth, a global concert series.
Saira Shakira is a designer duo based in Lahore
Saira Shakira is a designer duo that has quickly become one of Pakistan’s most recognized brands. Their designs are known for their strong style and attention to detail. Each piece is unique and full of passion and dedication. The brand is a regular fixture at fashion weeks, and they have even showcased at bridal couture.
Said to have been inspired by their own personal styles, Saira and Shakira Faisal launched their brand in 2012 with the idea of designing for real women. They wanted to create a line that was effortless and sophisticated, while finding strength in femininity. The pair was recently awarded the Designer of the Year award at the Lux Style Awards, and their boutique is in Lahore’s Model Town district.
The designers cite their success as the result of being unafraid to add modern elements into traditional pieces. Their designs are influenced by western silhouettes and eastern embellishments, but the pair also adds a modern flair to their collection. Their latest collection at Pakistan Bridal Week was a departure from their usual aesthetic, but it was still received well.
The duo’s latest launch is a bridal couture collection titled Artemisia, which features gowns in soft shades such as rose pink and peach with intricate embroidery. The collection was modelled by Sundal Roy and Hira Shah, with jewellery by Hamna Amir.
Both designers are graduates of the Pakistan Institute of Fashion Design, and they have been teaching at their alma mater as well. They started their own label as a response to market demands, and they have made a name for themselves through their ability to combine experimental forms with traditional elements. They have since expanded their line to include formals and luxury pret, and their pieces are available by appointment at their studio in Model Town.
The duo is also a regular fixture at the PFDC fashion weeks and has been featured on several red carpets. They are currently working on expanding their retail and wholesale presence to reach a wider audience. Their recent show at Bridal Fashion Week was a great success, and the duo plans to continue to expand their brand internationally.
They have a studio in Model Town
Located in the heart of Lahore, Model Town is home to many tourist attractions and has a very special feel to it. The most notable attraction is Naini Lake, a hill-esque lake that reflects beautiful heavenly sunsets. It is a great place to spend some time with friends, family or even alone. The lake is also a great spot for clicking some insta worthy pictures or just relaxing with a book.
Known for their pretty embroideries and subtle bling, Saira Shakira’s designs have customers beating a path to their door. They have recently started to offer formals as well, making their brand more versatile. Their new work focuses on brighter colours and has the same elegant cuts that have become their signature style.
The duo is currently working on a new collection that they hope to get selected for the upcoming PFDC fashion week. Though this is a massive jump from designing for society ladies to the runway, they have the skills and experience to pull it off. In the future, they plan to expand their studio in Karachi and offer a range of luxury pret and formals for both casual and formal occasions. Until then, you can visit their Model Town studio or rack at PFDC to see their latest creations.
They have a rack at PFDC
The designer duo Saira Shakira has a well-stocked rack at PFDC, where they sell ready-to-wear and luxury pret. Their designs feature Eastern and Western fusions, a touch that makes them stand out from a long list of couturiers offering a similar shopping experience. They have an impressive collection that includes a fringed top with a high collar and a pink choli featuring floral embroidery.
Their bridal couture is on trend this season for weddings, with ivory white shirts paired with Gharara and lehngas. They also have embroidered chiffon dupattas with gold and silver details that add a romantic touch to the outfit. In addition to bridal wear, they have a range of formalwear, including sheath dresses and flared blouses. They also have an interesting fusion of eastern and western cuts, which gives their designs a unique look.
They have also incorporated a lot of embellishments, such as cutwork and thread embroidery. They have a modern Eastern sensibility and their pieces are designed to work for both wholesale Pakistani suits. The duo has been doing well in the Pakistani market, and they are hoping to expand their presence internationally.
Aspiring designers often find it hard to break into the fashion week circuit, with a rigorous selection process and a long list of established couturiers. But a coveted slot at PFDC is a big achievement, and a great way to get the word out about your brand.
This year’s show saw a mix of designers, from both the established and emerging. Some of the renowned names included HSY, House of Kamiar Rokni, Zaha by Khadija Shah, Nomi Ansari, Chapter 2, Sana Safinaz, and Fahad Hussayn. The event was presented by Swarovski, and all proceeds were donated to the Care Foundation.
The show was hosted by Sehyr Saigol, the Chairperson of PFDC. The guest list featured prominent personalities from Lahore’s social circles. There were actors and models such as Ali Zafar, Meesha Shafi, Fawad Khan, Nael Ali with his wife, Sundus Manan, and others. The show kicked off with a designer’s showcase and a brief speech from Sehyr Saigol.