By Side effects to the Western determination to bring democracy to the Middle East include consumerism and materialism. While praised as the definitions of freedom while simultaneously decried as vapid, the pinnacle of Western economic status, fashion, has reached deep into Pakistan.
Fashion? Pakistan? Say what?
No, not the latest is couture-Kevlar wear.
For four days, from February 16-19, the Pakistan Fashion Design Council hosts its first ever Fashion Week in Lahore, the artsy center of Pakistani culture and home to Lollywood, the country’s bourgeoning film industry.
The designs featured on PFDC’s website are sure to surprise Westerners with flowing fabrics that combine traditional Pakistani cuts with a Western flirtatiousness. In fact, hip fashionistas from Portland to Williamsburg could easily be pictured commandeering the bright colors, vibrant sparkles and geometric cuts for a little Lahorian-chic.
So, while the US, via Blackwater/Xe, rages its unofficial war a few hundred miles away from Lahore, in Waziristan, Pakistani’s and westerners alike get the change to check out the beauty Pakistan’s fashion industry has to offer in its attempt to one again become a tourist destination.