The best Pakistan’s Rural Women Entrepreneurs at the Embassy of Pakistan Paris. Open your eyes and see now Omar Mansoor new design at Paris Haute Couture Week.
In a stunning display of creativity and innovation, esteemed designer Omar Mansoor and the prestigious Kaarvan Crafts Foundation revolutionized fashion at Paris Haute Couture Week. However, this extraordinary collaboration took centre stage at the Embassy of Pakistan in Paris, warmly welcomed by the Ambassador of Pakistan, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad. Above all, the event strongly emphasized the crucial role of rural women, particularly artisan entrepreneurs, in driving Pakistan’s development and realizing their ambitions and aspirations.
Meanwhile, Omar Mansoor, a visionary in the fashion world, fearlessly embarked on the challenge of bridging the gap between tradition and innovation. Likewise, his unparalleled ingenuity and unwavering devotion to sustainable fashion have not only injected new life into couture. In addition, he set an inspiring new standard for the entire industry.
By incorporating traditional Pakistani crafts into his designs, Mansoor paid homage to his roots and showcased the immense potential of rural women artisan entrepreneurs. Moreover, The “Culture To Couture” Collection by Omar Mansoor aimed to reclaim traditions, honour skills, and respect the people involved. These crafts represent livelihoods, future hopes and dreams, allowing us to reinvent ourselves and express our values.
♦Look closer now: Omar Mansoor and Kaarvan Crafts dare to mixe the old and the new.
In my eyes, Omar Mansoor and Kaarvan Crafts seamlessly integrated these exquisite artisanal techniques into their contemporary designs. Above all, they resulted in a delightful fusion of the old and the new. The Couture Fashion Show, flawlessly organized by the Embassy of Pakistan Paris, demonstrated the country’s unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting its rich cultural heritage. However, it provided a platform for the world to witness the beauty and craftsmanship of Pakistan’s traditional textiles and clothing.
I loved to discover the breathtaking talent and creativity of Pakistani artisans. To sum up, Omar Mansoor masterfully incorporate age-old techniques into stunning fashion pieces. Witness how their cultural heritage comes to life in each of his handmade creation, and experience the beauty of Pakistani craftsmanship like never before.
That is to say, the intricate embroideries, hand-painted motifs, and vibrant colours captured our attention, leaving us in awe of the exceptional craftsmanship. As we marvelled at Pakistan’s rich legacy of handcrafted clothing and textiles, including intricate embroideries, block printing, ajrak, phulkari work, chunri making, ralli, and more, we were captivated by the stories embedded within Omar’s each masterpiece.
♦The Embassy of Pakistan in Paris already honors the best Pakistan’s Rural Women Entrepreneurs. Afterthought, Stop, and see today: Still, Experience now the newest in fashion.
The seamless collaboration between acclaimed designer Omar Mansoor and the stunning models brought these dreamy creations to life, elevating the spectacle to new heights. This remarkable event celebrated the epitome of fashion and showcased the artistry of Pakistan crafts through Kaarvan Crafts.
The amalgamation of traditional craftsmanship with Omar Mansoor’s contemporary couture designs served as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan, captivating onlookers with a unique blend of sophistication and authenticity. The Couture Fashion Show at the Embassy of Pakistan in Paris was an unequivocal success, leaving an indelible impression on fashion enthusiasts and industry professionals. It stood as a testament to the unwavering commitment of Omar Mansoor to push boundaries and redefine the fashion landscape while honouring and preserving the invaluable traditions of Pakistan crafts.
Interview with the Fashion Designer Omar Mansoor
“Culture To Couture” Runway Couture at the Embassy of Pakistan Paris
Omar Mansoor and Kaarvan Crafts Revolutionize Couture Fashion at Paris Haute Couture Week
1)What does it mean for Omar Mansoor design to showcase your collection at Paris Haute Couture Week in 2024?
Paris- being known as the couture capital of the world and inviting guest designers to showcase their local talent makes it a great place to showcase. So, the excitement is always there.
2)Why have you collaborated with Kaarvan Crafts, a non-profit organization working towards women’s empowerment? What significance do you attribute to the connection between your brand and Kaarvan?
I served as a goodwill ambassador for Kaarvan Crafts for two decades at the establishment of their organization. During that time, I collaborated with them on a project to document and categorize the various local crafts and embroideries based on their respective regions. Furthermore, over the past two decades, I have witnessed the significant impact that Kaarvan Crafts has had on numerous female grassroots artisans, enabling them to achieve financial independence and sustainability.
3)What are the main techniques utilized in this collection?
Our use of appliqué, mirror work, shadow work, and French knots along chain stitch has resulted in a stunning piece. Each technique creates a unique and captivating design that is sure to impress.
4)What is your interpretation of embroidery? Have you ever attempted it?
In my opinion, embroidery is a timeless craft. Although my skills may not be on par with those of skilled artisans, I know the techniques involved. I firmly believe that embroidery is more than just a craft; it is an immersive experience that goes beyond enhancing the beauty of an outfit. It is a personal journey of exploration and self-expression.
5)Traditionally, a confidentiality statement accompanied the collaboration between international labels and overseas artisans. How has this arrangement evolved?
For over 40 years, European design houses have been sending their embroidery work to ateliers in South Asia. However, these artisans who have been diligently creating these exquisite embroideries and embellishments have often been overlooked and not given due credit. Fortunately, there is a positive shift towards transparency in the fashion industry with initiatives like ‘Who made my clothes’, prompting design houses to acknowledge and credit the artisans from their respective regions. This increased recognition not only honours the skill and craftsmanship of these talented individuals but also fosters a more fair and inclusive fashion ecosystem.
7)When did your awareness about sustainable fashion first start?
In 2019, the ‘Fashion Pact’ was signed in Paris, with the participation of prominent players in the fashion industry who committed to embracing sustainable production practices. Building upon these principles, I developed my spring/summer ’20 collection with the invaluable support of the London College of Fashion and Kerring.
