Karachi Diaries: Walk in Klauset


Published in Economic Affairs (Islamabad) / July 2014 P-34

“Dressing well is a sign of good manners” – Tom Ford fashion designer / film director

A Canadian based clothing giant that opened the doors of its flagship store in Karachi offers custom made menswear (for now), touch screens to craft unique profiles, and a coffee bar to placate waiting customers. Klauset’s ‘Made in Pakistan’ label has to be clarified since labor is local, the cloth is imported, and standards are international. The owners try to outline the process for Sindh Education Minister Nisar Khuhro, and regale him with a lesson on texture, weight, limitations (220 gms) and material (micro light, poly wool). Tuxedos that are the rage and come with snazzy cummerbunds raise some eyebrows. It is the first taste of colonial style for those who hadn’t read P.G. Wodehouse, and were unfamiliar with Bertie Wooster’s delightful collection of alpine hats, purple socks or scarlet cummerbunds.


Later, the guest of honor will be swarmed by media-men yearning to discuss the importance of looking elegant, which he did. Having forgotten to turn the audio on the first time, they would be forced to redo the bit; the Minister grateful that no political statements were expected, happily complied. Their Kurta range was duly admired, remarks that the Party flag wasn’t represented were seemingly taken to heart; the management promptly offered to make one flag patterned Kurta within 24 hours. Mr. Khuhro was last seen getting measured for something.





There was no catwalk – some thought a fashion show would have brightened up the presentation. Also present was Mrs. Rubina Qaim Khani - Sindh Minster for Social Welfare, Women Development, & Special Education.


As the spotlight shifted to the architects of the dream, Chaudhary Mehboob Ali, remembered (late) Amir Mehboob’s legacy who supervised the project as the Director Operation, and spent his days in the proverbial trenches. Mehboob Senior now continues his son’s mission. Klauset plans to expand its base in the future and bring the joy of a perfectly tailored suit, and silken cummerbunds to the rest of the land.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

INTERVIEW: What makes a Fighter Ace? (2006)

Image
Written many moons ago when i was an Asst. Ed with Social Pages. Published in Defence Journal September 2006 Republished in PROBENEWS(2006) Legend has it that a Sabre took off from Sargodha airfield to intercept Hunters on a fateful September morning & landed back with an Ace . 120 Seconds: Squadron Leader Alam in a Sabre is on Air Combat Patrol accompanied by his wingman. Upon observing IAF Hunters exiting after an unsuccessful air strike over Sargodha, Alam sets off in hot pursuit of the enemy formation. He pursues a fleeing Hunter and eventually shoots it down with a missile shot. He spots the other members of the Hunter formations flying very low and as he approaches the trailing member he is spotted and the entire formation breaks (violent turn) in the same direction - a fatal error as in less than two minute Alam has taken out four of them, (as confirmed by more than one independent eye witness) 1 bringing his tally for the mission to five…… And an Ace is born -
Read more

BOOK REVIEW: The Hunger Games / Author: Suzanne Collins

Image
Published in Daily Times / Saturday, March 31, 2012 / Under the Title of: And Then There Was One ...? Reviewed by Afrah Jamal To enter Panem, built atop the ashes of a civilization, one must walk past its impoverished 99% living under the spell of a shiny Capitol and remain unfazed at its fondness for teenage death matches. Suzanne Collins envisions a future that thrives on pageantry and the class divide, has ghoulish cravings and a weakness for heartrending reality TV. It summons young contestants or tributes, as they are called, from 12 starving districts to take part in games with ridiculously high stakes. For some, this is considered fun. Navigating this cold, comfortless terrain shrouded in gloom, one comes across a familiar soundtrack of hunger, violence, media circuses and rebellion from this era running unobtrusively in the background. Katniss Everdeen, a resourceful 16 year old, narrates her life of hardship in the coal mining district simply known as District 12, shar
Read more

OP-ED: What’s In A Name(sake)?

Image
First Published in Daily Times / 2 Sep 2013 A beloved cricketer’s name adorns the billboards but this is not a biopic. The cricketing world it allegedly represents provides a compelling front but it will not be a return to his old stomping grounds. Main Hoon Shahid Afridi ( MHSA) draws upon a living legend’s legacy to leverage the passion and throws in a cameo or two, but that is the extent of Afridi ’s involvement. Meanwhile, somewhere in a small little village, a disgraced cricketer turned coach who trains a rag tag team will be moved centre-field. And the one thing that binds the nation together and provides the soulful soundtrack will become the anchor. The newly minted flight is bound for cricket-ville and in some parts of the world that is reason enough to join in the festivities. Humayun Saeed, seen at the helm wearing a number of hats as the producer/actor enlists the classic underdog formula to launch his ambitious vision. The village club is in danger of being shut dow
Read more