'Only a thin line between Indian and Pakistani fashion'

By Shilpa Raina, Mumbai, Nov 5 : There is very little difference between Indian and Pakistani fashion, says Pakistani designer Huma Adnan, who has carved out a niche for herself in her country's fashion industry, having moved out of the shadow of designer husband Amir Adnan.

"If you look closely at the garments of the two countries, you will realise that there is not much of a difference in the craft. It's just the colours and threads that are different. After all the region is the same," Huma told IANS during a recent visit here.

"The crafts are very similar, the embroidery is also similar. The only difference is that they are just put together in a different manner depending on the region and people. You can say that it is just a difference in flavour."

Huma, who has shifted base to Dubai, was here during the HDIL India Couture Week to make her brand FnkAsia available in the Indian market. She had meetings lined up with various fashion retail houses.

"I want my product to be available in the Indian market because I can connect with the sentiments of the people here. Unfortunately as per rules, I can't open my exclusive boutique here; so the best option is to retail through fashion stores," she explained.

"I don't have to make any changes in my garments to suit Indian taste because our tastes are similar. The major difference my dresses have is that I have more palasos (loose pants) to go with the dresses and fewer churidaars."

With no formal training in fashion, Huma learnt the basics of the industry after her marriage to Amir, who is a pioneer in men's wear in Pakistan and has designed for the likes of former Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf and current President Asif Ali Zardari.

"When Musharraf visited India and went to Agra, the sherwani he was wearing was designed by my husband," said Huma proudly.

She is hoping to participate in India's premier fashion event Wills Lifestyle India Fashion week (WIFW) in the near future.

"It would be great if that happens but right now they are focusing on Indian designers and I don't think that they are promoting any designers from other countries," said Huma.

"So the best thing is to market our brand in India first and establish it here. Right now the focus is to penetrate in Mumbai only, but very soon we will be spreading our wings to Delhi as well."

Asked who her favourite Indian designers are, Huma said she loves the work of Ritu Kumar and Sabyasachi Mukherjee.

"They are perfectionists. Their work is so beautiful and intricate that it gives you the real picture of the talent India has in terms of craftsmanship and artisans. Look at their Indian traditional wear, one can't get enough of it," she gushed.