Pakistan’s pre-eminent couturier Nilofer Shahid will be presenting her “Rembrandt Collection” as the grand finale to Fashion Pakistan Week [FPW15], Winter / Festive 2015 on Monday, 30th November 2015.
NiloferShahid’screative obsession with the great Dutch artist Rembrandt began six years ago during a visit to the Rijks Museum, Amsterdam, when she was spellbound by the sheer genius of Rembrandt. The Rembrandt Collection is the realisation ofthat grand obsession into sartorial expression.
Rembrandt has captivated the imagination of millions over the centuries, but no one in the East has paid tribute to his work in the form of couture. Nilofer’s Rembrandt Collection is in many ways a conversation between the two artists and a powerful expression of her fascination with the Master.
The collection is based on the Life & Works of the Maestro. The Five Segments of the Collection depict unique stages of Rembrandt’s life and artistic career: Etching; Chiaroscuro (light and shadow); Baroque; Military; Melancholy. Garments in each category reflect some of Rembrandt’s most celebrated paintings. Every dress is a story, treated in layers, never drifting from its artistic dialogue; each dress is a tribute to the artist’s devotion and creativity. The showstopper is inspired by one of Rembrandt’s most famous romantic paintings, “The Jewish Bride,”- a work of awesome solemnity that represents a deep fusion of spiritual and physical love, unsurpassed in the history of painting.
The collection uses a variety of luxurious fabrics including Velvet, Cashmere, Kimkhwab (our local hand-woven brocade), Jamavar, Duchess Satin, Chantilly lace, Organza and various silks. Nilofer has employed a combination of modern and traditional techniques including digital-printing, laser-cutting, zardozi, resham and stonework in her Baroque embellishments. She has used semi-precious stones and pearls to accentuate 3-D embroidery and has developed a unique chainmail effect. Nilofer’s couture roots are reflected in the emphasis on structure and impeccable detailing.
All of the accessories for the collection have been created in-house, including shoes, bags, jewellery and headpieces. Watch for copper accents throughout, including copper heels, armbands and earcuffs, inspired by the copper plates Rembrandt’s used for etching. Baroque accents including plumes, pearls and genuine semi-precious stones evoke seventeenth century opulence.
“It is believed that no artist has researched and understood the human soul, so movingly and convincingly, as Rembrandt.”
“He touches the core of my soul, when he bares his.
He always abandoned convention, like I do.
I feel like I am a reflection of his soul”
Nilofer Shahid
About Nilofer Shahid
Nilofer Shahid is a visionary, an artist, a romantic – all these and much more! An artist par excellence who has created a fashion legacy that blends vision, creativity and craftsmanship. She is distinguished for her stylistic originality combined with the superior sartorial content of her creations.
Nilofer Shahid was expressing her artistic talent as early as 1978, encouraged by the response she received for her hand painted fabric and attractive block prints, she formally launched her brand Meeras, meaning ‘heritage’ in 1991. Meeras is an artistic expression of Nilofer’s love for the culture rich traditions of her country; the grandeur of the past is superbly captured in her classical ensembles. The strong identity of brand has evolved over the years; while all the time it has remained faithful to its intrinsic ideals.
A pioneer of couture fashion in Pakistan, Nilofer Shahid’s career is full of unique highs. Finest ambassador and expositor of her country’s heritage, she has the distinction of exhibiting at world-renowned venues, from the Louvre in Paris to the Royal Albert Hall in London. She has shown her collections in iconic locations including Prague, Zurich and United States and also has a fervent following in France, Italy, India and the Middle East.
Nilofer is one of the few Pakistani designers to make a true impact on the international stage. She had the honor to exhibit alongside “Balenciaga”, the King of Couture, during the Haute Couture Week in Paris in 2006.
She is the only Pakistani designer to be invited by “Le Chambre de Syndicale de la Couture” to show her collection on the Paris runway during the “Haute Couture Week” in January 2007.
In 2014, the Government of France honoured Nilofer Shahid by conferring on her their highest civilian award, ‘Grade de Chevalier’ in the Order of Arts & Letters, in recognition of her major contributions in the development of Culture and Fashion Design. She has the singular honour of being the only Pakistani designer to have received this knighthood.
Nilofer Shahid continues to define elegance, excellence and style with the same zest and passion that had first inspired her to start her career as a fashion designer.
International Shows & Achievements
2013: May
AWARD: Highest French Civil Award GRADE DE CHEVALIER in the ORDER OF ARTS AND LETTERS conferred on Nilofer Shahid for her contribution for the development of Culture and Fashion Design in Pakistan. First Pakistani Fashion Designer to be honoured and knighted by the Government of France
VENUE: Ceremony of Conferment at the Governor House, LAHORE
2014: May
EVENT: Coca Cola Beverages Pakistan Limited’s Savvy and Successful Annual Award Ceremony. CCBPL celebrated six Extraordinary Women of Pakistan for their Strength & Courage.
AWARD: Nilofer Shahid received SAVVY AND SUCCESSFUL AWARD for her remarkable achievements in the field of Art ∕Culture and Design
EXCLUSIVE FASHION SHOW: Nilofer Shahid’s Journey as a Fashion Designer
VENUE: Expo Centre, LAHORE
2013: February 25
AWARD: KINNAIRD COLLEGE CENTENARY AWARD
Honored Nilofer Shahid her outstanding career by her Alma Mater Kinnaird College for Women Lahore as part of its Centenary Celebrations
VENUE: Kinnaird College for Women, LAHORE
2012:
APPOINTMENT: Member Board of Governors of SABAH Pakistan (SAARC Business Association for Home Based Workers)
2012:
THEME: KEMAL – THE PERFECT MAN, Nilofer Shahid presented a mystical journey of man’s spiritual accent through intellect and love to The Perfect, paying a tribute to Pir-i-Rumi and Mureed-e-Hind as Dr. Iqbal liked to call himself
VENUE: Konya and Istanbul, TURKEY
2011:
AWARD: TOP SEVEN WOMEN OF PAKISTAN
VENUE: International Conference on Women Leadership in KARACHI
2010:
BRIDAL COUTURE WEEK: Bridal collection inspired by five different regions of the subcontinent steeped in rich culture
2009: October 2 – 5
EVENT: The Box – a high end accessories fair, organized by “Prêt a Porter Federation”, Paris. First Pakistani designer invited to showcase accessories in this very exclusive exhibition in Paris
VENUE: Pavillon Cambon Capucines, Rue Cambon, Paris, FRANCE
2009: June 28
EVENT: A highly successful presentation for LRBT, a charity organization
VENUE: Mississauga, CANADA
2009: June 16
EVENT: First solo presentation by any Pakistani designer, attended by a large audience; acclaimed by the local and international media,
ORGANIZER: Pakistani Mission in Vancouver
VENUE: Vancouver CANADA
2008: December 18
THEME: Empress Josephine and Nurjehan
EVENT: Fashion Show: A tribute to two great empresses
SPONSOR: French Consulate, Karachi.
VENUE: Golf Country Club, KARACHI
2008: April 19
EVENT: A very Exclusive Show
THEME: MUGHAL NIGHT Diwan-e-Khas
VENUE: North Country Club, Westlake Village, Los Angeles, USA
2008: April 12
EVENT: Fashion Show
THEME: MUGHAL NIGHT Diwan-e-Khas
VENUE: Hotel Intercontinental, Dallas, USA
2008: February 15
EVENT: Fashion Show
THEME: COLORS OF PAKISTAN
VENUE: Houston, USA
2007: November 29
EVENT: THE GRAND PAKISTANI NIGHT
To showcase the traditional and fusion/western collection for an international audience
ORGANIZERS: Mobilink and Orascom
VENUE: Baron’s Palace, Cairo, EGYPT
2007: January 21
EVENT: HAUTE COUTURE FASHION WEEK PARIS
The first Pakistani designer to be invited by the “Le Chambre de Syndicale de la Couture” in collaboration with the world famous “BOUCHERON” Jewellers
VENUE: Salon Boucheron, 26 Place Vendome, Paris, FRANCE.
2006: December 5
EVENT: ASIAN FASHION SHOW
OGANIZER: French company “LA MODE EN IMAGES,” and directed by Olivier Massart and choreographed by Kader Belardi for the opening of the 15th Asian Games, Doha. Nilofer Shahid was the only Pakistani amongst 30 international designers which included KENZO
Venue: Doha, QATAR
2006: October
OCCASION: President Pervaiz Musharaf’s visit to the USA
EVENT: A PAKISTANI CULTURAL SHOW was presented in the presence of the President Musharaf and amongst the distinguished guests were American Senators, Congressmen and prominent members of the society
VENUE: Washington DC, USA
2006: June 28 to July 28
EVENT: HAUTE COUTURE FASHION WEEK PARIS
OCCASION: PARIS celebrates “BALENCIAGA”
Nilofer had the honor to exhibit alongside “Balenciaga” at the prestigious event
VENUE: Joyce Gallery, Palais Royal, PARIS
2006: May
AWARD: Life Time Achievement Award – INDUS STYLE AWARDS
2006: March
EVENT: ARABIAN NIGHTS
THEME: Showcased a collection based on the profound narrations of Kahlil Gibran, the legendary Poet and Artist of Lebanon
SPONSOR: ABN-AMRO Bank
VENUE: Bab-ul-Shams (Desert Resort Dubai) Dubai, UAE
2006: January
EVENT: LUX CARNIVAL DE LA COUTURE
Nilofer Shahid participated in the most prestigious fashion show in Pakistan which included the top designer of India Rohit Bal
THEME: Based on the narrations by Kahlil Gibran
2005:
APPOINTMENT: Member of the steering committee of the Prime Minister, Shaukat Aziz’s Project “AHAN” (One Product One Village) headed by the Minister of Industries, Mr. Jehangir Tareen.
2005:
EVENT: BRIDAL ASIA INTERNATIONAL FASHION WEEK
VENUE: New Delhi, INDIA
2004:
EVENT: FEMINA BRIDAL SHOW in collaboration with LIBAS
VEUE: Mumbai, INDIA
2004:
APPOINTMENT: MEMBER Board of Governors for the LUX STYLE AWARDS
2004:
EVENT: BRIDAL ASIA INTERNATIONAL FASHION WEEK
VENUE: New Delhi, INDIA
2003:
APPOINTMENT: CHAIRPERSON PFDC – Pakistan Fashion Design Council
2003:
EVENT: A Cultural Evening titled RHYTHMS OF THE INDUS presented to a distinguished audience of 6000 at the Royal Albert Hall in the presence of President Pervaiz Musharaf’s during his visit to the United Kingdom
FASHION SHOW: LAHORE COLLECTION Legacy of the Mughals
Venue: Royal Albert Hall London, UNITED KINGDOM
2003
APPOINTMENT: MEMBER Board of Governors of the Pakistan Institute of Fashion Design
2003:
AWARD: LUX STYLE AWARD FOR THE BEST COUTURE DESIGNER
2001:
EVENT: SINGLE COUNTRY EXHIBITION
SPONSOR: Cable Network Greece and Export Promotion Bureau of Pakistan
THEME: OMER KHAYYA: A JOURNEY OF THE SOUL
VENUE: Athens, GREECE
VENUE: Warsaw, POLAND
2000:
EVENT: JOURNEY OF THE SOUL – a collection inspired by the quatrains of the great mystic poet OMAR KHAYYAM
VENUE: London, UNITED KINGDOM
1999:
EVENT: BRIDAL ASIA – International Fashion Week
VENUE: New Delhi, INDIA
1999:
EVENT: MIDSUMMER NIGHT DREAMS A Fashion Show
SPONSOR: Government of Pakistan
VENUE: World Trade Centre Dubai, UAE
1998:
Designed Watches and Belts for BOUCHERON JEWELLERS, Paris; rated as one of top five jewelers of the world.
1997:
EVENT: PARIS FASHION WEEK
SPONSORED: BOUCHERON JEWELLERS
Nilofer’s Collection was inspired by the paintings of the renowned Master Abdur Rehman Chughtai … his tribute to the great poets of the Urdu language, Mirza Ghalib and Allama Iqbal.
The first Asian designer to share the Paris runway with the leading names in couture like Olivier Lapidus and Boucheron
VENUE: Lourve, Paris, FRANCE
1996:
EVENT: GRAND PREMIERE BALL
SPONSOR: POINT DU VUE top French Magazine
29 top designers from all over the world participated
1996:
EVENT: A MULTIMEDIA SHOW based on the cultural history of the sub-continent from 5000 B.C. to Pakistan today
COLLECTION: TAPESTRIES IN THE LOOMS OF TIME
VENUES: Paramount Studios, Hollywood, Chicago and Houston. USA
1996:
EVENT: A Fashion Show hosted by O.S.E.C.
THEME: MUGHAL FLORA
VENUE: Zurich, SWITERLAND
1995:
EVENT: A Fashion Show
THEME: CENTRAL ASIA
ORGANIZER: Embassy of Pakistan
VENUE: Tashkent, UZBEKISTAN
1995:
EVENT: CULTURAL PROGRAMS presented to dignitaries and American audience during Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto’s visit to the USA
SPONSOR: Export Promotion Bureau
COLLECTION: FLAMES OF ETERNITY
VENUE: National Museum Washington D.C., USA
VENUE: Los Angeles Convention Centre, USA
1995:
EVENT: A Fashion Show
THEME: CENTRAL ASIA, ISLAMIC CALLIGRAPHY AND MUGHAL ART
VENUE: Pakistan High Commission, New Delhi, INDIA
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