Pak Embassy in Paris Unveils ‘Culture to Couture’ Fashion Extravaganza Celebrating Rural Women Artisans

Fashion Show “Culture to Couture” at Embassy of Pakistan in Paris Celebrates Rural Women Artisans and Entrepreneurs

Paris: The Embassy of Pakistan in Paris hosted a spectacular fashion show, “Culture to Couture,” in collaboration with renowned designer Omar Mansoor and Kaarvan Crafts Foundation, honoring Pakistan’s rural women artisans and entrepreneurs. The event, held at the Embassy’s exquisite hall, brought together a diverse audience, including French officials, diplomats, fashion and business circles, students, and media.

Ambassador of Pakistan Asim Iftikhar Ahmad welcomed the guests, emphasizing the significant contribution of rural women, particularly artisans-entrepreneurs, to national development and the aspirations of millions in Pakistan. He highlighted Pakistan’s rich heritage of arts and crafts, describing the country as the ‘cradle of civilization’ with a vibrant cultural tapestry.

The fashion show aimed to bridge tradition and modernity in Pakistani fashion, showcasing the fusion of contemporary designs with traditional handcrafted clothing and textiles. The Ambassador praised the role of fashion as an instant language that fosters cultural communication, noting the shared ties between France and Pakistan in the world of fashion.

Omar Mansoor, a London-based Pakistani fashion designer, presented captivating couture occasion wear that mesmerized the Parisian audience. Mansoor, recognized for reintroducing fusion clothing into modern fashion, made history by being the first Pakistani to showcase at London Fashion Week in 2008.

Kaarvan Crafts Foundation, led by Danish Khan, collaborated with Omar Mansoor for the event. Established in 2004, Kaarvan provides life skills to Pakistani rural women, having empowered over 29,000 women in more than 1,000 villages across 26 districts in Pakistan. The foundation’s focus on education, enablement, and empowerment places women at the forefront of development.

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The audience enjoyed not only the fashion showcase but also a mesmerizing performance by opera singer Clara Bellon, adding a touch of Pak-France cultural fusion. A documentary featuring testimonials of female artisans-at-work, facilitated by Kaarvan, added depth to the event. Traditional Pakistani cuisine further enriched the cultural experience.

The collaboration between Omar Mansoor and Kaarvan Crafts Foundation exemplifies the intersection of fashion, empowerment, and cultural exchange. The successful event celebrated the resilience and creativity of Pakistani women while fostering cultural understanding between France and Pakistan.