KARACHI:
Exactly two months ago, when spring began descending into odious summer, the local police candidly declared that their characteristic grumpiness
was not a personality trait intrinsic to their job but was in fact
brought on by the dark colours of their uniform. Thus given that fashion
has become pervasive in Pakistan in the last few years, The Express Tribune
picked on some of fashion’s exciting new talents to redesign the police
uniform. While we were hoping the designers would show their funky and
bohemian flare, often spotted in their collections on the ramp, the
sketches show a different and rather mature approach.
Akif Mahmood
“I wanted to make it very simple since it is a uniform and requires
practicality. Instead of the typical black though, I have a white and
lime printed shirt. White works best for men because the weather is
mostly sunny and warm in Pakistan. I have added a waistcoat with pockets
which is not only fashionable, but will also prove useful to hold all
their arms,” explains Mahmood. However, he adds that one can’t be
completely fashion-centric because most policemen are older and
experimental designs appeal to youngsters more. The designer, who is a
fan of denim, has suggested nontreated denim for the pants. “Denim would
give a cool feel to the overall look. The whole point is to make the
typical uniform interesting and presentable. Also given the popularity
of films like Dabanng, policemen are also viewed as icons.”
Wardha Saleem
“This is my vision of how I want to see a policeman. I have used
white for the pants not just because it repels heat but because the
colour symbolises purity and power. We all expect the police to be this
agent of fairness and justice and also expect them to have authority,”
states Saleem. The designer has used turquoise, which is supposed to
balance out the look since it is a neutral and fresh colour. “I wanted
them to feel good about themselves yet not lose their strong image,”
says Saleem.
Adnan Pardesy
“I have given the cops cargo pants in poplin cotton instead of twill
fabric that is typically used. The cotton is lighter and makes for ease
of movement in the summer. Overall, I have retained the blue details of
the current uniform but used white as the base,” states Pardesy. For the
top, the designer has suggested a polo t-shirt in 60/2 mercerised
cotton fabric, which is basically a mix fabric that is easy to wash and
wear and doesn’t dull out even after multiple washes. “The polo also
gives a formal feel to the uniform and will keep the men cooler yet give
them the air of authority. And the best part is that it is extremely
cheap to make,” he adds.
Irfan Ali
“Whenever I think of the Pakistani police, the associated emotion
that the term ignites is fear. Yet, as a fashion designer when I
visualise the police I think of a sleek and smart look. I wanted to
therefore go for a modern, minimalistic look that every police man can
carry off,” says Ali. The designer states that since Pakistani police
comes from all classes, he chose not to be too experimental with design.
“The look is very simple. The cotton under-shirt is in an off-white
colour and the upper jacket is dull green with 3D pockets, along with
the necessary police monograms. The trousers are grey instead of black
and are paired with long boots,” concludes the designer.
Mohsin Ali
“I was thinking of the ancient subcontinental silhouettes of an angharkha,
but wanted to make something modern with a twist of history in it.
Since it’s so hot in Pakistan, the pants are airy from the hip but tight
from below to give a slightly fashionable look,” says Ali. A cool wool
is used for the gloves to repel heat and the scarf is added to absorb
perspiration. The designer adds, “I also wanted to give the police men
solar hats in two layers that create a vacuum in between for air
supply.” The colours used in Ali’s creation are very light and the
designer has used grey instead of white, “since white gets soiled easily
in this dusty weather”.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 24th, 2012.
Maria B provides every type of clothing like party wear, formal wear, casual wear and Bridal wear etc, And she is not only famous in Pakistan but also in European countries. Now Maria B is going to launch her Latest Summer Collection 2012 on first march and here are the few images out of the collection.
