In a chat with NT, the pretty designer talks about her appointment as a fashion envoy, the fashion trends across the border and what she would like to take home from India.

Proud moment Honey is one envoy from Pakistan whose mission in India is to dazzle. And with her beautiful looks, her couture collection and the right words, she is set to do just that. Saying that she is thrilled with her appointment, Honey adds, "It is a huge honour for me. I'm grateful to our Prime Minister who has reposed so much faith in me.

 I have taken part in this exhibition many times before. It makes me happy that fashion is being used for building confidence and to bridge the gap between India and Pakistan. The fact that I'm here as an envoy also shows that fashion is recognised as a strong industry by our government."

Similarity of cultures Negating all talk about Pakistani designers having to work under constraints, Honey says, "My designs have a heavy western influence. It’s a myth that Pakistani women dress conservatively. The fact is that they are quite moderate, flexible and empowered. And our designs too cater to individual preferences. We use very modern cuts, and there are no taboos on halter necks, backless, sleeveless or showing a bit of cleavage." Describing the Pakistani women as very fashionable,

Honey adds, "The women there too wear westerns. You would find many young girls wearing jeans and kurtis. Of course, not much skin is shown. I believe as our cultures are so similar that holds good for India too. But, otherwise, we too love to accessorise our ensembles and sport current trends."

Wearable designs
Does she feel that Indian fashion wear is heavily under the influence of the West? "I think what shows on the fashion ramps in India is the creativity of the Indian designers. If you see all over the world, a designer will put on the ramp, what sells on his racks. We too have a lot of glamour and glitz in our designer lines, but it is all within the wearable limits." But then, don't the buyers find the collection a bit too traditional? Honey is quick with her reply, "I assure you that internationally the women, who have maximum buying power, exposure and fashion sense, are generally very conservative.

" Ask her if this makes the fashion shows in Pakistan as glamorous and happening as the ones in India and she says, "The shows we have back home are not very different from the ones organised in India. We too have themes, huge turnouts, but yes, we have lesser fashion shows back home."

Shopping in India -As a fashion designer, who regularly sells her work in India, Honey says what draws the Indian women to Pakistani outfits is the intricacy of work. "When it comes to embellishments, our work is finer than what is done in India. In terms of prices too I feel we offer better value for money." And are there any Indian designers whose work she admires? "Of course, I find the prints of Tarun Tahiliani very impressive and I also like Sabyasachi Mukherjee's mixing of colours." And what all features on her shopping list? "I would love to invest in the tissues and Benarsis.

I would also love to buy some short kurtis, Lucknowi chikankari, handwoven fabrics, silver, pashmina and the polki jewellery."