PAKISTAN’S FASHION INDUSTRY — ALTERING THE THEORY OF MODERNIZATION

Contrary to all the ludicrous stereotypes , Pakistani women aren’t just confined to houses taking lessons on how to make Gol Rotis , Cleaning houses , not allowed to study or interact with stranger men. A lot has changed and new doors for opportunities have been opened in the country which is leading the women of Pakistan to stand shoulder to shoulder with the opposite gender in our male dominant society. Education has always played a vital role in changing the old school thoughts of the elders to let the new generation choose what is good for them on their own. Education even played a vital role in today’s society by letting the women study in programs like media , literature , art and Fashion so they can be a change they want to see in the society. Few went on grabbing Oscars , Few went on selling a million copies of their novels and few went on altering the concept of Modernization in the society. Ah! Modernization and Society, well that grabbed my attention when having a thought of what the 21st century has brought upon this state besides honoring men with floral Kurtis and other funny modifications that we get to see on the ramp walks.Indeed it would be unfair if not crediting the Fashion Designers belonging to the Fashion Industry of Pakistan for the alterations of my very own favorite definition of Modernization which refers to a “ model of a progressive transition from a ‘pre-modern’ or ‘tradition’ to a ‘modern’ society” to “ less clothes and more skin”.

A country is represented by the outcomes its industries produces. A fashion industry also plays a significant role in country’s success because there lies the brilliant work of fashion designers, artists and also the revenue generated by exports of fashion accessories, products. Pakistani fashion industry is not in its initial stages now and that is what scares me in time when media is taking over the concepts of the young ones and molding the “ Rasam — o — Riwaj “ (Norms and Ethics) of the society from Women being all covered to women being less covered and being proud of it. For the success of altering the traditions along with the definitions by the Pakistani fashion industry one cannot ignore the work of talented Pakistani fashion designers, artists and fashion labels being the sole responsible for driving the state to liberalism and provoking the male models to model with “ Zanana Tops , Ghagra’s , net stalkings” and what not?

A moment of thought is required , Isn’t it?

An article by Syed Babar Shah