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Dubai Food Lifestyle

Ultimate Truffle and Mushroom Experience at Armani/Caffč 

Guests will be whisked away to the enchanting shores of the Italian Riviera, where the art of leisurely dining and delightful conversations come together in perfect harmony. 

Armani/Caffč, the elegant restaurant nestled in the luxurious Fashion Avenue of the iconic Dubai Mall, is launching a new truffle and mushroom ‘Funghi e Tartufo’ menu. Celebrating the rich autumnal flavours, Armani/Caffč welcomes guests to indulge in the new chef’s special menu, while soaking in the elegant atmosphere of the Italian restaurant. 

Guests will be whisked away to the enchanting shores of the Italian Riviera, where the art of leisurely dining and delightful conversations come together in perfect harmony. Armani/Caffe’s new truffle and mushroom set menu offers a refined and elevated experience, available daily for those seeking a taste of the season’s best flavours.  

Armani/Caffe’s new ‘Funghi e Tartufo’ menu invites guests to indulge in a series of refined dishes that highlight the luxurious flavours of truffles and mushrooms. The experience begins with Insalata Autunale and Bruschetta Boscaiola, followed by a choice of pasta or risotto, including Mezzi Rigatoni ai 4 Formaggi e Tartufo and Risotto ai Funghi e Tartufo. For pizza lovers, the menu offers Pizza Tartufina and Pizza Zucca, Zola e Tartufo, while the main course includes the indulgent Tagliata di Manzo. 

This carefully curated menu invites diners to experience an exquisite selection of truffle and mushroom plates, each expertly crafted to highlight the rich, earthy aromas and luxurious textures of these autumnal ingredients. Whether you’re a connoisseur of truffles or simply looking to savour the season, this menu promises to transport you to the heart of Italy with every bite. 

Funghi e Tartufo Menu Details:  

Where: Armani/Caffč, Fashion Avenue, Dubai Mall  

Dates: Monday to Friday 10am – 12am, Saturday to Sunday 10am – 1am 

For reservations and more information, visit www.instagram.com/armanicaffe.dubai or contact +971 4 362 7888. 

ALSO READ : Celebrate Diwali With SOMRUS Creams – ‘Nectar Of The Gods’: Inspired By India, Made For The World

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Food Lifestyle Recipes

TODAY’S RECIPE: DELICIOUS MUSHROOM STIR-FRY

By Nisa Farza Firoz

Ingredient for marination

  1. Mushrooms – 400 g
  2. Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp
  3. Red Chilli Powder – 1 tsp
  4. Green Chillies -2 slits
  5. Ginger – 1 tsp (chopped)
  6. Salt – as per your taste

Other ingredients

  1. Garlic – 1 tsp (chopped)
  2. Onions – 2 (sliced)
  3. Capsicum – 1 (thinly sliced)
  4. Pepper Powder – 1 tsp
  5. Red Chilli Flakes – ½ tsp
  6. Lemon Juice – 1 tsp
  7. Butter – 3 tbsp

Method

  1. Marinate the mushrooms with turmeric powder, red chilli powder, chopped ginger, green chillies and salt. Keep aside for 15 mins.
  2. Heat butter in a pan on low – medium flame. Add the chopped garlic and sauté until the raw smell goes. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they become translucent.
  3. Add in the capsicum and sauté for 5 mins. Now add in the marinated mushrooms and mix everything well. Keep on stirring the mushrooms at intervals as the mushrooms will release water. Cook until the water dries up.
  4. Now add in the pepper powder, red chilli flakes. Season it with salt accordingly. Sauté the mushrooms for 2 mins and switch of the flame.
  5. Lastly add in the lemon juice.

SERVE HOT AND ENJOY!

ALSO READ: Celebrate Diwali With SOMRUS Creams – ‘Nectar Of The Gods’: Inspired By India, Made For The World

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Health Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Pan-India campaign to promote healthy ageing & longevity

The campaign also aims to boost the well-being of India’s elderly population — projected to rise to 347 million by 2050…reports Asian Lite News

The National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN), under the Ministry of Ayush, on Tuesday launched a pan-India campaign focusing on the theme ‘Healthy Ageing and Longevity.’

The campaign, which marks the 7th Naturopathy Day, is centred around Gandhian principles of natural cures and sustainable living as preventive measures against diseases.

The campaign also aims to boost the well-being of India’s elderly population — projected to rise to 347 million by 2050.

It stresses the need to foster compassion, promote good nutrition, adopt healthy lifestyles, and address emotional and mental health challenges.

As part of the campaign, NIN organised health camps at 35 old age homes in and around Pune, reaching approximately 1,500 elderly individuals.

These camps included yoga sessions, health discussions, and naturopathy treatments designed to support the holistic well-being of senior citizens.

“In today’s era of nuclear families, the elderly often face social and emotional challenges. Our campaign not only provides physical health interventions but also encourages community-building and compassion,” said Prof. (Dr.) Satya Lakshmi, Director, NIN, Pune.

The campaign will also engage “schoolchildren to sensitise them about the importance of caring for senior citizens”, Lakshmi said.

It will run with the motto, ‘Turn to Nature for Physical Health’ and ‘Return to Community for Emotional and Mental Health,’ reflecting the necessity of connecting with nature. It also urges the need to foster community bonds for holistic health.

Further, NIN has announced an Inter-Collegiate Intellectual Meet, scheduled for January 10-11, 2025, in Pune.

The event aims to provide a platform for 500 students from yoga and naturopathy colleges across the country to engage in healthy competition and knowledge exchange.

Naturopathy Day, observed every year on November 18, was first declared by the Ministry of Ayush in 2018.

The day also holds a historical significance as on this date Mahatma Gandhi became the lifetime Chairman of the All India Nature Cure Foundation Trust in 1945.

ALSO READ: Govt calls for collaborative effort to keep Diabetes in check

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Health Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Why lost weight bounces back fast?

The team first analysed fat cells from overweight mice and those that had shed their excess weight through dieting…reports Asian Lite News

Ever felt frustrated for having regained your lost weight within a matter of weeks? Blame the fat cells’ memorising abilities, which is significantly contributing to obesity, according to a study.

Researchers at ETH Zurich in Switzerland showed that obesity leads to characteristic epigenetic changes in the nucleus of fat cells. They remain the same even after a diet.

The team led by Ferdinand von Meyenn, Professor of Nutrition and Metabolic Epigenetics at the varsity, found that “fat cells remember the overweight state and can return to this state more easily”.

The team first analysed fat cells from overweight mice and those that had shed their excess weight through dieting.

Their findings revealed that mice with these epigenetic markers regained weight more quickly when they again had access to a high-fat diet.

Epigenetic markers play a key role in determining which genes are active in our cells and which are not.

The study, published in the journal Nature, found that the mechanism works in similar ways in humans.

To explore, the team analysed fat tissue biopsies from formerly overweight people who had undergone stomach reduction or gastric bypass surgery. The results were consistent with those of the mice.

Von Meyenn noted that the simplest way to combat the phenomenon, “is to avoid being overweight”, especially for children, youth, and adults.

The researchers for the first time showed that “fat cells possess an epigenetic memory of obesity”. However, fat cells may not be alone with this ability, the team said.

They noted that the findings implied that the cells in the brain, blood vessels, or other organs may also have the ability to remember obesity and contribute to the effect — an area that can be explored next.

ALSO READ: Celebrate Diwali With SOMRUS Creams – ‘Nectar Of The Gods’: Inspired By India, Made For The World

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Health Lifestyle World News

Parkinson’s may surge to 3.15 million worldwide by 2033

It showed that the US is predicted to have the highest number of diagnosed prevalent cases of Parkinson’s…reports Asian Lite News

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is expected to increase to 3.15 million in 2033 from 2.64 million in 2023, at an annual growth rate (AGR) of 1.94 per cent, according to a report on Monday.

The report by GlobalData, a data and analytics company, showed the rise in prevalence of diagnosed cases of the progressive brain disorder will specifically be seen in the seven major countries — the US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, and Japan.

It showed that the US is predicted to have the highest number of diagnosed prevalent cases of Parkinson’s (1.24 million). Italy, with nearly 0.16 million cases, will have the lowest number.

“In 2023, adults aged 60 and older accounted for over 90 per cent of diagnosed prevalent cases of PD, while adults ages 18-39 made up less than 1 per cent. This age distribution aligns with findings showing higher PD prevalence among older populations,” said Rahul N Ravi, Senior Epidemiologist at GlobalData.

“There is a slight predominance of sex-specific diagnosed prevalent cases favouring men. Differences across the sexes and markets may be mostly attributed to differences in the underlying demographic differences in each market, as well as the significant differences in sex-specific diagnosed prevalence,” Ravi added.

PD is an incurable neurodegenerative disease clinically categorised as a movement disorder with prominent motor symptoms, including tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. It is the second most common chronic progressive neurodegenerative disorder in the elderly, after Alzheimer’s disease.

While current treatments provide symptomatic relief, there is no cure available to halt or slow the progression of the disease.

“PD is among the most common chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disorders affecting the elderly population. As PD predominantly impacts older adults, countries with growing ageing populations must develop strategies to address the healthcare needs of individuals with PD,” Ravi said.

He added that in the coming 10 years, the seven countries with the highest risk are expected to be crucial for PD treatment due to their ageing populations.

ALSO READ: Jivan Room: A Hair Sanctuary in Mayfair, London

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Health Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Excessive screen time may raise risk of early puberty

The findings linked the early risk of puberty with accelerated bone growth and bone age caused because of exposure to blue light…reports Asian Lite News

Even as children are increasingly getting exposed to screens from a young age, a new study in rats showed that long-term exposure to blue light, emitting from smartphones or tablets, may lead to early puberty.

The findings linked the early risk of puberty with accelerated bone growth and bone age caused because of exposure to blue light.

The research, presented at the 62nd Annual European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology Meeting in Liverpool, is the first to explore the link between bone growth and pubertal development.

“This is the first study to show how blue light could potentially influence physical growth and development, prompting further research into the effects of modern screen exposure on children’s growth,” said lead researcher Dr Aylin Kılınc Ugurlu, from Gazi University in Turkey.

As the study was conducted in rats, “we cannot be sure that these findings would be replicated in children but our data suggest that prolonged exposure to blue light accelerates both the physical growth and maturation of the growth plate, leading to early puberty,” Ugurlu noted.

When children grow they develop long bones such as the femur, which progressively elongates at each end. This eventually solidifies stopping growth in height. While girls reach their maximum height between ages 14 and 16, boys finish their growth between 16 and 18 years of age.

However recent studies have pointed out a rise in early puberty in both girls and boys. The studies show that the children might grow quickly at first but often stop growing earlier than usual. One factor may be the increased use of blue light-emitting devices, Ugurlu said.

The study was conducted on 18 male and 18 female rats aged 21 days old. These were divided into three groups of six and exposed to either a normal light cycle, six hours, or 12 hours of blue light until the first signs of puberty.

The team measured their length and femur and found that the rats exposed to blue light had faster growth, particularly in their bones.

“This means their bones matured too soon, which could potentially cause them to be shorter than average as adults,” Ugurlu said, stressing the need for more studies.

ALSO READ: Govt calls for collaborative effort to keep Diabetes in check

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Health India News Lifestyle

Govt calls for collaborative effort to keep Diabetes in check

Diabetes has become a global concern with a whopping 828 million people suffering from the condition worldwide…reports Asian Lite News

Diabetes is a national issue impacting millions, and a collaborative effort is a must to keep the rising cases in check, said Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on the occasion of World Diabetes Day on Thursday.

Highlighting this year’s theme, “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps,” at an event held in the national capital, Singh called for a united approach to ensure that every individual has access to affordable, high-quality diabetes care.

Diabetes has become a global concern with a whopping 828 million people suffering from the condition worldwide. With 212 million diabetics living in 2022, India has the highest number in the world, according to the latest study published in the journal Lancet.

Beyond diabetes treatment, Singh stressed the need to address the “systemic gap” — in healthcare accessibility, awareness, and treatment adherence. The Minister noted that nearly half of those diagnosed remain unaware of their condition or struggle to maintain regular treatment due to financial or informational barriers.

He called for a new two-tiered collaboration — “PPP plus PPP or public-private partnership domestically, collaborating with public-private partnerships internationally”, to tackle diabetes.

The Minister underscored that diabetes care and prevention are far too significant to be left solely to medical professionals. Instead, they demand a unified national response from healthcare providers, policymakers, families, and communities.

“Diabetes is a national issue that impacts millions, and through combined efforts, we can bridge the gaps in awareness, care, and treatment accessibility,” he remarked.

According to health experts, without lifestyle change, which includes a healthy diet and physical activity, defeating diabetes is impossible.

“When it comes to defeating diabetes, the most important step is to educate the public about the symptoms. We also need to review and improve the lifestyle of the population. As Indians, our diet is carbs-heavy. Unless we change our lifestyle, it is not possible for us to bring about a change in the diabetes situation,” Dr. Suryadevara Varun, Consultant, Dept. of Endocrinology, Apollo Hospitals, told IANS.

The experts blamed the rise in diabetes cases on a significant surge in carbohydrate-rich processed foods. These diets often include excessive sugars, and unhealthy fats, and are high in calories, contributing to rapid weight gain and insulin resistance — two significant factors in diabetes development.

In addition, India has also seen a shift towards desk-bound jobs, coupled with increased screen time, resulting in limited physical activity. Without sufficient exercise, the body’s ability to regulate insulin declines, raising the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

“Regular physical activity and dietary modification will help in the prevention of type 2 diabetes. Reducing weight by 5 per cent helps a lot in prevention as well as treatment of diabetes” Dr. Rajesh Khadgawat, Professor, Department of Endocrinology, AIIMS, told IANS.

Dr Sonali Kagne, Consultant, Department of Endocrinology, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, told IANS that individuals with family history, or history of autoimmune diseases are at an increased risk. Environmental exposure to certain toxins also plays a role.

The experts noted that the mechanism is more or less similar in both adult onset and paediatric onset of diabetes.

ALSO READ: India Rallies Support for Flood-Hit Nigeria

Categories
Fashion Lifestyle London News

Jivan Room: A Hair Sanctuary in Mayfair, London

A room infused with an abundance of positive energy, uplifting and relaxing melodies, combined with natural aromas, encourages guests to be drawn into the presence of the hair sanctuary by entrepreneur extraordinaire Bina Vasani: that is Jivan Room. The tailored voyage that stimulates the well-being state of mind to create the feeling of ultimate liberation. A feature by lifestyle columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International. 

Like most entrepreneurs Bina had a passion and believed in her vision. A passion for creating beautiful hair, hair that would change one’s state of mind. From confidence to positive energy Bina has witnessed the power of her hairdressing skills transform hair- which transformed the mind. The energy fueled her work where she has continuously accelerated throughout her career.

Having spent some time in India focusing of wellness and ayurveda Bina felt this was a significant stage in her life as she reaped the benefits of inner peace, contentment and embracing the present.  

Throughout almost 20 years of experience in the hair industry Bina’s vision for the calibre of service she wanted to offer her guests became clearer. Fast forward to now, the vision became reality.

The journey embarked at Jivan Room exhorts stillness to the mind creating a calm and tranquil aura. Allowing the hair mind and soul to be re-born. 

Jivan Room, the hair sanctuary represents not only Bina’s passion and vision but also, the ethos and ethical values in nurturing oneself, all beings and the planet we live on. Bina’s pledge is an unwavering commitment to operating a business where sustainability is not just a consideration, but a guiding principle woven into every decision. Her dedication extends beyond mere service; it embodies excellence. 

From classic high lighting to free hand brush stroke colouring techniques. We have fused our expertise and Natulique colour, an organic, vegan, cruelty-free and sustainably sourced Danish brand to create the ultimate tailored services.

The carefully curated selection of vegan, cruelty-free, and organic products underscores her profound focus on promoting responsible, eco-conscious practices in the realm of hair care, ensuring that every customer experience is a harmonious blend of quality, ethics, and environmental mindfulness. 

‘I saw a gap in luxury haircare for the elite — and Jivan Room was born. A private sanctuary in Mayfair, Jivan Room offers an exclusive, tailor-made experience where every detail reflects our clients’ desires. Elevate your luxury with Jivan Room.” said, Bina. 

Jivan Room is known for offering a luxurious and personalized experience for clients. The salon is often praised for its chic and stylish interiors, creating a relaxing atmosphere perfect for indulging in high-end hair care services. 

Whether you’re seeking a simple trim or a complete transformation, Jivan Room’s skilled stylist Bina is renowned for her expertise and attention to detail.

Bina is described as highly skilled in both cutting-edge trends and classic techniques, ensuring that clients leave with a look that suits their individual style.Jivan Room also stands out for using premium hair care products, which contribute to the overall quality of the experience. The salon is especially popular for color services, with clients often commenting on the vibrant, long-lasting results. Overall quality of service and the upscale experience make it a top choice for those seeking a premium hair salon experience in Mayfair. Highly Recommended

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Food Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Celebrate Diwali With SOMRUS Creams – ‘Nectar Of The Gods’: Inspired By India, Made For The World

Indian festival of Diwali symbolises the spiritual ‘victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance’. As the nights draw in, bring light into your home with SOMRUS, the range of rum creams inspired by India and made for the world. SOMRUS means ‘Nectar of the Gods’ in Hindi, celebrating the Indian Heritage of the brand and its Founders. Made with premium ingredients, each finely calibrated to perfection, these are cream liqueurs so well crafted you can taste the difference. Enjoy them morning, noon, and night. No surprise that these are the world’s most awarded cream liqueur! A feature by lifestyle columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.

SOMRUS Creams are made with fresh dairy cream, 5 x distilled Rum and with spices and ingredients commonly found in Indian cuisine including Alphonso mango, cardamom, saffron, pistachios, chicory and rose. SOMRUS Creams have a premium rum base, low viscosity, low alcohol by volume (ABV), no preservatives, no artificial flavours and are gluten free.

SOMRUS Creams are versatile for mixing in cocktails, desserts, and ice cream and perfect for the at-home bar. Experiment with a cocktail or simply enjoy over ice.

SOMRUS Coffee Cream Espresso Martini 

2 parts SOMRUS Coffee | 1 part vodka | 1 part espresso (cooled)

In an ice-filled shaker, add ingredients and shake. Strain and pour. Garnish with coffee beans or dust with cocoa powder (optional). 

SOMRUS Coffee Cream: ABV: 15% for a 70cl bottle

SOMRUS Mangotini

3 parts SOMRUS Mango Cream | 1 part Vodka

In an ice-filled shaker, add ingredients and shake. Strain and pour. Garnish with a mango slice. 

SOMRUS Mango Over Ice

Pour SOMRUS Mango into a rocks glass filled with ice and enjoy!

SOMRUS Mango Cream: ABV: 15% for a 70cl bottle

The House of Somrus™ is driven by flavor, which adds color and animation to our world and expands our horizons. Each expression—Coffee, Mango, and Chai—pulls in different spices, ingredients, and flavors that are then complemented by handcrafted rum and real dairy cream. With Somrus, add zest to any celebration and make everyday moments more lively.

Somrus liqueurs are low in alcohol yet full of flavor, serving as the ideal accompaniment to your day. Taste more out of life® from morning until night, with liqueurs that work as well in your morning coffee as your evening cocktail. They are exceptionally versatile made with highest quality ingredients. They only use 5x distilled rum, real dairy cream, and all-natural flavors to create the rich, vibrant taste of their cream liqueurs. This is the next generation cream liqueur. They are doing things differently. Tossing aside the spirits rulebook, they set about creating unique and flavorful products that can be enjoyed on their own or mixed with a variety of spirits and popular non-alcoholic beverages.

ALSO READ: Dazzle & Dine: Celebrate Diwali at InterContinental London Park Lane

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Fashion Lifestyle PAKISTAN

Pakistan’s First Luxury Bridal Couture Brand: Lajwanti

With its three decades of unmatched excellence, Lajwanti has played a pivotal role in shaping the codes of Pakistani fashion since its inception. A feature by lifestyle columnist Riccha Grrover

The brand’s journey dates back to 1995, where the industry of fashion was a mere idea, and the design force was limited to three artisans of fashion, at best. Over the course of 30 years, Lajwanti has become a prominent name in the fashion world, gracing catwalks and venues with trunk shows as well as year-long pop-up stores across the globe. Some of these notable locations include London, the United States, Spain, Dubai, Paris, and Delhi.

At the helm of Lajwanti, Ana Ali, the esteemed CEO, and the guiding force behind the brand, stands as the matriarch of innovation. She collaborates closely with her daughter, Dania Syed, who, as the Creative Director, infused the brand with her unique creative brilliance upon joining us in early 2019. Together they skilfully marry time-honored wisdom with a contemporary understanding, thereby ensuring that Lajwanti remains not only aligned with the ever-evolving demands of the industry but also kindles the flame of curiosity that defines the brand’s spirit. 

Today, Lajwanti finds itself at an exciting juncture in its journey. In a stride that defied geographical constraints, our brand has attained the esteemed recognition of an official registration within the United States of America, while maintaining its strategic foothold in the cosmopolitan hub of Dubai. This leap signifies not only their expanding global presence but also the cultivation of a nexus where creative horizons converge with boundless possibilities. 

Riccha Grrover in an exclusive interview with the brand’s creative director: DANIA SYED

RG-Can you tell us about your journey in the fashion industry and what inspired you to get to becoming a creative director?

DS-My journey in the fashion industry is deeply intertwined with the legacy of Lajwanti. The brand was established in 1995 by my parents as Pakistan’s first luxury bridal couture brand, with a focus on handcrafted garments that stood out in the market. Growing up, Lajwanti was more than just a brand to me—it was a lifestyle. I spent my childhood playing at the factory, observing my mother tirelessly working with her team, and engaging with our artisans out of sheer curiosity. This early exposure to the fashion world sparked a passion in me that only grew stronger over time.

After completing my degree in fashion marketing from the London College of Fashion, I returned to Lahore, Pakistan, with a vision. My goal was to collaborate with my mother to evolve the brand, blending her traditional expertise with the fresh perspectives of a new generation. This journey, from a curious child to a passionate fashion professional, inspired me to take on the role of Creative Director, determined to carry forward my mother’s legacy while bringing my own ideas to the table.

RG- Who are your biggest influences in fashion, both globally and within Pakistan?

DS- When it comes to fashion influences, Lajwanti has always been at the core of my journey, almost like a sibling I grew up with. However, stepping into my role at the forefront of Lajwanti allowed me to appreciate a variety of other artists that inspire me. Within Pakistan, I admire the work of designers like Rastah which lies beyond the bridal community however tells stories about Pakistans culture and roots through its craft. On the global stage, I find inspiration in the creations of artists and fashion designers alike and some of those include Zuhair Murad, Iris Van Herpen and Misha Japanwala, among others. These artisans, each in their own unique way, have influenced my perspective of fashion.

RG-How would you describe the unique identity and ethos of your brand?

DS- Lajwanti’s unique identity and ethos are built upon the inspiration drawn from a 150-year-old heirloom bridal ensemble that belonged to my great-great-grandmother. This piece showcased handwork techniques that were on the brink of extinction, which Lajwanti has revived and reintroduced into modern bridal silhouettes which are up to date with global trends and fashion forecasts. At Lajwanti, we offer garment customizations that have become increasingly rare in today’s fashion world, where “what you see is what you get” has become the norm. However, we believe that every garment should be tailored to the wearer, which is why we require a consultation appointment before placing an order. This personalized approach ensures a thorough collaboration between bride and brand, allowing us to bring your unique vision to life.

The brand’s vision reimagines the subcontinent as never having been colonized, allowing age-old design methods to influence our bridal collections. The intricate handwork, particularly embodied in our bridals, epitomizes the brand’s identity. These pieces take nearly six months to create, with six artisans dedicating 800 hours in rotational shifts, using the finest number 26 and 28 needles to produce handwork embroidery that is unparalleled in its intricacy.

RG-What key elements do you believe set your brand apart from other Pakistani fashion brands?

DS-The key elements that set Lajwanti apart from other Pakistani fashion brands are rooted in its history and commitment to craftsmanship. As the pioneers of bridal couture in Pakistan, established in 1995, Lajwanti has a legacy that few can match. While fast fashion has become increasingly common in Pakistan, Lajwanti remains steadfast in its dedication to handcrafted garments. This commitment to traditional handwork is our unique selling point, allowing us to stand out in an ever-evolving fashion landscape.

RG-How do you balance traditional Pakistani fashion elements with contemporary trends?

DS-Balancing traditional Pakistani fashion elements with contemporary trends at Lajwanti is achieved through our adaptive business model and bespoke couture pieces. Regardless of the garment, handcraft remains a signature staple in everything we create. The balance between tradition and modernity is mainly achieved through the silhouette and color scheme, while our handcrafted techniques seamlessly adapt to both traditional and contemporary designs.

RG-How do cultural heritage and local traditions influence your designs?

DS-Cultural heritage and local traditions deeply influence our designs at Lajwanti. Our bridals are often inspired by elements that carry a rich story, like in our “Laal Bahaar” collection. Each bridal piece in this collection draws inspiration from a specific historic architectural monument built by the Mughal Emperor Jehangir – from its structure to its inlays and interior motifs. These stories and cultural references serve as the foundation for our designs, allowing us to create pieces that resonate with the depth and beauty of our heritage.

RG- What innovative techniques or materials are you most excited about incorporating into your future collections?

DS-As a heritage brand, Lajwanti is committed to carrying forward the rich textile craft of Pakistani heritage. However, as we expand, we’re excited to incorporate historical textile methods from different parts of the world. For instance, if we open a store in China, we would integrate Lajwanti’s signature techniques with handcrafted textile methods that were practiced during historical periods in China. This approach allows us to blend our heritage with global influences, creating innovative designs that honor both our roots and the cultural richness of the places we reach.

RG-Where do you draw inspiration from when creating a new collection? (e.g., travel, art, nature)

DS- When creating a new collection at Lajwanti, we draw inspiration from a diverse range of sources. At a fundamental level, our collections are inspired by history and heritage. However, we also layer this with inspiration from the world around us, which includes everything from folktales and travel experiences to the fantastical elements of nature. With many creative minds involved in the ideation phase, our inspiration parameters are vast and varied, allowing us to craft collections that are rich in both tradition and imagination.

RG- What are your future goals for the brand in the next five years?

DS- Three decades ago, Lajwanti emerged as one of the pioneering brands to introduce fashion in Pakistan, setting the stage for a thriving industry. Today, we are committed to ensuring that Pakistan earns the global recognition it deserves, not just in sports, media, and music, but also through the art of fashion. Over the next five years, our goal for Lajwanti is to establish it as a global phenomenon, making it one of the most sought-after luxury labels around the world. Currently, Lajwanti is registered in the United States and has a store in Dubai, but we aim to expand further.

Our mission is to collaborate with international platforms and grace the catwalks of fashion capitals like Milan, New York, and Paris, bringing our beloved country to the forefront. After all, it is the handcrafted artistry of Pakistan that truly deserves global praise.

RG- How do you think the Pakistani fashion industry will evolve in the next decade?

DS-The Pakistani fashion industry is likely to continue its rapid growth over the next decade, driven by a surge of talented young professionals who are shaping both garments and mindsets. As the industry evolves, there’s hope that the appreciation for handcrafted garments will remain strong, maintaining the value of artisanal skills amidst increasing modernization and innovation.

RG- How do you stay motivated and creative in such a dynamic industry?

DS- Staying motivated and creative in a dynamic industry is facilitated by the constant presence of new stimuli and the growth of your brand. Surrounding yourself with the right people and maintaining a steadfast focus helps ensure that your motivation remains strong.

RG- What advice would you give to aspiring fashion designers and entrepreneurs?

DS-To aspiring fashion designers and entrepreneurs, I would advise you to stay focused on your dream and vision. Embrace failures as learning opportunities and motivation to keep going. Remember, if you don’t pursue your goals, someone else will. Take inspiration from a beetle’s determination; no matter how many times it falls off the wall, it keeps climbing until it reaches the top!

Each garment crafted by passionate third-generation artisans narrates a tale deeply rooted in pre-partition handcraft, Lajwanti endeavors to preserve and honor the rich heritage of Pakistani craftsmanship. Highly Recommend this handcrafted luxury label.