New Jewellery Brand: Outhouse

When you're completely lost on what to wear, the easiest thing to do is throw on a fun accessory and build your outfit around that. Here, we have awesome brand jewellery brand Outhouse to save the day. They just had an exhibition in Karachi and fashionistas lusted after their gorgeous pieces. The lovely Sana Hafeez Sheikh is behind the launch of Outhouse in Pakistan and might I say, thank goodness! Outhouse is a breath of fresh air from the traditional kind of jewellery we're used to seeing over here.

Sana told me that the collection she brought to Karachi was sold out within days and thats he would hopefully bringing an exhibition to Lahore soon. Here's hoping it's sooner than later!
I've spoken to the beautiful sisters behind the brand, Sasha and Kaabia Grewal to find out more behind their brand and their vision.
For orders in Pakistan, please email Sana Hafeez Sheikh at sanahafeezsheikh@gmail.com

1) Who is behind the brand?

Outhouse Jewellery is the brainchild of sisters Kaabia and Sasha Grewal which was established in 2012. Both sisters are students of fine jewellery design and manufacturing. While Sasha pursued designing jewellery for high street brands like Tops Shop and River Island after her degree, Kaabia pursued her interest in Gemology from GIA, New York and interned with jewellery design maverick Edie Borgo. Both sisters have varied sensibilities which is synonymous with Outhouse's aesthetic. Fashion and its kind has always been a guilty pleasure of a conversation between us since we were little. It comes to us like most girls, from our mother; she at an early age took us to her jeweller and made us fall in love with all things sparkly.

2) When was it created?  

We started it as a hobby in 2011 but the brand actually came together as a brand in 2012 when we debuted at Lakme Fashion week 2012 Autumn/Winter . 

3) What inspires you guys?

Label Outhouse Design Philosophy: Outhouse Jewellery is synonymous with statement style, exploring aesthetics inspired from music genres to Indian Royalty and more. 

The brand truly believes in representing contemporary Jewellery from India with the right mix of modern and tradition. By blending modern techniques with age old craftsmanship from India, Outhouse jewellery is as unique as it gets. As a primary aspect they specialise in statement pieces and have designed capes hand sown with cultured pearls to chain mesh gloves. Always looking to experiment and pushing the envelope with design, Outhouse's design philosophy is edgy and eccentric yet very wearable. The design process feels like a hurricane has hit the room. We sit together and brainstorm. It’s a room full of things; from pictures of our fashion idols to music artists and vintage YSL and Chanel inspirations. We also love mixing materials and textures, so you will always find random things lying around our office that were once a very integral part of a conversation.

What also helps to give our jewellery an eccentric vibe is our varied sensibilities and preferences.

4) Where are you currently selling your jewellery? 

We currently are selling to Stores across India. We have just launched our first Flagship Store in Delhi. We are selling to various departmental stores across the globe , to name a few would be Harvey Nicholas, Bloomingdales. I love designers in London . 

5) Have you ever been to Pakistan? If not, do you plan to? 

We both have never been to Pakistan , but we would certainly love too. We are absolutely in love with the culture ,and would love to visit soon . 

6) Where do you guys hope to be in the future? 

Well we definitely want to be housed at the best departmental stores all over the world  and are working towards it . But more than anything A flagship store in all the fashion capitals will be an acquired accomplishment . 

7) Who are you style inspirations?  

When it comes to seeking inspiration I think we turn back to the classics like Diana Vreeland, Elsa Schiaparelli,  Coco Chanel , Jean Paul Gautier, Alexander Mcqeen , Kelly Wreastler, Miriam Haskel. 

Outhouse jewellery is not for the wallflower. The outhouse woman is always the centre of attention. We specialise in statement jewellery and ten out of ten times have been successful in designing pieces that are conversation starters.

8) Do you have any style advice for our readers?

We think accessorising is extremely important to complete ones look. ” We would feel naked”  if we did not wear jewellery. Its such an important part of ones personality. We suggest never to over do it! Pairing your pieces is the most important, either fling on a statement necklace with a nice cuff or nice statement earrings. We think this season hand ornaments are really in which can be paired with indo-western both. 

Instagram page: http://instagram.com/outhousejewellery/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/sasha1011
Available to buy online at: http://www.perniaspopupshop.com/designers-1/outhouse
                                            http://www.ilovedesigner.com/shop-by-designer/outhouse.html

Left: Kaabia Grewal Right: Sasha Grewal

From left to right: Maha Burney, Soha Hafeez Sheikh and Sadaf Jalil all wearing Outhouse pieces

Momina Teli wearing an Outhouse necklace

Sabah Galani wearing an Outhouse necklace

      

                                                   

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New Store: House of Aphrodite

During my recent trip to Lahore I was invited to an exclusive tour of new store House of Aphrodite. It is owned by the lovely and trendy Sumbal Hammad. She set about opening this store to provide a place for Lahoris to shop the latest Western wear at affordable prices. As she showed me around the store, she told me about she was a stickler for good quality clothing and how she had hand picked everything present in the store itself. I was impressed with the selection of clothing and the general atmosphere of the store. They had a big open space with chairs and a television (perfect for bored husbands!) and the staff were very helpful and attentive.
Not only do they sell clothing, they stock jewellery, shoes, handbags and lingerie (something I feel there is a severe lack of in Lahore).
After speaking to Sumbul, she let me pick my favourite pieces and style them. Check below of more photos of the store as well as looks styled by me.
The best part is that the location of the store is easy to find and right near MM Alam road. Be sure to check it out!
Address: 30 C/ Gulberg 3 Lahore.

Sumbal Hammad (third from the left) with her team.

All the pieces I've worn above can be found in the store. Personally I loved their collection of winter wear with plenty of different sizes.

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Autumn/Winter Trend: Capes

Olivia Palermo in the famous (and personally monogrammed) Burberry cape

When Olivia Palermo walked down the streets in THAT Burberry cape, I knew a trend was born. High streets scrambled fast to provide great dupes of it and bloggers everywhere were lusting after it. I can't blame them, wearing capes are a great alternative to wearing a heavy coat and keep you super warm as well as chic. You can also cheat and just buy a blanket scarf or 'chadaar' and simply carry it as a cape.

Here are some Pakistani fashionista working the cape trend:

Seima from seimarahman.blogspot.co.uk

Sehar in a gorgeous Allechant cape

Annie from http://thestylemenu.com/

Me!

High Fashion vs. High Street 

Below I've found some great High Street versions of some designer capes:

Chloé

H&M 

Burberry Cape around £900

Topshop 

Saint Laurent

Missguided

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The Duo Behind Crowne Entertainment

Left: Shazzy Right: Saad

Planning a function, whether it be a wedding, birthday or even just a party, is not easy. Especially when it's a Desi function in a foreign country. Sometimes it can be difficult explaining your needs to someone from a different culture. Luckily for you Americans you have the very talented Crowne Entertainment to cater to all your needs! Find out more about the guys behind the company where we talk about their brand and of course fashion.

Who is behind Crowne Entertainment?

Crowne Entertainment began back in 2011 and was founded by Shazzy and Saad. Over the years, our team has expanded as we now have a videographer, photographer, website and graphics designer. Each individual possesses a unique set of skills that they can apply and are expected to do their part in a professional manner. The Crowne entertainment team is knit together like a family rather than individuals, as we’ve all known each other for a few years.

Why did you start this company?

Initially, the company had started off as a local Hookah catering company in the city of Birmingham, Alabama. At that point, our company was known as Crowne Hookah and we catered hookahs to different parties and events across the city. Besides hookah, we were also responsible for designing promotional media for the event, bringing in our own photographer and our own resident Dj. While myself (Shazzy) handled all logistics and bookings, Saad was our premier Dj at various weddings, parties and events. Over the summer of 2013, Saad landed an opportunity as Mickey Singh’s tour Dj at a few shows through the country and we eventually ventured out in to a booking company by the fall of 2013. From there on, I hired individuals and began advertising ourselves as a booking company through out North America and are now expanding internationally. Alhumdullilah, we were blessed enough to have individuals believe in us and allow us to gain invaluable experience.

How long have you been around for?

We’ve been active since 2011.

What services do you provide?

We are relatively experienced in the field as we’ve been able to manage and host multiple events, in a short span of time that has allowed us to gain invaluable experience within the entertainment field. We offer a variety of services but not limited to :

Event management

Artist bookings

Dj and dholi bookings for weddings and parties

Promotional media that includes flyers and promotional videos

Artist management

Marketing opportunities for artists and events.

Brand management.

Our clients expect us to think out of the box. We are artists and producers in our way. We like to believe that we are trendsetters and our focus is to create unique brand experiences. Clients pick us when they’re ready to get noticed and stand out. Since we are a fully integrated company, our clients benefit from having all of their marketing, media, web, events, video and advertising initiatives creatively streamlined under one roof, with one point of accountability.

Where are you located and where are you willing to work?

We operate from Atlanta, Georgia within the United States and from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. However, over the years, we’ve been able to host events in multiple cities such as New York, Atlanta, Chicago, California and Washington DC to name a few. We’ve done college shows at different universities such as Northwestern University (in the city of Chicago) and have also worked with multiple conventions such as the annual APPNA (Association of Physicians of Pakistani descent of North America) convention. We are willing to work anywhere so as long as we see potential at organizing a marquee event.

What has been your favourite moment working in this business?

One of the more rewarding aspects has been having the opportunity at developing a close and working relationship with multiple artists across the globe. There are a lot of “Fake” promoters that represent themselves as artist managements. We do not represent anyone specific, but since we have worked with multiple artists a number of times, we’ve been able to build a trustworthy relationship with them. Our work speaks volumes for itself. Enjoying a good business relationship with artists has allowed us to land better deals for our clients.

Where do you hope to be in the future?

While each of us are also focused at pursuing our own personal goals and careers, we have a vision of which direction we want Crowne Entertainment to head to. We are interested at hosting larger scaled events and international shows across the globe. I would rather let our work do the talking!

Who are your style inspirations?

Surprisingly, we don’t have any specific fashion icon that we look up to for style inspirations. We believe in creating our own persona. Have you ever heard of the saying“ Look good, feel good, do good”? Dressing well conveys positive attitude and I personally believe that everyday has tremendous potential so when I wake up, I dress to reach that potential. Personal style brings out your best qualities and makes you feel and look the best inside and out.

Where do you both like to shop?

Our closets are filled with clothing from a variety of brands. We don’t have a personal favorite but believe that whether a shirt is $3 or $300, it is about how you wear it, not the price or brand associated with it. But a few favorites include Zara, H&M, Burberry and Ermenegildo Zegna.

What fashion advice would you give to our male followers?

Fashion is all about expressing your self. It is a way to voice your personality without having to say anything. If I were to give any advice, it would be to dress comfortably but confidently. It is all about confidence: the better you feel about your clothing, the more confidant you may seem. Most importantly, dress for your self, not to meet expectations.

What are your social media platforms?

We are on facebook, twitter, instagram and are currently in the process of redesigning our own website.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CrowneEntertainment

Twitter: @CrowneEnt

Instagram: @Crowne_Ent

Youtube: www.youtube.com/CrowneEntertainment

Shazzy

Twitter: @ShazzyMeow

Instagram: @ShazzyMeow

Saad

Twitter: @DjScheme

Instagram: @Dj_Scheme

How can you be contacted?

Contact us at Bookings@CrowneEnt.com | +1-706-992-5686

Some of the events Crowne Entertainment have organised

They really know how to get a crowd going!

Shazzy, one half of the duo behind Crowne Entertainment 

Saad, the other half behind Crowne Entertainment

Some more photos of their clients rocking out at their parties.

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New Designer: Samaira Ghani

Recently I was contacted by UK based designer to check out her brand. I was impressed by how unique her designs were and was particularly smitten with her embroidered lehnga with orange skirt from her new collection. She was kind enough to send me that lehnga that I recently attended. Her service was fantastic and it was so easy to communicate with her. Her dress was even more gorgeous in real life and fit perfectly. 

Find out more about the talented designer and how to contact her below:

When did you start your brand?

I started my brand back in 2012. Fashion has always been my main interest since as long as I can remember - any fashion designer will tell you the same. I want to spend my life doing what I love and for me that is fashion design. One of my earliest memories is of my mother doing some basic stitching at home and I always used to help her. I then started to make little tweaks to her outfits and it all just grew from there. Being a fashion designer is hard work but nothing is more rewarding than seeing someone taking pride in a unique piece that I created. The creative industry is also full of so many incredible people who are so much fun to work and grow with. I can’t imagine myself doing anything else.

What are your inspirations?

I like to find inspiration in everyday things that we can all relate to. There have been times when I’m out having lunch with a friend and I’ll notice shapes in the food that we order. Ultimately, I think nature is one of the biggest influences in any type of design and I have this in mind with me wherever I go. In the winter I like to go to museums and to different exhibitions to soak up the culture. In the summer I prefer to be outdoors which helps me to see things in a different light. My summer collections are more about bright and bold colours. Summer is the time to experiment but my collections still have a contemporary and classic feel to them. 

Where are you based?

I am based in the uk (midlands)

Do you stock anywhere or have a store?

 At the moment i am stocking in Qatar. I don't have a store as i am working from a small a studio and only on appointment base.

Do you take international orders?

Yes i take orders worldwide. I have a huge clientele from USA, Qatar, Dubai and France.

What's your price range?

Prices are various as it depend on what the actual outfit is. starting price for a semi formal is £450-£600

heavy party wear £600-£800 and Bridal really depend on the sketch and how detailed it is.

Whose style do you covet?

Olivia Palermo, love this girl

What do you hope to achieve in the future?

 I just want to focus on moving forward with my brand (SG). With each collection I create, I learn more and I grow as a designer. I want to keep working with the best people and I hope as many people as possible get to experience what I have to offer and eventually to be known as a international fashion designer.

Lastly how can people contact you to make an order?

You can call on 07530371308 

You can email;Info@samairaghani.com

visit our website www.samairaghani.com

Instagram: http://instagram.com/samairaghanii

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/pages/SG/344147752340437?ref=ts&fref=ts

Some of my favourite designs:

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