O Zaalima! Why you play with our hearts?

These days there is only one thing more important to us than our morning coffee – what will Mahira Khan wear to the next promotional event for Verna? A formal blazer, a casual kurta, or a sari to die for? The leading lady, as always, is making all the right sartorial choices as her latest film’s promotional campaign races ahead at top speed. Morning shows at 8am, school visits during the afternoon, interviews at supper, and mall visits at night – Mahira Khan’s world right now is crazy busy.

But that doesn’t mean our Khirad won’t dress to impress. We have all seen her sport dreamy princess dresses for award nights and boy, did she look stunning while in Lebanon for the Beirut International Awards Festival earlier this year but I love her most when she’s clad in traditional outfits. Mahira’s simple yet elegant looks are a pleasant change from all the severely OTT shaadi-wear other Pakistani actresses usually choose to wear at their film-launch events. (Remember Mehwish Hayat and Urwa Hocane on the screenings of Punjab Nahin Jaoongi? If you don’t, you’re in a better place, trust me.)

I am a firm believer of baatein kam and proof zyaada, so I shall leave you with the photos and wait for your verdict. Here are her top looks that made the cut for me.

Look #1: Sadqay Tumharey, Mahira

If you want to do subtle with a whole lot of impact, learn from this beauty. This Zara Shahjahan ensemble adorned with pearls and elephant motifs is feminine, dainty and oh-so-traditional. Organza always gives a dreamy flair to an outfit and that’s exactly what the sheer dupatta, embellished with embroidered tilla motifs adds. The darker toned lip colour is on point, adding a fun spin to the otherwise understated outlook.

Look #2: Shakar Wandaan Re, Perfect Sari Mosay Milan Aai

Clad in a black and white Menahel and Mehreen sari, Mahira Khan is a treat for sore eyes. If you look closely, you’ll see whirling derveshes embroidered on the palloo. Now, how cute (and creative) is that? If Turkish history is something that interests you, then this sari is what you need to wear to the next formal dinner you’re invited to. I’d happily wear it to a shaadi too, by adding dangling diamond earrings and a bracelet for some bling (and keep the aunties quiet). By the way, the sari is adorned with exquisite kaantha, aari and zardozi work and is a true depiction of Pakistani craftsmanship.

Look #3: Channeling Our Inner Khirad, Are We?

Uff, how we fell in love with Khirad, her jhumkas, and her long, flowing kameezes! We even sported ‘flaunting the look’ every now and then, but the the Humsafar star proves that no one can sport an Anarkali better than her. I simply love the delicately embroidered miniature Mughal entourage on the daaman and the tassels on the dupatta. Paired with a choorhidaar pajama, kohlapuris and meenakaari earrings, I give this look a 10 on 10. You can shop for this outfit at Bohéme by Kanwal and at Allure by MHT for the earrings. And yes, you can go for a fishtail braid, sport lots of colourful choorhiaan and wear gold jhumkis to go desi all the way if you do end up buying the Anarkali for a dholak.

Look #4: A Little Blast From Saba’s Past

I love following fashion trends but nothing can beat the comfort and beauty of a classic shalwar kurta. Mahira Khan as Saba (from the movie Bin Roye) was a fan, and so am I. A marigold kameez paired with a white shalwar, a dupatta in earthy tones and pretty chandbaalis make me want to ditch those bootlegged pants and culottes for good. After all, simplicity is the keynote to elegance! You can totally wear this Amna Chaudhry ensemble for a milaad or qawwali night and up your style game by pulling your hair back in a bun, adding some motia gajras to it and rocking some paazebs.

Look #5: For The Love Of Ajrak

I am a sucker for all things ethnic and find traditional patterns such a breath of fresh air in this world of digital prints. I mean, I am so done with Eiffel towers, chirhiya ke pinjray and Japanese dolls on all prêt wear. Aren’t you? Hence, this ajrak patterned anarkali from Bohéme by Kanwal has my vote. Mahira stylishly teams it up with a choorhidaar, tassled dupatta, kohlapuris and an ethnic neck-piece.

Look #6: Perfect Bahu Feels

Islamic art inspired floral motifs coupled with delicate cutwork and gold accents on sea-green – this Misha Lakhani outfit and Mahira Khan are a match made in heaven. The Mahrukh Akuly triple drops earrings complement the look well and go with the white embroidery and culottes. And if you want to turn some heads too, wear this to the next dinner party thrown by your MIL for her best friends.

Look #7: Make This One Your Humsafar

If you weren’t sure what to wear to the next wedding function you’ll attend, Mahira will convince you this outfit by Zara Shahjahan needs to be your choice. The Amrapali earrings, the fringes at the daaman of the kameez, the sleek hair – this one takes class wherever she goes.

With her barely-there make up and her 1000 watt smile as her best accessory, Mahira has the ability to win hearts when she looks so stylishly desi. Khirad’s flow-ey anarkalis, Saba’s classic kurtas and Falak’s (from the drama Shehr-e-Zaat) beautiful silks – her desi outfits are reminiscent of her characters that we love so much.

So, are you with me when I say that this Ho Mann Jahan beauty is made for shararas, saris and choorhidaars? Is it her face, her body type or her overall persona that makes her a winner at sporting Eastern wear? Let me know your thoughts on this and also, which one of her Verna promotions look is your favourite!

Mahvish Ahmed

Mahvish lives by the motto: “Don’t judge, do your own thing. You owe no explanation.”
She holds a Masters Degree in Economics from The University of Warwick, UK. But if you think this mom of one sprightly daughter is content teaching at IBA (The Institute of Business Administration, in Karachi, Pakistan), alone, you are mistaken. Mahvish is self- employed at her husband’s photography business, Locura. She has also discovered a penchant for writing. With a number of travel blogs under her belt, she has penned her first Fashion Blog for FUCHSIA.
“I am crazy about travelling, photography and Bollywood. I save up my salary all year round to blow it up on one sensational travel experience once a year!” Confesses Mahvish.
She aspires to obtain a Phd. one day and get more involved in research. She would love to add 30 minutes of yoga to her routine. She is happy being herself!
You can read more from Mahvish on http://mereysafarnamay.blogspot.ch/?m=1