AUGUST 28, 2016
CONTENTS 06. Around Town... One party at a time! 36. Travel & Cake Shameen Abbasy takes us on an exciting trip to the city that never sleeps, Prague. 42. Weekend Scouts Our hot new talent this week is Lahore based artist, Arslan Pirzada. 50. On the Horizon Saira Rizwan’s latest Chiffon Collection celebrates the diverse aesthetics of the women of today. 56. What’s Up Doc? The doctor spills all the secrets behind the infamous fairness injections. 58. Couple Goals
New!
Lovebirds, Yassir and Sahar Noon tell the story of their romantic connection. 62. Can’t Win ‘em All Hits and miss looks of the fashion savvy. 64. W’s Roving Eye This week’s hottest looks! Who made the style A- list? 70. Weekend Eats
New!
We share our food experience at Asian Aroma Japanese & Thai Restaurant, Park Lane Hotel. 74. Hot Date In conversation with founders of The Karachi Candle Company, Sana Sajun and Neha. 78. Trend Alert
New!
Popular go-to looks of spotted around town this week. 82. The Reading Room Young Adult Novels on our reading radar. 86. Fitness First
New!
Expert answers to all your fitness queries. 94. Love Struck Weekend’s editors’ picks! Chairperson/Publishing Editor: Rameeza Majid Nizami Editor The Nation: Salim Bokhari Editor-at-Large: Amal Khan Managing Editor: Shazay Salahuddin Fashion Editor: Maryam Mahmood Features Editor: Nur Zehra Qadri Contributing Editor: Minahil Batool Shirazi Sub Editor: Rana Faizan Hussain Karachi Correspondent: Farah Vayani Fashion Correspondent: Fatima Ameer Creative Head: Faiz-ur-Rehman Creative Team: Faisal Fazal, Talat Mahfooz, Zeeshan Arif, Shoaib Qadir Photographer: M. Basharat Irshad GM Marketing: Bilal Mahmood For Advertising: Kherzan Zaidi - 0321 8976730, Ata-ur-Rehman - 0332 2427473, Khalid Sheikh - 0345 5130728
Dearest Weekenders! The past seven days has gone by in a blur of events. Is it just us or is shaadi season already starting to pick up momentum? We are welcoming the (slightly) better weather with eager open arms, and looking forward to the new season of joras on the horizon! New silhouettes, colours and styles have us feeling abuzz with excitement to revamp our well worn wardrobes. Take a peek inside this week’s issue for coverage of the hashtag wedding of the year (#Munush). If you think you’ve seen glitz and glamour before, think again! The Sapphire Concept Store launch at the Emporium Mall turned out all the fashionistas of Lahore. Stunning dressing rooms, an indoor courtyard complete with gurgling fountain; this is a store that has to be seen to be believed. This week we also bring you our new feature ‘#CoupleGoals’ where Team Weekend gets candid with the lovely husband and wife duo Yasir and Sahar Noon. We bring you a true foodie review of the Japanese joint Asian Aroma, then help you keep that waistline in check with expert fitness tips in ‘Fitness First’. Our resident Doctor explores the dark and light side of fairness injections and we pick the most popular trends of the week! This and much much more, so all you need this Sunday is a cosy reading spot, some garam chai and a copy of Weekend! Until next time! Sincerely, Team Weekend.
weekend | around town
Alina & Shirin
#Munush Anush Ammar and Munib Altaf celebrated their star studded mehndi in Lahore.
Ali Shah & Aiman
Munib & Anush
Alizay & Ali Xeshan
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Ammar Gulzar & Shazia Ammar
Natasha Kamal
Anza, Aniqa & Aiza
Asima & Waqar
weekend | around town
Shazia Ammar, Anush Ammar & Ammar Gulzar
Fatima
Noorjahan
Fatima & Elham
Fatima Ameer & Mahvish Faisal
Jazza & Hajra Hayat
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Amna Sibtain & Momina Sibtain
Saima Zafar
weekend | around town
Gohar & Sundas
Sidra & Bakhtawar
Aden & Rehan
Aasia & Nilam Waqas
Zainab & Minhal
Zoya Mazhar & Shehriyar Mazhar
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Sadia & Papal
Sara & Mahnoor
Rubi & Sonia
weekend | Fashion weekend | around town
Fiza Laghari
Jahannoor, Minnelle & Maryam
Rushna Malik
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Marian Naeem & Amal
Fatin
Hira & Sameen
Ali & Noorjahan
Riffat, Naz Mansha & Ansa
weekend | around town
Sehar
Vaneesa & Momin
Jahanara, Ayesha & Tabana
Mahnoor & Shafaq Muzamil
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Zeest
Shanzay Sheikh
Asifa
Zeenes & Fatima Kasuri
Bakhtawar, Zoya & Mehak
weekend | around town
Shazia Deen
Shop Till You Drop Jehanzeb, Khadijah Shah, Kulsum & Nabeel Abdullah
Adnan Malik & Mumtaz
Shammal & Redah Misbah
Maryam & Yousaf Shehbaz
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Alina & Nina
Sapphire launches their ‘Concept Store’ at the Emporium Mall in Lahore. The PR for the event was done by Lotus.
Saad Akram & Aiman Hikmat
Alina & Niki
Areeba & Fatima
weekend | around town
Rabia Butt
Anum & Usra
Sundas & Fariman
Momina, Mehrbano, Natasha with friend
Aden & Rehan
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Zanobia, Aden & Fatin
Mishal Asad
Umair Jaswal
Vaneesa
Syhar Anis
weekend | around town
Taimoor, Hussain, Salman & Sheroz
Rabia & Farhan
Nadira & Saleeha Shah
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Mehak Saeed & Mariam Mushtaq
Najia, Zainab & Rida
Anushy Bhwani
Rabia Mughees
Mehreen Sayd
Naz Mansha
weekend | around town
Hasnain Lehri
Shazay, Khizra & Nur
Wadia & Umer
Iman & Momin
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Maha Burney & Nadir Firoz Khan
Sana, Anam & Zahra
Sasha
Natasha Monnoo
Libah Chaudhary
Amber Liaqat
weekend | around town
Erum Khan
Bling Bling! Shafaq Habib opened her new flagship store in Lahore. The PR of the event was handled by Starlinks PR and Events.
Shafaq Habib & Nelofer Shahid
Amber & Sara Farooq
Arva Aslam & Amber
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Zara Peer Zada & Ameena Zaidi
Hina, Aryan & Kynat
Fatima
Aazer, Shahzain & Hadiya
Hifsa Khan & Mona
weekend | around town
Dr Zarqa & Taiumur
Ailia, Zunaira & Jahan
Sara Javed
Zunaira
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Sana & Tahir
Sahar
Naveen
Lisa
Mariam Khawaja
weekend | around town
Ayna
Disney gone wild Anush Ammar & Maaz
Elham & Alishey
Noorjahan & Azain
Maria & Amal
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Amber & Arva
Saihaam Khan, Azain Khan and Maaz Khan Alvi hosted an enchanted night of ‘Disney gets trippy’ for Anush & Munib’s wedding celebrations.
Zonobia
Hira & Reema
Mahnoor & Natasha
weekend | around town
Zohair & Danial with freind
Zoya Mazhar with friend
Shanzay Sheikh
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Shahbano & Ibrahim
Sehar Saithi, Maira & Lalarukh
Neha & Parkha
Bilal & Fiza Lagari
Aniqa
weekend | around town
Zohair, Mustafa & Ghazain
Meraj, Milvnelle & Jahanoor
Alyzeh Gabol
Danial & Shahrayar
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Salman & Saihaam
Sharmin
Meraj
Qiza
Zeenes
weekend | around town
A Healthy Change! Aatekah Mir, Waqar Ahmad & Fatima Akhtar
Zeeshan Suhail
Mehnaz Aziz
Zeeshan Suhail, Affan Cheema & Syed Zeban
Shahid Hussain
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Quratulain Shahid
Nestle hosted ‘United For Healthier Kids’ launch event at Serena Hotel, Islamabad.
Sidra Iqbal
RJ Sophie & Aatekah Mir
Bruno Olierhouk
weekend | around town
Azadi Celebration! Fizza Ali Meerza, Mahwish Hayat, Fahad Mustufa & Nabeel
Mahwish Hayat
Fahad Mustafa
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Ali Azmat
Reactivate hosted ‘Azadifest16’ featuring live performances at Frere Hall, Karachi. The PR of the event was done by Walnut Communications.
Zoe Vicajji’s live lerformance
Junaid Khan
Zoe Vicajji
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prague
weekend | travel
Czech into
weekend | travel
Shameen Abbasy,
and I have a major travel bug. I can’t sit in one city for longer than a month and I love exploring different cultures and places. Fortunately for me, my Master’s degree had a compulsory semester abroad where they randomly allocated you to a country. So, stay tuned because for me it was... Příští zastávkaPraha, Českárepublika! (English: Next stop!)
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Ahoj, I’m
L
et me be honest, the Czech love their pork a little too much for comfort. Most dishes are a combination of pork on pork with a side of bacon. However, instead you can indulge in the delicious Trdelnik desserts filled with Nutella that most tourists can’t get enough of, or you can have chicken schnitzel or fried cheese. Outside of Prague 1 (the center), not many people know English and that is the reason I also spent the semester learning the language so I could understand what I was eating and doing. Other than a preponderance of pork on the menu, my semester in Prague and the overall experience of living there was easily the best six months of my life. After living in Sydney for a number of years, this city was cheaper to live in, and hence my bank account took a lot less beating than it would otherwise have.You have to be wary of the
weekend | travel
I have travelled the world, and I can really say, Prague is a city that never sleeps.
August 28, 2016 | 38
local cab drivers though, who would happily rip you off, so download Uber before you go! Never have I seen a city so beautiful and vibrant. This majestic city is filled with gothic architecture that truly leaves everyone in awe. I had many visitors from all over the world, and I know every one of them was left amazed by the magical world that is Prague. There is so much to do – from the scenic views, the colorful buildings, the orange rooftops, Christmas markets, and not to mention the well-known and somewhat crazy nightlife. I have travelled the world, and I can really say, Prague is a city that never sleeps.Visiting Prague in the summer and the winter provides two diverse experiences. I have to admit,the Christmas markets added a mystical touch to the cold winter and provided an experience that never got old, regardless of how
much time you spent there. For us, this was a favorite hangout spot during the week after our classes. Prague is a must visit for everyone; I am already missing this city. Praha has a unique experience compared to the rest of Europe and one that words cannot justify unless you are, yourself, standing in the Old Town and looking at your surroundings. Don’t feel intimidated by the not-so-smiley locals, apparently they find it stupid to smile for no reason. And one other good tip: the best photo opportunity in terms of the view is the outdoor Starbucks at the Old Castle – trust me, you’ll thank me later. Na shledanou, čaučau!
weekend | Fashion
Weekend Scouts Arslan Pirzada Artist Lahore
arslanpirzadaa What does the word Art mean to you? For me it is my mood. The visual illustration of my conscious and subconscious.
What is your work influenced by?
My working style is rooted deep in diversity. As a part of Pakistani Commercial Advertising Business, designers and artist don’t usually have room to play around with for such art. But whenever I make anything for myself it is majorly an incorporation of the particularity of my mood and the music I am listening to, which most of the time is Indie Folk.
How would you describe your pieces?
What kind of art do you most identify with and why? Every form of art attracts me. I am not good with miniature painting so I started making miniature designs in pixels. I’m into glitch art currently, I am only working in that direction. It brings all the noise and chaos in your head on the canvas. I do not like plain beauty. I love something odd without being wrong or dull.
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They are not cute. My pieces are not even very beautiful for a layman. They are chaotic, bold and outrageous. They consume my screams.
What was the very first piece you created?
Arts found its way to me in school for which I won several prizes but the one I remember distinctly goes back to my Sophomore Year when I painted the feelings of my then favorite song. It was Shadow of The Day by Linkin Park.
weekend | Fashion
Are there any memorable responses you have received for your work?
I never believed in showcasing my art as I was unsure of how people would react to it but I received accolades from the ones I admire the most and that is what matters, not the number likes or comments I receive.
Name a few artists who inspire you. Jessica Walsh (Visual artist) Anastasia Volkova (Photographer) Joe Webb (visual artist) Dave Hill/ Josh Rossi (Photographer) Adam Lister (Painter) Osgemeos (Mural Painter)
weekend | Fashion
In what way do you think Art in Pakistan should evolve?
It is sad that majority in Pakistan is oblivious to the realms of Arts. Our society does not approve of anything as good art, unless it is exaggerated beauty or glitz and glamour. I divert from the mundane definition of “Art” which is to beautify things, for me it means to express whatever lies within one’s “self”. Words are not just to read but to feel. Colors talk. Paintings speak. All you need to do is let art flow within you. Those who are thick minded need to evolve themselves and accept the trends. This is a Post-Modern era and here we are way behind even with our closest neighbor countries.
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Is there anyone in particular you would like to create a piece for? Who would it be and why? YES! I would love to design a book cover for David Carson or Stefan Sagmeister. I love their working style, they have revolutionized visual art in so many ways.
What is your ultimate vision as an artist?
As an artist, what saddens me here in Pakistan is that we don’t have that kind of exposure or mindset that we must have in order to make art that is not bound. I hope the young artists experiment more and more with whatever talent they have. Be it photography, illustration, typography, painting, ceramic, anything at all. They must get out of their caged minds.
On the horizon Saira Rizwan’s latest Chiffon Collection channels a soft feminine energy with delicate embellishments, classic cuts and modern silhouettes that cater to the diverse aesthetics of the women of today.
Label: Saira Rizwan Collection: Unstitched Chiffon 2016 Models: Sana Ansari, Zara Peerzada Photographer: Muzi Sufi Hair & Makeup: Fatima Nasir Jewellery: Aetee Designs PR & Coordination: Amjad Bhatti
weekend | Health
What’s upDoc? Dr Meshal Fatima
FairTheeWell
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The obsession with fair skin is undeniably deep-rooted in our society. At the hospital, I have noticed many patients wait in line for hours only to come in for a three minute consult regarding “gora honay ka injection” (skin whitening injections). This comes as a surprise (or maybe not so much) since I work at a government hospital and our patient workload mostly consists of people who live hand to mouth, who wouldn’t easily find money for life threatening illnesses, who have day-to-day paychecks and sacrifice a day’s salary to make time for a consult. Often they are waved off with ethical reprimands. But we all are aware of the pull of such treatments. Today I am here to give you the lowdown on the infamous fairness injections.
• They usually contain a cocktail mix of three ingredients: Glutathione, Vitamin C and collagen. • The principal element is GLUTATHIONE (pronounced “gloota-thigh-own”), which has been called “the King of antioxidants”. It is manufactured in the body by the body itself and plays a role in the health and maintenance of the body cells. • In chronic illnesses such as Diabetes and cancer, glutathione levels have been found to be generally low. Research is ongoing about the exact mechanism involved. • Glutathione infusions are being used in chemo patients and patients of mental illnesses such as Parkinson’s. • The interesting side effect noted was a lightening of skin tone. This would make sense since Glutathione is going about the body removing damaged cells and free radicals which speed up the aging process. It also prevents melanin formation and changes melanin to pheomelanine. For the unaware, melanin is the rogue behind your tan. • Glutathione is best used with Vitamin C supplementation with which its action is enhanced considerably. • Taken orally, glutathione is not absorbed efficiently. Therefore pills are not as effective as infusions or injections. • It is difficult to build up high levels of glutathione from diet alone as it is mostly found in
weekend | Health August 28, 2016 | 57
raw forms of milk, eggs, spinach, beef, chicken, potatoes, peppers, carrots, onion, broccoli, garlic, tomatoes among others. The rub is: Processing the foods destroys the natural glutathione. In any case, coming towards a more organic diet is beneficial overall. • There are infusions available for whole body treatment and singular injections called Mesotherapy, in which targeted areas of the face can be treated with no effect on the rest of the body. • The injections are sold by distributors within the range of Rs 5000 to Rs 8000. Cheaper varieties also available. Going to the right practitioner and monitoring dosage is important as fraudulent dealers are rampant. • According to an AFP report published in 2011, the Food and Drug Association in the Philippines warned that repeated injections of the drug could lead to kidney failure, blood poisoning and a potentially fatal condition called toxic epidermal necrolysis.
weekend | interview August 28, 2016 | 58
Team Weekend sat down for a candid chat with Yassir and Sahar Noon in their lovely Lahore home. If a couple’s home is indicative of their personalities, the Noons are warm, welcoming and original. Each item in their space has clearly been lovingly chosen, with great thought awarded to restoring original heritage pieces with genuine family history.
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The couple makes sure to exercise together – the perfect gym buddies!
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Although the story of how the couple fell for each other is an incredibly sweet one (Yasir attended Sahar’s graduation art exhibition and fell equal parts in love with her beautiful work and those Disney princess doe eyes), it is how they have sustained that romantic connection ten years and two kids later that is the real fairytale! Yasir speaks incredibly fondly of his wife’s immense talent in every endeavor she takes on, be it her stunning art work, motherhood, her new clothing line or interior design. The immense mutual pride they take in each other’s success is clearly evident. Speaking to the couple it becomes clear that the foundation of a solid relationship is as much based on great friendship as it is on butterflies in the stomach romance. The Noons are incredibly encouraging of each other’s ventures, egging the other on to reach new heights across avenues. Taking time out in their busy daily schedules, the couple makes sure to exercise together – the perfect gym buddies! A sense of healthy, tongue-in-cheek competition pushes both to stretch beyond their comfort zones, as they pursue their passion for fitness.
#fa shion fail
weekend | lifestyle
#outfitof theday
ta s i n io ash f # #fashion fail
#str
Can’t win
Most of us know what it feels like to look back on some of our #Throwback fashion moments with fondness and others with sheer horror (*what was I thinking?!) In fact, some old outfits have us trying to hide the evidence or at the very least our embarrassed faces.
#blogger
#ootd Pastel color, net dupatta, organzas, tassels, chooris and tan skin..just a few reasons why I felt beautiful#fas hionfa wearing it.
105,90,897 likes
le #streetsty
yl #st
August 28, 2016 | 56
le #streetsty
theday f o t i f t u o #
Just on trend with the off shoulder top a pair of dungarees I added a pop of colour. It’s just the right amount of fun and class.
theday #outfitof
#fa shion ista
986,12,666 likes
#whatiwore
#fa shion fail
#s tree tsty le
‘em all
#lookbook
The fact that even fashionistas are not immune to #FashionFails brings the rest of us mere mortals some solace! This week, we ask Zainab Abbas (the lovely blogger behind @iamzainababbas) to share some of her looks from both sides of the spectrum.
le #streetsty 256,96,651 likes
ail
#blogger
I can’t wrap my head around the fact that I actually wore a coat as a cape. I know people still do this and I’m not throwing shade at anyone but myself! I now live by a simple rule: If it’s got sleeve openings, put your arms in it.
po leins
weekend | lifestyle
reetstyle
#fashion fail
#ootd
le #streetsty
y edatees h t f o t i f t White open up a whole world of u #o possibilities - here I paired them with printed harem pants. The little arm candy and sunnies complemented the colors of the pants.
#lookbook
August 28, 2016 | 57
#ootd
0 likes
#ootd
ay d e h oft t i f t #ou
theday #outfitof
weekend | FASHION
W’s ROVING
Adnan Malik
Adnan switches up the somber suit look in a summer-savvy cool blue ensemble.
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Mishal Asad
The recent onslaught of colour upon colour and print upon print has left us aching to see more monochromatic styles. Mishal delivers on this front in her nautical inspired outfit, letting the flowy neckline do all the talking.
Anush Ammar
Anush looks no less than a million bucks on her Mehndi. Reminiscent of a Rajasthani princess with her stunning jewellery look and Bunto ensemble, she sticks by her aesthetic of “Go big or go home!”
weekend | FASHION
G eye
W
ell, what’s the use of a pair of good eyes that never rove? Weekend’s been going through our fashion files for the week and these are the people who caught our fancy for either their style, their courage or their star power. Well played!
Maryam Mahmood
Yousaf is a familiar face on the best dressed list for a reason. No matter how divisive any of his looks he carries them with easy confidence. We love the tonal colour palette of this ensemble (and that chiseled face ain’t too bad either.)
Natasha Monnoo
Natasha’s willowy height and lean frame are perfect for these boot-cut fringed bottoms. Her unfussy hair and fresh faced makeup look keeps the overall effect girly and uncontrived. August 28, 2016 | 65
Yousaf Shahbaz
Our favourite fashion editor has us utterly starstruck in this exclusive outfit by Rano’s Heirlooms from their ethereal upcoming bridal collection, “Asmaan Talay Sitaaray”! The simple accessories (especially those motia ghajre) hark back to an old world charm that brings back nostalgia of purana Lahore.
weekend | FASHION
W’s ROVIN
Ayesha Noon
Shirin Hassan
August 28, 2016 | 66
Sometimes less is truly more and this chic white sari is testament to that. Shirin looks –feminine and sophisticated.
Rimmel Mohydin At an event filled to the hilt with glittering joras, we love Rimmel’s understated yet glimmering sari – an elegant look personalized with gorgeous bling.
We love how effortless and creative Ayesha is with turning casual into chic. A basic white shirt half tucked-in is a definite style trick to steal from this look.
weekend | FASHION
NG eye
Shazay Salahuddin The slick of red lipstick, minimal pearl accessories, feather reminiscent sandals and white kaftan score big in the style stakes. Momina’s look is simultaneously pulled together and effortless.
Rabia Butt
Who says women can’t rock menswear? Rabia elevates this easy closet staple with a classic red pout and smoldering eyes. August 28, 2016 | 67
Momina Sibtain
The style hits regular Shazay pairs her printed kurta with laid back accessories to showcase her simple aesthetic. We especially dig the stained lips and dewy skin (check out that mega watt glow.)
weekend | FOOD
Weekend Eats Asian Aroma Japanese & Thai Restaurant (Park Lane Hotel M.M. Alam Rd)
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The Experience
was on point. With a variety of different Japanese dishes, My palate hasn’t experienced anything further the Poocha which is a croquette made of crab, than the usual stuffed chicken and fettuccine chicken and prawn cakes, stood out for me the Alfredo, so for me to visit a Japanese restaurant most. The combination of its soft and brittle was quite the novel experience. However, it’s safe to say I have no regrets. From the moment I texture worked surprisingly well. Finally the walked in, the staff was welcoming and attentive. lively yet comforting ambience of the restaurant The orders came on time and food presentation made the experience that much more enjoyable.
Chef’s Recommendation
weekend | FOOD
The Sushi Platter (Moriawase Nigiri)
The Odd Order
Poocha
(Japanese croquettes with plum sauce)
Famous For
Teppanyaki Counter live cooking consists of chicken, fish & vegetable teppanyaki
Drink Specialty
Cinderella Cocktail
Prawn Tempura
Best For
Formal meetings
JUNE 24, 2016 | 57
Our Favourite
weekend | conversation
In Conversation with Sana Sajun and Neha
AUGUST 28, 2016 | 74
A doer and a dreamer came together to make hand poured scented candles. Scents ignite a whole lot of other senses and take you back to a memory or place. Thus their tag line, from their city, for their city. Farah Vayani - What made you venture into this? How did F - What inspired the name? the idea come about? S - Just our love for Karachi. It makes us who we are and it’s Sana Sajun - The both of us had always been creative and crafty where we are born. It’s our identity. growing up. We also made gifts for each other too. That’s just the N - we feel connected to this place. The name has been lucky for background of us being crafty nerds though. us. Neha’s super into incense and Scents and that F - Was this a quick learning process through the trial stemmed the whole ‘we don’t get good quality What we ate/ and test or was it hurley research based? candles here, let’s just make our own.’ S - I bought Neha a book on the process and she found drank: We ordered this kit and played around with it. this candle making course which I then attended - this Neha Mashooqullah - This super kit, yeah! We one day course. We tried to use the local products as tea would make ten candles out of it and we even did a much as possible and venture into markets here but in photo shoot of them! (laughs) order to maintain the quality, we had to venture out. Where we S - and that’s when Neha was like, hey, we can N - Sana would find all this stuff and email it to me too maybe make a business out of this. during the initial stages of research. met: N - and we were both working full time! S - which she wouldn’t read! the S - I was going for my masters but this idea was (Everyone laughs!) still in our minds - this was also Neha’s stress The Internet is an amazing place! Usually when you Mashooqullah Nrelief through trial and testing. It irked us that we look around you there are already infrastructures built couldn’t find good quality local scented candles, so around workforces but ours had none here. We really residence we thought, why not? took to learning and researching primarily through the N - The company was founded on the idea that Internet. it should be a locally grown organisation and using natural S- it took us two years to develop it but we kept at it. It isn’t as resources. We even decided on the company name pretty early easy as a + b + c = candle. on. N - yeah I can count enough incidents where we would look at
weekend | conversation
We don’t want to sell tea at 400 rupees per cup
these components basically. N- we officially launched on December 19th 2015 but we got our first order even before this. It was an order of 1000 candles for a wedding happening in Budapest. This was our big break and we owe a lot to that order. F- does the ratio vary from scent to scent or is it a standard procedure? And was understanding notes of the scent part an parcel of this or was it a whole different entity? S - the scents vary but the Base remains the same which is what makes it difficult to launch a new scent all the time. We have two sizes. The smaller ones are for smaller spaces of course. N - not to mention the type of wicks that we use. They’re basically designed for Pakistani homes. You know all the saalans and food and then people who smoke etc. Coming to notes, it was definitely a different entity and we ordered a boat load of Scents and experimented what worked best and how it all mixed differently. There’s a lavender and lime lying somewhere. F- does it smell nice? S - you would think! (Everyone laughs) Oils and perfumes both were tried and tested and that’s when we learned the difference especially with their mixtures. F- I’ve are ways been curious about this - there are apparently candles made for smokey rooms. Do your candles also cater to that market? N - that’s a gimmick! S- it’s just marketing honestly. Any flame will work to absorb the smoke. It’s just a regular candle. F- self made candle makers! N - yes! Which is very strange because this not our field at all. S- and we had full time jobs while doing this. F - And now you’re both doing this full time? N- I am yes. I used to work for Sharmeen Obaid for 3 years but we realised one of us had to be on this full time and I felt it was my time. S- I still work full.time and then come home to this. I’m currently a public health professional at Indus Hospital where I work with doctors and design disease control
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each other in heartbreak mode with our hearts sinking but still be like ‘we can’t give up.’ F - blood sweat and tears then? S - literal blood, burns, sweat and tears yes. I think what helped with being friends for so long is that we know each others temperaments and worked with that too. F - from what I’m gauging it’s totally science. S - oh yes! We learned really early on that everything is proportioned. There are temperatures to keep in mind, the kinds of mixing, weighing scales, different types of wicks and thermometers. And then of course the chemistry of it all. F- being childhood friends, was going into business something you really though of especially with mixing the two? N - we initially stressed about it a lot and spoke about how to handles situations. S - yes we sat down and had a chat that no matter what, we cannot at any point let this affect us because we have too much history as best friends and we are also distantly related. F- friends like family literally! S- yeah we’ve car pooled in school when we were in KGS (Karachi Grammar School) together, visited each other while in college & I remember I usually even had my Friday lunch at Neha’s. N- we are each others family now. And literally a part of each others families. So we balance things out should we reach that point of disagreement. F - Did you pre decide the Scents prior to launching or did you make, choose then launch? N- so, each of our candles has stuff from 5 to 6 different countries and by the time everything came together, it was January 2015. It took us a whole year to develop the range and working with different components from different places as well as indigenous wax, we had to make, choose what worked and that we liked..and then launched. We also use soy wax. S - I think we’re the only people that we know of who use soy wax. We had to make our own recipe with all
weekend | conversation programmes. We are currently working on the diabetes control programme and mental illness etc. F- How did you become such a big household name so fast? N- till today we have yet to spend a dime on marketing. It was word of mouth mostly. We are constantly so thankful for how kind people have been to us. S- I think with the two degree of separation between people these days and stocking at ensemble also helped with publicity. The Sana Safinaz order for their FavourIT girl launch also helped a lot. F- what’s your favourite scent personally? N - coconut and vanilla S- Motia. We’re very proud of this one as we launched the entire thing locally. F- Do you make single scent orders which isn’t already a scent you’ve made? and do you stock abroad or have you thought of stocking abroad? N - no not yet. There’s just so much that goes into the process of creating the scent. S- yes it took us years to perfect our current 12 Scents as well. There’s a lot of science behind it. N - As for stocking abroad there’s a lot of opportunity as different communities of people have really resonated well with us. S - yes we have thought about it. Slow and steady and let’s hope for the best. F- your price points are also quite great compared to the amount of work that goes into this. N - we do have clients that think it’s too much and the rest who thing it’s super amazing. We felt it had to be affordable and easily attainable and lasts a long while. I physically hand make and pour the candles so it had to have a homely touch. S - it’s a luxury candle but at the same time it needed to be the kind you can pick up monthly for your home. That’s the concept we wanted to introduce. F- are your candles inspired by anything in particular? Any place, person? N - this might sound a bit selfish but our candles are genuinely inspired by each other. S - yes as a whole, nothing external sparked it. That’s why have the ‘doer and dreamer’ line. AUGUST 28, 2016 | 76
Sana Sajun
RapidFire
Favourite perfume Kate Spade Favourite Restaurant Ottolenghi in London. It was mind blasting Most prized possession this pendant I wear which was passed down by my mom. Clothes or Jewellery? jewellery - the dainty kind. Favourite travel destination: Thailand, London and Nathiagali Biggest pet peeve: we’re perfectionists so sometimes we are our own pet peeves. also people who are aggressive.
N- Motia was inspired by Karachi itself but we also have so many ideas. S - so so many! We want to capture our love for Karachi in them. N - even our tag line says it - from their city, for their city. Even if the ingredients are imported, they’re MADE here at home for the people. Our families have also been very supportive throughout. S - they’ve encouraged us every step of the way. F- artists usually listen to music while working. Do you have any quirks too? N - I listen to podcasts. I’ve really gotten into that. Addicted! Music gets really old really fast when you’re spending 8 hours a day on something. Podcasts help me keep in touch with writers I admire. S - this is true. When I walk into working on the candles, neha will be elbow deep into candles making and the podcast blaring in the background. And you’ll see her chuckle at something said as we work. I can’t multitask so my concentration is usually on my task. F- are there any upcoming projects we should be on the lookout for? N- there are a couple of things in the wraps which will be public in the next few months. There have been so many kind, sincere interest from people so we want to keep at it. We’re also working on our winter collection. We decided that once a year we’regoing to come up with something new! Containers, boxes, you name it. Our boxes, for what it’s worth are also local. Our designer is our friend, Abeera Kamran who is phenomenal! This is a shoutout to her. S- She’s a friend of ours who has been a part of the process through the making of things. The branding is all her. N - from the logo to the box. S- what’s magical and what people don’t notice, is each scent is matched to a color palette on the box. Abeera was very inspired by hands on process with hand made stuff and getting into the thick of things, so she, sitting in England, because that’s where she lives, marbled these prints and photographed them and then placed the design on to the boxes. The same way we taught ourselves how to make candles, Abeera taught herself how to marble. We’re all really proud behind the pure mehnat in this company.
Neha Mashooqullah
Favourite perfume Stella McCartney Favourite Restaurant Ottolenghi in London. It was mind blasting Most prized possession my Vivienne Westwood bag Clothes or Jewellery? make up! It’s not on the list but I love make up. And I love rings. Favourite travel destination: Thailand. I’ve been to fancier places but Thailand was an amazing experience. Biggest pet peeve: we’re perfectionists so sometimes we are our own pet peeves. and sexism. It puts me off.
weekend | lifestyle
TREND e week Hot trend of th
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gs a b k c o l b r u o l o c Solid
e week Hot trend of th
weekend | lifestyle
SPOTTING re!
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e h w y r e v e s l l e b , s l Bells, bel
weekend | books
The Reading Room 5 YA Books That Are On Our Reading Radar
We know we’re at the opposite end of the age spectrum of the Young Adult demographic but lately in bookstores, we find ourselves wandering over to the YA section and selecting all the books that are aimed at 12-18 year olds. But hey, who said reading is about following rules, right? Everyone can enjoy YA. Here is a list of the YA books that should be at the top of your must-read pile:
Only Ever Yours
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by Louise O’ Neill
If you’re fans of the dystopian world depicted in Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, then you would enjoy the debut novel from Irish YA writer Louise O’ Neill. The novel follows two girls, Frieda and Isabel at a place called The School where they are bred for ‘the Ceremony’—the moment when the ‘best’ (beautiful and well-behaved) women will be chosen as brides by powerful young men. The unfortunate ones who are not selected are fated to become concubines. The world that O’ Neill paints is unusual, disturbing and intriguing. The themes featured in the novel are startlingly relevant to the modern world’s obsession with how women look and behave. If you’re into dystopian nightmares as previously portrayed in The Stepford Wives, 1984 and the aforementioned The Handmaid’s Tale, then Only Ever Yours is right up your street.
by Courtney Summers
Courtney Summers’ All The Rage is not one for the fainthearted. The story is painfully terrifying about 17-year old Romy who leads the story— a misfit and loner who just has to get through the last year of school and she’ll be free. After a party that goes awry, Romy is found half undressed, lipstick smeared and with the words ‘RAPE ME’ written on her stomach. While Romy is dealing with her own tragedy, the popular girl at Romy’s school goes missing. Everyone’s hate and anger is directed at Romy when Penny Young goes missing and the devastating aftermath of Romy’s accusations leaves her as an outcast that no one believes is telling the truth. All The Rage takes a look at the traumatising rape culture, a difficult subject to tackle in any genre let alone in a Young Adult one and the writer manages to successfully drive home the issues women across the world face when dealing with rape. All The Rage is a must-read for all women—young and old, alike.
weekend | books
All The Rage
Six of Crows Bardugo’s series starter has featured on previous Weekend book lists and it’s no surprise we still recommend it as one of the best YA novels. Six of Crows takes place in the world of Bardugo’s previous Grisha trilogy but you don’t need to have read the Grisha series to be swept up in this story of a band of crafty thieves readying themselves to pull off a big heist. Bardugo evidently has a vivid imagination with which she has enthralled her readers and seduced them into the world of criminal prodigy, Kaz Brekker. If you fancy fantasy and adventure with a side of romance, then pick up Six of Crows.
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by Leigh Bardugo
fashion weekend | books
Smoke
by Dan Vyleta In Dan Vyleta’s fourth novel, Smoke, a number of characters literally emit smoke. Inspired by Dickensian work, Vyleta portrays a grim world in which committing sin and vice result in the body emitting clouds of smoke according to a person’s guilt. Set at a fictional boarding school near Oxford, England in the 1800s, the story follows two friends, Charlie and Thomas and as they arrive in London and see the city covered in smoke. While identifying as a fantasy book, Vyleta plays with themes of social class and identity. A prime example is how the rich have learned to control their Smoke by not sinning, thereby having a higher standing in society and the poor have not. Vyleta’s central theme of moral profiling in a dystopian, Victorian past is more relevant than ever in the current political climate. We promise you’ll be hooked from the very beginning.
The Loney
by Andrew Michael Hurley
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While this isn’t strictly YA, it is on this list because we think
young readers would enjoy it. The debut novel from British writer Andrew Michael Hurley, the Loney is a terrifying, Gothic novel set on a bleak stretch along the British coastline. A man named Smith narrates the story and whose family’s Christianity plays a vital role in his story. The novel begins with the news of the remains of a dead baby found in The Loney and from flashbacks it’s clear that Smith and his brother Hanny have an obvious connection to the tragedy. Hurley ensures his novel has all the elements expected of a Gothic novel; a hidden cell in which a child has been held, a decrepit house, a girl’s face seen at a window. The Loney is not strictly horror of the Stephen King variety but there is a subtle suggestion of the supernatural at play which combined with fervent and extreme Catholicism makes for a deliciously spooky read.
weekend | fitness August 28, 2016 | 86
Team Weekend delves into the personal routine, motivational tactics and quick fitness hacks of trainer Haseeb Mirza.
“Consistency is key� Haseebmirza25 Evolution.fitness.official
weekend | fitness
Exercise Routine
Heavy weight lifting, Kick boxing twice a week and cardio intensive
Eating Routine
The key is to eat healthy. I have 6 meals a day, a total of 6000 calories of intake
Motivation My mother
Fat burning food Black tea
The Week before the big day Zero carbs and a lot of cardio
Diet Discipline
Easiest life changing tip Stretch every morning
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I quit everything white and switched to brown
LOVES Now live at stores across Lahore
weekend | PROMOTION AUGUST 28, 2016 | 92
Huawei Chooses Heartthrobs Celebs Adeel Chaudhry & Mawra Hocane Huawei has recently signed Adeel Chaudhry and Mawra Hocane as the new Huawei brand ambassadors. Both the celebrities will appear in the upcoming TVC, promoting high-tech smart phones Huawei Y5 II and Huawei Y3 II. Adeel Chaudhry is a well known celebrity who has a multi-talented personality. He has been working as model, singer, songs-writer and actor as well. During his prominent projects he sang a song for Kismat Konnection, he has also appeared in the Bollywood movie Bhaangra, recently. He is one of the most loved and followed celebrities in the youth. On the other hand, the gorgeous actress, model and VJ –Mawra Hocane is no doubt a leading celebrity from Pakistan. She has recently appeared in a romantic Bollywood film “Sanam Teri Kasam” as well. Both the celebrities have a large fan following and especially youth in Pakistan has been greatly inspired by them. Huawei has a legacy of being joined by the stunning stars and celebrities in the past as well. For instance, the Huawei brand lovers have already witnessed Atif Aslam, Humaima Malik, gorgeous Mahira Khan and Sheharyar Munnawar endorsing the high class smart phones from the leading tech-innovator; Huawei. Moreover, the young and charming couple of Syra Yousaf and Shehroz Sabzwari also loved as Huawei brand ambassadors. Huawei Y5 II and Huawei Y3 II have attracted the customers who love high speed internet on their Huawei smart phones. Huawei Y5 II has already marked great sales because of its ultimate superior features. Y5 II has a 5.5” large screen display, perfectly designed with an HD display that enables a unique experience of videos and snap chat with such a large display screen. Moreover, the smart phone is supported with a larger internal storage of 1GB RAM and 8GB for the customers who love to have heavy playlists and albums of their favorite songs. Huawei Y3 II has also been endorsed by the celebrities presenting it as a perfect choice for all. Huawei has designed Huawei Y3 II with 4.5” display and again a
marvelous combination of 1GB RAM and 8GB internal storage options. Both the smart phones are highly elegant, light in weight and the exposure of modern technology.
The upcoming TVC of Huawei Y5 II and Huawei Y3 II endorsement by the superb celebrity combination will create great hype in the Pakistani market and strong sales records will meet the expectations of technology analysts. Huawei has been creating waves of surprises for the customers, technology competitors and overall for the market with the latest innovations and finest quality of products. Moreover, the brand ambassadors of Huawei have also remained a special focus. Huawei has a norm of delivering the best results and meet the customers demand and expectations better than any other technology brand.
weekend | lifestyle
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