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Shariq Textile Midsummer Dresses 2016

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Ali Xeeshan and Saira Shakira under fire for glamourising male gaze and abuse

The designers say this wasn't their intention. But then why does Pakistani fashion keep tripping up?

A few hours after they were published, images from designer Saira Shakira's photoshoot for retail brand Crimson created a stir on social media as they were called out for promoting and glamourising rape culture.

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The image from Saira Shakira's campaign with Crimson

A photograph from an Ali Xeeshan shoot featuring models Amna Babar and Hasnain Lehri was quickly thrust into the fray and deemed similarly problematic.

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The offending image from Ali Xeeshan


In the first set of images, model and actress Sanam Saeed is seen idling on a street corner while a group of well-dressed men eye her appraisingly from afar. In the second, Hasnain Lehri appears to be clutching Amna Babar's wrist in a posture of dominance.

Reactions across social media were swift. "This is extremely problematic and frankly quite sickening," said feminist collective Girls at Dhabas of the Saira Shakira x Crimson photo shoot. "Designers like Saira Shakira romanticizing rape culture for profit... We have received messages from people who are very disturbed by this and we want to ensure accountability so that this is a clear message for all outlets."

Of Ali Xeeshan's photo, one commentator said on Twitter: "Hey Ali Xeeshan, not sure what's going on here. Is the guy forcing himself on the girl? Is that supposed to be erotic?" Others quickly joined the fray, saying: "Love both their [designer's] clothes, don't know why they have to stoop so low for marketing."

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Commentators lashed out against Ali Xeeshan's photoshoot


This is not the first time Pakistani designers have been called out for producing problematic ad campaigns. In 2013 designer Aamna Aqeel wascriticised for a photoshoot titled "Be My Slave" that appeared to glamourise child labour. In 2015, when Ali Xeeshan featured a heavily tanned Amna Babar in photo shoot that purportedly meant to embrace dusky beauty, he was criticised for using a fair skinned model and then modifying her skin tone in lieu of featuring a darker-skinned model.

So what's going on?

Anum Akram of Crimson claims the furor is just an "internet scandal created out of nothing." In the photoshoot, she continues, Sanam Saeed is simply emulating a celebrity and so, wherever she goes, people stare at her.

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The designer behind Saira Shakira issued this clarification (R) and then uploaded a new image from the same shoot (L)


Saira of Saira Shakira feels the images are being viewed out of context, and therefore cannot be conclusively judged. "There are more images where Sanam is being admired by ballerinas, and traveling. When these images release this Sunday, people will see that we did not intend to demean women in any way," she says. After posting this clarification on Facebook Saira Shakira x Crimson released another photograph from the same campaign that featured Sanam Saeed surrounded by young girls admiring her.

Can Ali Xeeshan claim context as a saving grace?

The designer has since removed the image in question from his Instagram account, saying: "This shoot was my way of showing a mirror to the society and depict [sic] that many men behave like this with women. I did not mean to glamorise female abuse. However, I have now removed the image from my Instagram. Perhaps in our society we prefer to turn away and are not yet ready to admit what's wrong. All we want to see is beautiful imagery."

Photographer Abdullah Haris, who shot Ali Xeeshan's campaign, adds: "I always wanted to be a filmmaker and I just wanted to create a scene with drama. If you look at my portfolio, my work predominantly shows confident women. I would never intentionally create a scene that depicts suppression of women."

Intentional or not, one can't deny that the images above have disturbed many.

It does appear that when it comes to Pakistani fashion shoots, there's often a gap between a designer's intended vision and the final product, and people are getting frustrated that they have to point out the disconnect.

Are you disturbed by the images above?
 
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Why is this pic so controversial?
@Mr.Meap @Moonlight @Mugwop
I dont get it they make pics where they almost display murder
bro fear in her eyes looks too genuine for our public to consume.but i think we should show such things to our public so they can see the dark reality and true face of this side of our culture.
 
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Fashion forward: Cool ways to wear culottes


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These retro stylish pants are finally back in fashion and that too, just in time for the summer. Trust us when we say hang up your figure-hugging skinnies and invest in a pair of culottes. As compiled from Cosmopolitan India, we’re bringing you three quick and easy ways to style this oh-so-flattering, wide-legged answer to our prayers.

But first things first

let’s get you acquainted with your body. If you’re pear or apple shaped, tailored culottes comprising a strong, structured fabric will hold your shape. The trousers will make the statement and fall over your tummy and hips. On the other hand, loose-flowing, palazzo-style culottes would be the best option for those of you who are tall and slender, seeing how elegant they look on this particular body type.

Once you have figured out your body type, you can go ahead and purchase a pair of these beauties. We can assure you that pretty soon, you’re going to be wondering why you didn’t buy into the trend earlier. Read on to find out some cool looks you can go for, thanks to how versatile culottes can be.

Cool for the summer

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If you enjoy coordinating your outfits, this idea is for you. It’s easy to wear and looks well thought out and ‘put together’. This summer culottes look would work just as well for an outdoor picnic as it would for a slightly formal, evening tea party. And the best part is that culottes are generally in a stretchable fabric with a creased detail, meaning they can be rolled up with no worry of having to iron them. They have an elasticated waist (again so comfortable) and look great with heeled espadrilles. A variety of colours are available in this style of culottes in both high and low street brands, from metallics to plain black. You can even pair them with a fitted T-shirt and strappy light tan sandals for a laid-back, stylish evening look.

Smart, sleek and sophisticated

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Tailored culottes are a practical solution for a sophisticated summer look. They keep you cool but also look smart, especially when worn with heels and a silk blouse.

For added interest wear them with a pair of patterned heels. Tan, dark red and mustard all look great with navy. Try out a few different styles to add a twist to your look. Dress down at the weekend with Breton top and tan sandals. These culottes will be a hardworking item in your wardrobe!

Laid-back and lovely

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Denim culottes are fabulous because you can practically live in them! They are great for chasing kids around parks or day trips out and can be dressed up for dinner or down for a day of shopping. They also provide the style solution to wearing jeans in the hot summer months without over-heating yourself. Fitted shirts, Breton tops and denim blouse all look great paired with denim culottes and as they are neutral in colour, you can sport them with literally anything. Invest in a pair for a super easy, breezy and fun style.
 
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Pakistani Celebrities Amna Baber,Mahira Khan,Alyzeh Gabol at the Red Carpet at the 2016 Lux Style Awards held in Karachi.

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