Exhibition of jewellery today : Lahore

[LahoreEstate]

Wednesday, May 27, 2009
LIKE most star spouses, Kausar Humayun Akhtar might just have to be content with walking in the shadow of her very handsome and popular politician hubby, if it were not for her own well-earned place in the fashion industry as a creative jewellery designer. Having exhibited variously in Lahore and, more recently, in Washington, under the label Pershe, Kausar is currently on show at the studio of HSY. It is a collaboration that began in 2007 and has seen the couturier-jewellery designer duo through a host of fashion shows and shoots.

Made with 22-carat gold, Kausar’s jewellery pieces for formal occasions are set with precious stones and diamonds. She also displays a penchant for semi precious stones set along with diamonds - a line she says will usher in “a trend of informality” - that can be worn with casual outfits.

Talking exclusively to The News, on the eve of her collectionís launch, Kausar said, “My designs are wearable and also have a decorative value. To me, jewellery is a fine art that produces such rare work which is both timeless and of-the-moment.”

She started with separate pieces like earrings, bracelets and necklaces. Later, she included bridal jewellery as well.

The best part is, Kausar didn’t take up jewellery designing ‘just like that’, as a lot of other - so called ‘self taught’ - people might be doing. She trained formally at Gemmological Institute of America, before launching herself in the business. Besides, she says she keeps herself abreast with the latest developments in the field through newsletters from GIA and is a frequenter to hands-on activity workshops in London and New York.

Over the past 7 years or so, she has developed “a loyal clientele”, comprising mostly “young socialites of Lahore”. A whole lot of orders are received for bridal pieces, too.

The highlights of the two-day exhibition, starting May 27, Wednesday (today), are Rose and Jasmine diamond set, the diamond bouquet set, and the long, drippy, swingy earrings.

“Another novelty in the collection is the pearl scarf necklace with its flower broach,” she says.—

http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=179761