Daily Times

LAHORE: Diplomats’ ramp walked along with their family members at the 4th Annual Cultural Fashion Show under the title of Colours of Fusion, on Saturday, along with performances by drummers and a Saraiki Folk Dance that fascinated the audience at Alhamra.

The show was organised by Paper Miracles in collaboration with the Alhamra Art Council where ambassadors and members of the diplomatic community showed their support for Paper Miracles by donning the attire of ‘celebrity models’. Paper beads accessories and fusion wardrobes including Pakistani outfits, Japanese kimonos and their national dresses were featured.

Colours overflowed that represented a true fusion of cultures, talents and colours in the fashion show. The show started with the first performance titled “Kendo” by Japanese Ambassador Takashi Kurai. On the occasion, a short documentary titled “Colours of Hope” by Elli Takagaki, on the journey of Paper Miracles and its beneficiaries along with presentation of an upcoming coffee table book Colours of Pakistan – Through the Eyes of the Diplomats were presented in to the spectators.

As Paper Miracles Co-Founder Imran Shaukat put it, “This book comprising of amazing photographs of Pakistan’s culture, people and landscape taken by over 40 diplomats is a novel show of their appreciation of Pakistan.”

The event was compressed on three rounds including the first one that was on ‘Fusion of Traditions’, Round 2: ‘Contemporary Fusion’ and the third one was on ‘Fusion of Multi Cultures’. In the first round, celebrity models adorned in traditional kimonos and attire showcased the diversity and rich culture. In the second round, a segment featured contemporary Japanese Yukata using Pakistani traditional prints and the third round was followed by contemporary designs with fusion of traditional emblems of multi-cultures.

Over 45 performers comprised of 35 expatriates and diplomats, including ambassadors from Austria, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Denmark, Germany, Japan, Switzerland and Poland participated.

Performers also included diplomats and dignitaries from Belgium, Italy, Thailand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, US and representatives from United Nation High Commission for Refugees, United Nations Information Centre, World Food Programme, Asian Study Group, JICA and First Secretary Embassy of Japan also.

Elli Takagaki said, “The participation of the diplomats and the dignitaries made Colours of Fusion truly special.” She said that Paper Miracles was a social enterprise which was helping to uplift the women of Pakistan. It teaches them how to generate income by transforming waste paper into paper beads, which are used to make beautiful hand made products.