Pakistan's fashion line

The man who once graced Dubai's spotlight as the lead singer of Pakistani pop band Vital Signs is back in the spotlight — but this time as a fashion designer, and following a turn towards a deeper interest in religion.
Jamshed is famous for being the voice behind Pakistani pop classics such as Dil, dil Pakistan [Heart, heart Pakistan]. Eight years ago, a career U-turn had him quit singing to concentrate on Islam. Since then, he has been working from behind the scenes on his budding fashion career.

"I don't have any intention to go back into the entertainment business. It doesn't inspire me as much any more, my views have changed. I'm meeting different people. My likes and dislikes have also changed," Jamshed told tabloid! at the launch of his boutique J in Meena Bazaar.

Jamshed's itch to design clothes evolved from a desire to represent his country. Towards the latter end of his pop career he had ditched his usual jeans and T-shirt in favour of the more traditional shalwar kameez.

The brand, which was developed and launched in 2002, reflects his desire to promote Pakistan's fashion line.

"The most important job a designer has is to educate the customer. You have to make people realise this is something they have to wear and at least 25 per cent of your product should be like this," Jamshed explains. His line includes a selection of ready-to-wear hand-woven clothing with lines catering to women, men and children, as well as unstitched fabrics.

The handmade material is woven using the traditional art of khadi which uses a wooden handloom for its intricate designs. Other apparel features block printing, the earliest method of textile printing where a wooden block stamps on prints in a painstakingly slow and careful manner.

Jamshed cites Sharon Stone as someone he's always wanted to dress.

"One thing that I would want is for her to wear our glasses. But then if she's going to wear my glasses they can't just be ordinary glasses — they have to have a certain design that says Junaid Jamshed," he explains

At 46, Jamshed is still going full steam ahead.

‘J' can be seen gracing the fashion streets of both Pakistan and England. He is also looking at having five outlets in the UAE by 2011. While fashion designing is his career, singing still remains his passion. Away from the catchy songs of his past, Jamshed now lends his voice and talent to devotional songs.

"I was born to sing, the Almighty gave me a voice that I can relate to millions. Every time I finish an album I just want to do more," he says.

http://gulfnews.com/life-style/beauty-fashion/jamshed-s-designs-seek-to-promote-pakistan-s-fashion-line-1.669455

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