Karachi Kaleidoscope
The cool morning breeze idly plays with discarded packets and other bits of trash that litter the road outside Karachi's Empress Market. It is still early and the shops are just opening at this iconic landmark. Named in honour of Queen Victoria, the impressive gothic structure, legacy of the city's colonial past, is one of the many architectural gems that dot Karachi's Saddar area. This is a bustling, over crowded locality, teeming with people and cars, but as yet, the area is still just stirring to life.
An old Afghani man removes the cloth covering his pushcart. His wares include an assortment of metallic tobacco boxes, tasselled drawstrings and prayer caps. But what draws the eye is a bundle of colourful silk scarves. In vibrant jewel tones, they would serve as striking accents to any outfit.
Karachi is a true melting pot, home to migrants from all parts of Pakistan. Soon a ghagra clad woman is seen sorting through some wooden crates randomly dumped in a corner. Her distinctive attire of brightly patterned short shirt worn over the voluminous ghagra, with the signature white ceramic bangles covering her arms, is indigenous to Pakistan's desert regions of Thar and Cholistan.
For the aesthetically inclined, a designer for instance, inspiration lurks at every turn. The vibrant hues of the desert, the intricate embroideries of the plains and the eclectic influences of the north are all reflected in the Champa line. Our fashion statement reflects the many faces of Pakistan, from the modern to the traditional, from classic to fusion wear.
The Champa blog will keep you informed of new trends and exciting influences from Pakistan while also shedding light on issues of social interest which is key to our philosophy of socially responsible fashion.
Welcome to Champa!
The cool morning breeze idly plays with discarded packets and other bits of trash that litter the road outside Karachi's Empress Market. It is still early and the shops are just opening at this iconic landmark. Named in honour of Queen Victoria, the impressive gothic structure, legacy of the city's colonial past, is one of the many architectural gems that dot Karachi's Saddar area. This is a bustling, over crowded locality, teeming with people and cars, but as yet, the area is still just stirring to life.An old Afghani man removes the cloth covering his pushcart. His wares include an assortment of metallic tobacco boxes, tasselled drawstrings and prayer caps. But what draws the eye is a bundle of colourful silk scarves. In vibrant jewel tones, they would serve as striking accents to any outfit.
Karachi is a true melting pot, home to migrants from all parts of Pakistan. Soon a ghagra clad woman is seen sorting through some wooden crates randomly dumped in a corner. Her distinctive attire of brightly patterned short shirt worn over the voluminous ghagra, with the signature white ceramic bangles covering her arms, is indigenous to Pakistan's desert regions of Thar and Cholistan. For the aesthetically inclined, a designer for instance, inspiration lurks at every turn. The vibrant hues of the desert, the intricate embroideries of the plains and the eclectic influences of the north are all reflected in the Champa line. Our fashion statement reflects the many faces of Pakistan, from the modern to the traditional, from classic to fusion wear.
The Champa blog will keep you informed of new trends and exciting influences from Pakistan while also shedding light on issues of social interest which is key to our philosophy of socially responsible fashion.
Welcome to Champa!
