Following the success of LABELS in Karachi, chief executive Zahir Rahimtoola brought LABELS to Lahore on the 29th of January 2010 as an exciting franchise with businesswoman Sowaba Shehzad.
In Lahore, LABELS introduced a diversity of accessible fashion by Anisa Khan, Chamak by Sania Maskatiya and Abida Dada, Flair by Naureen Fayyaz, Freeha Baqir, Jannat & Sadaf, Labels’ eponymous line, Mina Hassan, Nadya Mistry, Neelo Allawala, Naureen Arbab, SadiyaNadiya, Sanam Chaudhri, Sarah Gilani, Somal Halepoto and Aliya Agha Nguyen.
In attendance at the launch were designers Kamiar Rokni, Sara Shahid, HSY, Maria B, Maheen Ali, Sahar Atif, Saman Arif, Asifa & Nabeel, Khadija Shah, Mahin Sheikh & Irum Alam, Saniya Maskatiya, Jannat, Sadiya, Nadiya, Freeha Baqir, Anisa Khan, Sarah Gilani and Sarah Gandapur. Also present were actresses Ayesha Omar and Maria Wasti along with models Natasha Hussain and Nomi Qamar. L’Oreal Paris spokespeople Sabina Pasha and Anusheh Asad were also present as was morning show host Huma Amir Shah.
Speaking about opening in Lahore, Zahir has said:
“Thanks to the pioneers of the fashion industry of Lahore, there is a vibrant retail environment with a far greater awareness of designer branded collections. This has emboldened us to return to Lahore (Labels was originally opening at the Pearl Continental in 1998). This is the first franchise store for Labels which makes it all the more exciting. We intend to mix local sensibilities with its own 15 years of retail experience and indeed bring to Lahore our unique philosophy of catering to a cross section of the women of Pakistan. We are particularly pleased to have Ms. Sowaba Shehzad partner with us in Lahore as she has a number of years of corporate experience and we trust her experience will help further enhance the service levels of LABELS Lahore.”
The opening of LABELS also coincided with the launch of exclusive home accessories brand SOUVENIR, on the first floor of the outlet. As the French name suggests, SOUVENIR encourages the spirit of taking home a ‘memory’. The brand carries home décor pieces ranging from Candle Stands, Coffee Tables, Chairs, Consoles, Ottomans, Tea Boxes, Coasters, Mirrors, Frames and Book Ends in a combination mostly comprising of wood with ceramic textures, a mosaic aesthetic and hand painted surfaces. SOUVENIR is an independent project by Sowaba Shehzad, currently Ceo of ALNO German kitchens and interiors. Speaking about introducing a LABELS franchise and debuting her own brand SOUVENIR in Lahore, Sowaba Shehzad, has said
“Bringing LABELS to Lahore is part of our company’s vision for diversification. Being Pakistan’s first multi brand store and having a unique brand character makes us confident of LABELS being able to carve out its own niche here in Lahore. I am also launching my own home décor brand SOUVENIR simultaneously, which is also part of our horizontal diversification strategy catering to the same market segment as LABELS and our other brands.”
LABELS Lahore is now open for retail at 194 Y Block, DHA, Lahore.
About Labels:
Labels emerged onto a non-existent fashion scene in 1996 in Karachi, and pioneered casual western clothing in Pakistan. Since its inception, Labels has always been a proactive store and has thus evolved a number of times keeping in line with ongoing international fashion trends.
Zahir Rahimtoola’s vision has come a long way; from a humble beginning Labels has become Pakistan’s premier multi-designer store retailing fine clothing, accessories, hand bags and precious jewellery essentially catering to the strong and independent woman of Pakistan. Indeed, Labels opened the first Original Levis store in Pakistan retailing Levis & Dockers products and in the past has also retailed some of Pakistan’s most prestigious designers including Maheen Khan, Deepak Perwani, Nayna, Samyra Rashid, Nomi Ansari and Gulabo.
Currently, Labels Karachi retails Maheen Kareem, Jannat & Sadaf, James Abidi, SadiyaNadiya, Pash, Zara Shajahan, Elan, Chamak, Mina Hasan, N.Ali, Belladonna, Anisa Khan, Levi Strauss Signature, United Colors of Benetton and their own eponymous affordable line headed by young designer Hala Syed.
In Lahore, Labels now introduces Anisa Khan, Chamak by Sania Maskatiya and Abida Dada, Flair by Naureen Fayyaz, Freeha Baqir, Jannat & Sadaf, Labels, Mina Hassan, Nadya Mistry, Natasha Daultana, Naureen Arbab, Sadiya Nadiya, Sanam Chaudhri, Somal Halepoto and Aliya Agha Nguyen.
The current Labels campaign including Pakistan’s most watched television anchors and personalities can be seen across all major magazines and supplements. Indeed it is reflective of the Labels philosophy and ethos which is to make women not only look stunning but also feel spectacular; making sure that the woman of substance is no doubt the woman of Labels.
About Souvenir:
Bringing to Pakistan her creative aesthetic, Sowaba Shehzad introduces her home accessories brand Souvenir. Located at the first floor of Labels in Lahore, Souvenir includes a versatile range of home décor pieces ranging from Candle Stands, Coffee Tables, Chairs, Consoles, Ottomans, Tea Boxes, Coasters, Mirrors, Frames and Book Ends in a combination mostly comprising of wood with ceramic textures, a mosaic aesthetic and hand painted surfaces.
With plans to launch Souvenir globally, Sowaba aims to promote Pakistani Handicrafts and accessories making Souvenir accessible to all feelings, relations and occasions one wants to celebrate.
Multi brand retail boutique LABELS opens in Lahore to much success.
