NEW YORK - When Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy proudly held high the Oscar statuette won for her documentary ‘Saving Face’ last Sunday, not many noticed the Pakistan flag she displayed at that exciting moment.
The bespoke cuff Ms. Obaid-Chinoy wore on her right wrist had the national green-and-star, encrusted with white diamonds and green sapphires, attached to it - part of her effort to showcase the work of Pakistani designers.
When “Saving Face” about acid attack victims was nominated for the 2012 Academy Awards, Ms Obaid-Chinoy had promised she would choose clothes by Pakistan’s designers for the ceremony. “Our fashion industry features an array of talented and creative designers,” she said. “I am really excited to showcase some of that at the Oscars.” She also made good on her promise, wearing creations by a range of Karachi-based women designers to events both on and off the red carpet, according to an article in Wall Street Journal newspaper.
On stage, the filmmaker wore an elegant Bunto Kazmi-designed shalwar kameez.
Ms Kazmi, who is known for her elaborate bridal wear, told the Journal the filmmaker wanted the outfit’s silhouette to be kept “contemporary.” In contrast, the glittering embroidery on the long ivory tunic coat, with cut-in sleeves and a structured collar, was inspired by traditional Persian motifs, while the border incorporated beaten silver and gold. Gold, including bespoke cuff, also featured in Ms. Obaid-Chinoy’s accessories, created by jewellery designer Kiran Aman.
The filmmaker’s dangling diamond-and-pearl earrings were set in vintage gold, the same material used for a bespoke cuff, which she wore on her right wrist.
Ms Aman told WSJ she was “honoured” to have the filmmaker wear her creations at the Oscars, adding that she had advised her to “hold the Oscar with the right hand” so that the flag would dangle.
At the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, held after the event, Ms. Obaid-Chinoy wore more bespoke jewellery: a cuff and ring by designer-cum-architect Sherezad Rahimtoola, according to the Journal. “I am very grateful to Sherezad and Kiran for making me such beautiful jewellery just for the occasion,” she said, adding that her Sara Taseer earrings were from her personal collection.
The accessories set off her long, flowing silver- and gold-work kurta by the label Sana Safinaz, spearheaded by designer duo Sana Hashwani and Safinaz Muneer, who have been active in the Pakistan fashion scene for over two decades, it said.