Three years ago, a handful of Pakistani design icons decided to sow the seeds of dissent. Using design as their vehicle to effect change, they launched a democratically elected ‘Design Council’ amidst a military dictatorship. Rizwan Baig, Maheen Khan, Deepak Perwani, Bunto Kazmi, Honey Waqar and Faiza Samee decided to go beyond their own skin to nurture a design a future for the regions burgeoning fashion fraternity.

A truly democratic process, for the designers by the designers, it was fraught in controversy from day one. The ‘Free Media’ sought to ‘own’ this council and their fashion week as ‘content’ to fill their coffers. Partnering with a global entertainment giant trying to browbeat the designers into signing on- a Machiavellian manoeuvre to fragment the fraternity and rule.

Understanding the conspiracies behind the ‘business of fashion, the council leaders did the impossible; going across borders, seeking support of the Indian Design Community, learning the intricacies to beat off this siege (similar to the David & Goliath battle the Indian council had fought a year ago). The first ever MOU was signed between India and Pakistan, setting a precursor to peace.