The event was organized by the Irvine Pakistani Parents Association (IPPA), to help raise funds for the Irvine Public Schools Foundation (IPSF) and its Program for Advancement of Cultural Education (PACE). IPPA founder, Anila Ali welcomed the guests and thanked gold sponsors, Hamid Malik, Adnan Khan, Mubashir Kazi, Emirate Airlines, as well as event sponsor and renowned physician/philanthropist, Dr. Meher Tabatabai for their interest and commitment to the IPPA's mission.
Anila observed: "Of course, this event would not be possible for the generosity of designer, Amir Adnan and his wife, Huma, and international choreographer, Imran Kureishi, who volunteered their time and flew all the way from Pakistan to be with us. We are also indebted to our cast of beautiful volunteer models, hair stylists, make-up artists and an army of selfless IPPA volunteers, lead by Monir Jalili of LaMonir (event planner), Maliha Siddiqi (coordinator) and Rumaisa Rahman of RU Entertainment (producer)."
IPSF CEO, Neda Zaengle, speaking on behalf of the IPSF, emphasized her organization's commitment to providing "world-class education to the 27,000+ students of the Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) through its financial support and enrichment programs."
Neda thanked IPPA President Farah Nasir and Vice President Sumara Aziz for their dedication/partnership, and the IPPA members for staging a "wonderful celebration of fashion, representing the rich and beautiful culture of Pakistan." On show were Amir Adnan's three labels, Amir Adnan Women, Amir Adnan Men, and his very latest venture, FNK Asia. The evening and bridal wear from the women's collection included form fitting, intricately embroidered bodices, gowns, traditional shararas, and lenghas, all captured in contemporary styles, resonating tradition. The men's collection featured variations of the `Sherwani' - a long coat-like garment derived from the achkan, which originated in Central Asia and was the clothing for nobles of Turkish and Persian origin in the Mughal Empire, and is now an important part of formal South Asian attire for men. Amir's designer wife, Huma also introduced FNK Asia, a line of casual to formal hand-made street wear designs that capture a modern interpretation of the Pakistani culture. Each collection was perfectly complimented by the stunningly gorgeous cast of models.
The models dazzled the audience as they strutted down the runway, to a fusion of Pakistani pop and Sufi rock - their eyes lined with dark kohl pencil, and their hair tied up in glamorous style, creating a warm and exotic mood, to help bring the beauty and warmth of the Indus to Irvine, telling the story of each design.
Irvine Mayor Sukhee Kang, who has been a strong supporter of cross-cultural integration in Irvine, congratulated the IPPA and its members for "hosting such a glamorous event to support education and the Irvine schools." He reminded the audience that through such support, Irvine remains a "top attraction for families seeking the very best public education." Also speaking on the occasion, special guest, pop icon Jermaine Jackson, who was in attendance with his wife and two sons, reinforced the theme of the night, the importance of "beautiful cultures coming out to share themselves with the mainstream" and "the importance of supporting education, and helping shape a future for our children."
Irvine Pakistani Parents Association The Irvine Pakistani Parents Association (IPPA) is a collection of Irvine and Orange County based parents who have come together to promote the very best of Pakistani culture, as well as help parents with children in the Irvine Unified School District (IUSD), better understand the issues that directly affect them.
The IPPA continues to work with parents to develop parent leadership at our local IUSD schools. IPPAinfo@yahoo.com Irvine Public Schools Foundation The Irvine Public Schools Foundation (IPSF) is a non-profit 501c(3) corporation engaged in providing financial support and enrichment programs for the students of the Irvine Unified School District (IUSD). Since 1996, the IPSF has supported a myriad of enrichment programs in various disciplines; from fine arts, science, and music to counseling, after school and summer programs. These programs are essential to a well rounded education. www.ipsf.net AMAP's website is www.amapusa.org.
