Legacy

The Legacy Of Nilofer Shahid

Nilofer Shahid, the designer from Lahore is Pakistan’s finest legacy to fashion. The foremost couturier is endowed with a sensitive appreciation of the rich art and culture and she opens the portal to the subcontinent’s history through her profound collections and has attained for herself the title of The Runway Empress of Pakistan. Her redoubtable label, Meeras, meaning heritage, is an immortalization of the past captivated in her classical ensembles; interwoven with her own spiritual realization of God’s ubiquitous presence manifesting through her beautiful creations.

Nilofer Shahid has been recognized and honored locally and internationally. In 2013, the Government of France honored Nilofer Shahid, by conferring on her their highest civilian award, ‘Grade de Chevalier’ in the Order of Arts & Letters, in recognition of her major contributions towards Art and Culture; the only Pakistani designer to have been knighted.

Nilofer Shahid continues to set the standard for timeless elegance, excellence and style with the same zest and passion that had first inspired her to start her career.

Nilofer Shahid, of the renowned couture house, Meeras, belongs to a prestigious Pathan family of warriors, poets, writers and painters. Her bloodline has been traced back to the Royal families of Afghanistan and Turkey. Her progressive and culturally rich heritage has endowed her with a sensitive appreciation of the art and heritage of an ancient land.

She opens the portal to the subcontinent’s history through her profound collections and has attained for herself the title of The Runway Empress of Pakistan. Her redoubtable label, Meeras, meaning heritage, is an immortalization of the past captivated in her classical ensembles. The designer from Lahore is Pakistan’s finest legacy to fashion, interwoven with her own spiritual realization of God’s ubiquitous presence manifesting through her beautiful creations.

Whether it’s in her Khalil Gibran Collection or her sartorial interpretations of the Rubbaiyats of Omer Khayyam; her Central Asian Line of grand Mughal recreations; her depictions of paintings by one of our most celebrated artists, A.R. Chughtai; immortalizing Iqbal and Rumi’s poetry: Nilofer Shahid’s deference to the inner self comes to life when her models walk down the runway carrying not just the creation, but the symbiosis between the present and the past. The regality of Nilofer Shahid’s haute couture is a celebration of her own personal voyage which essentialises the existence of the soul in each outfit.  Nilofer Shahid’s Rembrandt Collection, is a powerful expression of her fascination with the Dutch Grandmaster Rembrandt, perhaps the only designer in the world to pay such a tribute to the Master.

As ambassador of her country’s finest traditions; Nilofer Shahid has the distinction of being exhibited at world renowned venues, from The Louvre in Paris to the Royal Albert Hall in London; from Prague to Zurich; from the Middle East to India, and from Turkey to Hollywood. Equated to Dior by ‘Le Figaro’ in Paris and acclaimed by the top media all over the world including Times, Collezioni, Je Magazine, Vogue and BBC to name a few.

Nilofer Shahid has the singular distinction to have been invited by “Le Chambre de Syndicale de la Couture” to showcase her collections on the Paris runway during the Haute Couture Week, since 1997, in collaboration with the world famous Boucheron Jewelers. And had the greatest honor to exhibit alongside Balenciaga, the “King of Couture” during the Haute Couture week in Paris, 2006.

Her stellar list of clientele includes discerning names like Princesses Haifa and Nourah of Saudi Arabia, Jemima Goldsmith, the pop star Madonna, Countess Martha Morzotto and the late Princess Diana, to name a few.

Nilofer Shahid has been recognized and honored locally and internationally. In 2013, the Government of France honored Nilofer Shahid, by conferring on her their highest civilian award, ‘Grade de Chevalier’ in the Order of Arts & Letters, in recognition of her major contributions towards Art and Culture; the only Pakistani designer to have been knighted.

Nilofer Shahid continues to define elegance, excellence and style with the same zest and passion that had first inspired her to start her career.

 

Meeras Haute Couture was established in 1991 by Nilofer Shahid

CREATIVE HEAD AND FOUNDER:

Nilofer Shahid

THE PHILOSOPHY:
The word ‘Meeras’ literally means ‘heritage’ that explains our philosophy of reviving the traditional values and cultural history of our ancient land. Deeply researched profound themes are artistically translated into wearable garments. Reviving ancient traditions of craftsmanship and deciphering ancient designs and motifs and make them relevant today. PRODUCT:
  • Bridal & Formal wear
  • Customized Couture Bridals
  • Luxury Formal Shawls
  • Luxury Pret Line
  • Unstitched Lawn
  • Exclusive Men’s Line and complete wedding package for the groom
  • Shoes, Handbags, Jewelry & Scarves
 AVAILABILITY:
The Studio and the Workshop are in Lahore. Online presence has made us a global brand.  HALLMARK: We are renowned for our distinctive use of colors, beautiful embellishments, quality, and aesthetically balanced style; using only the finest fabrics and material from across the country. SOCIAL COMMITMENT: We have always lent support to government efforts, patronized organizations and individuals to revive the art of ancient embroidery and craftsmanship; this has helped provide employment and income for many artisans. MEERAS TRADITIONS: Meeras maintains high standards of achievements; and it continues to evolve reinvent and grow and at all times appreciate the importance of celebrating real people and that is the reason that some of our valued clients have been with us for the last thirty years. MEERAS SIGNATURE: Be bold, be original but always within the realm of cultural and traditional values and never violate the boundaries of aesthetics. Above all to celebrate life!

2018: December 7  

Event: Pantene

Award: “Strong is Beautiful”

 

2016:

Event: Lux Style Awards Award: Lux Lifetime Achievement  

2014: May 29

Event: Savvy & Successful Annual Awards Venue: Expo Centre Lahore Organized by: CCBP (Coca Cola Beverages Pakistan) Occasion: To honor Six Pakistani women of great strength including Nilofer Shahid, for their remarkable and outstanding achievements

2013: May 27

Venue: The Governor House, Lahore Occasion: Conferment Ceremony In 2013, the French Government honoured Nilofer Shahid by conferring on her their highest civilian award, ‘Grade de Chevalier’ in the Order of Arts & Letters, in recognition of her major contributions towards Art and Culture. She is the only Pakistani designer to have been knighted.

2013: February 25

Venue: Kinnaird College for Women Lahore Occasion: Centenary Celebrations Recognized and honored for her achievements by her Alma Mater

2012:

Appointed to the Board of Governors of SABAH Pakistan (SAARC Business Association for Home Based Workers)

2011:

Venue: Karachi Event: International Conference: Women Leadership Received an award for one of the Top 7 Women Leaders in Pakistan

2006: May

Event: Indus Style Awards Life time Achievement Award

2005:

Appointed to the steering committee of the PM Shaukat Aziz’s project “AHAN” (One Product One Village.) headed by the Minister of Industries, Mr. Jehangir Tareen

2004:

Appointed to Board of Governors for the "Lux Style Awards".

2003:

Appointed as the Chairperson PFDC - Pakistan Fashion Design Council.

2003-04:

Appointed to the Board of Governors of the 'Pakistan Institute of Fashion Design'

2003:

Award: Lux Style Award For the Best Designer Couture/Bridal wear

2019 December 6                              

Event: Bridal Couture Week 2019

Venue:  Faletti’s Hotel, Lahore

Organizers: HUM TV

Collection: Dastaan-e-Firdaus

Concept: A poignant tribute to Kashmir, while celebrating the idyllic beauty and peace of the valley, she highlights the resilient struggle of the people of Kashmir and their indomitable spirit.

2019 June 23                          

Event: New York Fashion Show

Organizer: Aurum Events

Collection: Dastaan

Concept: ‘A Journey of a Woman,’ – a story of a woman’s life. It is a celebration of understanding oneself and self-actualization and a tribute to the women of the world who have risen above challenges and asserted their identity.

Nilofer Shahid also held exhibitions and sales in Houston and Los Angeles

 2018 December 7         

Event: Bridal Couture Week  

Collection: “Badshah Begum” organized by Hum TV

2017 October 3

Show: Defile Paris Fashion Show

 Venue: Embassy of Pakistan Paris

Collection: Seven Decades of Pakistan

Occasion: To commemorate 70 years of Pakistan’s Independence

2017 February 6

Venue: One Marylebone Church London

Concept: Fashion Parade Bride

Presented by: Mustang Productions

Nilofer Shahid showcased her collection in the Grand Finale to glowing accolades

2016

Venue: Mauritius

Event: Pakistan Mauritius Friendship Week

Organized by: TDAP

The President of Mauritius, H.E Ameenah Gurib-Fakim especially requested for Nilofer Shahid to participate and show her latest work

2015

Venue: Karachi

Event: Fashion Pakistan Week

Collection: Rembrandt

A glorious tribute to the 17th Century Dutch painter Rembrandt

2012

Venue: Konya & Istanbul, Turkey

Show: ‘Kemal – the Perfect Man’,

Theme: Mystical journey of man’s spiritual accent through intellect and love to the perfect – a tribute to ‘Pir-i-Rumi’ and ‘Mureed-e-Hind’ as Dr. Iqbal liked to call himself.

2010

Event: Bridal Couture Week

Bridal collection inspired by five regions of the subcontinent steeped in rich culture.

2009 October 2-5

Event: “The Box” a high end accessories fair

Organized by: “Pret a Porter Federation”, Paris.

Venue: Pavillon Cambon Capucines, Rue Cambon, Paris

First Pakistani designer invited to showcase accessories in this exclusive exhibition

2009 June 28

Venue: Mississauga, Canada:

Event: A highly successful presentation for LRBT Charity

2009 June 16

Venue: Vancouver Canada

Organizers: Pakistani Consulate General, Vancouver

First solo presentation by a Pakistani designer; attended by a large audience; acclaimed by the local and international media.

2008 December 18

Venue: Golf Country Club Karachi

 Sponsored by: French Consulate Karachi

Show: Two Great Empresses Nur Jehan and Josephine

2008 April 19 

Venue:  North Country Club, Westlake Village, L.A.

A very exclusive showing

2008 April 12

Venue: Hotel Intercontinental Dallas

 Show: “Diwan-e-Khas: Mughal Night”

2008 February 15

Venue: Houston,

Show: “Colors of Pakistan”

2007 November 29

Venue: Baron’s Palace, Cairo

Event: The Grand Pakistani Night

To showcase the traditional and fusion/western collection for an international audience Organizers:  Mobilink and Orascom.

2007 January 21

Venue: Salon Boucheron, 26 Place Vendome, Paris-France.

Event: “Haute Couture Fashion Week Paris”.

The first Pakistani designer to be invited by the “Le Chambre de Syndical de la Couture” In collaboration with the world famous “Boucheron” jewelers.

2006 Dec 5

“Asian Fashion Show” organized by the French company “La Mode En Images,” directed by Olivier Massart and choreographed by Kader Belardi for the opening of the 15th Asian Games, Doha 2006. Nilofer Shahid was the only Pakistani designer amongst 30 International designers which included KENZO.

2006 October

Venue: Washington DC

 Event: A Cultural Show

Occasion: President of Pakistan, General Pervaiz Musharraf’s visit to the US a

Amongst the august attendees were American Senators and Congressmen

2006 Jun 28- Jul 28 

Venue: Joyce Gallery, Palais Royale, Paris

Event: Paris celebrates “Balenciaga”

Honoured to exhibit alongside “Balenciaga” during the Haute Couture Fashion Week

2006 March

Venue: Bab-ul-Shams (Desert Resort Dubai)

 Sponsored by: ABN- Amro Bank

Show: Arabian Nights

Collection: Kahlil Gibran

Based on the profound narrations of Kahlil Gibran, the renowned poet and artist of Lebanon

2006 January 

Event: Lux Carnival de la Couture

Prestigious fashion show in Pakistan which also included the top designer of India, Rohit Bal

2005

Venue: New Delhi, India

Event: Bridal Asia International Fashion Week

2004

Venue: Mumbai, India

Event: “Femina Bridal Show”

 In collaboration with Libas

2004

Venue: New Delhi, India

Event: Bridal Asia International Fashion Week

2003

Venus: the Royal Albert Hall, London

Event: Part of a high profile cultural event titled “Rhythms of the Indus” graced by President Pervaiz Musharaf

Collection: Lahore Collection (Legacy of the Mughals)

2001

Venue: Athens & Warsaw

Single Country Exhibition

Sponsored by Cable Network Greece and Export Promotion Bureau Pakistan

2000

Venue: London

Show: Journey of the Soul

Collection: Omar Khayyam

Inspired by the quatrains of the great mystic poet Omar Khayyam

1999

Venue: New Delhi

Event: Bridal Asia – International Fashion Week

1999

Venue: World Trade Centre, Dubai

Fashion Show: Theme A Midsummer Night Dreams

Sponsored by the Government of Pakistan

1998:

Designed Watches and Belts for “Boucheron Jewellers” based in Paris, who are amongst the top five jewellers of the world.

1997

Venue: The Louvre Paris

Event: Paris Fashion Week

Collection: Chughtai Collection

Inspired by the paintings of the Grand Master of the Sub-Continent A.R. Chughtai; immortalizing poetry of the two greatest poets of the Urdu language Ghalib and Iqbal.

The first Asian to share the Paris runway with the leading names in couture Olivier Lapidus and Boucheron

Sponsored by Boucheron Jewelers

1996

Venue: Paris:

Event: Grand Premiere Ball,

Organizers: “Point du Vue” top French Magazine

29 top designers from all over the world participated.

1996

United States: Paramount Studios – Hollywood, Chicago and Houston.

Theme – “Tapestries in The Looms Of Time”.

(A multimedia show based in the cultural history of the sub-continent, from 5000 B.C. to Pakistan today).

1996

Venue: Zurich

Invited by O.S.E.C.

Theme: “Mughal Flora”.

1995 

Venue: Embassy of Pakistan, Tashkent

Show: Central Asia.

1995

Venue: National Museum Washington DC and Convention Centre Los Angeles

Occasion: Part of PM Benazir Bhutto’s entourage, supported by E.P.B

Show: Flames of Eternity

1995

Venue: Pakistan High Commission, New Delhi,

Show: Central Asia, Islamic Calligraphy and Mughal Art

 

Some high profile local clients

  • Begum Samina Alvi wife of Arif Alvi 13th President of Pakistan 2018
  • Begum Fozia Raza Gillani wife of Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani (2008-12
  • Begum Sehba Musharraf and her family, wife of Pervez Musharraf 10th President of Pakistan 2001-08
  • The family of Nawaz Sharif three times Prime Minister of Pakistan 1990-93, 1997-99 & 2013-17
  • Late Benazir Bhutto twice Prime Minister of Pakistan 1988-90 & 1993-96
  • The family of late Ghulam Ishaq Khan 7th President of Pakistan 1988-93
  • The family of Ch. Pervaiz Elahi, former Deputy Prime Minister, former Chief Minister of Punjab, currently speaker of the Punjab Assembly
  • The family of Ch. Shujaat Hussain – interim Prime Minister of Pakistan 2004, a leading politician and head of Pakistan Muslim League Q

Royal and high profile international clients

  • Cherie Blair -wife of British Prime Minister Tony Blair 1997-2007
  • Madonna – American singer & songwriter, also known as the “Queen of Pop”
  • Madame Laure Bouley, Editor “Point De Vue” magazine in Paris
  • Princess Haifa (daughter of Late King Faisal of Saudi Arabia) and her extended family.
  • Princess Nourah Bint Mohammad (wife of Governor of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)
  • Princess Jawaherah Al Thani of Qatar
  • Diana Princess of Wales (1961-97)
  • Jemima Marcelle Khan daughter of James Goldsmith, ex-wife of Imran Khan 1995-2005
  • Lady Annabel Goldsmith wife of James Goldsmith
  • Olivia George Harrison - wife of the famous Beatle singer ‘George Harrison’
  • & Mrs. Yann Debelle (Director of Communications, Dunhill, UK)
  • Mily Boston wife of Mr. Mark Boston, Chairman H. Goldie & Company Limited – International Diamond Broker (now De Beers)
  • Janus et Cic (President Pacific Design Centre, California, USA)
  • Countess Joy de Rohan Chabot, France
  • Countess Martha Morzotto
  • Royal family of Mauritius
  • Nazik Hariri wife of the Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri (1992-98 & 2000-05)

International Media Coverage

PRINT MEDIA: Magazines & Newspapers

  • FGC magazine 2017.
  • Touch magazine 2017 by Walma
  • Hello magazine Style Icons 2016 Pg 76-84
  • STIJL magazine voruwomen mode Catwalk Karachi 2016
  • Signature Style in “VISAGE” magazine 2015
  • Cover page of SHE Magazine BridaL Collection shoot by Ather Shehzad 2013
  • The perfect Man Couture Collection (Rumi & Iqbal) “Brides & You” magazine
  • Diplomat – UK based March 2011
  • Collezioni Accessori – 2010 Spring/Summer
  • Collezioni Accessori – 2010-11 Autumn/Winter
  • Collezioni Sposa
  • Revived Book “The Journey within” 2008 by Walter Publishers
  • Oui Magazine
  • Byzance Magazine 2006-7
  • A shaded view on Fashion. com by Diane Pernet 2007
  • Je Magazine- 2006-7
  • Le Figaro- 2007
  • TF 1 2007
  • Pakistan Un Autre regard by Delphine Evmoon-2006
  • L’ Expansion Magazine-2006
  • Leon HaToT- 2006
  • Madam Figaro Taiwan Magazine 2006
  • NEW YORK TIMES USA - 2004
  • BBC WORLD – 2003
  • “VALEURS” France – 1997
  • VOGUE French Edition – 1997
  • Al-Jareedah – 1997
  • MATCH DE PARIS – 1997
  • POINT DE VUE Paris - 1995 & 1996
  • TIME magazine Golden Anniversary Edition October – 1996
  • TIME magazine Special Edition August – 1997
  • ELLE magazine - 1996
  • BLICK Zurich, Switzerland – 1996
  • HELLO (UK and Middle East)
  • HERALD TRIBUNE.
  • SELECTA MAGAZINE, USA.

ELECTRONIC MEDIA:

  • TV 1 2007
  • FTV International 2007
  • TV LUXE 2007
  • VISION Australia – 2004
  • South African Channel – 2004
  • ITV, London – 2003
  • LTV [London television] – 1997
  • FTV (thrice) 1995-1996-1997
  • POLISH TV - 1994