Pakistani designer Hussain Rehar takes Lahore’s craftsmanship to Cannes

Pakistani fashion designer Hussain Rehar is set to make history at the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, where he will present his collection Lahore, A Knot in South Asia’s Loom at an exclusive showcase in Chateau St George on Friday. The presentation marks the first time a Pakistani designer will exhibit alongside international luxury fashion houses including Gucci and Roberto Cavalli.

Hussain Rehar shared the news on his brands Instagram page. He said his collection is about changing the way we think about fashions history. It’s all about Lahore, traditional crafts and South Asian culture.

The exhibition is celebrating Lahore as a source of fashion, textiles and cultural inspiration. Hussain Rehars collection also has a message against colonialism. He said he wants to challenge the way global fashion often ignores or erases Asian craftsmanship.

Furthermore, he highlighted traditional elements such as zardozi, phulkari, khussa and maang tikka, arguing that these crafts have often been renamed and disconnected from their origins.

“You cannot rename what you did not make… If a kimono can be called a kimono, then a dupatta should be called a dupatta,” Rehar stated in his post.

This is not Rehar’s first international showcase. In October, he presented his collection Jeevan during Paris Fashion Week, spotlighting the intricate artistry of Pakistani craftspeople. Before him, Natasha Kamal showcased her work at Paris Fashion Week in 2017 as part of a cultural exhibition promoting peace through fashion dialogue.