NiloferShahid Receives Prestigious

Le grade de chevalier dans l’ordre des Arts et des lettres 

[Pakistan, 27^th May 2014]: Pakistanis have yet another reason to beam with great pride. On 27^th May, 2014, Pakistan’s most respected and experienced haute couturier, NiloferShahid, was officially awarded with “Le grade de chevalier dans l’ordre des Arts et des lettres” in recognition of her contribution to the development of Art, Culture & Fashion Design, also making her the first Pakistani fashion designer on whom this honour has been bestowed. This prestigious award was presented to Nilofer at a pristine ceremony held under the patronage of the Governor of Punjab Mohammad Sarwar, at Darbar Hall, Governor’s House, Lahore. The Award was presented by H.E. Mr. Philippe Thiébaud, Ambassador of France to Pakistan. Those who came out to attend and witness the grand affair included distinguished guests such as Justice Dr.Javed Iqbal,Mrs. Surraya Anwar,President SOS - Mrs Attiya Enayatullah former minister population -Kamran Lashari, DG Walled City - Mrs. Mira PhailbusObduswoman - Rukhsana David,Principal Kinnaird College -VC PIFD - MsHinaTayyaba,and ofcourse the greats from the fashion fraternityTariq Amin, Nabeela, Vaneeza Ahmad, Imran Qureshi, AzeemSani, Usman Peerzada and SaminaPeerzada. The event management was done by J&S whereas Public Relations was handled by Pitch Media Inc.

At the ceremony, a citation was read out by H.E Mr. Philippe Thiébaud after which the award was conferred on NiloferShahid in the presence of media and guests. A brief documentary titled ‘NiloferShahid’s Journey in Paris’ was also screened.

Speaking on the occasion while presenting the award, H.E Mr. Philippe Thiébaud stated, “In Pakistan, no one deserves this award more than MrsNiloferShahid. These awards

are one of the oldest awards in French history. They were started back in the times of the French monarchy by the King who wanted to acknowledge poets, writers, artists and designers who excel in their respective fields. MrsNiloferShahid has been touted as the Dior of Pakistan and her achievements in France are outstanding,especially her haute couture presentation in 2007 about Empress Josephine Bonaparte and Empress NurJehan, was more than a fashion show. It was dialogue amongst civilizations which helped create closer links between Pakistan and France   . Paris is the capital of haute couture and we definitely need more designers from other countries who represent their cultures”.

On the occasion of receiving the award, NiloferShahid proudly stated, “I am truly humbled by this award given to me by the French Government. My work is heavily inspired by our culture and traditions. World Renowned poets such as the great Maulana Rumi, Allama Iqbal and Kahlil Jibran have been the inspirations behind my clothes and it is their greatness which reflects on my work and makes them into pieces of Art.It makes me a very proud Pakistani!

Following NiloferShahid’s acceptation speech, Governor of Punjab, Mohammad Sarwar also addressed guests highlighting that “Pakistan is very proud of Nilofer. She has been an ambassador of our culture to France.”

Once the award had been presented and the speeches had been given, attendees had the opportunity to congratulate NiloferShahid individually. Speaking regarding Nilofer’s proud moment, actor/director Usman Peerzada said, “It is a great honor for Pakistan. I

feel very proud of Nilofer. It is not just an honor for her, it is an honor for the entire country.”

NiloferShahid has been working relentlessly for the past 35 years in fashion with a passion and volcanic creativity; with her highly researched collections. She has reinvented the classic vision of Haute couture garments and accessories.Her haute couture maison “Meeras” which literally translate as heritage, opened in 1991.

Nilofer has received numerous national awards in the past; the Lux Style Award for Achievement in Fashion in 2003, a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Indus Style Awards in 2006 and an award for one of the Top 7 Women Entrepreneurs in Pakistan at the International Conference on Women Leadership in 2008, also a life time achievement award as Kinnaird College allumni,to name a few leading up to this much coveted honour by the government of the French Republic.

NiloferShahid, herself, 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. Designing has always been a passion with her – an eloquent expression of her elegant sense of style, fueled by her relentless passion to promote her own culture and heritage globally. NiloferShahid, ambassadress of her country’s traditions has the distinction of being exhibited at world renowned venues, like the Louvre in Paris to Royal Albert Hall in UK, From Prague to Zurich, from Hollywood to the Middle East, from India to Central Asia.

•       her destined journey in France, started in 1996 at the “Grand Premier Ball” in Paris;

•       followed immediately by the ‘Paris Haute Couture Week’ sponsored by the world famous jewelers “Boucheron” in 1997;

•       and led up to the greatest honour of exhibiting with alongside Balenciaga, the acclaimed king of couture in the Paris Couture Week in 2006;

•       and being the only Pakistani designer to be invited by “Le Chambre de Syndicale de la couture” to show her collection at the Salon Boucheron, Place Vendome during the “Paris Haute Couture Week” in 2007;

Every year up to 200 awards of “Le grade de chevalier dans l’ordre des Arts et des letters” are presented worldwide to people who have outstanding achievements in the field of arts and literature. NiloferShahid is now proudly a part of this very prestigious list, truly representing Pakistan and its rich culture on an international level.