Our style. At a time when the world’s headlines focus on our conflict, our fashion industry shows that Pakistan has a future that can be bright. Pakistan has been a major cultural hub since ancient times, with a cultural history dating back to the Indus Valley civilisation (2800 – 1800 BC). Practices and great monuments have been inherited over time through the rulers of the region, from the Persians to the Afghans and the Mughals, each of whom have left their imprint on the current inhabitants of the country. Pakistani society is largely multilingual, multi-ethnic and multicultural, each influenced greatly by many of its surrounding countries. Pakistan was the first region of South Asia to receive the full impact of Islam and has developed a distinct Islamic identity, historically different from areas further west. Pakistan has always been a major centre for the arts, and literature, music, dance and poetry have played a major role in Pakistani life over many centuries. Pakistani music is represented by a wide variety of forms, ranging from traditional styles such as Qawwali and Ghazal to more modern forms that fuse traditional Pakistani music with Western music. Pakistanis have evolved a distinct and unique set of culture, traditions and customs in the region, at the heart of which are the arts. For two decades Adnan Ansari has been central in Pakistan’s fashion and media industry. Now based in London, England he is launching a series of events that will raise the profile of Pakistani culture and fashion as never before. Riwayat will showcase only the very best of Pakistani design to a European market.
