Fashion gives back – Pakistan’s top designers team up for Lahore’s Bargain Basement Sale to raise Rs2.5 million for Charity

Fawad Khan pitches in to raise money for good causes

Last Wednesday saw the 5th Bargain Basement Sale by The Fundraisers, a group of civic-minded young women from Lahore. Over 80 designers from Pakistan took part – donating a huge variety of items including wedding wear, semi-formals, cotton tunics, handbags, art and jewellery. A host of happy shoppers got their hands on designer goodies at a fraction of their retail value.

Happy shoppers grab bargains from the coutry’s top designers

Many of fashion’s top designers donated outfits, including Sana Safinaz, Nilofer Shahid, Shamaeel Ansari and HSY. Highstreet brands like Kayseria and upcoming designers like Ammara Khan also took part. Outfits by Karachi designers such as Misha Lakhani and Menahel Mehreen proved particularly popular with the crowd, particularly as their work is not easily available in Lahore.

Kamiar Rokni helps out

Sara Shahid with other volunteers

Designers Sara Shahid and Kamiar Rokni not only donated outfits, they also helped out the sale which raised money for three different causes. 100% of the proceeds were donated to the Bali Memorial Trust for flood relief work, Pink Ribbon for breast cancer and Rising Stars Foundation (formerly known as Pakistan Rising) for its schools in Swat and Uch Sharif.

Bargain hunters

The event opened at noon and over half the stock was gone within an hour. As well as designer clothing, there were great bargains to be had on the kidswear, jewellery and accessories stalls. Clayworks pottery and discounted artwork also drew many customers.

Angel Wrap

Luscious cosmetics

Deena Rehman clutches and ear cuffs

Krizmah clutches

Amongst the bargains were earcuffs by Deena Rehman, bags by Krizmah and rings by Saira Omar. The well-organized event was complemented by a massage and nail bar salon, courtesy of the Boudoir Lounge.

Shoppers take a break at the Boudoir Lounge

Fawad Khan Autographed T-shirt

The sale also included a celebrity auction featuring Fawad Khan who donated 20 signed T-shirts that sold for between Rs5,000 and Rs15,000 apiece. The organisers decided not to advertise his presence in advance to prevent a stampede but, as it was, he caused quite a stir. He was endlessly patient with selfies and giggling groupies.

Volunteers at the charity auction

Fawad Khan conducts the auction

Various choice items were auctioned off at the end of the event, including a Farida Hassan Kantha jacket, a White by Mehar patchwork chair, an Amber Sami pendant and a Gustav Klimt inspired jacket by Seher Tareen.

Clockwise from top: Amber Sami pendant, Toy Watch, Krizmah tote and Seher Tareen jacket

White by Meher patchwork chair

As usual, the organisers slashed prices as the event drew to a close, so although latecomers didn’t get the pick of the stock, they got some great bargains.

Shopping for a cause

Armfuls of bargains

Artwork on sale

The ever-popular Bargain Basement Sale started in 2005 to raise money for flood relief victims, and was actually held in a friend’s basement. Ever since the first sale, this event has benefited from generous support across the fashion industry. This time round The Fundraisers, led by Nuria Rafique-Iqbal and  Khadija Malik, raised Rs2.5 million for their chosen charities. It’s great to see the lucrative fashion industry giving back, and the team deserves to be lauded both for their fundraising and for highlighting deserving causes.

Some of the brands that generously donated to the event

A full list of the participating brands: