This year’s Magnum Chocolate Party combined chocolate, art, dance and fashion under the theme of Surrealism. Featuring performance art installations, an exhibition, dance performances and fashion presentations, Magnum sought to take their annual Chocolate Party to the next level – with varying degrees of success.
The art exhibition was curated by Sameera Raja, owner of Canvas Gallery and one of Pakistan’s top art experts, and included several thought-provoking pieces. The art gallery featured the works of several established artists including Muzammil Raheel, Aamir Habib and Maria Khan. The Dali theme was brought to life through the paintings and sculptures though the performance art installations had a try-hard feel.
Amna Tauqeer once again displayed some interesting chocolate work, despite the heat and temperature issues, and her desserts were delicious.
This year’s ramp presentation was noticeably better than last year’s with Nilofer Shahid, in particular standing out. Taking the Surrealism theme to heart, she put what looked like a real skeleton onto a cape, sent a model down the ramp in a ball and chain and another in fantastical concoction of ruffles and organza topped with a torso-sized rose corsage. This was fashion as art with a definitive thought process behind the capsule collection.
Shamaeel Ansari also had fun with the surrealism theme, focusing on the artistic component rather than commercial considerations.
Ali Zeeshan drew most attention by appearing with a rooster sitting on his head, but his presentation relied too much on gimmicky accessories while Faraz Manan’s collection was unfortunately pedestrian.
Overall the party was a mish-mash of the admirable and the blah – but it seems to improve every year and – there’s always plenty of chocolate available, which can never be a bad thing!
More of the Magnum Chocolate Party red carpet.
