Fawad Khan and Iman Ali host stylish Lux frangrance launch

Fawad Khan and Iman Ali hosted a star-studded launch for Lux

Style – you just can’t fake it. For a brand that has always tried to be synonymous with style, Lux certainly got it right last night when they relaunched their classic collection of soaps. The star-studded evening oozed class and sophistication.

Areeba for Lux in Deepak Perwani

Held at the historic Aman House, the evening was designed to be a feast for the senses. Fashion, fragrance, fine dining, music and celebrity – this launch had it all. From a hands-on chance to mix fragrances with top international perfumer Ali Aksoy to an exquisite five-course gourmet meal by Deli, the emphasis throughout was on excellence. Featuring quality time with the Lux couple, model Iman Ali and man-of-the-moment Fawad Khan, the event was set to be memorable. What made it unforgettable was the intimacy and informality with movers and shakers from the fashion and media industries enjoying the experiences laid on in a laid back atmosphere.

Tapu Javeri & Huma Adnan

Sarwat Gillani samples the prefume

The likes of Mahin Kareem, Tapu Javeri, Amna Taseer and Huma Adnan gamely sniffed little lab samples of perfumes. HSY and Safinaz Muneer playfully competed to see who had the smartest nose. Designers, media types, models and brand ambassadors mingled easily.

Andleeb Rana, Aamna Haider Isani and Shehrbano Taseer

Amna Taseer and HSY

Nabila, Ayesha Omer, Asim and Kami

Salim & Shehla Chatoor

Humaima Mallick in Elan

Everyone from top designers to the newest blogger on the block wanted a selfie with Fawad Khan and he smilingly accommodated everyone, even while at the dinner table. The dinner was held on two long tables, each crammed with celebrities. The one headed by Shehla Chatoor and Kamiar Rokni featured Fawad Khan, Ayesha Omer, Tapu Javeri and other top journalists and designers. The other table, hosted by Safinaz Muneer and Nomi Ansari featured Iman Ali, HSY, Amna Taseer, Shamoon Sultan, Maheen Karim and many more. The relaxed, genial atmosphere was distinctly unlike a commercial launch.

Fawad Khan with designers, actors and journalists

Tapu Javeri and Fawad Khan

Fawad Khan and Humaima Mallick

With so much designer firepower on hand, the event simply oozed with glamour. From Humaima Mallick in Elan to Ayesha Omer in Shehla Chatoor, to journalists and bloggers in Sana Safinaz and Delphi – the fashion quotient of the evening was off the charts. The event also featured a fashion presentation, with outfits designed by eight designers specifically for the event.

Lux models in outfits by Sana Safinaz, Kami, Elan, Maheen Kareem and Nomi Ansari (left to right)

Lux models

Five designers were each assigned one of the Lux variants and showed outfits inspired by these. Nadia Ali wore a stunning floral Shehla Chatoor gown with Shehla’s signature gold chain back. Nomi Ansari meanwhile adapted his peplum lehnga combo to reflect the Velvet Touch soap. Kamiar Rokni, Sana Safinaz and Khadijah Shah of Elan also designed outfits based on Lux variants while Deepak Perwani and Maheen Karim dressed models for the fashion presentation. Unlike most brand launches it was refreshing to see outfits designed specifically for the event rather than ensembles recycled from fashion week. In keeping with the informal theme of the evening, the ‘fashion show’ was a laid back affair. Each designer escorted a model down the stairs of Aman House, helping to show off their own creations.

Sunita Marshall and Nomi Ansari

Fauzia and Safinaz Muneer

While the fashion presentation was attractive and featured top models, the stars of the evening were of course Iman Ali and Fawad Khan. The well-briefed couple talked about ‘What ignites the spark?’ in keeping with the campaign slogan of “igniting the spark every time you step out of the shower”. Lux has always been associated with top stars, both locally and internationally. From Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn to Katrina Kaif and Shahrukh Khan, its brand ambassadors have had that elusive superstar quality. With his recent success playing Prince Vikram Rathore in Khoobsurat, Fawad Khan has undoubtedly been catapulted into that category – something the brand will undoubtedly make the most of. Articulate and charming, he was the epitome of what a brand ambassador should be. He spoke about the sensorial experience of the soap and added comments destined to win him even more fans.

“There is external beauty and internal beauty. Internal beauty is undoubtedly more important,” he smiled.

Iman Ali and Fawad Khan – Lux Brand Ambassadors

Iman Ali was similarly eloquent and amiable but she had a tough task competing with the juggernaut of Fawad Fever – even in this select crowd. She sparkled in a dramatic Sonya Battla gown, on an evening of major red carpet oomph. From the fashionable gowns to the celebrity factor, the launch of the new Lux Classic range was a scintillating evening of old school glamour. A lesson in how to launch product with a bang.

Nomi Ansari and Maheen Karim

Zehra Javeri and Anusha Bawany

Safinaz Muneer and HSY

Nadir Feroz and Maha Burney

This piece was first published in the Instep Today section of The News. Professional pictures by the fabulous Faisal Farooqui at Dragonfly. The informal, sometimes grainy pictures are by Karachista. At least I managed to get the following!

Fawad Khan and Faiza Lakhani

Humaima Mallick and Salima Feerasta