Unveiling the Rich Heritage and Enduring Friendship Bonds Between Turkey and Pakistan at the Table Design Exhibition.
A distinguished representative of Pakistan at the Table Design Exhibition, Frieha Altaf is more than just a fashion icon, Creative Director, PR mogul, and event designer; she is a dynamic force at the forefront of Pakistan's cultural representation. With an illustrious career spanning various roles, Frieha now takes center stage on the global platform of the Table Design Exhibition 2023.
Amidst intricate table designs and cultural exchanges, Frieha's creative prowess shines as she brings a touch of Pakistani artistry to this international event. Her participation not only reflects her versatility but also underscores the rich tapestry of Pakistan's cultural contributions to the world. In this global celebration, Frieha's presence symbolizes the intersection of art, culture, and diplomacy, showcasing the vibrant spirit of Pakistan on a remarkable stage."
Q1: Can you describe your style and tell us about the designer you're wearing?
In a nutshell, my style can be described with one word: "Malang." My attire draws inspiration from the spirited Malangs, featuring a creation by Iqbal Hussain. Additionally, I'm adorned with jewelry, including a neck piece from Huma Adnan's Craft Story Collection and a headpiece from Iqbal Hussain.
Q2: How do you feel about being one of the global designers at the Table Design Exhibition?
I'm thrilled to represent Pakistan as one of the nine global designers at the Table Design Exhibition, especially as part of Turkey's 100th anniversary celebration. The strong bilateral relationship between Turkey and Pakistan, rooted in age-old ties, makes this experience even more significant.
Q3: Can you tell us about the theme of your table design?
Both Turkey and Pakistan share a common thread in their cultures—Sufism. The idea behind my design is rooted in Sufism, conveying messages of purity, love, unity, and human connection. In Turkey, you have the Dervishes, while in Pakistan, you have the Malangs. The colors symbolize these spiritual paths, with Dervishes in white and Malangs in red. Unfortunately, I couldn't bring the sculpture of a Dervish I created for this occasion.
Q4: What message are you trying to convey through your design?
In response to the ongoing situation in Palestine, my design encapsulates the principles of Sufism, emphasizing love, humanity, and tolerance. In a world yearning for compassion, my presence here is a call to spread love.
Q5: Your concept is unique; can you share more about the thought process behind it?
It took me over six months to finalize my concept. My table design, inspired by Rumi's poetry and featuring a red and white theme, represents a Rumi veranda. I believe a table symbolizes love and unity, providing a space for people to come together, share meals, and foster connections. My imagined guest list, "If Rumi Had Guests," includes Sufi poets, Nobel laureates, founders of our nations, and artists from both Turkey and Pakistan. The veranda setting aligns with Rumi's themes, evoking calmness, introspection, and communion with nature—a representation of the Sufi connection between Turkey and Pakistan.
