Hussain Rehar on dressing Sanam Saeed and bringing Pakistani fashion to Cannes

Pakistani designer Hussain Rehar made a bold statement at the Cannes Film Festival, presenting a fashion exhibit titled *‘A knot in South Asia’s loom’* at Chateau Saint George. The collection, described as a ‘decolonisation of fashion’s origin story,’ celebrated Lahore’s craftsmanship and South Asian authorship, featuring pieces from his Nargis and Jeevan lines. Rehar also styled actor Sanam Saeed for the red carpet, pairing her with custom and archival designs. The standout look was a layered, exaggerated peacock dress with embroidered floral dupatta, custom-made for her. Other outfits included a green sari with mukesh embroidery, a sherwani, and a long black dress with metal embellishments, all tweaked from past collections. The designer revealed the Cannes trip was last-minute, with his team working day and night to prepare. ‘I only found out two weeks before,’ he said, noting exhaustion from styling Saeed, managing the exhibit, and attending events in just 2.5 days. Despite the rush, every piece was meticulously adjusted to fit Saeed’s physique. Rehar’s exhibit featured designs from his recent Lahore showcase, emphasizing Pakistan’s textile heritage. The collection aimed to reclaim South Asian fashion’s narrative, blending tradition with contemporary flair. His own red-carpet looks—including ivory sherwanis and tailored jackets—garnered attention, reinforcing his status as a stylish figure in global fashion circles. The event marked a milestone for Pakistani fashion, positioning Rehar as a bridge between local craftsmanship and international platforms like Cannes. Saeed’s dazzling appearances, paired with his designs, underscored the fusion of Hollywood glamour and Pakistani artistry.