Mohtaram

"The year is 1973 in the world of Mohtaram fashion..."

Fashion for me has always been my state of mind in a particular moment, a certain mood of a particular space. In my head, it has no concept of time. It sways between the past, present and the future like a gypsy with no home.
 
As I worked on my recent collection, I felt my mood board narrating a story of itself to me. But it was as fluid as my state of mind... so I decided to have a little fun with it, and built a tell-tale around it.

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The plot:

October 19, 1973.

PanAm flight 73 heading from Frankfurt to Sydney laid over at Karachi on a cool October night. Flight Attendant Nysa Diwanji was ecstatic to be re-visiting the city of her childhood, even if for a night.

Room 218, Hotel Metropole, Karachi.

Receptionist: "Good Evening, Hotel Metropolitan Reception, How may I be of assistance?" ("You are Everything - Diana Ross & Marvin Gaye" playing in background in Lobby)

Nysa: "Evening! I'm speaking from 218. What time does the cabaret begin?"

Receptionist: "7:30 madam, and will go on till 11:30".

Nysa: "11:30? That late? I love this city!"

Receptionist: "It's the city of Lights, madam. May I reserve your table at "Samar"? (Samar, Karachi's first discotheque)

Nysa: Yes, please! Is Dizzie Gillespie playing tonight? (Dr. John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie, legendary jazz player)

Receptionist: "Most certainly madam. His performance will be the highlight of the night. He was in your flight, I believe."

Nysa: "Wonderful! Oh and could you be a darling and set up an alarm for me with rest of the crew? You know we will land just in time for the Sydney Opera HARBOR INAUGURATION tomorrow? The Queen is doing the INAUGURATION. Can you imagine we will actually get to meet the Queen herself. I love my job!" (Sydney Opera House was INAUGURATED on October 20, 1973 by Queen Elizabeth II herself)

Receptionist: "It most certainly sounds like a dream, madam. Your booking is done for tonight. Hope you enjoy your stay at the Hotel Metropole, madam."