Dastaan e Firdous

To Kashmir with Love. Nilofer Shahid pays a poignant tribute to Kashmir:

“Agar firdaus bar ru-ye zamin ast, hamin ast o hamin ast o hamin ast.”
“If there is a paradise on earth, it is this, it is this and it is this.” — Emperor Jehangir (talking about Kashmir)

Kashmir is the beautiful poetry of God! This Kashmir collection represents the dramatic periods in the history of Kashmir. The bold sartorial depiction is a testimony of Nilofer’s creative genius; the usage of the colour palette, the draping of the garments and the embellishments come together to tell the story of Kashmir.

Kashmir, the Paradise: its valleys, high mountains and shimmering lakes take your breath away; it is the living poetry that evokes the highest form of ecstasy and deepest sorrow; it is poetry that is felt through heartbeats and emotions! The idyllic peace of the valley attracted the emperors, and under the royal patronage flourished the creative arts; the romance of the pure and unblemished beauty of Kashmir has inspired musicians, poets and artisans alike for centuries.

When the darkness descended over the valley, tyranny, injustice and suppression reigned; the tranquillity of Kashmir was ripped asunder; raped and plundered, the valley burned, the inferno consumed life! The valley echoed with the cries of the helpless, and death walked through the valley.

“Just living isn’t enough,” said the butterfly, “one must also have freedom, sunshine, and a little flower.” — Kahlil Gibran