Spunk and bold moves. That’s the new mantra of the Pakistani ramp. Models from Lahore and Karachi are wooing the world of international fashion.

Meet Neha Ahmed. At 23, she’s already catwalked in Paris and Dubai. Next month, she’ll do a show in London for designer Hasan Sheriyar. “We’re getting a lot more international exposure now. I’m listed with agents in Paris and Dubai and keep going for shows there,” says Ahmed. But entry into modelling wasn’t easy. “My father, an armyman, was furious. But that was then. Now, he’s cool about it.”

Sunita Marshall, having done ramp shows in London, Sri Lanka, India, Singapore and Dubai, is one of the most sought-after models on the Pakistani ramp. “Though modeling is seen as a short-term profession in Pakistan, there’s a lot happening in the industry: we’re looked upon with respect and the money is amazing,” says Marshall, set to make her acting debut in the play Sukhay Patay, which has been shot in Canada and co-stars Suresh Oberoi.

Lebanese designer weaves exotic look for seasonal show

PARIS: US designer Ralph Rucci gave a master class in the art of pure silhouettes Thursday with his haute couture collection for next winter, while Lebanon’s Elie Saab opted for glamour and glitz.

On the final day of a frenzied week of autumn-winter 2003-04 couture shows in the French capital, Rucci invited fashion editors and his well-heeled clientele to a Paris art gallery to view his understated, elegant creations.

Using a muted color palette of black, taupe, gray and chocolate brown, the New York-based designer unveiled a collection of elegant suits, impeccably cut sheath dresses that skimmed the body and refined coats in cashmere and sable.