“Jinnah supported the independence of women - now it's your turn to show the world how brilliant Pakistani women are.” That's the opening line on Mahin Hussiain's blog about her first August 14 collection of womens accessories which includes canvas handbags and cushions. Hussain, a relatively new entrant in the fashion industry, has been making a statement with each collection - be it purses or scarves. But her latest one speaks volumes, for it's the first of its kind that celebrates the true Pakistani spirit and no, it isn't exorbitantly priced.

Why did you decide to create handbags and cushions specifically for Independence and is this the first collection of its kind?

I have been designing handbags for the last eight years. For the first few years, I designed and supplied casual handbags to Khaadi but for the last couple of years it has been leather handbags for my own label 'Mahin Hussain Accessories'. Being a firm believer in seasonal collections, I have taken out three main collections each year. This year I decided to develop a capsule collection using my bags for communication. The goal was to inject new life into the patriotic spirit of the young generation and bring back some of our iconic history.

August 14 was the perfect time, and this collection of simply constructed canvas totes, shoppers and messenger bags comes to life with quotes on women's liberation and emotionally charged songs sung  by the legendary Madam Noor Jehan in the 1965 war. The concept behind this range was unique. Being my first attempt at collaborative work, I asked graphic artist Mariam Hussain to create all the illustrations for the handbags. This body of work speaks out louder and more emphatically because it talks directly to each Pakistani and brings many emotions to the surface.

Since the collection is very gender-specific, were you contacted by men, either appreciating or acknowledging the collection?

Another exciting result of this collection was that for the first time, men actually took notice and commented very positively. They all showed great interest in the Quaid handbag which uses the Quaid's face very graphically in the design. An art director particularly got very energised and wanted the bag for himself.
 
How has the response been otherwise?

I was aiming to target college students with this collection, but I have been shocked by the overwhelming response I have received from many other age brackets as well. My aunt, well over 70 years of age, was eager to acknowledge that "Aey watan key sajeeley jawano" was her favourite song and was quick to become my first buyer.

With the current state of affairs in the country, the flood being the most horrific natural disaster ever to have hit our country, coinciding with the terrible law and order situation in Karachi, my bags have come at the right time to spread a little positive energy and spirit. I have received many inquires from people living abroad who want to keep their hopes up about this country and feel strongly about investing in a little bag, which makes a strong statement and rekindles their passion for Pakistan.

Do you think people are buying these out of patriotism or because of its aesthetic value?

My handbags have always been focused on strong aesthetics but this collection is gaining popularity purely because of its patriotic nature. People are relating to the words, the messages and the times that these totes symbolise.

Whats the next step in sending out this message? Should we be expecting more handbags along these lines in the future?

I designed this collection as a limited edition line of handbags but since then I have not only had many more exciting ideas, but also thoughts about how to make this a permanent feature of my label. I would definitely like to explore more products that could be used to promote this message.

Whats the price range for the collection? And where can people purchase the bags from?

The canvas bags range from Rs.1,500 to Rs.2,250. These bags are available from Ensemble Karachi, Fashion Pakistan Lounge Lahore and L'atelier Islamabad.

What happens if you run out - will you be making these on a made-to-order basis?

Yes, the plan is to make more on order if there is a need.

How have you celebrated August 14 each year?

Celebrations start a few days before with flags being put up on the roof of the house and little flags on the car, which wave proudly as you drive around the city. I am especially fond of all our patriotic songs (mili nagmas) and listen to them throughout the day.  It is a real treat to watch all the beautifully lit up buildings which make me believe that one day Karachi will be called the city of lights again!

With all the bad news coming out of the country right now (the floods, the plane crash, Karachi violence) - how important is it to send out this message of hope and optimism?

To be honest, I feel lucky that I have the opportunity to express myself. It may just be a small insignificant bag but the message that the bag holds is much bigger and more powerful. The bag is a symbol of positivity, and for a moment at least is allows us to dwell on a time when things were much simpler, Pakistan was still bright and shining, ready to take on the world, our people were not disenchanted, and when a simple song like "Sohni Dharti” or “hum zinda qaum hai” could move us to lay down our lives for Pakistan.

Each and every citizen of Pakistan needs to understand the severity of the current state. It is crucial to do absolutely anything we can. If not physically then at least emotionally, by not just buying into negativity, but spreading a stronger message. Let's remind the people of this nation what Jinnah's values were, what his spirit and vision was. Let's rise above this calamity and join forces with each other to fight all evils that have taken root in our country and become proud Pakistanis again.

Amna Khalique is the Features Editor at Dawn.com