For sartorial men: Nabeel & Aqeel at Modeville

ISLAMABAD: Nabeel & Aqeel’s launch at ModeVille is one of those rare, sartorial moments that Islamabad desperately needs. So it was no surprise it generated heavy traffic — the federal capital’s men, hungry for high-end, aren’t exactly spoiled for choice and Nabeel & Aqeel’s tasteful winter 2012 collection certainly helps.
Spotted first is Rezz, of Rezz PR, combing through Italian wool blend suits. He agrees the launch is a treat: “It’s fantastic to have an A-List designer for men in Islamabad. There’s a lot of finesse and the quality is of international standards,” says Rezz. The collection has convinced him to become a buyer.
The collection’s flexibility is immediately apparent; it’s also a key strength. A sub-brand titled “Cocaine by Nabeel & Aqeel” includes tasteful polo shirts and Italian-inspired shoes ranging between Rs2,990 to Rs6,990.
It’s the suits, however, that are the collection’s stars. The duo is definitely turning to traditional Italian suiting culture. “We’re after the Italian styling, the timeless suit,” explains Nabeel. “The Italian style is, essentially, a normal cut,” he adds, pointing out that it’s the cut that’s emphasised in Italian tailoring. But the brand has experimented beyond conservative Italian cuts — the modern line more suited for younger clients: “We’ve got a small tux, slim lapel, peak lapel to go with our variety of shirts in super fine fabrics.”
Not too steeply priced either, a good, customisable suit in Italian fabric (wool blend) can come for Rs15,000 and above.
According to Nabeel, the winter collection, as well as his brand, represents a selection of “the best styles we foresee for Pakistani fashion”. Nabeel is also revisiting his background in offering name brands like Versace and Calvin Klein (his Lahore-based store, Wardrobe deals in these labels). The two have brought over the latest in winter wear from Versace, DKNY and Ralph Lauren. “We’re just testing the waters here with these brands and want to see how they’d be received in the Islamabad market.”
The Nabeel & Aqeel collection speaks volumes for itself: the catalogue is balanced, well-executed and sharp. Additionally, it provides Islamabad with much needed clothing options. Still, we wonder if the designer label Nabeel & Aqueel introduced Versace (one suit can get to a whopping Rs85,000), will it take off in Islamabad, where the shoppers are picky and mildly conservative.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 23rd, 2012.