For Connoisseurs Only – The Art of Fashion and Food

Like fashion, food is also a daily means of self-expression.

Yes, what you EAT is as telling about you as what you WEAR. It is a reflection of one’s culture, traditions, and lifestyle.

Fashion and food go back a long way. By the end of the 17th Century, the concepts of haute couture along with haute cuisine came to define France’s identity as an international determiner of taste. The seeming oddness of this pairing is exactly why designers have chosen to incorporate food motifs into their designs – surreal blends with preposterous, playful with austere – and it is these unlikely contrast that creates striking moments of fashion.

A suit made out of bits of bagel, designed by the fashion designer: Ishara Jayakody

In the present day, when you consider all facets of culinary life that draw us in, keep us interested, and bring us back for more, they are all similar to those of the of the fashion world. Though still in its budding infancy in Pakistan, the idea certainly has taken flight.

The food industry in Pakistan is flourishing, and gaining the interest of both consumers and investors. Many restaurants and cafes rely on A-list celebrities for their promotions, with social media being the tool of choice. These celebrities pictures of food and dining experiences constantly. Whether these are sponsored posts or simply a casual insight into their daily lives, it goes to show that they love to eat as much as we do!

Fawad Khan having lunch with two stars from across the border

There is a difference between the cultures of major cities in the country when it comes to mixing fashion with food. This is not just limited to how distinctly people dress, or how distinct their lifestyles are, but also in how and what they eat. Their choice in both cuisine and appearance are key identifiers.

The concept of food with fashion has gained so much popularity that many designers have opened high-end restaurants all over the world. Ralph Lauren, one of America’s favorite designers, opened The Polo Bar in the heart of fashion mecca, New York City, and now boast three such restaurants, with one located in trendsetting Paris. They even have their own coffee shops by the name of Ralph’s Coffee.

Then there’s Burberry, who recently opened a cafe within its flagship store in London. Christopher Bailey, Burberry’s head and chief creative officer, said the firm wanted to, “Create a space where our customers can spend time relaxing and enjoying the world of Burberry in a more social environment.”

Thomas’s on Regent Street in London, named after Burberry founder, Thomas Burberry.

During fashion weeks all over the world, bloggers and magazine write as much about what and where to eat, as they do about the shows, parties, and catwalks! Gone are the days where models and celebrities were criticized over their eating habits – platforms such as Instagram are now swarmed with pictures of celebrities spotted having lunches and dinners at high-end restaurants, especially throughout fashion weeks.

American fashion designer, Rachel Comey, even partnered with chef Ignacio Mattos of Estela to give an unofficial kick-start to the New York fashion week in September, by hosting a dinner-party-slash-fashion show for their spring/summer 2015 collection. It was the kick-off event to Bon Appetit Magazine’s Feast or Fashion series, now in its fifth year, which highlights the flourishing symbiosis between fashion and food with several events each season. The show, understandably, was a major hit.

“Fashion and food are both works of art; both require attention to detail and love by the artisan, and the end product tells that story. That’s what makes them so similar, and it is little wonder that there is always talk of amazing food during fashion weeks all over the world” 

Fashion is driven by trends; what was considered uber fashionable say, two years ago, is considered outdated and unstylish today. In the same way, food trends also evolve with time. There are forever new techniques and tricks being invented to make food LOOK and TASTE more appealing. Just as the cuts, colors and the design of a dress matter to a consumer, as much as the actual quality of its fabric, a delicious tasting dish has to look visually beautiful as well to allure its consumer.

Trends in fashion come and go, but the one thing that is for certain is that no matter how ‘chic’ or ‘stylish’ the world becomes, there’s no joy greater than eating good food!