Celebrated Karachi-based event designer Aarij Hashmi has produced almost 100 event spaces for Pakistan’s elite. Fall under his spell with us as we take a walk through his enchanted world.
What drives your passion for events?
I love transforming spaces. I guess that comes from my background as an architect. There is nothing more gratifying than hearing people gasp and say “wow” the minute they walk into an event space that I’ve transformed with my team. The minute I’ve wrapped up an event I’m itching to transform another space!
What is your professional background?
My formal education comes from a Bachelors in Architecture (B.Arch.) from Cornell University and an MSc from Columbia University.
During my time in New York I worked as an architect for Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP an American architectural, urban planning and engineering firm. My primary focus and project for over 4 years was the Freedom Tower at Ground Zero in Manhattan.
The most extravagant and/or unique wedding element you’ve designed/incorporated?
That would have to be a 6ft double swan harp that I constructed in fiberglass. It was for a black tie event with an Enchanted Forrest theme. The swan harp was placed on a mirrored console between two 12ft trees covered in cherry blossoms and hanging tea lights. The idea was to create illusion of fireflies.
The separate entrances of the bride and groom, especially at the mendhi event are always fun.
I have seen people enter on camels, horses, cycles, rickshaws and elevated platforms.
HASHMI'S TIPS ON
An invite for 9pm means it’s ok to turn up at 10:30 • An invite for Mr & Mrs means of course – bring your kids • Elaborate wedding cakes are all the rage these days – personally I don’t know why • The trending theme has been an English or French garden • Events can range from 200 to 1500 people • On average there are at least 3 wedding related events • During the busy event season people often have multiple events to attend in one night • The key things that people do in the 30 minutes one spends at an event when event hopping are —Meet the parents • Get a picture taken with the Bride and Groom • Dissect what the bride is wearing • then…Sneak away while no one is looking.
Who are some big names you’ve worked with?
Earlier this year in I was asked to conceptualize and execute the Mehndi event for one of Pakistan’s leading actresses Sanam Saeed. She was a delight to work with! She wanted an intimate Bohemian chic mehndi and it has been one of my favourite events to date.
I have worked with Nida Butt, one of Pakistan’s leading theater directors, known for bringing Grease and Mama Mia to Pakistan.
I have also had the privilege of working very closely with Pakistan’s legendary fashion designer Maheen Khan. I’ve done a few shows and photo shoots with her where I was in charge of set design and art direction.
Who are some big names you’ve worked with?
Earlier this year in I was asked to conceptualize and execute the Mehndi event for one of Pakistan’s leading actresses Sanam Saeed. She was a delight to work with! She wanted an intimate Bohemian chic mehndi and it has been one of my favourite events to date.
I have worked with Nida Butt, one of Pakistan’s leading theater directors, known for bringing Grease and Mama Mia to Pakistan.
I have also had the privilege of working very closely with Pakistan’s legendary fashion designer Maheen Khan. I’ve done a few shows and photo shoots with her where I was in charge of set design and art direction.
THE FACTS
100
Number of weddings he’s done in his entire career
$50K
The most extravagant wedding budget he’s worked with
10
Number of years as a designer in New York & Karachi
$22K - 27K
Average cost of decor for a high-end wedding in Karachi