Style icon and talented designer Maheen Karim fills us in on her travel escapades! From Vienna to Prague to London, Maheen tells us about her go-to travel clothes, favorite spots and favourite food. It turns out this gorgeous girl is down to earth and super energetic peppered with pounds of style! Read below to find out more!
You traveled to Prague, Vienna and London. Which place was your favorite?
Yes we landed in Vienna, four days in Vienna, 5 in Prague and then two and a half weeks in London. London I am most familiar with as I have lived there and have tones of friends, however as a new place to visit, Prague is on top of my list! It’s a stunning city and great fun! Untouched by war they have preserved its beauty from buildings to the cobbled streets, it’s full of life, a must visit.
What do you usually do on vacation? Do you laze around and relax, go sightseeing, eat the local foods or a little bit of everything?
Oh Ali and myself are quite energetic on vacation, we want to see the entire place and we love to explore, especially on foot. I become a true tourist and love every bit of it, from arts and culture to food, shopping, it’s an adventure!
Where did you have the best food during your last trip and what was it?
The best food we had was definitely London, but Prague wasn’t too far from it, excellent food and great restaurants and cafes, we were there during the football world cup final, there was a buzz on the streets, an energy, it was all very festive and celebratory….great fun.
Sharmeen Obaid, Mariya and Maheen Karim at a girlie dinner in London.
All the friends out at Park Chinois London!
Loved this Pop art piece in a Vienna boutique.
What are some essentials you take when you travel? Tell us a bit about your “go to” vacation look?
To be honest I pack tonnes and my husband always complains about how heavy my luggage is before we’ve even left Pakistan, but there was such a variation in weather that I had to. Comfortable yet trendy clothes and super comfy shoes are a must. I don’t dress to the hilt in the day, I enjoy being casual…the few special nights out is when I like to dress up and accessorize. I enjoy walking on holiday therefore I always take loads of flats and even trainers.
Which place in the world are you drawn to the most? And why?
Italy…I love the vibe, the people are so friendly and cultured, the fashion is uber elegant and the cities are THE most beautiful I have ever seen in my life….I would move to Italy in a heartbeat! Prague reminded of Italy.
Maheen and her husband at Prater Park, Vienna. A very old theme park where more and more rides were added each year.
A reconstruction of Gustav Klimt’s room at the Leopold Museum, Vienna.
Maheen Karim Loved this piece by artist Egon Schiele
A photograph taken of a girl as she sat there at the Leopold Museum so mezmerized by the art.
Which city do you think is the most inspiring in terms of art and fashion?
Florence, without a doubt. It boasts the world’s most precious art, culture, historical architecture and the vibe is upbeat and lively. With great food, art and people topped off with Italian luxury design, there’s nothing comparable.
What type of music do you listen to? (Genre, artists, songs?)
I listen to everything depending on my mood. I work to house music, I enjoy pop as it makes me happy, I am a huge fan of qawwali and I can’t stop dancing to Bollywood…a bit of everything.
Most memorable moment of your summer’16 holiday?
When my husband and I went on a Segway tour uphill to see the Prague Castle….he thoroughly enjoyed his Segway, as did I until I almost rammed into an Audi, which I would have had to pay for, scratched my legs and jumped/fell off!!! The entire group of people with us was in stitches of laughter.
What did you notice in terms of street style trends you liked and disliked this time round?
The one big thing as we all know and are grateful for is that people have gone back to comfort, they are wearing trendy flats and trainers and that’s a blessing! Besides that off shoulders and peekaboo’s are everywhere and they make for a chic summer ensemble, I am not such a big fan of poofy short skirts so that would not be my style but I do love the cotton shirt dresses girls are wearing.
Schonbrunn Palace Vienna
Horsing around Vienna style!
‘I love what they call train stations, brings back childhood memories from Germany!’- Maheen Karim
The gorgeous Charles Bridge, Prague.
‘Our gorgeous hotel garden…loved this place.’- Maheen Karim
Ali’s second breakfast in one of the many cafes of Prague!
View from Prague Castle.
Vintage car tours of Prague
John Lennon Wall, Prague…where everyone is welcome to come express what they feel…finally allowing freedom of expression.
We’re dying to know, what did you shop for? Any favorites you brought back from your travels abroad?
Oh yes, my husband got me my birthday present from Vienna but it’s my secret, I’ll wear it out soon.
What do you normally splurge on? (clothes, bags, perfumes?)
Shoes, Shoes and more Shoes with a little bit of clothes!
Where do you plan on traveling next?
No plans yet, as of now it’s back to work and creating luxury fashion with all that has inspired me whilst on my lovely trip!
Prague Castle.
I spent my entire 8 years in London devouring Mr. Kipling’s Battenberg cake…JUST LOVE IT!!!!
