The deck of the Cuckoo's Nest looks into Lahore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates to about 1560. At night, with the fort's lights turned off, Saeed can see the moonlight reflecting off the dramatic marble palaces and mosques. Because the restaurant has only eight tables, it is peaceful enough to allow her to get lost in the beauty, she says.
Viewing the dramatic architecture from above helps Saeed appreciate Pakistan's history. The fort, also known as Shahi Qila, was built during the Mughal Empire, which ruled most of South Asia and the Indian subcontinent from the 16th to the mid-19th century.
Saeed's attraction to the fort goes back to her schoolgirl days, when she visited on a class trip. She still remembers her first look at the lavish Shish Mahal, or Palace of Mirrors, with its ornate mosaics and impressive mirrors.
But most of her childhood travels took her to foreign lands - good preparation for her job as owner of her fashion line and store, Zahra Saeed, which opened at 1905 Walnut St. in the spring.
"I wanted to bring the world to my clients - the silks, embroideries, art, workmanship, colors, textures," Saeed says. "Every city or country has specific specialties they offer."
She incorporates her exposure to different cultures in even the simplest of her styles. In her 2009 fall/winter collection, for example, every dress has at least a dab of color - especially magenta and orange - or an embroidered pattern.
And by buying her materials overseas, with a good exchange rate, Saeed says, she can offer her unique styles to her customers at lower prices.
