The Pakistan Fashion Design Council [PFDC] in collaboration with L’Oréal Paris, presented PFDC L’Oréal Paris Bridal Week [PLBW18] marking the eighth consecutive year of the bridal couture platform.

This year, the PFDC welcomed a mix of established and contemporary designers within an enlarged scope of the bridal platform introduced last year, breaking each day into two distinct set of shows. The three fashion nights presented collections from a diversity of mainstream luxury bridal ateliers and commercially acclaimed brands.

Nomi Ansari

Haute couturier Nomi Ansari opened day-1, showcasing his collection ‘Maya’ in collaboration with jewellery designer Hamna Amir. Inspired by the splendour of the subcontinent’s opulent palaces of yore, the collection invokes a sophisticated, timeless majesty, while staying true to the design house’s signature aesthetics.

Actress Maya Ali participated in the designer’s showcase as the showstopper.

Hussain Rehar

Hussain Rehar showcased his debut ‘Rgyaal-Mo’ collection that draws its inspiration from the reverie where the two tribes combine to create another tribal fantasy.

Reema & Shehrbano

Making their ramp debut, Rema & Shehrbano showcased their bridal collection ‘Sophia’, in collaboration with BeeDazzeled. Glamorous, understated and unapologetically feminine, ‘Sophia’ features sculptural pieces, playful ruffles, colourful accents and flirty details.

Saira*Shakira

Saira*Shakira showcased their bridal collection ‘Fairuza’ in a solo show, in collaboration with BeeDazzeled. A glitzy throwback to Persia in the 1920s reimagined with contemporary workmanship, ‘Fairuza’ is based on enriching colour palette from nudes to red and everything in between. Showcasing 30 ensembles, the collection also featured menswear pieces.

Ali Xeeshan Theater Studio

The finale of day-1 was presented by a solo show featuring Ali Xeeshan Theater Studio who showcased his collection titled ‘Ijaazat’. The designes paid homage to the skilled craftsmanship of our culture with blends of uber-chic details using unconventional materials. Hues of red were a major part of the colour palette for the collection.

Lajwanti

Lajwanti opened day-2 with their bridal collection ‘A tale of Spain’. The collection is inspired by Muslim influence in Spain during 799 AD. The collection makes use of materials and fabrics ranging from pure silks, jamavar and tissue, meticulously worked with stone work, dabka and naqshi kaam.

Rici Melion

Rici Melion made its PFDC ramp debut with ‘Mansiraj – Light of the Mind.’ The collection paid homage to the era of Mughal architecture with its glorious monument Hiran Minar, whose design, patterns and setting is symbolic of noble simplicity yet utter grandeur.

Ahmad Bilal

The designer showcased ‘Noor-e-Nazar’ that draws its inspiration from the love of art and concept of empowerment and liberation. It is based in fabrics such as jamavar, chiffon, organza, tissue and silk with fusion of resham work, and tilla embedded with pearls and stones.

Nida Azwer

The evening bridal showcase opened with a solo show by Nida Azwer who showcased her bridal collection ‘Rani Bagh’. The designs draw inspiration from the royal courts and gardens of the Mughal era.

Misha Lakhani

Her collection ‘Ab-e-Rawan’ celebrates the bohemian nomad in a mix of Persian and Central Asian textiles, and hand-woven fabrics that coexist with the finest quality needle-craft to create looks that are steeped in old-world charm, yet versatile and effortless.

Zainab Salman

Her debut bridal collection titled ‘Bazeecha-e-Ishq – The Game of Love’, is a blend of rich fabrics, soft hues and bold patterns and craftsmanship adopting unique embellishment techniques to create original heirloom pieces.

The House of Kamiar Rokni

One of Pakistan’s leading fashion houses, The House of Kamiar Rokni showcased its collection titled ‘Moonrise’ on the finale of day-2. The collection draws its inspiration from moon which is universally a feminine symbol representing the system of time and pays homage to this symbolism.

Ahmad Sultan

Ahmed Sultan showcased his ‘Nazrana-e-Ishq’ collection that draws its inspiration from the pure feeling of falling in love. The colour palette is based in bright and bold colours with shades of red and gold. Set in rich luxurious materials such as chiffons, nets, organza, kimkhab, kundun zair, silks and jamavars, the collection aims to reinvent classic silhouettes with a modern twist by making use of traditional embroideries with modern 3D work. The showcase also featured menswear pieces.

Faraz Manan

Faraz Manan showcased his bridal collection ‘AlHambra’ in collaboration with Shazia Deen of Neemar for jewellery pieces. The pieces are an amalgamation of East and the West, and take inspiration from the majestic beauty of Granada and the spectacular fortress built by the Nasrid dynasty in the 13th century in Europe.

Nickie*Nina

The designer duo showcased their bridal, ‘Noor Mahal’, using chunri and block prints that have been delicately worked with intricate imagery from Southern Punjab.

Hira Ali Studios

The collection ‘Snap Trapped’ is an ode to modern day youth culture. Honouring individuality that inspires and women who break stereotypes, the collection is a celebration of women who have broken the chains of being trapped by the pressures of social media and are not afraid to live life without a filter.

Republic by Omar Farooq

The collection ‘Hunar’ is inspired by the eclectic ancient art and architecture of the subcontinent and aims to bring the intricate detailing and unique artistry of the Mughal era to life. Based on the beauty of Rajasthan and pre-colonial subcontinent, it pays homage to the foundation of our heritage, craft and love for beauty and art.

HSY

Pakistan’s iconic couturier HSY staged the powerful grand finale of the 8th edition of PFDC L'Oréal Paris Bridal Week 2018 with the A/W couture collection titled ‘Zmarei’ or ‘Lioness’ in Pashto.

With ‘Zmarei’, HSY paid tribute to the powerful, modern woman of today; the new, the fearless and dynamic generation of strong women. The collection also celebrated the beauty of diversity in all women.

‘Zmarei’ channels swirling hemlines, gold edgings, delicate paisley motifs with detailed design. All motifs and accessories for the collection were made in Pakistan by team HSY using local materials and artisans.