Fashion Pakistan Week

spring/summer 2018

With fashion weeks becoming the regular feature of Pakistani fashion scene, most of them are dedicated to our collective obsession with wedding wears. But Fashion Pakistan Week Spring/Summer (FPWSS) 2018 was a different affair as nearly all the collections remained true to the very format of the event.

The two-day fashion affair was the talk of the town way before it was kicked off under the prestigious banner of Fashion Pakistan Council. Participated by some veteran and new designers, the runway paved way for the innovative and upcoming designers as they successfully showcased their creations featuring the latest seasonal trends. Even though the wear-ability factor was somehow missing, the amalgamation of dramatic designs and aesthetically constructed fabrics was a treat to watch. Veterans, on the other hand, seemed to play safe with their collections focused more on the conventional designs like they are known to create. Nothing too experimental though.

Another thing that’s gradually becoming a norm on our very runways is the use of fashion as a tool to convey social messages. And FPW was not an exception. Let's leave the ifs and buts here, but designers should be aware of the intensity of message they are promoting and more importantly, the way it’s being delivered, for there were times that the two didn’t complement each other in this show.

In other news, Zara Noor Abbas – the new face of Pakistani entertainment industry – was possibly the only highlight of the two-day extravaganza. As she presented the magnificent collection by FnkAsia as a showstopper, her fierce catwalk garnered her (possibly) the undesired attention. What made people grab popcorns was the aftermath of a parody video circulating on social media, leaving Zara slightly offended. This and a lot more happened at the Fashion Pakistan Week Spring/Summer 2018, including Syra Shahroz and her mother-in-law, Safina Behroze walking the ramp for Farah Talib Aziz. Here’s a brief rundown of everything fashion!

Keeping its traditional values alive, the event featured a line-up of 15 designers, eight of which displayed their collections on the first day. Day-1 started off with Maheen Khan’s collection Liberation from her label Gulabo, featuring statement pieces. Even though the collection reminded one of many of her previous works, a signature Maheen Khan design doesn’t hurt the eyes.

Next in line was Huma Adnan, who dedicated her collection to social justice by joining hands with the UNHCR and brought in crafts and jewellery made by refugee women, while her clothes were a reminiscent of the airy, light and pastel shades of summer, something that many designers are working around keeping in mind the unbearably hot and humid climate of our region.

Cheena Chhabra’s Buxom as well as The Pink Tree Company’s Chaand Raat were traditionally crafted, suitable for the shadi season that we’re all somehow part of this time of the year. Hassan Riaz’s Paradise Mirage was as lively as it was daring, which he showcased by bringing to light the issue of child abuse and child labour. Though the message did not sit well with his collection, we’d cheer him for the bold attempt. Yasmeen Jiwa’s Qous-e-Qazah was an ode to the forces beauty, power and chaos, a collection she had already showcased at the Paris Fashion week. Amir Adnan’s Beast was an interesting one, as he had hearing impaired models walk the ramp in his bespoke, environmentally-conscious collection. Farah Talib Aziz’s Mirabelle was a perfect mix of textures, prints, embellishments and the signature use of pastel colours FTA is known for.

The second day opened with none other than Deepak Perwani’s Black is the New White collection, inspired by the oriental rose and diaphanous airy silhouettes. From smart sherwanis and black kotis to regal flowy and airy long shirts paired with boot leg pants, Deepak’s collection was up to the mark!

Saira Shakira followed the suit with Winds of Summer ensembles featuring elaborate embroideries and lavishly sequined motifs bedecked with stones, pearls, dori work and 3D embellishments. Rozina Munib’s Glamorama was a rather dramatic assortment, for her designs did not stand out to be rated as fashion-week material, however, we did adore the pastel shades she hired for some of her pieces. Despite its traditional vibe with a quirky touch, Boheme by Kanwal stood out, all thanks to Zoe Viccaji’s show-stopping opulence in a quirky yet beautifully crafted ball gown, reminding one of the days of yore. Lines by Nauman Arfeen were centric and straightforward with quirky cuts and breathable fabric for men and women, while Sadaf Kanwal in a black and white journalist-esque look won us over. Natasha Kamal’s Ebru drew inspiration from the various textures and vitality of marbling, and displayed a rather playful take on linear patterns. The show closed with AFH by Ayesha Farook whose collection represented elegance and femininity using a variety of flowing satins, silks, chiffons, charmeuse and voiles, radiating oomph off the glamorous-looking cuts and colours.

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