CATWALK CARES VIRTUAL FASHION SHOW

Glamourously curated fashion shows, powerhouse designer labels and elite-studded front rows were cancelled but the local fashion industry has always fought for recognition and thrived for excellence. Despite a pandemic, it comes through! The first Virtual Fashion Show gave the industry a beacon of hope, with its capability to deliver and the quality of couture, we will adapt to new realities. The showcase organisers’ also honoured front-line fighters and sent them Eid joras and PPE suits on a thankful note for their service.

DAY 1

Retail game changer Khaadi showcased their line titled ‘Bohemia’ featuring creative expression and ‘fun fashion’ with a tribute to timeless polka dots and broad stripes on wide-legged palazzos and tunics with bell sleeves. As for accessories, Khaadi kept everything ultimately desi.

Maheen Karim, master of silhouettes, brought ‘Parizad,’ an all-white collection of four diverse pieces. Maheen knocks it out of the park with her lehenga choli with a silk crop top and billowed sleeves, a power punch of eastern meets western, pair with chunky kundan jhumkay and statement necklace.

Huma Adnan brings ‘Kuchi,’ infused with tribal prints, long, flowy silhouettes and ethnic jewelry which has become the highlight of the Huma Adnan brand. The kaftan dresses are organically hand-printed by Afghani refugees, encapsulating the essence of the title and the theme, and delivering a culturally rich and appropriate experience. A coral floor length dress with floral beads and threadwork on the neckline and minimal motif printing on the skirt has a place in every eastern girl’s wardrobe.

The newest addition we saw on our screen to the fashion scene were custom made masks, as per the need of the hour. Designers bring their own fusion with elaborate beads and sequins studded, statement motifs and even net masks to give a fashion spin to a pandemic survival accessory. Another accessory that was tributed by designer Shamaeel Ansari in his collection ‘The Light of Darkness’ were gloves but they were kept straightforward – black and leather.

Day 2

The second day’s collection were in full swing by seven leading fashion connoisseurs of the industry. Generation opened the show with its formal luxury collection ‘Lootera’ which was modelled by veteran supermodel Mehreen Syed. The collection depicted the elegance of the pre-Colonial subcontinent fabric with making use of organza, zaris and tissue with strong colours popping out and paying tribute to the rich heritage of the region. With vibrant prints, the dresses comprised of regal flowy and belted silhouettes.

Sania Maskatiya showcased her capsule collection named ‘Yara’ modelled by the gorgeous Alicia Khan. The collection had ensembles in soft pastel hues with intricate machine and hand embroidery. To uplift the summer mood, pure whites and floral prints were used to the further decorated dresses with delicate lace detailing. The collection was way too versatile with chic silhouettes including a corner-dropping poncho, a front-open shirt paired with a shalwar, and a classic kurta keeping in mind different style preferences for everyone.

The industry’s trendsetter designer Ali Xeeshan considered the Virtual Fashion Show as the new reality for the time being that must be adapted. The very beautiful Mushk Kaleem modeled the designer’s three look capsule collection, ‘Kaafla Zuri and Fame’. The collection was inspired by nature, inner peace and the subcontinent’s heritage. Comprising of solid colours like blacks and whites, the designer used easy breezy fabrics and festive silhouettes to rock the perfect looks in summer.

Elan's capsule collection 'Une Belle Journée' (A Beautiful Journey) was modelled by Rabiya Chaudhry. The collection exuded old world charm but with a twist of modern glamour. It took us back to a time of elegant poise and grace. The collection featured prettily sedate hues including cool mint and whites which were tailored to perfection. Flowy silhouettes that included short kurtas and sleeveless tunics with elegant intricate tonal embroidery were the center of attention.

DAY 3

Haute couturier Nomi Ansari opened day three with his flamboyant collection ‘Festive Couture’ featuring supermodel Fauzia Amaan first, in a beautiful glistening blue saree in a flashy print and a healthy dose of sparkle. The model was also seen in Ansari’s signature multicoloured lehenga choli with stunning sequins and mirror work.

Sana Safinaz showcased its collection ’Anatalya’' which featured monotone dresses in bold hues. The preppy collection also displayed heavily embellished belts cinched around the dresses which added definition to the outfits and gave them flattering silhouettes.

Sonya Battla’s collection ‘Chawkhandi’ had an unending appeal to it. It featured Sarwat Gilani in outfits themed “less is more”. Battla used intricate details, fine fabrics and diverse textures to recreate minimalist fashion. In short, her collection exuded simple femininity to its best.

The best was coherently saved for last. The finale collection ‘Noor: The Divine Light’ by bridal couturier Shehla Chatoor was a personal favourite. The ornate and exuberant collection featured Mushk Kaleem and Ayesha Omar in beautifully crafted ensembles with rich fabrics such as tulle and can-can. Rendered in layers of pastel hues, a ruffled tulle skirt stands out in the collection. Chatoor’s collection also featured the coming of the mask, but in Pakistani fashion statement maker style: sequined, studded and over the top.

The show, organised on a short note and small budget, testifies to the industry’s adaptability but the impact of a live runway and orchestrated showcase was definitely missed. 

Show production:

Catwalk Event Management & Productions

GALLERY

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