PFDC 2012: Trend roundup

Shorter hemlines, shalwars and sequins make a comeback.

LAHORE:

If there is one thing that Pakistan Fashion Design Council (PFDC) Sunsilk Fashion Week 2012 has done, it is that it has managed to prove to both local and international audiences that it is truly one of the most significant fashion platforms in the country.

From the stalls set up outside displaying all the collections with their prices available in PKR, USD and Euros to the food kiosks and overall ambience and energy, every element of the show was stellar and well-planned. In terms of fashion, the show left us all in a hue of not only some great collections but also some notable trends to follow. From the hemlines going up to the stylish palazzo pants, this season has witnessed a significant change in fashion trends.

Sequins

Bling was the name of the game in past seasons and diamante, zardozi and crystal work were every designer’s favourite embellishment. However, the trend has changed this season. This year, local and international designers have focused their attention on sequins. Designers such as Elan, Tazeen Hasan and Karma have all moved away from diamantes and zari to sequins in order to add glitz and glam to their collections.

Textiles versus embellishments

Although we absolutely love bling and over the top embellishments, it’s about time we give it a rest, at least in pret wear. At the PFDC, it was refreshing to see prints make a comeback and a greater emphasis was laid on textiles rather than the embellishment that adorns the fabric. Designers like Zara Shahjahan, Kamiar Rokni, Elan, Sania Maskatiya and Sadaf Malaterre focused on prints in various forms. From hand-painted outfits to screen printed ensembles, the charm of the print is back.

Drainpipe shalwars

While the shalwar has been missing in action for a few years, it made a significant comeback at the PFDC this year. Designers like Karma, Akif Mahmood and Kamiar Rokni all experimented with the shalwar, from skinny drainpipe shalwars to looser fits. While we can’t go patiyala with our shalwars just yet, it is fun to know that they can be eased into the summer wardrobe once again.

Palazzo pants

It seems that the massive craze of the chooridar pyjamas has faded just a bit, to give way to the looser garment — palazzo pants. Almost every designer collection showcased at PFDC, carried its own version of the pants. From chatta patti pants to heavily textured or embellished ones, it seems this season has a pair of palazzos for everyone.

Form-fitting shirts and shorter hemlines

While ethereal, long and flowing shirts are still raging strong, it was a pleasant surprise to see designers produce shorter hemlines and more structured shirts. Designers like Elan, HSY and FNKAsia came out with a mix of both long and short shirts. While we can’t say longer silhouettes are on their way out, they have become a bit stale as they’ve reigned the ramp for the past couple of seasons. Fortunately enough, this season’s shorter hemlines have come in various flattering and figure-enhancing cuts.

Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly read “Designers such as Elan, Muse, Tazeen Hasan and Karma have all moved away from diamantes and zari to sequins in order to add glitz and glam to their collections.” It has now been changed to “Designers such as Elan, Tazeen Hasan and Karma have all moved away from diamantes and zari to sequins in order to add glitz and glam to their collections.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 20^th, 2012.