As simple as black and white

Trend file with Secret Closet.

Have you noticed the subtle but marked evolution in fluid silhouettes? There is an increasing concentration on clean architectural lines and more structured shapes within the loose-fitted frame.

What better way to project crisp minimalism than with a colour palette anchored in black and white? There are many ways to sport the neutral hues which — when paired together — become a strong statement force. The combination has been around the block a few times over and keeps coming back in a different package, possibly because opposites attract. This season the emphasis has been on print, colour blocking and shading. When you filter out all the distracting colours, you can draw attention to the actual textures, drape, and designs.

We love the recent concept of separates that has gained popularity among designers; individual articles of clothing thrown together for a more versatile and off-beat look. Black and white separates are a classic go-to.  A white top with black pants, such as this Ayesha Farooq Hashwani halter with a diamante brooch is something you just can’t go wrong with! Another advocate for separates is Sania Maskatiya with her signature printed palazzos, which have been going strong since their first appearance in her debut Dilkash Collection.

Would you rock black and white as a bride? Mina Hasan shows you how — with this gorgeous white net ensemble elaborated with black borders and silver detailing — perfect for a valima bride. The blend works beautifully in formal wear when combined with net textures, such as this elegant thread worked dupatta and kurta from Misha Lakhani’s debut collection available at her recently launched flagship store. The skinny needle work has a timeless charm about it and the black lining, showing under the white, has a universal appeal.

Colour blocking is probably the most popular form of wearing black and white these days. Be it a sharp geometric cut such as that given by experimentalist Feeha Jamshed, a touch of sequined glamour characteristic of AFH, or conventional aesthetics as displayed by Mahavash Lehri of Mavz Couture; the possibilities are endless. Maheen Karim executes shaded colour blocking with black and white ever so gracefully with this embroidered wrap dress. Another way to go is to add bits of colour to the neutral base such as this authentic Shehla Chatoor kimono enhanced with floral embroidered gharara poised by Fareshte Aslam with a pair of tights.

At the other end, is the world of black and white print. There’s a whole lot going on from the psychedelic geometrics of Aamna Aqeel and Sania Maskatiya’s Matyala collection to edgy block prints by Sana T, Rabia Wahab of Fiction Concepts and Blocks by Umme Hani. The bold graphics of Nida Azwer are vividly appealing. Her latest grass print on white resembles night shadows that offer an all together different aesthetic dimension. Animal prints were and always will be in style as demonstrated by Rida Shazad and Maheen Karim. Nature never gets old, and neither do stripes or polkas for that matter!

How do you like to wear your white and black?

Secretcloset.pk is a single online platform showcasing exclusive designers, collections, trends, news & events, and more. The portal provides a one stop guide to all your fashion informational needs in Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 15^th, 2012.         

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