Post-Ramazan months are among the busiest for weddings in Pakistan. Not only is being able to select dresses for the multiple desi wedding events no mean feat for the bride, but also for her band of friends. With fall around the corner, The Express Tribune speaks to designer virtuosos to see what’s hot and not in bridal couture.
For her latest bridal collection, designer Maria B has opted for western silhouettes that exude elegance. Having been designing bridal wear since her brand was launched 15 years ago, Maria attempts to introduce new elements with each line. “This season, Maria B is all about delicacy and subtle beauty. We have taken great care to create a collection that is balanced in every aspect, be it colours, embellishments or the overall aura of the ensembles,” she says.
Shehla Chatoor bridal wear
Commenting on her fall/winter bridal collection that has hit the market, designer Shehla Chatoor shares that it comprises classic outfits that can be categorised as heirloom. Shehla has kept her designs strictly conventional and states, “There is a lot of handwork and intricately done embroidery that we believe you should be able to don even years from now.” She adds, “For this season, we have made use of fabrics such as French nets paired with brocade and velvets with tilla and gotta work.”
Designer Sonya Battla has incorporated shades of red and cream into her collection this season. Striking a balance between latest fashion trends and conventional designs, Sonya states that her “collection has beaded and aari work and showcases chatta patti ghararas and block prints. Coats are all the rage this season.”
Shehla’s collection showcases traditional angarkhas and farshis in a wide array of colours including shades of peach, champagne, emerald green and red. Contrarily, Maria has conceived her bridal collection with a modern outlook to design aesthetics. Her line consists of a range of linear cuts and subtle hues. “In addition to new cuts and a fresh colour palette, the collection features a fusion of eastern and western bridal fashion, which is currently on trend internationally and we feel it will be received well locally,” says Maria.
Fashion-fad followers may argue that the months between October and December are the most lucrative to launch a bridal collection. Maria begs to differ as she feels, “In our experience, girls start exploring different bridal wear options to prepare for weddings and other engagements from September onwards, which is usually when the Pakistani wedding season truly gets started.”
Maria explains that her collection caters to a wide audience that ranges from the bride to her mother to her friends. “We try to provide a range of fashion solutions to meet the needs of a broad and diverse audience,” comments Maria. So, our bridal collections always consist of both bridal wear with heavy embellishments and embroideries and lighter bridal wear that can we worn by the bride’s friends and family.”
Published in The Express Tribune, August 19th, 2014.
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Getting married this fall......is there much I can get under 1 million........I am sorry but I ain't a big spender.
Designer collection is yet to catch attention of masses. Probably because of the cost and designs which are only suitable for a small section of society.