Redefining ethnic appeal

TDAP Fashion Showcase features a range of designers exhibiting a play of colours and textures in diverse collections

KARACHI:

This year’s Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) Fashion Showcase kickstarted with an array of styles, from the traditional ajrak paired with multi-hued patchwork to monochromatic designs featuring the elegant quilted effect. The evening boasted a range of Western cuts juxtaposed with ethnic flavour. Here is a round-up of what the designers showed on the ramp.

Zaheer Abbas:



 

The designer’s collection was an ode to the Thar Desert, with the vivid-hued ajrak pattern combined with Sindhi mirror-work detailing. The ensembles flaunted an ideal touch of classic mixed with modern. The use of conventional motifs with silver-crafted traditional embellishments was practical and moderately gaudy.

TDAP Mix:



 

The collections were an elegant mix of lines. Maheen Kardar-Ali’s black-and-beige compilation featured zig-zag monochrome patterns. Akif Mahmood toyed with midnight blue and gold with a hint of gotta on jamawar, accentuating the digital printing aspect of his outfits. Contrarily, Nickie and Nina focused on darker shades of olive-green and brown. Utilising the versatility of the chiffon and georgette materials, the designers emphasised the diversity of their collections.
Sara Shahid’s Sublime ensembles boasted sequinned, black-and-white contemporary designs with a dash of Western flare. With his label focusing on having a high wearability quotient, Syed Rizwanullah’s ‘Fifth Element’ collection comprised ivory white and cream ensembles, which featured Western silhouettes in the form of floor-grazing flowy dresses.

Saher Atif:



 

The ‘Sultanate’ collection of black and deep-gold featured gotta on velvet fabric. Exuding a regal appeal, the elaborately embroidered outfits could easily be classified as borderline bridal wear. Although simply-tailored, they drifted away from the prêt side, with the collection verging on a celebratory theme.

Adnan Pardesy:



 

Pardesy’s collection was an amalgam of Asian floral landscapes blended with a Geisha theme, harmonised with African tribal designs and Islamic blueprints, all structured in a geometric fashion. Monochrome designs were a dominant trend in the collection.

IVS graduates:



 

Maliha Raza and Usman Rehman brought forward a splendid, eye-catching flight of the birds’ collection. From digital printing to making the most of the laser fabric-cutting technique with a few woven pieces, the line featured an assortment of vibrant colours, emitting a summery feel on the runway.

Fashion Pakistan Council Mix:

For SanaSafinaz, creative director Mohsin Ali showcased black-and-gold ensembles, which glimmered on the ramp. Fusing colours, such as fuchsia with shadowy hues on diverse fabrics, the collection was aesthetically-pleasing. Maheen Khan’s Gulabo collection was adorned with images of the Karachi map and the funky tops exuded oomph with shades, such as blood-orange, ruby-red and crimson. Deepak Perwani’s blue-indigo-white collection illustrated intricate digital prints and landscapes over rich fabrics.

Ali Xeeshan:



The luxury collection was swathed with floral landscapes in tints of scarlet, burgundy and carroty undertones coupled with hints of black and gold. Although using pure cotton, Xeeshan’s collection exuded glint, which made the vivid colours stand out. Known for crafting gaudy ensembles, this elegant yet restrained collection was a breeze of fresh air.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 28^th,  2015.

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