FPW 2016: And it’s a wrap

Final day of event witnessed promising design showcases

KARACHI:

The final day of Fashion Pakistan Week S/S 2016, was undoubtedly the better of the three days. Designers went beyond their typical philosophies, not playing safe and reinventing the wheel altogether. Sonya Battla and Shamaeel Ansari locked horns and ruled the runway in terms of innovation, out-of-the-box concepts and daring silhouettes. The ramp saw a plethora of textures and vibrant colours perfect for spring. Each designer proved that Pakistani fashion can stand strong and compete on the international market.

Sonya Battla



Collection: Identity

The opening collection of the evening showed Sonya Battla at her finest. Designed in collaboration with students of University of Karachi Department of Textiles and Visual Studies, Battla brought forward a white capsule collection boasting of varying textures, techniques, and materials. We were in awe of how the team used plastics and razor-cutting to create absolute eye candy. Accessorised with funky head-pieces and striking white wigs, the models sported a poised look on the ramp — a true reflection of Battla’s creative genius.

Generation 



Collection: A dot that went for a walk

Keeping the rapidly approaching scorching summer in view, we were glad to see that Generation brought forward a cotton collection in hues of tea pink, green, blue and white. Featuring dorri embroidery, trailing threads here and there and an overall boho-chic appeal, the models strutted barefoot for this segment with a thread tied in a loop around their toes and ankles. Comfortable, stylish, and ideal for the spring season, the collection targets the younger lot and was thoroughly appreciated by all those in attendance.

Al Karam



Collection: Digital Prints 2016

The textile house brought forth a silk collection of floral prints and geometrical designs in blacks, whites and beiges. The range comprised off-shoulder tops, halter necks and jumpsuits which were accessorised to perfection with necklaces, belts and clutches. The models sported the breezy, semi-formal look, setting trends for the upcoming summer silk rage in the country.

Natasha Kamal



Collection: Luxxotica

Natasha Kamal’s collection is fit for today’s free-spirited woman in terms of wearibility. With her colour palette restricted to monochrome, leafy greens and coral shades, Kamal sent the audience into a reverie of the 1960s. Bandanas, Jackie-O sunglasses, hooped earrings and the bronze summer tan perfectly complemented the crop tops, flared pants, flowy dresses and capes that made up the collection. Dainty flats and wedges added oomph to each outfit.

Nida Azwer 



Collection: Kirigami

Nida Azwer’s collection was a harmony of sheer and opaque fabrics, adorned with intricate embroidery, cutwork, pearls, crystals and beads. The outfits saw the return of the birds that Azwer seems so fond of; an element that remains a prominent feature of her work. The two saris in the Kirigami collection totally won us over! The designer also showcased flared pants, wraps, skirts, capes, dhoti shalwars and jackets, with models sashaying down the ramp perched atop high heels and doing complete justice to vanity.

Zainab Chottani 



Collection: Club Cobalt

With prints featuring the famous New York skyline, Zainab Chottani’s collection was a sight for sore eyes. The designer experimented with denim, creating trendy matching separates, bell-bottoms, capes, and patiala shalwars all styled to give a Western look. Sporting metallic sneakers, large earrings, bandanas and shades, the models rocked the ripped and faded jeans that will forever remain in vogue around the world. We also found the Chottani labelled totes, briefcases and umbrellas quite interesting.

Aamna Aqeel 



Collection: Stare

Aamna Aqeel’s collection was a symphony of solids and stripes. Blacks and whites clashed with different shades of neons embellished with sequins. We adored the clutches and nude heels which complemented the outfits perfectly. The line featured skirts, dresses, jumpsuits, jackets and harem pants in contrasting monochrome geometric patterns against yellow, apple green, hot pink and blue. Aqeel’s design aesthetics have matured over time, proving her ramp-worthy and worth every bit of applause she received.

Shamaeel Ansari



Collection: Yúgure

Paying tribute to the hour of dusk and symbolising it with the Japanese traditions, Shamaeel Ansari brought forward her line in shades of orange, red, yellow and brown. The Japanese Samurai face-cut was embodied as a motif with floating embroidery on the neckline. The pieces in question could be worn as shown on the ramp or as separates; the cherry blossom motifs were to die for! Trails, slim-fit trousers, cinched waistlines, flared pants and layers were prominent features of the collection that left everyone awestruck.

Initially, Battla’s collection was a clear favourite for us, but towards the end, she tied neck-to-neck with Ansari. The two collections stood out from the others, bringing something fresh to the ramp.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 12^th,  2016.

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