Back to basics

Day two of BCW Gold Edition 2016 saw the colour red make its way back to the runway.

KARACHI: Day two of Bridal Couture Week (BCW) Gold Edition 2016 witnessed designer heavyweights play it safe with their colour palettes. With different hues of red leading the pack, the ramp saw an interesting blend of traditional embellishments with almost every collection on display. Here’s a rundown of who showed what at the event.

Deepak & Fahad



Collection name: Taajwardi

The crimson tones, the floral prints and the magical magnetism of the colour gold were all that the showcase was about. Sherwanis created in flamboyant cuts and women wear in red and gold combination dominated the collection. While bridal wear dominated the line, wedding outfits including ghararas and shalwar kameez were also in attendance.

Ayesha Ibrahim

Collection name: Jashn-i-Aroosi

With the collection name meaning “wedding festive” in Persian, Jashn-i-Aroosi featured a myriad of long gowns, angarkhas, and farshi ghararas. The outfits were embellished with Swarovski crystals, zardozi, resham embroidery and French knots. Done in red, silver, grey and white on fabrics such as silk, tissue, cotton nets and Chantilly nets, the kamdaani work was definitely a visual treat.

Tena Durrani



Collection name: Mon Reve

Durrani’s stunning mix of traditional and contemporary silhouettes in shades of grey and mauve was coupled with bright coloured dupattas. Swarovski crystals and pearls added bling on the runway, while detailed embroidery on ghararas was done with kora and dabka work. Belted dupattas were a sure-fire standout.

Zahid Khan

Collection name: Untitled

Khan’s collection saw more hits than misses. The designer went a little over the top with his colour choices, which ranged from bright pink to parrot green, queer cuts and odd styling. A tribute to the old-fashioned bride, the showcase focused on vintage Banarsi attires embellished with tilla work, chandi tilla, naqshi, and lots of gota.

Zainab Chottani



Collection name: Dastaan

The ensembles exuded a feminine feel with dreamy colours of blue, white and silver dominating the showcase. Flowy gowns, shararas, Dhaka pajamas, bell bottoms and even the uber chic dhoti shalwar were done to perfection, thanks to Chottani’s own unique touch. Extensive detailing and kamdaani work left us floored.

Fozia Hammad

Collection name: Self Portrait



Playing with a palette of pastels, Hammad employed chiffons and nets for the collection, at the same time relying on her embellishments of choice — thread work, kiran work and dabka work. Looking at the shalwar kameez and lehnga-cholis, we were overjoyed to see how Hammad envisioned the elegant bride. Her fascination with pearls continued and we were sure not to leave it unnoticed.

Uzma Babar



Collection name: Durr-e-Shevar

Babar’s collection was an ode to the last heir to the Ottoman throne. It featured a blend of modern cuts and designs, yet remained loyal to cultural aesthetics. The colour palette focused on rich and royal tones ranging from midnight blue and plum to emerald and ruby. A subtle hint of gold to the ensembles provided the finishing touches. The line comprised shararas and ghararas based on luxe fabrics including silk net, French net, Chantilly net and organza net with heavy brocade and raw silk for edging and finishing. The offerings were embellished with kora, dabka, and pearl work.

Bibi London (Neetu Lulla, Tarun Tahiliani)

Collection name: Untitled

The two designers reminded us that a traditional bride trusts nothing but the colour red for her big day. With undertones of bright orange and shocking pink, the line primarily comprised traditional ensembles such as lehnga-cholis and saris done in gold wire work. Bird motifs and floral designs on the sari pallu completed the collection.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 10^th, 2016.

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