When TDAP espoused fashion

Notable designers such as Deepak Perwani, Maheen Khan, Wardha Saleem among others jazzed up the ramp

LAHORE: Trade fairs can be defined in a unified manner as a sophisticated platform for conducting business on a national and international scale. The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) in collaboration with Fashion Pakistan presented the Made in Pakistan Fashion Showcase in Karachi where an exceptional opportunity was provided to assess opinions from clients and determine local market potential, conduct research, evaluate competition, develop commercial structures and initiate joint ventures and project partnership. More than 700 foreign delegates from around the globe attended the event.

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Some of the country’s top designers displayed their collections. These included Amir Adnan, Deepak Perwani, Maheen Khan, Adnan Pardesy, Wardha Saleem, Tena Durrani, Aamna Aqeel, Fnk Asia, Nova Leather, Hassan Riaz, Tena Durrani, Deepak Perwani, Jafferjees, Zuria Dor, Nauman Arfeen and Pink Tree Company.

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The evening also comprised a segment that was dedicated to students from fashion institutes including PIFD, AIFD and TIP. Emerging talents including Farah Usman, Sundus Talpur, Salman, Zainab, Shahmeer Ansari, Sobia Halar and Naina also brought their creativity to the ramp.

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Day one witnessed an interesting designer line-up. Deepak opened the show, showcasing a blend of the traditional and modern. His line incorporated mirror work and traditional embroideries on jackets and dresses. Amir’s menswear featured western wear in a monochrome theme and was the best representation of the modern Pakistani man. The offerings entailed modern cuts with cultural orientation.

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Nova Leather presented their range of jackets, skirts, handbags and leather accessories, which were of high, export quality and were highly appreciated by the foreign design houses. Pink Tree Company was perhaps the winning segment of the show where designer duo Mohsin Sayeed and Hadiya experimented with traditional Pakistani textile such as Sindhi, susi and khaddar fabric. They used techniques such as hand-block print, tie-dye and hand-crushing.

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Day two encompassed some attention-grabbing collections too. Aamna’s capsule collection, The White Susi, consisted of contemporary fusion silhouettes and ethnic embroideries on pure white cotton denim with kaleidoscope stripped susi. She focused on typical Sindhi embroidery and mirror work on jackets which had international appeal and looked chic.  Adnan showed his fashion forward collection, Subculture, which was a funky mix of culture and street style. Pakistan is one of the biggest denim exporters so Adnan wasn’t hesitant to make the entire collection out of it. Flowing, sleek and edgy asymmetrical cuts with intricate detailing were noted on the ramp. Wardha collaborated with Jafferjees and presented a modern collection where there was a lot of youthfulness, colour and versatility in terms of design.

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The highlight of day two was an innovative showcase by Zuria. The creations included young and hip silhouettes in solids colours – which are trending today. The brand produced wearable street style jackets as well. Nauman went for a crisp white collection, Blanche, with hints of gold inspired by the Japanese art of mending broken pottery with gold, Kintsugi. Nauman used material such as Khaddi cotton, denim and organza. Maheen of Gulabo closed the show with the design label staying true to their philosophy of creating wearable outfits. The show was directed and choreographed by Nubain Ali.

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