Fashion makes its debut in Multan

A fashion show may be just what was needed to change perceptions.

It was fashion galore in southern Punjab as students of a private university dazzled audiences with a glamorous fashion show that brought together designers from all parts of the country.

The show, which was titled Behind the Seams, was the first of its kind in the history of southern Punjab and consisted of a display of international cultures.

“There were lots of different themes presented. Today we can see the scope of fashion designing and modelling in Multan,” said one of the teachers, Ali Imran.

Amidst the conservative environment of southern Punjab, creativity, hilarity and some serious project management skills went hand in hand as student teams took on the task of creating their own fashion labels. Each team used the wealth of resources at hand to create, design and then manufacture catwalk worthy creations. They scripted, choreographed and staged their own fashion show, complete with music, commentary and their own hand-picked catwalk models.

Nouman, a student and fashion designer, said:  “My collection was based on the safari theme. I have used palm leaves and tiger and zebra skins.”

The show included themed dance performances. About 60 models performed on more than 12 themes which included humming birds, Egyptian, Turkish and Chinese cultures, the subcontinent, Sufism, Kailash, safari, Umrao Jaan Ada, the sea, Arabian nights etc. They were greatly appreciated by the guests, many of whom were experiencing an event of this nature for the first time in Multan.

Zubariya, another of the fashion designer who participated, said: “I toiled on my Arabian night’s themed collection for a long time. I came from Bahawalpur, and am delighted to present my collection here. The people of Multan appreciated me very much.”

Local models were more than delighted by the response from the public. This was the first time when performers and models in a public event included girls.

“I performed on the safari theme. My designer was Nouman Peerzada. It was a blast, I really enjoyed doing it. I hope others liked it too,” said Zargia Khan, one of the models.

The students proved their mettle in successfully scripting and choreographing the catwalk as well as designing the fashion creations. This event marks a new era in fashion in southern Punjab, following the efforts of students who have tried to bring about a change in the perception of fashion in the region as well as to bring a change in its orthodox values.





Published in The Express Tribune, May 10^th, 2011.