PSFW 2018 Day 1: High hopes and high fashion

LAHORE: Pakistan Fashion Design Council (PFDC) rolled out its 11^th edition of PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week (PSFW) recently. With Lahore playing host to the fashion extravaganza – for the ninth consecutive year – there was something new that we noticed. Designer heavyweights such as Sana Safinaz, Ali Xeeshan and Misha Lakhani were off the schedule, with this year’s fashion week paving more way for up-and-coming designers than ever before.

PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK/EXPRESS

Breaking the monotony, the opening day marked the most diverse runway season with each designer showcasing something out of the box and cutting through the designs and colours of the previous season. From Hira Ali using the prêt a porter platform to raise her voice of freedom for women to Hamza Bohkari getting a transgender model on board, the evening witnessed a myriad of strong collections. Here’s what went down on day one.

Designer: PEL Craft/Design Show with GOLD BY REAMA MALIK

Displaying four-piece capsule collections each during the show were Akif Mahmood, Hamza Bokhari, Shahroz Tariq and Zonia Anwaar along with jewellery by Reama Malik. This time around, Reama diverted from her hallmark of traditional pieces to more contemporary ones.

PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK/EXPRESS

Semi-precious stones such as yellow topaz and feroza were spotted on the ramp, with a model sporting a crisp white outfit, keeping the emphasis on the trinkets. What we liked best about the jewellery was that it could be paired with a traditional as well as modern outfit.

Zonia’s line titled Senchi reflected rich culture hues with old school ‘neelak phulkari’ and geometric patterns on woven fabric. Inspired by the 8-Bit Pixel art, Shahroz’s collection Pixelated Euphoria translated pixelated graphics into the europhic feel of summer. Trendy, minimal cuts and light hues such as powder blue, baby pink, lilac and cream completed the showcase. Titled East Bound, Hamza’s pieces drew inspiration from the craft of Bahawalpur.

PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK/EXPRESS

It comprised effortless silhouettes, made from lightweight silks and breathable cotton. The designer stole the show following trans-model Maavia’s ramp walk.

Designer: Hira Ali Studios

Collection: Woman Is Future

PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK/EXPRESS

Even though this was the first time the designer has showcased at any fashion week, she has already carved a name for herself with her unique designs. Hira’s collection celebrated the strong and confidant woman who is still content with life despite various challenges. This was evident with the bright colour palette used in the collection. The main technique employed was embroidery using crystals, nets and silk threads. Clean, structured, and contemporary silhouettes with sheer overlays in tones of blue, beige, white and rose dust were seen on the ramp. The highlight of the show was models holding boards of feminist protests.

Designer: Hussain Rehar

Collection: Sunken Reverie

PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK/EXPRESS

Hussain Rehar’s offerings were edgy yet refreshing. Inspired by the aquatic influences with intricately detailed masterpieces, the showcase comprised jackets with zippers, sheer skirts and stockings. Rehar’s color scheme was enthused from living beings that lie hidden under the sea ranging from tangerine, orange and mustard to shades of fuchsia, blue and silver. The collection was packed with details, chunky 3D embellishments and threads hanging out like tentacles. Delicate embroideries encapsulating wild sea creatures caught our attention. While the collection exuded powerful elements of nature, we feel Rehar could have done a better job in bringing his imagination to life.

Designer: Arjumand Bano

Collection: My Head Is The Jungle

PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK/EXPRESS

Tropical greenery cascaded on the runway as Arjumand Bano’s models strutted on the ramp. The collection drew inspiration from the song, My Head Is A Jungle by Emma Louis. Jungle themed embellished Jackets and trenches, embroidered pants, jumpsuits, botanical print dresses and blouses were seen in rich, opulent colours and textures. Both, the wilderness and beauty of the jungle surely offered a fabulous inspiration to the designer in her debut solo show. The collection appealed to the audience who enjoyed the fun and vibrancy in the pieces. Jewelled animal motives and 3D embellishments were tailored into fun wearable pieces of fashion. The models portrayed amazon glamour in their detailed styled accessories. Arjumand’s nature trail may be unusual on the runway but full marks to the designer for trying to take prêt into a new direction.

Name: Sania Maskatiya

Collection: Colour Dash

PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK/EXPRESS

Sania’s collection adopted an extremely modern approach to unorthodox fashion. She brought the glory of drape to center stage. The brand’s Lux Style Award win for achievement in Fashion Design-Luxury Prêt, raised the bar for the design house to present an outstanding collection. Needless to say, it didn’t crack under pressure. The label brought their signature asymmetrical cuts and drapes on the ramp in monochrome tones and patchwork. High waisted trousers, slim-fitted gowns and flowing dresses projected effortless elegance. The showcase was complemented by jewellery from Allure by MHT and footwear from Charles & Keith.

Have something to add to the story? Share in the comments below.