Hum Showcase Day 2: Hits and misses break-even

While some showcased to the best of their abilities, others failed to impress.

LAHORE: The second day of Hum Showcase was all about ‘sustainable fashion’. Designer heavyweights pushed the creative envelope, showcasing latest trends on the ramp. While couturiers Rizwan Beyg, HSY, Faiza Samee and Nickie Nina remained true to their signature aesthetics, we nonetheless spotted something new in each collection.

What must be applauded is the fact that relatively newer designers including Zonia Anwaar and Kuki Concepts held their own against the more established fashion houses. Here’s a rundown of who displayed what on day two.

Rizwan Beyg

Collection: Chandni

PHOTO: FAISAL FAROOQUI/DRAGONFLY

The couturier cast his spell once again, paying tribute to the silversmith of Pakistan with his collection titled Chandni. Turning cotton lace into couture or truck art interpretations, Beyg has always found ways of transforming the ordinary into extraordinary. He used denim and Swiss lawn and transformed them into high-end demi couture pieces, producing a mix of sensuality and denim drama. Heavy silver embellishments were used in the form of die cut flowers and leaves inspired by Hungarian folk imagery. Silver encrusted delicate embroidered short waistcoats, layered linen skirts, vintage blouses and interesting separates were the best part of the collection. Ahsan Khan and Hareem Farooq sashayed down the ramp as the showstoppers.

Faiza Samee

Collection: The Indigo Madder/Experiment

PHOTO: FAISAL FAROOQUI/DRAGONFLY

Samee’s collection was an ode to the indigenous dyeing processes of the subcontinent. The designer captured grandeur with her lineup that was infused with hues of indigo and madder. The entire collection was produced at Faiza’s facility including fermenting the indigo leaf in clay vats with indigo harvested in Sindh. The choice of fabric was handloom woven cotton and silk that was brought to life with rich velvets and brocades. We loved the ultra-feminine silhouettes with intricate embroidery on extremely wearable outfits.

Munib Nawaz

Collection: Sinnerman

PHOTO: FAISAL FAROOQUI/DRAGONFLY

Exuding strong tailoring elements, the textured jackets were the only pieces that caught our attention. Disappointingly, Nawaz did not offer something out of the box. Ethisham Ansari’s styling was definitely the collection’s saving grace.

Nickie Nina

Collection: Mehrunisa

PHOTO: FAISAL FAROOQUI/DRAGONFLY

The collection spoke volumes about what it had been inspired from – the life and legacy of the Mughal Empress, Mehrunisa. The designer duo effortlessly brought classic and contemporary ensembles together, showcasing long embroidered shirts, asymmetrical tops and structured pants. Showstopper Urwa Hocane was a ray of sunshine in a lemon sharara and floral embroidered shirt.

Unbeatable by Shahla

Collection: Iridescent

PHOTO: FAISAL FAROOQUI/DRAGONFLY

Pearls, beadwork and delicate ornaments on sleek silhouettes ruled the collection. The creations were infused with eastern and contemporary vibes, pairing pearl and bead encrusted trousers with short tops. However, the embroidery and silhouettes got a little repetitive as the showcase progressed.

Kuki Concepts

Collection: Dora Sayath

PHOTO: FAISAL FAROOQUI/DRAGONFLY

Meaning tour, Dora Sayath took cue from the designer’s journey around the world. The line was an amalgamation of Turkish paisleys and gothic New York instincts. It was a funky and fun men’s collection. Long summer jackets, butterflies and floral printed trousers and shirts and short waistcoats were a sure-fire stand-out. The color palette compromised of black, grey and biscotti terracotta.

Zonia Anwaar

Collection: VERSO S/S18

PHOTO: FAISAL FAROOQUI/DRAGONFLY

Zonia produced a classy collection consisting of understated shirts and separates, proving simplicity is the ultimate sophistication in the fashion world. Based on clean and straight cuts on breezy crispy cottons, the pieces were perfect for the scorching summer season. Subtle hues including denim blues, mint and lots of white with hints of different accents and stripes made a strong statement on the runway. Sleek tailored pieces alongside boxy blouses and summer jackets added to the finishing touches.

HSY

Collection: Musafir

PHOTO: FAISAL FAROOQUI/DRAGONFLY

Celebrating 24 years of couture, the design house introduced HSY Linen as part of the brand’s Millennial Musafir campaign. The line was nothing short of spectacular with its regal detailing and cuts that were created from fine French Linen, showcasing minimalist design but maximum glamour. Linen kurtas, button down shirts, loose separates, summer jackets and contemporary tops in earthy hues dominated the collection. It was a well put together show where local materials and artisans were used to produce creative ensembles and motifs and accessories respectively. Heartthrob Bilal Ashraf turned up the heat as he closed the show for HSY in a show stopping attire comprising a short jacket over a white kurta.

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