Hum Showcase Day 3: Saving the best for last

Designers take it up a notch on final day of fashion extravaganza

KARACHI: The showcase finale was an absolute feast for the eyes including professionally executed and vibrantly energetic shows that were almost at par with any international fashion week.

It comprised displays by some of Pakistan’s most sought-after designers, who unveiled their ready-to-wear luxury collections for Spring/Summer 2018.

Here’s a list of the designers who brought their A-game to the ramp on day three.

Designer: Umar Sayeed

Collection: Good as gold

PHOTO: FAISAL FAROOQUI/ DRAGONFLY

Opening the final day, the designer lived up to the promise of grandeur. Using gold as his canvas, he experimented with gold foil printing using the technique of block printing which further enhanced the beauty of the classic ensembles. Models looked breathtaking as they walked down the ramp in bright-coloured ensembles incorporating gold work.

Kurtas with shararas and glittering lehengas created using traditional zardozi and intricate embroidery completed the collection. Superstar Mahira Khan looked regal as Sayeed’s showstopper, donning a bright pink embroidered shirt and gold sharara.

Designer: Jazib Qamar

Collection: Yaksui

PHOTO: FAISAL FAROOQUI/ DRAGONFLY

Jazib gave a colourful twist to the spring/summer season. Funky separates, bling jackets with coloured sequins and denim ruled the runway.

However, we feel Jazib could have made more of an impact had he chosen simpler shirts with heavily crafted separates. Though we liked the metallic sneakers and customised footwear used in the collection. Overall, Jazib presented great fashion options for menswear.

Designer: Sania Maskatiya

Collection: Sahvar

PHOTO: FAISAL FAROOQUI/ DRAGONFLY

Whimsical and wonderful, the collection was signature Sania Maskatiya. The design house explored artisanal crafts through the use of zardozi, resham, beads and sequins, on varied hemlines and layers.

Featuring luxury fabrics such as silk and net in cream, gold and silver, the collection followed structural and fluid silhouettes that were in juxtaposition to the brand’s usual drapes and cuts.

Designer: Miraka by Misha Lakhani  

Collection: Modern Nomad

PHOTO: FAISAL FAROOQUI/ DRAGONFLY

The showcase enchanted us with the art of understated glamour. Giving the classic weave a picture-perfect makeover, the pieces were designed in an ethical yet sustainable way.

The line aimed at empowering artisans across Pakistan and contributing to the textile and craft ecosystem of the country. Ensuring that style knows no boundaries, the collection focused on taking heirloom traditions from the heart of local villages to the rest of world.

Models were sent out in ultra-feminine long kurtas, trousers and Misha’s signature kaftan. Bright and simple hand-woven separates with tactile details, including the time-honed technique of appliqué and TaarKashi, were a sight for sore eyes. The colour palette was based on tones of red, ivory, black and earthy tones. We even spotted Miaasa footwear on the runway.

Designer: Chapter 2 by Khaadi

Collection: Urban Canvas

PHOTO: FAISAL FAROOQUI/ DRAGONFLY

Khaadi’s creations are always easygoing and minimal but we feel the brand lacked an interesting lineup this time around. The colours and designs were too repetitive and boring.

The collection ranged from casual tailored cuts in the form of trousers and tops made from hand woven and hand crafted textiles. The collection drew inspiration from the interpretations of movement, freedom and the functional aspects of architecture.

Designer: Élan

Collection: Nafeesa

PHOTO: FAISAL FAROOQUI/ DRAGONFLY

The evening’s finale was much-anticipated and Élan did complete justice to it. The heritage couture collection was an ode to the festive and ineffable monsoons of the past. Mastermind Khadija Shah stuck to her old aesthetic while experimenting with modern silhouettes. The designs were looking into traditional concepts and were merged with modern silhouettes to create a timeless collection.

Hues of gold, deep red, lime, green, beige and mustard were used in the collection, while lehengas, shararas and embroidered pants paired with elaborately detailed tunics looked majestic on the ramp. Parwaaz Hay Junoon cast Hania Amir and Ahad Raza Mir walked the ramp in showstopping outfits.

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