PLBW 2018 Day 3: Style and star power

Three-day event wrapped up leaving high hopes for Pakistan's fast-growing fashion industry

As we hit the final stop of PFDC Pakistan L’Oreal Paris Bridal Week (PLBW) in Lahore, the last day proved to be a feast to the eyes. You may think we’re pushing it by deeming the collections at par with international runways, but you’re in for a surprise. From punctuality and organisation to what all the designers brought to the table, the three-day event wrapped up leaving high hopes from the fast-growing fashion industry of Pakistan.

Vibrantly energetic and professionally executed shows summed up the finale. From Faraz Manan to HSY, Nickie Nina, Hira Ali, and beyond, here’s what each design house had to offer for the wedding season. Needless to say, each presented a perfect fashion guide for the upcoming season’s brides – with bare minimum fashion faux pas.

Faraz Manan
Collection: AlHambra

PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK/ EXPRESS

Paying homage to the majestic beauty of Granada and the fortresses built during the Nasrid Dynasty, Manan took to the ramp with a solo show titled AlHambra. As for the collection, the pieces echoed a fusion of two different cultures: East and West. Creations made an appearance in the form of modern silhouettes in emerald green, red, peachy tones and pastel hues.

While his showcase was imaginative and innovative, it was still in line with current trends. Models strutted on the runway in intricately designed traditional pieces, modern playful sleeves and a mix of short and long hemlines. Supermodel Mehreen Syed closed the show dressed in a heavily embellished sequined gown.

HSY

Collection: Zmarie

PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK/ EXPRESS

Meaning ‘Lioness’ in Pushto, the collection surpassed all expectations. The King of Couture paid tribute to the ‘Naya Jawaan’ – the powerful, fearless and modern women of today. The offerings celebrated the beauty of diversity in all women. The designer worked on an effervescent colour scheme comprising brick red, mustard and fuchsia. Heavy ghagras and trousers coupled with zardozi and gota worked shirts dominated the collection.

Zmarie also entailed a sharply curated menswear line. The live music played by Pushto band Khumariyaan made for the perfect ambience. Not surprising, his all-time favourite showstopper Mehreen Syed took the final walk in a swoon-worthy outfit.

Nickie & Nina

Collection: Noor Mahal

PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK/ EXPRESS

The pair did complete justice to wedding wear, creating timeless masterpieces in festive shades of gold, lime, turquoise, pink and green. We loved the use of chunri and screen-printing fabric completed with dabka, tilla, zardozi and beadwork. Taking the traditional route, shararas, embroidered shalwars and lenghas looked regal on the ramp.

Hira Ali Studios

Collection: Snap Trapped

PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK/ EXPRESS

She definitely deserves a shoutout for making her bridal debut with a bold collection. Having already made a name for herself in a short span, Hira’s display was minimal and edgy with a transformative twist. And, no it wasn’t for those who don’t like to step out of their comfort zone. An ode to women who aren’t afraid to living life without a filter, the outfits included jumpsuits, knee-length dresses and velvet skirts.

A metallic palette, sequins and beadwork added glamour to the collection. Hira should be given credit for not compromising on her design philosophy for commercial gain unlike some design houses.

Republic by Omer Farooq

Collection: Hunar

PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK/ EXPRESS

Taking inspiration from the eclectic ancient art and architecture of the subcontinent, there were a lot of Mughal references in the creations. Three-piece and double-breasted suits, Jodhpuri jackets with embossed trousers and short embroidered sherwanis completed the collection. We like how the cuts, designs and colours didn’t deviate from the collection’s theme.

IVY Couture

Collection: Zeb un nisa

PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK/ EXPRESS

The brand showcased its first bridal collection since revamping its ethos. Inspired by the art deco movement, the pieces featured geometric shapes paired with vivid colour combinations. The label’s signature old-world charm was seen through their flawless craftsmanship on luxurious fabrics such as silk, tissue and net. Both structural and fluid cuts were part of the line.

From Sammi starlet Mawra Hocane in a heavily worked silver gown to Jimmy Khan rocking the ramp with his tracks, to Lucky Khan and Naghma Gogi singing for the crowd, the show witnessed a whole lot of star power.

Other designers

PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK/ EXPRESS

Up-and-coming brands also showed on the third day. Tabya Khan displayed traditional wedding wear with Sarwat Gilani as her muse. Mehroz Saboor played with a lot of colour and modern cuts in his collection – which we must add, were a visual treat. Ahmad Sultan also showcased his bridal collection with actor Aiman Khan taking the ramp in an embroidered lengha, short kurti and heavy dupatta.

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