Understated opulence takes on ModeVille

Lahore-based designer Fahad Hussayn exhibits bridal and pret wear at multi-label store.

ISLAMABAD:

The most conspicuous aspect about Fahad Hussayn’s bridal apparel and pret wear for men and women, displayed at ModeVille’s exhibition hall on June 18, was its diversity. The Lahore-based designer had worked with an assorted line of designs, ranging from casual summer dresses and drapes to formal bridal joras belonging to his Trousseau collection.

The designer who is renowned for his use of dark, subdued hues, had experimented with bright colours in his new  couture. “People usually associate my work with black and dark colours; so this season I’m staying away from that,” said Hussayn.

Thus he had vibrant greens, emerald, orange, pink, peach, red, and vivid tones of blue. These striking hues were furthered accentuated by embroidery and bejewelled shoulder brooches. Yet some items in black had still made it on to the display; like black lay-over drapes priced at a reasonable Rs 2,000. The overall look projected by the garments was simple yet sophisticated, representing understated elegance — a cornerstone of Hussayn’s brand philosophy.

Even his bridal wear exuded understated opulence; in his wedding couture Hussayn used high-quality cloth purchased from India and real gemstones in his work. “Embellishment is my forte. I do a lot of revived resham work; I only use pure materials like chiffon and silks,” explained Hussayn.

Others who attended the exhibition also admired the use of adornments in the young designer’s work. “Fahad makes the designs for the embellishments, brooches, and gems and then a jeweller crafts them,” explained Arsalan Ahmad Khan, the creative director of Verve Event Management. “It’s like artwork — plain but with some beautiful shoulder work. He also does a lot of draping.”

Commenting on the turnout at the exhibition, Khan said, “People have been coming in all day; the pret wear is really popular.” He suggested wearing chooridars with the casual pret-drapes and dresses, to get the season’s latest look.

The exhibition also showcased Hussayn’s line of menswear comprising denim kurtas, sherwanis, velvet achkans, and shirts embossed with eastern motifs. However, it was the formal and bridal joras on display that stole the show. With intricate work using jewels and real gemstones like jade and amethyst, and high-quality fabric, these outfits range from Rs35,000 to Rs150,000. For the typical bride who shops at upscale multi-label stores like ModeVille, the prices of Hussayn’s couture were a mere pittance.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 21^st, 2011.