PSFW Day 2: The runway gets a playful touch

LAHORE: Some of Pakistan’s most celebrated designers such as Sana Safinaz, Saira Shakira and Kamiar Rokni unveiled their collections for spring/summer 2019 on the second day of PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week (PSFW). Executing the event effectively, organisers brought forward a more than worthy platform for fashion heavyweights to showcase their creations.

PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK/ EXPRESS

Design house Zazimo also presented a ready-to-wear line, bringing coveted international brands including QUIZ, New Look and Dorothy Perkins to the Pakistani runway. While emerging designers Sameer Karasu and Hana exhibited edgy collections, their design philosophy needs to be more polished to be able to compete in the market.

Like every year, PSFW gave an opportunity to young talent this time around too. Hafsa Mahmood, Zeeshan Mohuddin, and Mahnur Azam displayed their innovative designs as part of the ‘Rising Talent’ section.

Sana Safinaz

Collection: Boheme Luxe Diffusion Couture

PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK/ EXPRESS

The designer duo’s show was one of the most-awaited of the evening and it was definitely worth it. As its name suggests, Boheme Luxe evoked the glitz and glamour of bohemian style, redefining the framework of modern and sleek silhouettes. Motives inspired by Mughal architecture, a colour palette of Afghan carpets, intricate embroidery, lace-embellishing techniques and a mix of fabrics stood out from afar. Long, flowing dresses and satin shirts paired with tassled capes and embossed pants ruled the line.

PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK/ EXPRESS

It also included silk tops with intricate miniature imagery embroidery. The collection feautured a mix for women who like to dress up but do not want anything overly embellished – subtle yet rich. My favourite of the lot was the black and gold mini dress and the vintage, yet modern outfit worn by Amna Babar. The styling and jewellery was done just right to add more drama on the runway.

Rici Melion

Collection: Voices

PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK/ EXPRESS

Noman Zakir of Melion showcased his menswear collection which was assembled to highlight common mental illnesses like depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The brand always emphasises a lot on the significance of patterns, silhouettes, colour palettes, fabrics, suit trimmings and accessories. The collection consisted of asymmetrical cut lines, classic loose-fit pleated cuts and bare chested coats.

PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK/ EXPRESS

Seeing pastel colours like mauve for suits on the runway was a breath of fresh air. Especially, the contrasting paisley shirt paired with the lilac suit as well as the pinstripe ivory and black linen suit. Overall it was a very well put show and a wearable line. The label also introduced a double-toned brown summer jacket which looked very dapper on the model. Actor Ahmad Ali Butt was the showstopper, donning a black tux and a bowtie. The theme of Zakir’s collection was very touching, for it focused on the stigma attached to mental health and encouraged those suffering to talk about it.

Chapter 2

Collection: Threads of Time

PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK/ EXPRESS

Khaadi’s brand, Chapter 2 presented aboriginal craft transformed into urban fashion for their new collection Threads of Time. The line was trendy and very wearable catering to women of all ages and from all walks of life. The silhouettes had no fuss, simple and commercially viable, yet of high cut and fashion.

PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK/ EXPRESS

I think Chapter 2 has evolved and has worked intensively with patterns and design. They now have the ability to turn mundane designs into fun high-street fashion. My favourites were a gold foil shirt, polka dotted top paired with fun indigo pants and a multi-coloured long shirt. The styling and makeup was kept simple yet chic, with the emphasis on the clothes.

FPW 2019 Day 3: Bold, beautiful and blah

Saira Shakira

Collection: The Secret Garden

PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK/ EXPRESS

Their collection was an amalgamation of a variety of crafts and ornamentation techniques using sequins, elaborate hand embroideries and 3D embellishments for the brand’s western wear. The collection had a 70’s feel with polka dots and striped patterns on both trousers and blouses. Almost all the ensembles can be worn to cocktail parties and formal dinners if accessorised with the right jewellery or belts.

Kamiar Rokni

Collection: Neo-Folk

PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK/ EXPRESS

Rokni did complete justice to the much-hyped evening finale. The collection assimilated ancient art featuring block printing, tie and dye and the richly decorative fabric of brocade. The collection had both bright colours including brick red, blue, pink as well as pastel hues. Almost all the pieces had traditional gota work detailing which added sheen to the collection.

PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK/ EXPRESS

My favourite was the red, heavily embellished short shirt with the matching gota shalwar. Another ensemble that caught my eye was the beige sheer organza long shirt with intricate gota kinari work paired with wide-legged red brocade trousers. As shalwars are becoming popular this season, Rokni brought variation with the traditional gota embellished, ankle high shalwars on the ramp.

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