2022 in fashion: Bigger stage, bigger statements

Our stars may be making us proud with their innumerable achievements every year but the glitz, glamour and memorable moments that rounded off 2022 were on a whole new level.

From Humayun Saeed leading the fifth season of the highly-acclaimed show The Crown to Arooj Aftab bringing home the country’s first Grammy to the Alina Khan-starrer Joyland becoming the first local film to be shortlisted for the Oscars to The Legend of Maula Jatt becoming the highest-grossing Pakistani film of all time, it is only getting bigger and better for the entertainment industry.

As each of the stars represented their respective projects on the global front, there is no gainsaying that they went the extra mile with their style statements too. From Humayun to Mahira Khan, we break down some of the looks we witnessed on red carpets around the world this year.

Humayun Saeed

The actor made his fans proud when he was roped in to play Dr Hasnat Khan in The Crown Season 5. Uploading a string of photos from the show’s London premiere on his Instagram, Saeed was spotted having a ball with his co-star Elizabeth Debicki. Pictures of him from the red carpet went viral on social media, with the Bin Roye actor looking suave in a black tuxedo, donned over a pleated wing tip, pin tuck white dress shirt and a bow tie. Exuding grace, Saeed’s look for the night gelled in with the royal-esque nature of The Crown. A well-rounded look, perfect for the occasion and surely one that will be etched in fashion memory.

Sajal Aly

While most of her red-carpet appearances have now become a distant memory, she wrapped up 2022 with a look that fans will always remember. Turning heads in a versatile Nomi Ansari number for the premiere of What's Love Got To Do With It? at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia, this was one of Sajal’s best style statements to date. Dressed in a white asymmetrical jumpsuit, paired with a matching bandeau, the actor proved less is more with the minimalistic look. Tied together with a high ponytail and bold makeup, the Christian Louboutin mesh and crystal pumps were the perfect addition to the show-stopping evening look. In her Instagram post, Sajal referred to Nomi as the ‘Master of Hauté Couture’ and rightly so!

Mehwish Hayat

We expected Mehwish to deliver a look we have never seen before on her: Something that would make waves globally and make her shine the brightest as one of Pakistan’s biggest superstars. But she failed and so did her stylist. Mehwish missed the mark at the premiere of Ms. Marvel in Los Angeles. Clad in an electric blue sarong skirt, the length of the fabric falling over her shoulder made us wonder whether the rather confusing garb had a dupatta or scarf attached to it. The black, chevron-patterned strapless top was not flattering for her physique. What did appeal to us, however, was Mehwish’s hair and makeup. The half-tied tresses, done in waves, were a sure-fire stand-out. Smokey, kohl-rimmed eyes, mini hoops and dewy makeup saved the day for Mehwish.

Alina Khan

Who knew this talented actor is also blessed with a surreal fashion sense. Alina had us smitten over her pastel look for the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in Canada during the premiere of Pakistan’s official Oscars entry, Joyland. The star was clad in ice blue matching seperates. What we loved about the look was that it was the epitome of fusion. It could be simultaneously viewed as a lehenga and choli, and a ruffle skirt and off-shoulder top. She let her hair down in a voluminous curly blowout and brought in the bling factor with her accessories – a black and silver choker and earrings. With well-defined eyebrows and pink blush, she completed her look with dark eyes and a pink pout. “What a city and what a day! It was truly an outstanding experience,” said Alina, of her global appearance.

Arooj Aftab

The annual Grammy Awards were held in Las Vegas in April this year and our very own Arooj was joined by the who’s who of Hollywood. While stars including Dua Lipa, Chrissy Teigen and Olivia Rodrigo were among those that were named best dressed by multiple fashion outlets, we feel Arooj’s outfit was well-deserving of the same. The violet silk jacket by Payal Khandwala provided for the perfect pop of colour to the collared shimmer blouse and satin black pants designed by Hussain Rehar. Of course, the golden brooch made Arooj’s look more formal but she could surely have done without it. For the Grammys after-party, Arooj was clad in one of Rehar’s creations too – an all-black sherwani inspired by her album Vulture Prince.

Mahira Khan

There is never a fashion roundup without Mahira making the cut. The actor, who has experimented with a myriad of silhouettes over the years, wins hearts with her sari looks every time. And her latest reveal was no different. For the premiere of her latest release, The Legend of Maula Jatt, in Doha, Mahira stunned in a gold Faraz Manan sari. Looking every bit a princess, she opted for a sleeveless blouse complete with gold and silver embellishment and pearl hangings. The crisscross ornamented back added drama to her overall look. The glossy drape featured an intricately worked border. An outfit that can go from day to night, Mahira looked like nothing short of a dream.