Finale: Pantene Bridal Couture Week 2012

A tribute to the ‘grand couturiers’ of the industry.

KARACHI:

At the finale of the Pantene Bridal Couture Week (PBCW) 2012, Pakistan’s premiere event for bridal wear, if there was anything worth waiting for, it was the tribute to some of the most prominent designers of the industry. The special cameo display, which marked the end of the three-day event, showcased an array of the designers’ best works and achievements. Out of a total of 14 designers creations that were presented, we chose the best five outfits, details of which are given below.

Bunto Kazmi

Kazmi’s years of experience and her mastery in the field were on display with the immaculate farshi gharara that was presented at the finale of the Pantene Bridal Couture Week 2012. The red gharara, with a maroon velvet border which was elegantly embellished with gold and silver work, was paired with a long coral shirt. The beauty of the outfit lies in its simplicity (as the embellishments are carefully done in a subtle and elegant way) as well as the colour scheming.

Rizwan Beyg

The fashion giant presented an exquisite white and silver outfit which was paired with farshi pyjamas and was thoroughly embellished with zardozi and resham kari. While the farshi pyjamas were in jamawaar, the dupatta and shirt were in net and silk respectively. One can safely say that this very ‘wearable’ bridal trousseau, which displayed extensive use of Swarovski crystal, was a fine balance between modern and traditional.

Nilofer Shahid

Shahid’s use of khamkhab fabric through the outfit, which consisted of jade green farshi pyjamas and a red and maroon long shirt, was commendable. The Mughal-inspired trend, with gold work in zardozi, gave it a classy and regal appeal.

The House of Kamiar Rokni

From The House of Kamiar Rokni came a Rajasthani-inspired ghagara and choli in fun colours like turquoise, pink, green and purple. The outfit was an ode to traditional craft and the aari work on the dupatta, as well as the mirror work make the ensemble stand out from the rest that were presented. Although it’s a bold step for a bride to take on her wedding day, the overall look, with the colour scheming and light embroidery gives the outfit an edge over others.

Umar Sayeed

In a completely different take, Sayeed wowed the audience with the Rajasthani-Lahariya dupatta that he used for his bridal outfit. Additionally, his creative use of peacocks on the pink border of the farshi gharara, proved how well thought-out his designs are. The cotton wire work on the shirt and sequined work on the multi-coloured dupatta are the cherries on top of an already rich cake. This outfit is certainly meant for a bride who wants to break away from the conventional colour red.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 19^th, 2012.