Nida Azwer introduces The White Collection

LAHORE:

Nida Azwer has made a mark on Pakistan’s fashion industry in the last five years. Following her graduation from Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture in Karachi, Azwer has been putting out meticulously beautiful collections over and over again. Her popularity has travelled throughout the country and hence it was no surprise to see the women of Lahore overjoyed when Azwer decided to do her first ever solo exhibition in the city in the third week of May.

This one-day extravaganza saw Azwer bring out her latest pret-a-porter line, The White Collection. A ready-to-wear casual and chic pret collection in pure cotton fabric with a play on colour, it is the ideal option for a woman on the go. “While my team and I have brought the Nida Azwer fashion label to the ramp in Lahore several times as part of bridal and pret fashion weeks, this is the first time we are bringing the entire Nida Azwer fashion range for retail in one space,” says the designer.

From cottons, boski, chundri, muslin, cotton net and brocade net, the collection uses a wide range of fabrics. Screen printing is the embellishment of the season. “Cotton is the best fabric to work with,” says Azwer, while adding, “There are so many different variations and they all give a very different look.” The incorporation of the florals, animals and African inspired geometrical designs are also appealing.

The collection comprises shirts in vibrant colours and impressive screen prints. Azwer uses bamboo shoots, hand embroideries and African inspired chevron designs that give the outfits character. Her old school taste in design patterns and her obsession with Mughali miniature shows in her formal and bridal wear. Embellished arms and excessive use of gota puts Azwer in the league of designers who take elements from the past and revamp it to befit the present.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 21^st, 2012.