LAHORE:
The chatter around the runway shifted from fashion to cricket right as Day 2 of the PFDC L’Oreal Paris Bridal Week was about to commence.
The audience was sprinkled with guests in green outfits, showing support for the Pakistan cricket team that was fighting hard to win the semi-final against Sri Lanka in Colombo. While HSY fervently kept the crowd updated with the developing match score, the models took their places on the ramp. Overall, Day 2 turned out to be much better than the opening in terms of quality and style; apart from Teena by Hina Butt, the evening was vibrant, entertaining and interesting, with Ali Xeeshan’s fanfare taking the cake.
Asifa & Nabeel
Asifa and Nabeel
Wedding wear is what this design house does best. While prêt-a-porter is not quite their forte, the designer duo was at ease presenting their bridal collection titled ‘Tribute to Jahan Ara Begum’ — the eldest daughter of Shah Jehan and Empress Mumtaz Mehal. Embellished boleros, ponchos and capes paired with cigarette pants and velvet trimmings were showcased side by side with royal gems such as rubies and sapphires. What is interesting to note about Asifa and Nabeel is that they employ various elements and somehow make them work. While they experiment with the cut, their outfit also contains silk variations, lace and velvet all wrapped into one outfit. Too much experimentation could spell a disaster of epic proportions, but this fashion house has found a balance between fabrics, cuts and kaam. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about their menswear collection, which was disappointing as it was effeminate — not something you would like to see on a man!
Ali Xeeshan
The 45 minute wait before Ali Xeeshan’s show was well worth it. His collection titled ‘Cinderella After 12’ was alive, dramatic and had an element of nostalgia. Even though it had nothing to do with the title and contained no elements of Cinderella after the magic spell breaks, the volumised lehengas with treated gota and tila reminded one of a bygone era — almost transporting the audience to their mothers’ bridal wardrobe. Ali Xeeshan added his own touch and spiced things up, giving the male models funky turbans and shalwars. To the beat of “Dholi Taro” — the colourful number from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam — the models walked gracefully onto the runway, in resplendent hues of jamavar, kamkhab and block printed cotton, donning traditional teekas, jhumkas and natnis. The models added an element of romanticism and drama by posing at the foot of the ramp with the colourful dupattas covering part of their face.
Teena by Hina Butt
Teena by Hina Butt
This collection titled ‘Ode To Sophia’ — a romantic lyrical song for Queen Sophia — is what one would define as an unpleasant eruption of crystal embellishments! This disastrous homage to Sophia seemed more like an ‘Ode to Fashionably Challenged Safiya’ according to one fashion critic. The debut collection of this designer had a Honey Waqar feel to it. To those who are familiar with Waqar’s work would describe this collection as ‘Honey Waqar gone wrong’. The protruding rosettes and the excessive use of unnecessary jewels were an eyesore during an evening that had been largely colourful and pleasant. While the use of velvet is a welcome change, the velvet shalwar was a disaster.
Maram & Aabroo
The evening opened up with Maram & Aabroo’s trends show titled ‘‘The Glorious Brides’ featuring designer Zara Shahjahan. The stylists put together a natural, do-it-yourself look that made the models look natural and yet glamorous, imitating the style of women from a simpler time who did their own make-up on their wedding days. The bright lips and kajal on the eyes went well with the bridal wear. It was a delight seeing Zara Shahjahan’s bridal outfits. They exuded the label’s natural style and Shahjahan took full advantage of the platform to showcase her style. Day 2 was mehndi day, and most outfits showcased were appropriate for that occasion, but the cuts and trends can be followed throughout the season.
What’s in vogue
What has emerged from Bridal Week thus far is not just creative embellishments and colour combinations but more some celebratory fashion. Here are some of the most pronounced trends that have caught our eye:
Volume
Volumised lehengas and skirts are the way to go. All the designers put out at least one outfit that had enhanced volume. Longer gowns have also been textured with volumised bottoms. But it is important to bear in mind the body type the wearer of such a flowy outfit has — this trend will look fabulous on someone with a small frame.
Velvet
Be it lehengas, shirts, sleeves or even trimmings, velvet is back in fashion and is being welcomed with open arms by all designers — local and international. The regal nature of the material commands respect and adds a rich texture to the outfit. However, an overdose will ensure handcuffing by the fashion police.
Shalwar and shorter kameez
Yes, ladies — the shalwar is finally making a comeback and it is looking good with the medium length shirts, designers are pairing them with. Shalwars have a grace of their own and when worn correctly, can be superbly elegant.
The red carpet lowdown
Amna Kardar looked stunning in this lovely cutwork Kamiar Rokni piece, which stood out well against the long green shirt she paired it with. The golden clutch, the side-swept hairdo and the red dots on her ears get her a 10 on 10!
These guests rocked colourful floral printed pants on the red carpet. The colours are fresh and summery and are paired with a solid colour or white, which is a must or there will be too much happening on one body!
Here are more guests that jazzed things up with funky pants. The wide-legged denim trousers and bright yellow dhoti pants are a welcome change after tights and skinny jeans.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 6th, 2012.
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