Best of '12: Fashion flashback

A flashback of 10 impactful events that changed the local fashion industry.

In a year in which everything and anything goes, there were some prominent trends that transpired and were locked-in to that local fashion scene. But that new in fashion is not just limited to clothes; this year we heard the confessions of a model which altered the public’s perception.

The Express Tribune brings you a flashback of all that was hot in the world of fasion.

Lawn-ed out 

2012 was the year of lawn wars. Aggressive lawn fights started in January and the exhibitions did not end till September this year.

Lawn became ever more colourful and expensive (and the ads became crazier, remember Asim Jofa?). The fabric that we wear all year round is now pricier than some of the formal wear we see.

Fayezah Ansari’s confession 

As seen in the Bollywood flick Fashion, the world of modeling has its evils. Pakistani model Fayezah Ansari opened up about her heroin addiction for the first time. She made her comeback with Pakistan Fashion Week held this year, and received support from her peers as well as sponsors.

International high street brand explosion



While we all remember that the store Next was introduced in Pakistan almost two years ago, a number of other international high street brands also made their way here in 2012.

Mango, Nine West, Monsoon and Debenhams made the greatest splash at Dolmen City Mall, Clifton. Also known as ‘The British Mall’ by a diplomat, these retail stores keep you up to date with the latest trends.

Calligraphy came to town

With Ayesha Mustafa going to another height and introducing Middle Eastern clutches, more calligraphic designed clutches were seen in the market.

Arab jewellery designs also surfaced with sky-rocketing gold prices, which led local goldsmiths turning their business towards making silver jewellery. Silver jewellers also exhibited their collections, but Middle Eastern designs ruled the market.

Bye-bye trousers, shalwars are back



The traditional old shalwar came back on the forefront once again. From the ramp to the rack, they were calling out to the fashion savvy. The battle between narrow pants, churidaars and palazzo pants came to a rest when the shalwars were seen on the runway this year.

Feeha Jamshed launches own label 

“Fashion should be on the streets of Karachi,” believes the Teejays heiress Feeha Jamshed. She launched her own label in March 2012, which has been introduced to bring changes in the market trends.

Pink Lips 

Browns, reds and even maroons were pushed back by pink this year. Pink lips were the way to go whether it was bridal, formal or everyday wear. It became the colour of the year for lips.

Crazy for prints and embellishments 

This year was all about prints. Designers like Zara Shahjahan and Kamiar Rokhni created prêt collections based on heavy prints. Print-on-print became a huge trend however, it needed to be executed with some thought added to the outfit.

Whether it is shalwars or palazzos, designers played around with textured and embellished pants this year with relatively plainer tops. This was a real game changer as the emphasis shifted from the top to the bottom. Even in casual wear we saw more textured, printed and embroidered bottoms with either solid or colour blocked tops.

Hello funky pumps 

2012 is the year of architectural designs on high heels. From Chanel’s 2012 runway shoe collection to Nine West’s chunky platforms, skyscraping heels were all the rage.

Fish braid



Normal braids evolved into fish braids this year. Whether it’s a formal or a casual gathering, fashion lovers flaunted their fish braids confidently.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 30^th, 2012.

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