Four budding designers set to show at FPW5

Designers to showcase their work for the first time.

KARACHI: The fifth edition of the Fashion Pakistan Week (FPW 5) will feature four budding designers. While these ladies and one gentleman have been associated with the fashion industry for some years, they have not showcased their work in Pakistan before.

In conversation with The Express Tribune, these designers elaborate on their upcoming collections:

Ayesha Ibrahim

A fashion designer for 14 years, Ayesha Ibrahim says she has showcased her work at numerous places in the world. Her FPW 5 collection titled “RocknRoll” has been inspired by the cuts and flares of the ’60s  and ‘70s. Quoting the fashion forecasts for the trends in the upcoming seasons, she says, “The ’60s trends are going to make a comeback in a big way in 2013, with big black blazers doing the rounds once again.”

Ibrahim reveals that her collection will comprise checkered patterns, stripes and tie-dye. “The silhouettes follow the trends of the ’60s and are very wearable. I have used sequins in tops and jackets and some fabric has also been embroidered with floral motifs in order to enhance the colour palette,” she says.

Faiza Saqlain



A fresh PIFD graduate, designer Faiza Saqlain draws inspiration from the Sindhi folktale “Marvi” for her collection of the same name. The outfits are ethnic and portray the culture of Sindh. “Every outfit has a story to tell — the folktale of Marvi,” explains Saqlain. “With a vibrant colour palette, the collection revitalises the story of Tharparkar. The collection not only describes Marvi’s beauty, but also unravels her loyalty to her people.”

Ahsan Nazir



A graduate of the Pakistan Institute of Fashion Design (PIFD), Ahsan Nazir, has previously exhibited his work in New York and London. After graduating, Nazir worked with HSY (Hassan Sheheryar Yasin), as his team’s head-designer and then later in 2006, he launched his own label.

His collection titled “Global Re-mix” features fusion wear. Nazir says, “My fashion line is influenced by global issues, but I have given it a spirit of positivity in a very diverse way.” Nazir adds that the collection will be contemporary, with a lot of printing, layering and colouring. “It’s a sophisticated jumble — I have involved colour and have done a lot of colour breaking — something that is going to tease the fashion eye. ‘Global Re-mix’ is a translation of how I perceive the trends for 2013 — flowy, feminine cuts, prints and a lot of colours.”

Zari Faisal



Karachi-based designer Zari Faisal started off a little over two years back and designs prêt and luxury prêt. Her collection titled “Plush” is dedicated to her departed cousin Rukia Yousuf. “My inspiration for this collection comes from old paintings, vintage looks and the fashion of the ’20s,” says Faisal. “This is a fusion line and I strongly recommend people to buy and wear separates.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 6^th, 2013.

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