Kayseria takes a big, colourful step into pret

The collection has been divided into three main categories and has over 40 different designs.

KARACHI:

Earlier this year, we saw textile house Bonanza revamp its racks under the spell of trendy designers Maheen Karim and Sanam Chaudhri. Recently, another textile house has geared up to deliver stylish prêt wear to more experimental and fashion-conscious customers. After making its ramp debut at PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week this year, designer textile brand Kayseria has launched a diverse pret-a-porter line.

“We have kept in mind the discerning taste of our clients who come from diverse backgrounds,” said Kayseria’s art director Waleed Zaman, at the launch of the brand’s prêt wear collection at Olivetto on Monday. “It’s a fashion-forward line.” With over 40 different designs, the collection is fashionable and affordable at a range of Rs800 to Rs7,000.



At the launch event, the collection’s three categories were showcased by models. The traditional Riwayat is inspired by Mughal-era monuments. In red and black finishes, the outfits in this category are more traditional than trendy, with gold wire work in the front panels and broad borders at the hemline. The second category titled Kontemporary showcased cottons and chiffons bearing funky neon prints similar to barcodes. With some kimono-inspired necklines and fitted kurtas, this category is more for young women as compared to  ladies who are looking for something more chic. The best thing to come out of this category, however, was a pair of black chikan pencil pants that will look sexy if paired with a longer shirt. The third category, Virsa, echoes folk sensibility and was by the far the most interesting of the evening. Fusing gypsy chic with truck art and pure Pakistani street style, this category showcased cotton in bright yellow, candy pink and lime knee-length shirts. The printed straight pants and playful sleeves are sure wins. Our favourite from Virsa is a truck-art inspired tunic with billowing sleeves tamed at the cuff.



“In all three lines, we have followed some global trends; we looked into the beauty of folk art and how timeless fashion transcends all boundaries,” said Zaman.

Before the fashion show, socialites were also seen wearing Kayseria’s new collection. One, who wished not to be named, was wearing an Angrakha-inspired outfit from the Kontemporary line. “The fabric is karandi which is primarily winter wear — it isn’t summer wear,” she sighed, adding that the prints are not innovative. “It’s good but nothing great,” she added. We wonder if she was peeved by the poor organisation of iftar and seating for guests!

The prêt collection will be placed at the Kayseria outlet in Dolmen Mall Clifton and will then be showcased in eight other stores. By the end of the year,  they hope to stock this exclusive line in at least 15 outlets out of 50.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 24^th, 2013.

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