PFDC L’oreal Paris Bridal Week promises to be Haute

New and established designers set to showcase collections next week.

LAHORE:

With the wedding season around the corner, designers prepare to present their signature bridal collections at the much-awaited three-day PFDC L’oreal Paris Bridal Week in Lahore from October 10 to October 12. The Express Tribune chatted with some of the dexterous designers about their inspirations behind upcoming collections.  

Misha’s boho bridals

Misha Lakhani made her impressive debut last year and is coming back with a collection titled Bohemian Heiress. Her collection, inclusive of the fabric and motifs, is inspired by a journey through Ottoman Turkey. “My starting point is the 17th century romanticism infused with jewel tones, unusual fabrics and a fusion of styles that exude the bohemian heiress, who challenges convention yet loves all this tradition,” says Lakhani. Fabrics used in the collection include French velvet, muslin, net, gold tissue, chiffon, georgette, brocade and karandi. The techniques used to craft this collection include applique, vasli, zardosi, gota and devore amongst others and the collection consists of a variety of short coats set against long kalidars, saris draped on dresses, sheer shirts layered over lehenga, etc. The colour palette ranges from topaz, amber and lapis to ivory, fawn saffron and lime.

Sana Safinaz goes heavy

The popular designer duo from Karachi will be presenting at the PFDC Bridal Week for the first time with a collection titled, Heritage. “We are bringing traditional with a twist,” says Mariam Rasheed, the head of bridal production at Sana Safinaz design house. “While the style is true to Sana Safinaz [philosophy], the outfits will be a lot heavier this time.” The colour palette will include a mix of crèmes, golds, and black and whites with a variation in reds.



HSY’s opulence

Hassan Shehryar Yasin’s collection titled My Muse aims to explore three distinct looks. “From old school charm to lots of naqshi, gota and embroidery, this collection will be more opulent in tradition and yet it will have its identity,” says Yasin. For the past couple of years the emphasis in his bridal outfits has been more on the shirt but this year, HSY will be focusing extensively on the lehenga. “This year HSY will open bridal week so that we can let people feel the energy from the get go,” adds Yasin.

Kami’s Orient

Kamiar Rokni, Tia Noon and Rehan Bashir are looking to the East for inspiration with their Orientalist collection. “We want to bring the romanticism of the East in our designs this year,” says Rokni. “This year is all about imagination. We at the House of Kamiar Rokni feel that brides need to be bold this year and express themselves,” he continues. “We are reviving tradition with a contemporary attitude.” Rokni promises an unexpected use of colour in this collection as he layers ideas, cultures and motifs from the Middle East, Turkey and Russia.

No holds barred for Sania

Sania Maskatiya has emerged as one of the most appreciated designers in the industry with her very wearable collection. She has been handling bridal wear ever since the inception of her brand however, Sania will be showcasing her bridal collection on the ramp for the first time. “This collection is an amalgamation of textiles and embroideries that inspire us,” says Maskatiya. “I love the traditional princess look and, along with embroideries, I love ari work. I am not restricting myself to any specific colour palette — you’ll see an entire range from yellow, limes, reds and lots of multi-coloured outfits,” she adds.

Fahad Hussayn’s rebellion

Titled the Great Mutiny, the collection will feature thread embroideries, metal ribbon work, custom-casted chain embroideries paired with traditional zardozi, gota and panni work. “The collection portrays a beautiful love story from the feudal lifestyle of the aristocracy in Awagh — subtle realism blended with drama and emotions,” says Hussayn. The colour palette varies from subtle shades of nudes and golf to a mutiny of colour with constructed cuts and dramatic volumes.

Deena’s debut

HSY’s protégé Deena Rehman decided to launch her own label Deena. A debutante at bridal week, Rehman says, “The title of my collection is, ‘Old world memories and other inherited objects’. The theme of the collection is a forgotten time, inspired by vintage pieces given to me from my mother and grandmothers. For me, each piece has to be a work of art to be passed down for generations, with an elegance and beauty that stands the test of time.” “The collection has a mix of floral and geometrical prints running between each other. My love of animals is apparent — I have included many different birds, elephants, horses and deer in most of the pieces usually with a story in mind,” she adds.

Asifa & Nabeel’s Maharajas

The duo’s collection this year is derived from the Indian Maharajas of the subcontinent. “They artistically played and molded with and within metal articles and had a strong bond with metals and precious stones. They used metal in war shields, artifacts, Indian sculpture, jewelry and many other items. Therefore, our collection is a very traditional yet modern form of that era, which very conveniently enhances the richness of their luxurious lifestyle,” says Asifa.

Zara’s true love

Known more for her prêt wear, Shahjahan’s collection titled, True Love, is going to be very feminine and flowy. “We are going to stay true to the brand’s aesthetics and use a lot of floral motifs and fabrics,” says Shahjahan. “The fabrics we are using include silks and nets with a varying colour palette.

Ali Xeeshan’s ode to royalty

The designer’s collection called Jageer Luxury 2013 Emporium is inspired from the Era right after partition. “The collection is an antiquity of the riches [at that time] with ethereal techniques and melodic cuts and the finesse and feel of royalty,” says Xeeshan. With a wide colour palette, these heirloom pieces aim to dig into the provenance and history of the Thakurains and the Rathores!

Others

Other designers who will be showcasing at the PFDC L’oreal Paris Bridal Week include Nomi Ansari, Sonia Azhar, Elan by Khadijah Shah, Saai, Sadaf Malaterre and Nickie n Nina. However, they were unavailable for comment.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 3^rd,  2013.

Like Life & Style on Facebook, follow @ETLifeandStyle on Twitter for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.