PLBW Day 2: Lost in Translation

LAHORE: While PFDC L’oreal Paris Bridal Week Day 1 was a treat to watch in terms of the creative diversity offered by designers, Day 2 had a few hits but comparatively more misses.

With some seasoned designers, as well as some essentially prêt wear designers, showcasing their bridal collections, Day 2 clearly fell below the benchmark set at the beginning of the week. What stood out were the Gatsby — theme looks created by the incredible team at Tony & Guy and make-up artists Maram & Aabroo. The feminine demeanor of the models complemented the overall soft and dainty tone of the event.

Ali Xeeshan



Designer Ali Xeeshan is not just a talented designer but also a great showman — he knows exactly how to entertain the audience. His collection Jageer, unveiled amidst high-pitched classic music, was a reflection into the magnificence of a darbar and the outfits screamed royalty at its best. By offering an outfit for every ceremonial occasion, Ali Xeeshan proved that Bridal Week is just not a platform to flaunt your talents but an opportunity to showcase the breadth of your work. Combining simple cholis with exquisitely hand-worked lehengas, the designer offered a collection that resonated history and tradition with utmost finesse. While the structured sleeves and the kamdani effect added even more life to the fun collection, the intricate embroideries on ivory and black created a pleasing montage. But it would have been better if the designer had presented a lesser number of outfits to maintain the quality of his collection. Nevertheless, if not a wedding day favourite, Ali Xeeshan has definitely become a go-to designer for fun and vibrant mehndi outfits.

Nickie n Nina



Designer label Nickie n Nina has more than a decade of experience in both haute couture and prêt-a-porter. Their collection titled Garden Party was inspired from the pre World War I era and had an overtly Downtown Abbey feel to it. Using an array of fabrics including chiffons, nets and satins, the collection offered an interesting mix of asymmetrical cuts, crystal embellishments and cutwork and pastel hues. While the collection successfully reflected the basic concept, it wasn’t so aesthetically pleasing. One thing that was noticeable was the duo’s emphasis on separates like jackets, shawls and peplum tops. While some outfits appeared to be busy and overpowering and the styling lacked appeal, the design house did manage to capture the real essence of the era.

Fahad Hussayn



Fahad Hussayn’s Great Mutiny collection symbolised the romance and elegance of an aristocratic era. His cotton capsule collection was flawless and the rich threadwork added a regal touch to an otherwise casual fabric. Pearl and nauratan jewelery complemented the overall look. However, the head gears were completely bizarre. It was refreshing to see a designer return to traditional roots of men’s kurtas. The classic plain kurtas are timeless and Fahad brought an interesting twist by pairing them with printed patkas — something that can become a huge mehndi trend. Yet, it was disappointing to see what followed after the bar was set so high. The next few pieces of the collection were merely an overly-embellished bunch of mismatched outfits but, thankfully, they were covered up for by the exquisitely detailed finale outfits sported by Amna Ilyas and Mehreen Syed.

Misha Lakhani



The young and talented Misha Lakhani proved her mettle yet again with her Bohemian Heiress collection that combined 17th century and Ottoman traditions with modernism. Intricately detailed with gota, zardozi, marori and block-print, the collection offered a variety of cut-savvy separates fused together perfectly. Carrying on with her signature aesthetic, Misha brought a twist to her usual style with some lovely saris and a simple yet eye-pleasing colour palatte. Faded mint green over fuchsia really stood out. Polki-inspired motifs and tissue dupattas with gota work were just icing on the cake.

Sadaf Malaterre



Sadaf Malaterre’s debut collection at the PFDC Bridal Week was a picture perfect example of why some designers should only stick to prêt wear. Although inspired from nature and colours, the collection lacked the edginess of prêt wear and failed to meet the extravagance of bridal wear. In fact, it was a repetitive color blocked collection that did not bring anything exciting to the table, with some lehengas looking more like gypsy skirts. While the idea of crushed lehengas and chiffon saris infused with jamawar was interesting, the execution was not up to par and, although colourful and funky, the collection surely did not match bridal wear standards.

Sonia Azhar



Sonia Azhar’s take on Victoria’s Secret was more humorous than fashionable. The show opened with Cybil locked in a cage and once the angel wings came into the limelight, everything went downhill. Even though the wings and headgear were beautiful and well-thought out as a concept and the custom made earrings added some edge to the dramatised look, we really wish she had paid more attention to creating something new and different in her collection rather than focusing heavily on the styling. The sheer net and lace leggings looked very grody in general and not just in terms of bridal wear. Overall, her collection, titled Divine Unison, was bland and very common. She clearly needs to innovate and differentiate her product in order to showcase at such platforms.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 13^th, 2013.

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