A splash of colour in Islamabad’s fashion scene

Berger’s event showcased formal and semi-formal collections from seven local designers.

KARACHI: After the success of Berger Colour Vogue Fashion Show in Lahore, the paints giant has once again collaborated with both renowned and emerging designers from across the country to put together a diverse fashion show for Islooites.

The event showcased collections from seven designers, including home-grown talent Sobia Nazir, and featured musical performances by Sanam Marvi and actor Sana, which offered much-needed entertainment on the glamorous occasion. The make-up and hair for the fashion show was done by Bia’s salon in Islamabad, while the event was choreographed by Rezz Aly Shah.

The show was hosted by model Natasha Hussain. “I used to call Islamabad ‘the sleeping beauty’. As a city it’s so beautiful, but the people were sleeping. It’s exciting and overwhelming to see that the city has finally woken up to the fashion scene,” she said. While the line-up of designers was quite exciting, the event began fashionably late and the guests had to wait for quite some time before they could completely indulge themselves into designers’ creations.

Sobia Nazir



First up on the ramp was the collection from Islamabad’s very own, Sobia Nazir. Presenting a mix of formals and semi-formals, Nazir’s collection focused mainly on subtle, earthy tones like beige and olive green. From traditional churidaars and shararas, to elegant jumpsuits paired with gowns, the collection offered a variety of cuts and silhouettes to buyers. Her bridal line was simple and classy. Using intricate gold and silver work on shades of pink, Nazir managed to present a look that contemporary brides can easily relate to.

Ennz Jewellery – Nosheen Amir

Inspired from Egyptian culture, Nosheen Amir’s handmade signature collection was bold and striking. Making use of big, bright gem stones, each piece of the collection stood out from the other. Overall, the collection offered something contemporary as well as traditional and the intricate neckpieces can surely help one in making a fashion statement.

Goal by Faiza Hammad



Faiza Hammad, from the label Goal, showcased her range of formals and semi formals. Offering an array of outfits with pleats and layers, Hammad managed to strike the right balance between different textures and patterns. A treat for the eyes, her range of mukaish-work pieces were outstanding. The colour palette included both dull and dark shades on a single outfit, adding more character to it.

CARA



CARA’s formal collection was for the bold and the risk-takers. Contrasting bright florescent colours with black on heavy silhouettes like velvet, the collection comprised pieces for those who have an edgy style and want to stand out in the crowd.

Shazia

While Shazia’s collection claimed to have drawn inspiration from Persian artwork and Mughal artistry, her collection of formals and semi-formals was rather run-of-the-mill and failed to offer something different. However, she exhibited guts by experimenting with daring cuts. The use of cutwork and patchwork in her outfits felt out of place.

Rani Emaan



Rani Emaan’s bridal and formal range was definitely something to look forward to. Although the designer duo played it safe in terms of colours, the collection was remarkable. It exhibited an array of traditional work like dabka, zardozi and cutwork. Their sense of playing with different textures and colours together flaunted their inner talent.

Fahad Hussayn



Fahad Hussayn never disappoints his audience. Inspired from the culture of Rajasthan, Hussayn’s collection was worth the wait. With off-white as his base, Hussayn used florescent shades and colourful patchwork to spruce up the outfits and the use of bright-coloured dupattas worked in favour of the collection. The collection was definitely bold and refreshing. Given what he showcased, it seems flared shirts will continue to be part of the fashion scene in the coming year.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 22^nd, 2014.

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