Saadia Mirza’s Velocity runs out of steam

The collection, for Mirza's pret label Velocity, wasn’t much to speak of...

LAHORE: When the showstopper at a fashion show is a socialite with bombshell blonde hair and loud make-up, there is little to expect from the show itself. If the intention of a showstopper (whose styling seemed inspired by Morticia Addams) is to leave one taken back, fashion designer Saadia Mirza achieved just that on Friday night.  The collection, for her pret label Velocity, wasn’t much to speak of either.

This came as a departure for Mirza, whose collections have always been satisfying in their cuts and skilful embellishment. Her previous shows have been very strong thematically, visually and aesthetically with clothing that is desirable for its signature design and colour palette. This year, however, most pieces appeared to be gauche lingerie serenading as flirty long kameezes. Her take on this season’s military trend was a kameez, whose front bore a military-style collared neck and buttons and the back had a diamante encrusted motif.

Since the show was held in the narrow pathways of Fashion Pakistan Lounge with cramped seating, there was none of the ambience required for a professional fashion show.

The limited number of models in the show caused delays and made for a presentation which was a discredit to the designer.

With no coherent theme, the collection that was a confused juxtaposition of florals, lace, and crushed fabric. Mirza’s ensembles lacked the conceptual kick which her label is known for. Apart from the introduction of the overturned sleeve cuffs, there was no inventiveness in the design.

With no direction to the collection, it was a dire move on Saadia Mirza’s part to have held a fashion show to launch her pret line for the season. More preparation would have made for a fine-tuned presentation that would have caused gaps of appreciation instead of shock.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 8^th, 2010.