FPW 2014: The haute way to winter

Fashion Pakistan Week kickstarted with vibrant and bold trends, accentuated by warm and opulent fabrics.

KARACHI: Day one of the three-day Fashion Pakistan Week (FPW) brimmed with some of the winter season’s hottest trends. With designers showcasing their Autumn/Winter 2014 collections that boasted myriad designs and silhouettes, the event was a visual treat for the fashion-savvy.

With more hits than misses, the event set the stage for a fashion-tastic week. The Express Tribune gives a round-up of the designers and their offerings from the evening.

 Ather Ali Hafeez for Sana Safinaz



Collection name: ‘Venue: French Beach, Karachi’

Trend alert: Vibrant and chic, the collection appealed to one’s Bohemian and retro sensibilities. With flamboyant cuts and silhouettes that are signature SanaSafinzaz, the designs were apt for a fashion-forward woman who doesn’t hesitate to experiment. The collection showcased a diverse colour palette, pairing black with hues of orange, blue and yellow. Models sported round-rimmed shades inspired by the 70s and big chand balis, juxtaposing eclectic western and eastern fashion trends.

What we liked best: The fuchsia pink, beige and black backless number was a sure-fire stand-out.

Ishtiaq Afzal Khan



Collection name: ‘Aurora’

Trend alert: Khan’s collection exuded femininity and etherealness. Its earthy tones, such as mint green, transformed into dark hues, such as burnt orange and midnight blue, as the showcase progressed. The collection was testament to the fact that, come rain or shine, a well-rounded colour palette never goes out of style. Comprising menswear and women’s wear, the line featured tapered cuts and a long hemline. Pairing blazers with saaris and cigarette pants with cholis, the collection offered a blend of eastern and western design aesthetics. The outfits were complemented by chunky metal jewellery and silver strappy heels.

What we liked best: The midnight blue sequenced tapered dress was a visual treat.

Ayesha & Hashwani



Collection name: ‘Baroque’

Trend alert: Hashwani’s collection comprised capes, jackets, and shrugs. Showing her signature opulent embroidery, the line featured detailed metallic and gold thread work on rich fabrics, such as silk and velvet. Hues of black and maroon dominated the collection. Chunky neck pieces were a winner on the runway.

What we liked best: The black dress embellished with gold embroidery featuring a cape was a total knockout.

Levis



Collection name: ‘A Golden State of Mind’

Trend alert: The brand celebrated the diversity of California’s street style. The collection featured jackets, sweaters and button-down shirts. Although the collection comprised season-friendly apparel, it may not be suitable for Karachiites, who are mostly deprived of the winter chill. Patent leather boots and over-sized mufflers took our breath away.

What we liked best: The emerald green jacket was a knockout. The white button-down and bright pink and purple jeggings paired with a Fedora hat were a look worth drawing inspiration from for the season.

Gul Ahmed



Trend alert: The retail brand put forth a collection, which comprised embroidery on warm fabrics, such as velvet, silk karandi, pashmina, corduroy and linen, woven into ethnic prints and vibrant colours. The ramp saw a great number of capes, jackets, jumpsuits and pencil dresses. Printed clutches enhanced the outfits and high-heeled suede boots gave the collection a chic winter appeal.

What we liked best: The vibrant printed jumpsuit paired with an embroidered waistcoat led the pack.

Aamna Aqeel



Collection name: ‘Black on Fire’

Trend alert: The line showcased the classic combination of black and prints. Featuring fiery hues, such as golden, yellow, orange and lime, the collection boasted dabka, naqshi, nalki embroidery, sequins, diamantes and pearls. Staying true to the collection’s name, black heels set the runway on fire.

What we liked best: The embroidered jacket paired with a crisp white and black tapered jumpsuit was the most striking piece of the collection.

Zaheer Abbas



Collection name: ‘Neo Nude’

Trend alert: Abbas’ collection featured contemporary silhouettes and airy fabrics. The ramp saw beige and nude tones in flowy fabrics, including silk and chiffon. The blonde fringed hairpiece upped the mysterious element of the ensemble.

What we liked best: The black sequenced outfit with exaggerated sleeves and a high slit through the hemline riveted our attention.

Watch the slideshow of FPW 2014 day one here

Published in The Express Tribune, November 27^th, 2014.

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