Bridal Couture Week comes to a close

The second day of BCW maybe not have been the best but it demonstrated the core purpose of the event.

LAHORE: The second day of Bridal Couture Week (BCW) maybe not have been the best for fashion aficionados but it demonstrated the core purpose of the event: to provide a platform for bridal retailers who run commercially successful operations but have not yet showcased professionally.

The occasion was complemented by traditional jewellery by Saira Zia and choreography by Hassan Sheheryar Yasin that gave each designer a moment to shine.

One wishes that the make-up by Khawar Riaz could have done justice to the stylising giant that he is but even men were complaining of models looking unkempt and  the stunning Nadia Hussain looked garish. Having said that, the night belonged to the gorgeous model Cybil Chowdhry, whose radiance shone.

The first segment of the show brought Amna Ajmal, Shazia’s Bridal Gallery, Sehar Ali and Nargis Hafeez Couture’s collections to stage. While their ensembles did not have the kind of finesse that designers in the esoteric fashion industry have, each label made a mark in some way.

Ajmal had a fabulous opening with all the models congregated at the head of the ramp, Shazia draped a sari with a velvet broche encrusted blouse as a gown, Ali showed a lace and velvet jumpsuit cut asymmetrically in deep scarlet with ornate work that elicited an ovation while Hafeez showcased pretty shararas.

Fahad Hussayn, acclaimed for his penchant for Goth and drama, delivered with a large swan structure as a central focus and most of his collection used his own signature emblem as motifs on his ensembles.

Also noteworthy was a simple yet stylish show by Men’s Store which displayed international designer wares from celebrated names like Fendi, Gucci, Chloe, Dior and Armani amongst an array of fashion giants.

The line-up for day three featured Hassan Sheheryar Yasin and Nilofer Shahid opening and closing the night respectively.

Yasin’s collection was a selection of all his favourite pieces from over a decade of the label’s work. His forte has been traditional and clustered embellishments used most significantly as borders, a style that over the years has become synonymous with the HSY brand. That he started off as a choreographer was evident in that structured shadi mime that opened his show. Models sat as brides and baraatis who burst into movement as the music began, and then sashayed down the catwalk. Had we a burgeoning cinema, Yasin would surely rule it.

Muzaffar and Meera Ali’s collection recreated the glorious days of Sharmila Tagore and Aradhna with banarsi and kamdani saris. They also stepped up into the contemporary with intricately worked tapestry on front open coats paired with broad and short capri pants and skirts.

The collection did not have the obvious glamour that one associates with bridal couture but it made an impact with its simple and structured tailoring.

Nilofer Shahid showcased a collection culled from the various cultures of the subcontinent. Shahid is known for her impeccable fusing of ornate with delicate and showcased a variety of bridal wear of which a yellow shaded peshwaz stood out for its ingenious use of gota flowers on the numerous pleats of the kameez.

Also noteworthy were her signature Victorian gowns cum shararas that under the hands of a less experienced courtier could have easily been relegated to a frothy meringue.

While Hoorain’s and Asifa and Nabeel’s collections were a damper,  the event ended on a festive note with a flamboyant fiesta of fireworks.

Trends to watch out for

Front open embellished coats over saris

Draping a dupatta over a choli like a sari

Flowers on kalis of a kameez

An angharkha-like waistcoat over a kameez

Long tapering sleeves on bridals

Published in The Express Tribune, November 30^th, 2010.