Crystallising the fashion concept

Pakistani designers showcase exclusive couture collections featuring Swarovski crystals.

LAHORE:

The Pakistan Fashion Design Council (PFDC) and Swarovski collaborated for a unique fashion event that featured designer-wear festooned with Swarovski’s exclusive crystals. Held in Lahore, designers were provided with a unique set of crystals in myriad colours, shapes and cuts to craft a scintillating collection. Adding an exceptional glitz to the world of couture, the event represented the extent of contemporary Pakistani design. Proceeds from the event will go towards supporting the PFDC’s corporate social responsibility program.

Sublime by Sara Shahid



‘Under the olive tree’ was inspired by the persistence, colour and deep-rooted reality of the olive tree. It was showcased under the label of Sublime by Sara Shahid. The designs were based on muted elegance and followed their usual design aesthetics.  Although it was a complete range of a wearable collection, it would have been great to see something beyond average.

Fahad Hussayn



Emphasising dark moss green gems, the designer showcased his signature embroidered silk and metallic weaving juxtaposed with Swarovski crystals. Exquisite details defined by the amalgamation of unexpected twists made this collection feminine and dazzling. Hussayn did a great job of translating couture to our sensibilities with his own individuality like odd headgears.

Libas



Staying true to their statuesque aesthetics, Libas boasted some eloquently embellished designs that stunned on the ramp. However, the colour palette of the collection did not do justice to the gems and failed to leave an impression on the audience.

Nomi Ansari



The collection incorporated tangerine crystals but unfortunately all of his designs fell around a singular area of the colour wheel and gave a vague impression of Ansari’s dimension. ‘Marmalade’ varied in silhouettes from cocktail dresses, saris, peplum dresses and gowns to lengha cholis. Sunita Marshal’s attire axed the monotony and became the highlight of the collection. It was adorned with an exquisite feathered headpiece that added levels of oomph to her appearance.

HSY



The King of Couture exhibited a bridal collection titled Noor.  However, for a couture collection, it went a little overboard with embellishments; neglecting the classy essence of the Swarovski element.

Élan



Known for their ethereal designs, portraying a divine existence of heaven on earth, the label provided the much-needed boost to the night with their bejewelled couture collection.  It showcased ensembles elaborately draped in shades of silver, gold, ivory, lavender, peach and dove grey. With an inclination towards the bridal collection, each design customised the crystals to perfection. Cybil Chowdhry opened the show for Élan and won hearts with her celestial ensemble.

Karma



Constellation derives its inspiration from the celestial and Karma did a wonderful interpretation of it through its collection. Swingy, bejewelled silhouettes and shimmery patterns defined by dramatic volume made the collection glamorous. The exquisite ‘Starry Night’ colour palette of showstopper’s Nadia Hussain’s ensemble was complimented by the Swarovski gems encrusted on it.

Saira Shakira



The talented duo Saira Shakira brought a timeless collection to the ramp, titled ‘Once upon a time’. Each model strutted down the ramp like one was turning a page of a captivating history novel. The outfits touched upon history’s most significant periods and perfectly defined those particular eras.

Published in The Express Tribune, March  3^rd,  2015.

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