Welcoming spring in style

Multi-label store L’atelier showcases emerging designers at a two-day exhibition

ISLAMABAD: Providing an alternate to Fashion Week in the capital, L’atelier multi-label store exhibited latest collection of emerging designers in Islamabad on 3 and 4 April. The two-day ‘Spring Fest’ exhibition showcasing a vibrant collection by seven designers was aimed at catering to all sorts of clientele.

As the weather changes, so do the trends, but a city that likes to play it safe with typical fashion, a vibrant collection on the shelves this year could be experimental for those who want to pick up interesting pieces for their wardrobe.

The exhibition featured fresh and exciting creations of Islamabad based designers. ‘Plush by Pashmina’ by Pashmina Ahmed was nothing less than a treat. The talented designer never fails to surprise us with unique silhouettes and chic designs that are complimented with blaring hues.

Ahmed showcased a line of stripped collared shirts and stripped shirts with embellished emblem, as a part of the ‘Limited Edition Country Club’ collection. The range also consisted of plain maxis with fine embellishments on the shoulders — a perfect pick for spring evening; basic plain and fun crop tops paired with lace skirts and airy denim linen pants.

“Colour palette includes pink, green, blue and yellow. Since ‘Plush’ loves gold, we have added the tinge that completes its look,” said Ahmed.

‘Atelier Ecru’ by Amina Askari was welcomed aboard with its ready-to-wear semi-formals and smart casuals at an affordable price range. Keeping the simplistic approach, Askari’s collection was based on pastels with delicate hand embroidery. The fabric ranges from cotton to net. The simple straight cuts look airy and classic. She also used light Dabka work. “We opted for pastels and lighter tones as opposed to others that usually go for more fuchsias and bright tones for the summer season,” said Askari.

Sufne, a popular brand from Lahore, offered a wide range of beige and white formals and semi-formals. Intricate embroidery with pearls on cotton, chiffon and cutwork with lace was absolutely alluring.

Sarah Bokhari Omer displayed an exclusive collection of fuchsia lace and net embellished with neon appliqué floral motifs. There was also crystal detailing on selective pieces.

Samia Amer’s collection was based on a mix of traditional formals and semi-formals. While, Sonia Ali exhibited 10 digital prints on stitched and unstitched lawn and silk. These prints were dominated by dark and bright tones complimented with black and white. A stall by Ennz Jewelry also exhibited pieces adorned with precious and semi-precious stones.



“It is great. I get to pick ready-to -wear trendy clothes for the season. Saves me the hassle of lawn wars and tailor rounds,” said Ayesha Kalim, one of the attendees.

CEO L’atelier, Zahra Raza said, “The first festival of 2015 was aimed to cater to a clientele that usually does not get to see spring and summer collections otherwise. It is a good way to introduce upcoming trends to the Islamabad market.”

The next ‘Spring Fest’ is scheduled to take place in L’atelier Lahore, next week.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 7^th,  2015.

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