Fashion brigade set for London parade

LAHORE/ KARACHI: Season after season, we have seen fashion shows that aim to upgrade the style trend, but there are a few that go beyond the bandwagon. As a tribute to the grandiosity of Asian culture, this year’s Fashion Parade is all set to take place at Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea, London on June 11.

Since Yousuf Bashir Qureshi  earlier announced his exit, the glam catwalk will now see the collections of Syeda Amera, Seher Tareen, Areeba Asif, REMA, Rani Emaan, Ali Xeeshan, Rose Room Couture (presented by Aashni + Co.), Hira Shah, Jyoti Chandhok and Nomi Ansari. Ready to take the central London by storm, the following designers shared with The Express Tribune a sneak peek of their collections.

Jyoti Chandhok



“I’m very excited to be given this opportunity to showcase my collection to an elite audience at this very prestigious venue,” said the Indian designer.

Sharing the design philosophy behind her ‘Obsession’ collection, she said, “The collection is inspired by my passion for, Lucknow, my home town. Its rich heritage, high architecture and magnificent parks are all depicted in my designs,” she said.

Jyoti further revealed that her collection is about rejoicing beauty and colours and straddling continents, that is, “Blending the fabric and embroideries of the East with the silhouettes of the West,” to give a truly global collection.

“Well-travelled global audience and chic women in Delhi, Lahore or London, can sport the heady mix of the rich fabric and embroideries from various parts of the world, with confidence,” she said.

Syeda Amera



She sees it as an opportunity to present her work to mass consumers in the UK. “It’s celebrating Asian entrepreneurs successfully since the past few years and has raised the level of Pakistani fashion appreciation to another level,” she said.

‘Fringe Gone Wild’, Syeda Amera’s summer collection 2015, is all about ubiquitous flapping, swinging fringes. “Fringes are one of the biggest trends filling in this season, giving a serious ‘70s vibe,” she said. She has specifically moulded her collection with a western design philosophy. Bringing the 70s trend back into spotlight, her version will be incredibly glamorous and ultra-feminine. It is based on easy to pull off dresses on a palette of deep sensual bohemian colours, fringes adorning mini-dresses, evening gowns and skirts.

Areeba Asif



“London is a great venue to exhibit Pakistani talent, and I’m really excited to see what opportunities it will bring out for myself and all the other designers, “says Areeba. Her ‘A Solstice Star’ collection is based on pastel colors, mainly lilacs and mint greens with mainly mirror work. “It embodies Pakistani craftsmanship. In a nutshell, it’s edgy and eye catching,” she said.

Areeba further revealed that it has been designed keeping international clientele in mind. The silhouettes are completely western and the embellishments are fusion; they include dresses, jackets, and jumpsuits. “Since, eastern and western fashion has now overstepped the boundaries of difference, we see the two incorporating into each other, more often than ever now,” she added.

Rema



The accessory designer is looking forward to bringing a versatile collection to an international platform. Her ‘WanderLuxe’ collection incorporates semi-precious stones, stellar materials and hardware and leather detailing. She also revealed that her pieces are a perfect mix that can cater to an international clientele and are not specific to a certain style or individuality.  “The cuspate collection meets wanderlust-inspired fusion pieces that embody femininity and adventure. These statement designs consist of edgy neck pieces in all styles, eye-catching earrings, rings with spunk, and leather handbags,” Rema said.

Rani Emaan



Emaan’s ‘Japanese garden and Eastern Fusion’ is an accentuation of the characteristic floral elements. A refreshing novelty has been added to the fabric with embroidered blossoming flowers in the pastel shades. The 3D flowers adorn themselves with Victorian real jewels and present its wearer a rare combination of royalty. Rani Emaan also said that they have incorporated eastern and western touches in their designs, so it can cater to the customers of different regions in both the continents.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 4^th, 2015.

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