KARACHI: After a successful start to Fashion Pakistan Week (FPW), people went in with a high expectation for the final day. Living up to the hopes of fashion enthusiasts, the Fashion Pakistan Council (FPC) made sure that people did not leave the hall disappointed.
The two-day event hosted at Pearl Continental Hotel in Karachi was choreographed by the very famous Frieha Altaf. The second day of FPW saw a line up of famous designers who showcased their spring/summer collection for this year. Buyers from within the country along with foreign buyers came together for FPW to witness our industry’s finest designers’ best work.
The designers included Nida Azwer, Amir Adnan, Deepak Perwani, and a special Fashion DNA showcase by designers Munib Nawaz, Zuria Dor, The Pink Tree Company, Jeem, Sonya Batla and Gulabo. The internationally acclaimed designer Amato also graced the ramp with his intricate collection.
The show stoppers for the day included Tooba Siddiqui, Noor Hasan, Sana Bucha and Faiza Ansari. While talking about FPW’17 Spring/Summer collection FPC Chairperson Deepak Perwani said, “10 years is a milestone for the council.”
“It was made for the designers by the designers and is now the leading platform for new talent and pioneers to display their work,” he added.
In addition to that, Day 2 featured a segment ‘Hair Fashion Scout II by Toni & Guy South Pakistan’. This segment was all about being fashion conscious, but not fashion obsessed. The idea was to create a sense of freedom and individuality in mind. “ The aim is to give a fresh, open-minded look on how we cut, style and colour our hair to enhance the looks with makeup,” said Creative Director Saeeda Mandviwala. It was all about revealing the real YOU.
The night kicked off with Nida Azwer’s ‘The Khalarai’ collection, which was all about revamping the traditional silhouettes in a contemporary narrative. The embroideries and stitches like Hurmich, Seesha Tanka, Moti Tanka and Heera Tanka were intricately worked on Ghararas, Saris, Dupattas and Ajkans with a neutral colour palette of off-white, beige and grey.
Next up, there was Inaaya’s ‘The Baatin Collection’, followed by the Fashion DNA segment starting with Munib Nawaz’s collection ‘Sci-Piritual’ which infuses design into science. It was all about the fabrications and the craftsmanship that included a tailored jacket made out of traditional ‘rilli’ patchwork.
Zuria Dor’s ‘Tropical Romanticism’ took the audience by storm as the collection featured dresses with flattering silhouettes and detailed craftsmanship with a tranquil colour palette inspired by colours found in nature; calming visual effects start with subtle, elusive tones which gradually get darker.
This lead to The Pink Tree Company displaying their collection ‘Jahan. A world within a world’ on the runway. The collection featured emerald greens, peacock blues and sun-kissed orange silks and hand- woven organza. The delicate digitalised hand painted prints with the embroidery technique Zardozi had been used to embellish the garments. With elegance, beauty and diversity, Jahan was a glimpse of Pakistan.The story of our heritage and culture to the world outside
By now, the audience was pretty much engrossed in the show, yet desperately waiting for the much-awaited finale.
But there were still some more collections to go, Hamza Bokhari’s Jeem is all about using traditional artisan techniques complemented by unique silhouettes, colours and detailing, which was skillfully designed for women who appreciate art and modern tailoring with his collection ‘Songs of my Nation.’
This was followed by Sonya Battla’s ‘Weave-Indigo fusion’ collection inspired by Sufi shrines and world of Sufism. With beautiful blue tonal dyes and washes, the idea was to keep the silhouette’s modern and free using locally sourced and hand woven fabrics. The last in the Fashion DNA segment was Gulabo’s ‘The hippie trail’, which was inspired by the 60s/70s hippie movement and those who travelled the mountain trails in Pakistan. The technicolour prints and cuts, Gulabo had made their design, identity instantly featuring designs inspired by the traditional truck art scene.
The last three main collections before the finale were Amir Adnan’s ‘Aesthetics of Everyday’, Amato and Deepak Perwani’s ‘PURE’.
Amir Adnan’s never fails to amaze his audience. Now, with this collection he points to the concept that some activities and objects transcend cultural differences, individuality and gender stereotypes to create basic utility. With a black and white colour palette and gratifying silhouettes, it shows a new frontier and draws appeal from the mundane by blurring the lines of the divide.
The Amato Couture showcases an array of romantic gowns in pastel hues. The key elements of this collection were romance, opulence and glamour. Having a soft corner for laces, this by far was the best collection showcased at FPW’17. The delicate French lace and soft tulle with intricate flower embroidery and applique were seen by everyone as the models walked down the runway.
Our last collection was Deepak’s ‘PURE’ which was inspired by purity of the sky and the clear waters of the sea. The dresses had minimal embellishment, lace, crystals and shades of blue waters that surely defined a certain sense of pure. Yet, another renowned designer, with another collection that was loved by all.
The evening ended with a special segment celebrating the 10 years of Pakistan Fashion featuring top designers of the country, including Bunto Kazmi, Shamaeel Ansari, HSY, Umar Sayeed, Sana Safinaz, Nomi Ansari, Amir Adnan, Nilofer Shahid and Maheen Khan. The exclusive 10-year celebration sure was a ‘grand finale’ to end FPW’17 on an exciting note. Keeping everyone excited for the next fashion show later this year.
Cheers to another 10 years of fabulous fashion.
