KARACHI: After an eventful two days, we finally take our seats for the final day of Fashion Pakistan Week Winter Festive 2017.
With an interesting set of collections showcased by 12 of the 18 designers, the audience and the media were excited to see what is in store for the final day with the last set of designers all set to display their formal, semi-formal and bridal collections for this winter season. Not only that, this FPW we saw a continuous use of tassels, fringes and frills on ensembles; looks like we have the trend for the winter season this year.
The last six designers for the night were Tena Durrani, Nauman Arfeen, Saira Shakira, Adnan Pardesy, Maheen Khan and the grand finale by Sana Safinaz.
Tena Durrani opened the show with her collection ‘Platinum Series’ which featured ensembles with heavy embellishments with Swarovski crystals and gems that sparkled as the models walked the ramp. The soft colour palette of rose gold, champagne and metallic hues with maroon and gold work, Kamdani work and fine embroidery on the ensembles was a treat for the eyes. The collection featured Lehenga Cholis, peplum tops and heavily embroidered dupattas. Despite the fine detailing, one could say that the work and design on the ensembles did not make a strong impact because they all looked like the typical bridal outfit.
Nauman Arfeen was up next with his collection ‘Carnation’ which did not impress us at all. Despite the use of the pinks, whites and gold, the collection was not very refreshing. However, the use of velvet for the pants was an interesting idea implemented nicely. The collection featured floral embroidered patterns, gold waist coats with tassels and lehenga cholis.
Saira Shakira added their signature design in their latest formal/bridal collection, ‘A Monsoon Wedding’. The collection featured lehenga cholis with beaded work, beaded tassels and floral thread work with intricate mosaic borders. The colour palette used was a mix of pastels with light pinks and golds with hints of a darker green which then transitioned to dark blue and mint green. The velvet necks, short frocked shirts and asymmetrical cuts, off-shoulder dresses to one-sleeved shirts gave the ensembles an edgy and contemporary feel to it.
As the night progressed, it was time for the fourth designer Adnan Pardesy to display his collection ‘Ravayat’. The colour palette of pastels including mint green and silvers along with the use of black, mustard and blues was appealing from the collection. Talking about the design and work on the lehenga cholis, netted bead work on the hems, wide leg palazzos, was all that we have already seen before. The heavy embroidery on luxe fabrics was something that added splendour to the collection. The colours, if used perfectly, would have been the best collection for the night with a touch of royal.
The finale for the segment was Maheen Khan’s fierce yet splendid collection, ‘The Lion and the Muse’. From the display we perceived Hasnain Lehri, being the only male model for the collection as the ‘Lion’ and the female models as ‘the muse’. Her collection was impeccable as we loved the bright red flowy coats covered in sparkling embellishments with flowy pants, stylish halter tops and striped shirts. These were all classic Maheen Khan’s style. We loved the bold capes, silk palazzo’s and the bold sarees that the models wore as they walked down the ramp. The red coat with gold embroidery worn by Hasnain was definitely a treat to the eyes. The entire feel of the collection was a mix of eastern and western giving out a very bold feel. The collection was loved and appreciated by all, which was evident by the noise that surrounded the hall as Maheen Khan walked the ramp at the end of the display.
The much-awaited segment of FPW 2017 was Sana Safinaz ‘Roses & Rue’ which featured an exquisite monologue with the perfect stage that gave a nod to the forest, with faux trees, boulders and shrubbery incorporated onto the runway setting the mood as the collection unveiled the revival of floral elements. This collection was talked about as the comeback for the designer duo. The intricate beadwork to the use of Swarovski crystals and other gems, 3-D floral appliqués adorned with feathers, this collection seemed to have it all. Not only that, we saw the ongoing trend of tassels, fringes and frills along with woven detailing in the showcase.
From elegant shirts and pants to fairy-tale gowns, from streamlined cuts with peek-a-boo cutout details to décolleté necklines alongside fully flared layered skirts, this collection was a masterpiece of its own. However, one would argue that it only looks good on the ramp, as one in a practical life would not carry it for the wedding, but one can always wear them to the Oscars if given the opportunity. The colour palette ranged from ivory whites to pastels including mint-green and light blues, from the deep colours to middle-toned colours. The feminine silhouettes were definitely appealing to the audience.
The designers debuted their menswear collection as well, with minimal yet refined work on the sherwanis, waistcoats and jackets with sharp cuts that the models carried with confidence as they walked on the ramp. Each piece had a royal feel to it paired with the perfect buttons or pocket squares. It looked like a scene from a fairy-tale movie that came to life with over 50 models walking down the ramp, each wearing a uniquely and elegantly bowed gown or a perfectly fitted sherwani.
Thus, the Winter Festive 2017 comes to an end with a huge round of applause from the audience followed by a standing ovation. This collection definitely was a comeback for them. And so, the fashion extravaganza comes to an end, leaving the audience excited for the next fashion week.
