The Telenor Fashion Pakistan Week, Karachi hosted creative, colorful and attractive designs for this fashion season. The event was held at Pearl Continental Hotel for the season. During the fashion week, which hosted 41 designers, 21 designers performed shows, 4 performed presentations at the red carpet. Besides designs Toyota launched the very new Grande Chrome at the red carpet on the first day. The show was a 4 day based show where young ad new designers were given a platform to present their side of fashion while the famous designers did wonders with their brilliant collections.
Day 1
The show started off with dazzling energies. Red carpet was hosted by the beautiful Anoushey Ashraf who was wearing Fnk Asia by Huma from the same collection that had to be showcased on the ramp, Day one featured Nida Azwer / Bank Alfalah Rising Talent Show / Lala textiles Sania Maskatiya / FnkAsia / Hand Made by Madiha Raza and Sadaf Malaterre.
Nida Azwar
The show kick started by the first by the very talented Nida Azwar. Her collection The Florence Trellis Collection was inspired by the French architecture. The show was opened by the super attractive Amna Ilyas. The collection features a variety of luxury fabrics like organza chiffon and nets. The garments were heavily embellished with pearls and crystals and some were beautifully hand embroidered. The collection revolved around hues of beige, off white and greys with pink accent. More over what we saw were nicely tailored silhouettes that were more towards short lengths and larings to give a nice spring feel. Flared pleated skirts with crop were the trendiest.
Bank Alfalah Rising talent
Bank Alfalah has been giving a great opportunity to the upcoming talent and so we saw 4 upcoming designers trying their luck at the talent show the winner was to be awarded with half a million rupees to start off a carrier and live their dreams . These collections were mostly themed based. The garments were less wearable and more Avant guard. The designers who took part were Sheza Azhar whose Capsule collection was inspired by the 80s. It was all about neon polka dots and stripes; Rimsha Shakir has 3D inspired Avant guard that was all black and white. Momal Zia Used karrandi and jute as she showed beige-colored ensembles that had hints of green and orange. And Hassan Riaz displayed a collection that featured masks that used leather and studs, Suede and leather in hues, such as black, grey and brown were seen.
Lala textiles
Lala textiles feature Owais Mirza’s electric summer Collection. Very bright colors like orange reds and yellows were seen. The fabrics used were cotton and printed chiffons. Hand embroidery was seen. Over all the collection was an ode to color. Flowy structured garments were seen all over that was somehow disappointing for the audience.
Sania Maskatiya
Sania’s collection was called Khayat which means the tailor, the collection showed the real face of Sania and how she appreciates every one working under her and so it was a tribute to the unsung heroes of the design. Her prints were all dedicated to tailoring and designs the garments were tailored into Western silhouettes. Unlike most of the designers thus year her collections colour palette varied. The pants with chevron prints were her statement. The overall presentation on the ramp was brilliant . The hair and makeup was done perfectly.
Fnk Asia
‘Freedom’ by Huma Adnan broke free from flashy shades and was all about ivory. By the use of lace we feel she made a statement in her ensembles. The cuts displayed were effortlessly stylized with sheer materials and some cotton, overall giving a very well-designed look. We loved how Huma played with contrasts and colors that made the collection a major hit on and off the ramp.
Madiha Raza
Hand made by Madiha Raza showcased her collection ‘the Spring Myth’. It was all based on floral prints on chiffons. The collection featured a lot of colors. The accessories were done quite well. The show got better when Maheen Khan walked for her in a black garment.
Sadaf Malaterre
Sadaf’s collection was based on western silhouettes. The color pallet includes lilac and hints of pink with chocolate brown giving an accent. Her collection had chiffons and sheer fabrics; our favorite was her Boho-chick inspired fringe. That was super trendy!
DAY 2
Day 2 again was a very high on energy day for Pakistan’s fashion. The red carpet was done by Anoushey Ashraf who was wearing Sania Maskatiya that was straight out of the ramp. Telenor’s bar had delicious food and a very nice environment. Day 2 featured Amir Adnan / Sanam Chaudry / Jafarjees / Abdul Samad / Zaheer Abbas / Caanchi and Lugari / Gul Ahmed and Fahad Hussain.
Amir Adnan
Amir Adan’s ‘Shah Zadeh’ collection was a men’s line based on 3 piece suits, sherwanis and kurtas. Amir’s collection used Banarsi very cleverly around the collection. Heavily embellished belts were used that were an inspiration from his collections title. The colors together went a little off track not giving the correct impact but overall it was done well.
Sanam Chaudhri
Sanam’s ‘Zingara’ was about the free human spirit. The inspiration was bohemian fashion that was very urbane. The collection featured pastel-muted tones done with hints of browns and russets. Sanam used cutwork that gave an extra chic charm to the collection. She used silks, cotton and sheer fabrics that gave a very spring effect. We thought the collection over all was covering all fields’ of the modern trends.
Jaffar Jees
Numair Ali and Werda Saleems collection for Jafarjees was extremely retro and chic. The bag collection by Jafferjees was a heart throb for everyone. The bags were of fine lux leather. The bag collection had a variety for men; brief cases and paper-holder bags were also seen. Whereas for women, totes, box-clutches, formal purses and vanity boxes were seen.
Abdul Samad
The ‘up town funk’ was for the daring man who was brave enough to wear what he thought was fashion. Color pallets used were not going together with each other but overall, the tailoring was good. The design sense left us all in a shock. His show turned out to be fun though as Sehzad Roy , Hassan Rizwi and Zurain Imam walked for him in those experimental daring outfits.
Zaheer Abbas
‘Primavera’ was all about how Zaheer played with ivory with his amazing esthetics. The collection was complementing spring. The collection was based on gold needle work and crème ivory tones with floral prints. Zaheer used silks, chiffons and organza in his collection. Over all his dramatic collection left us with wow factor.
Caanchi & Lugari
Caanchi & Lugari has always been famous for shoes but this time they surprised us with a men’s wear line called ‘Bugatti’. The collection included statement men’s wear that should be worn this season. The collection over all was an urban and casual blend. Khaki pants made everything look good. The moccasin shoes with contrasts made things look even more stylish.
Gul Ahmed
Gul Ahmeds ‘Avanti’ was an intricate unique and luxurious collection. The collection was based on whites and its hues. The collection featured flared gowns and skirts that amazed us all since Gul Ahmed was always renowned for lawns. Their western and eastern mix turned out to be impeccable. Off whites with gold embellishments made the collection look even better.
Fahad Hussayn
Fahad Hussayn’s ‘Dominionatrix Decoded’ was all about drama on the ramp. Of course, when we talk about Fahad Hussayn, we know it’s going to be all about braids and glamour. The collection featured nets and chiffons. The silhouettes were all western from fitted pants to blazers and skirts. We loved the hair and makeup. Whereas, some things were slightly over done even for the ramp.
Day 3
Day 3 started off with the red carpet that was hosted by the gorgeous Mansha Pasha who wore Werda Saleems collection for Jafarjees. Day 3 featured Body focus Museum / Levis / Innaya / YBQ / Werda Saleem / Somel Halipoto / Alkaram and HSY
Body Focus Museum
Iman Alis ‘Sartorial Philology and the New Nomads’ opened day 3 acts with a great start. Like most of the other designers the collection was all about white and its hues with accents. Beautiful cigarette pants that were highly embellished were the best out of the collection. Her collection was highly skilled and perfectly tailored. Loved the drapes and flairs! Over all it was a great start.
Levis
Levis show was all about their new denim line that was ‘501-Customised and tapered’ the collection had all the spring summer essentials like denims, pedal pushers and shorts. For tops there were very light prints like stripes and polka dots. Waseen Akrams appearance on the ramp was extremely electrifying.
Innaya
As an Ode to Resilience , Naushaba Bhori, stuck to her signature styles of combining the west and east. Like always the prints featured Rallis , floral and some garments were embellished with mirrors. Her collection though was traditional yet trendy. Her idea of taking her daughter on the ramp with a t shirt was not new but as always pretty charming.
YBQ
YBQs presentations always amaze the audience. This time his collection was a tribute to the Sindh Sufis and was called ‘Laal, Shah, Mast’ that was in the honor of a few Sindhi Sufis like Laal Shahbaz Qalandar, Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai and Sachal Sarmast. Over all, his collection had a constant color pallet of reds whites and blacks. There were long straight shirts with dhotis, pagrhis and chadars. Over all it was a great act with lots of drama and oomph. HSY made an appearance for him too.
Werda Saleem
‘The Lotus Song’ collection gave us such a spring feel. Werda managed to surprise us all with the beautiful pastel pellet and striking bloomy based prints that revolved around lotus prints. In the collection Werda’s inspiration was the Madhubani art and Ikat prints, Saleem made use of that to the optimum. The collection presented western cuts whereas a lot of jumpsuits were also seen as part of the collection. We loved the digital prints specially the flamingos!
Somal Halepoto
Colour Glam 2015 by Somel Halepoto was all inspired by the international runway 2015. It was all a blend of animal prints with vibrant colors that made the outfit look mesmerizing. Her haram pants were excellently tailored. The collection had silks with digital prints that made a statement. Her east west blend was done perfectly that made every one live the collection.
Alkaram by Sania Maskatiya
Alkaram lawn gave Sania a platform to express her esthetics in lawn, her wide imagination and exceptional skills did not disappoint us at all. Her statement chevron pants looked incredible. The lawn line was covered floral and digital prints. The color pallet was ideal for summer it had all the bright colors like yellows with floral and purples with geometric prints. Over all the collection was no surprise at all. Sania’s collection stood out as always
HSY
HSYs men’s line ‘Hi Octane” was all about classic men’s wear. Excellently designed 3 piece suits with dark colors were a treat for all the men who like to live their life on hi octane. The classical tuxedos too were done brilliantly. This time his collection had all western silhouettes that we are sure will be loved by every man who likes dressing up. Hira Tareen’s act as a DJ was a lot of fun. Over all the show was a success for our Lahore Boy.
DAY 4
Day 4, the last day of the fashion week happened to start off with great moods. Obviously it had all the thrill since the collections had to make a mark in the coming seasons. So day 4 featured Sonia Battla/ Rizwanullah for Fifth Element/ Daman/ Zara Shajahan /Deepak Perwani / Amna Aqeel and Shameel Ansari
Sonia Battla:
Sonia Battla showcased her collection ‘Manora’ that she collaborated with an international artist Naiza Khan. Her collection was very literal. Electric blues and blacks with accessories made out of sea shells were seen on the ramp. Her cuts were all about flair and mostly jersey and chiffon were used. The collection was slightly disappointing and off trend. Ayesha Tammy Haque made an appearance for her wearing a red shirt with black pants which might be called the highlight of the show.
Rizwanullah:
Rizwanullah happens to be official partners with the international brand Swarovski. His collection was especially for women who are young at heart and love dressing up. Rizwan’s jewelry collection was made of alloyed metal that was nickel free and had Swarovski stones. Whereas his clothing line was all about head to toe whites. He had used nets and silks and made a statement with lace. His collection had an eastern and western blend. Rizwans energy was great and we hope to see more of him this season!
Daman
Daman by Maleeha Chaudhry has always made fashion very approachable for everyone. Without disappointing the public she again showcased a gorgeous collection that was trendy yet very wearable. Her collection had the tints of blues, crème and beige. Her cuts were stylish, wearable and without the dramatic embellishments that seem to rule the ramp recently!
Zara Shajahan
Zara Shajahan’s ‘Forever Boho’ was beautifully done. The color pellet was complementing spring. She used pastels and blacks. Her prints were a mix of tribal and floral prints. Her collection was boho inspired that had an eastern blend. There was mirror work and some were embroiderd. Over all the collection was a success.
Deepak Perwani
La Dolce Vita was Deepak’s collection for tfpw. The pictures we saw before the show made us even more excited for the show. His collection was all about digital prints that were floral and geometric. His patterns were simple and trendy. His collection featured jumpsuits lose tops with cigarette pants. The show was such a success and his show stoppers added more thrill. His stoppers were Ali Azmat and Bollywood’s Puja Bhatt. He is not wrongly called the genius on the oomph in fashion of Pakistan!
Amna Aqeel
‘Romancing the Linesy’ by Amna Aqeel was one of the bests for the day. The pastel color pellet was very pleasing for the eyes. She used silks chiffons and brocades for her line. Our favorite were her embellished pants with crop cholis. Her collection was extremely refined and chic.
Shamaeel Ansari
In the collection ‘Bring Your Renaissance’, Shmail showcased her vintage inspired collection. Floral designs with earth tones prepared with greater use of embroidery and lace that added the formal touch. The collection had its own drama created through the garments. She used jamawaar to create the luxury vintage look. Her color palettes varied but the burgundy element stuck. Over all the collection was loved the show was closed by the beautiful Sabeeka Jafar who was so far the best show stopper for all four days. Shamaeel designed a garment to give a tribute to Telenor Pakistan too.
Contributed by our Kluchit Karachi Correspondent
Zainab Kamran
Pictures courtesy Fashion Pakistan Council