Experimentation pushes creativity at Pakistan bridal week (Review)

Lahore, Dec 22 (IANS) There were some highs and some lows at the inaugural Pakistan Fashion Design Council L`Oreal Paris Bridal Week, but it was an effort worth applauding and appreciating. Young designers chose to experiment and let their creativity speak,

whereas others stuck to the routine and regular designs for pure commercial purposes.

The four-day fashion fete that concluded late Wednesday brought together 14 designers for ramp shows, jewellery shows and stylist shows.

The idea was to bring under one roof all the elements that play a pivotal role in weddings, said Musharaf Hai, managing director of main sponsor L'Oreal Pakistan.

'We were very clear from the very beginning that the bridal week will be have more than just wedding outfits. I personally believe there is no fashion without make-up and no style without make-up. Hence, it was important for us to have a platform where all these elements come together and set a trend for the next season in terms of make-up, wedding trousseaus and styling,' Hai told IANS.

Designers like Ali Xeeshan, Asif and Nabeel, Emraan Rajput, Fahad Hussayn, Hassan Shehryar Yasin, Karma, Maria B, Nida Azwer, Rouge, Sara Rohale Asghar, Sonia Azhar and Umar Sayeed along with renowned stylists Nabila, Ather Shahzad, Depilex and Toni & Guy participated in the event.

While most designers played it safe and showcased what usually sells in Pakistan, primarily Lahore, designers like Fahad Hussyan, Ali Xeeshan and Karma by Maheen Kardar floored the runway with bespoke designs.

Hussyan's design sensibilities came alive through his 'Raat Raakh' line in which he beautifully married brocade and velvet and presented multi-coloured sherwanis, multi-panel lehengas and used appliques on the garments to enhance the effect.

Xeeshan's attempt to return Kashmiri handicrafts to mainstream fashion worked in favour of the young designer, who used the intricate threadwork on bold colours with a dash of sequins and draped them sensually on model as a blouse.

But the truly inspired designs came from Kardar who brought jumpsuits-cum-ghararas on the ramp, saris with shrugs and long empire-collared jackets teamed with kurtis and ghararas.

Veteran designer Umar Sayeed showcased great finesse with intricate craftsmanship and balanced bling with embroidery. He truly delivered what is expected from a bridal wear designer -- unmatched style and workmanship.

Given the fact that the motto of the event was to predict trends for the upcoming season, this being the wedding season in Lahore, the organisers and sponsors are thinking of advancing the second edition.

'We are planning to shift the event to September or October next year, This time, we thought let's initiate the event, because once it is done, you get to know about so many other things and learn. Otherwise it would again have been a long wait,' Hai explained.

And with the wedding industry booming in Pakistan, Sehyr Saigol, chairperson of Pakistan Fashion Design Council executive committee, felt bridal fashion was the most influential and primary form of style in Pakistan.

'The wedding industry is growing and this is our first step to acknowledge this and give our designers a wonderful platform to showcase their creativity and reach out to larger audiences,' she added.

And, this being a business-to-consumer platform, designer Maria B. felt it is a boon.

'I am basically a pret designer and majorly into retailing. But, when you participate in an event like this, you get to interact directly with your clients because bridal wear involves a lot of money and only serious clients are interested in it. So, it is a great start for our fashion industry,' Maria told IANS.

(Shilpa Raina can be contacted at shilpa.r@ians.in)