Pakistan Fashion Week 2013

While the city is steeped in the greatest miseries of all time, from bomb blasts to target killing, I stepped into a completely different world this Tuesday, 9^th April, when the Fashion Council hosted its 5^th Fashion Pakistan Week.

House of Maheen opened up with a tribute to the birds on the endangered animals list. Her collection titled ‘flight’ featured her signature styled classic black pants with fancy headgear and feathers. Lots and lots of feathers. I absolutely loved the saris that were a part of her collection. Absolutely loved! But then I am a fool for saris.

Next up were Deepak and Fahad, taking inspiration for their collection from metallics. Bearing chains, metallic studs, the collection revolved around mellow browns and steel greys.

Showcasing at Fashion Week for the first time was Zari Faisal. Her ‘Plush’ collection drew inspiration from vintage oil paintings. Pinks, golds and beige were the main colors highlighted in it.

With lawn being such an integral part of the fashion scene in Pakistan, FPW 2013 also saw the emergency of textile mills such as Orient showcasing their lawn collection. Their spring summer collection of lawn made one wonder whether lawn has indeed taken over fashion or not?

Aamir Baig with his tribute to stripes took control of the ramp next. A rebel symbol of the 60s, stripes have steadily gained popularity. While the debate over ‘whether horizontal stripes make you look fat’ continues, Aamir Baig and his collection were perfectly suited to prisoners all over the world.

Mona Imran and her ‘Safari’ collection next came up, daring to use bold animal prints on icky shamoze silk. The fabric that incites fear into the hearts of every living soul in Karachi, when paired with animal prints left me petrified.

Ayesha Hassan’s SS’13 collection took inspiration from the art of Zillij mainly used in Moroccan architecture. Models wearing gorgeous ‘matha pathees’ paraded around wearing her collection. Warm colors like maroons and greens and blues were her main focus.

Possibly my favorite collection of the night was that of Ahsan Nazir. His global remix saw a fusion of global issues highlighted through different colors made for a very vibrantly hued collection.

Emraan Rajput came next with her ‘denimology’. The collection breezed by without really leaving a mark in my mind. What I do remember is the low crotch pants which I just cannot for the life of me understand. Why do they even exist?

Next Aamna Aqeel’s collection was showcased. Her collection reminded me of Michael Jackson and his ‘Thriller’ video. The idea behind it was the balance between Yin Yan and labeled ‘Finding Glory’.

Rizwanullah was once more MIA on Day 1. Therefore Faiza Saqlain came up. Her collection titled ‘Marvi’ was based on ethnic Sindhi culture, however almost instantly made the mind scream ‘Wardha Saleem already did this love.’ I did like the use of ethnic jewelry. She too opted for low crotch pants which like I said I just cannot understand.

To close day 1 Bani D showcased their ‘Seraiki meets western world’ collection. To start off, Bushra Ansari’s sister sang a song, which made several people leave their seats. Yes it was that bad. Jewelry by Artel and showstopper like always was Sania Saeed.

That was the end of Day 1. All clothes featured are now available by Labels e store here: http://www.labelsestore.com