The PFDC L’Oreal Bridal Week 2019 is scheduled for a week from now and we can already feel the proverbial fashion buzz in the air. As always, a number of established names are returning to the platform with some newer designers also taking a chance on their thesis collections (rising talent slots) and/or their regular bridal collections. Putting up a bridal collection is expensive; to create, to show and also invest in it is tough for certain brands but a platform like PFDC allows new designers to show their designs right next to more experienced names and that’s how the wheels of the business keep churning.
During September 26th and 28th, the fashion savvy will be flocking at the PLBW grounds to view the latest in wedding wear, which will then be followed by the Karachi-based FPW Winter/Festive 2019 in October.
Some changes have been made to the program, with show direction now helmed by the council itself. Sadia Siddiqui, who was formerly Show Director, will not be returning this season. Hira Shah, London-based model, who has years of experience and a great catwalk, has been hired as the choreographer and Nabila’s experienced team will be on hair and makeup. The line-up has 22 names with most of our fashion week favourites returning to show but some like Elan, Nomi Ansari, Sana Safinaz and Zara Shahjahan are eschewing the platform, some of them opting to show at FPW next month or going solo.
Foreign returns
The House of Kamiar Rokni
The House of Kamiar Rokni easily had the most memorable bridal collection from last year’s PLBW, which one could see on the myriad brides who wore his designs throughout 2019. He also won the Lux Style Award for Best Designer (Bridal Couture) which indicates the designer’s career high in the past year. Kami will be closing day 2 with Golestan – the Garden of Roses, which “represents a poetry of ideas” in the designer’s own words. Drawing inspiration from his Persian heritage, Golestan will be exploring the influence of Iran in sub continental design playing within the elements of femininity, the bold and its softer aspects. “It will ultimately propose a celebration of one’s individuality; one where no two flowers are alike in the Garden of Roses,” he shared in a press release. After his New York collection and achievements last year, we are excited to see what he puts forth on day two.
Sania Maskatiya
Sania Maskatiya was missing at last year’s fashion week because of her showings at New York Fashion Week, which is understandable for growth’s sake but the designer was missed on local shores. This year she’s back with Dilara that “pays tribute to the most exquisite of promises between two lovers. It is a collection that combines the dil (heart) and ara (what decorates beauty), two core elements of fashion,” she shared in a press release. According to the designer, this is one of her boldest bridal collections to date with peshwazes and ghararas for women and prince coats and sherwanis for men.
Day-to-day breakdown
Day 1
Hussain Rehar will be showcasing his The Fifth Dimension and, in his own words, his ‘dynamic colour contracts with a mashup of futuristic visuals and bold embellishments’ will take the stage. As we’ve come to see, his experimental designs are usually a treat to see on the ramp. Nida Azwer is another PLBW favourite, who’s set to show Anarkali – a collection that draws its inspiration from Mughal heritage and age-old techniques, as hers always do. The 16-piece collection of womenswear in rich jewel tones of sapphire, gold and silver are sure to be a continuation of Azwer’s classic aesthetic. Saira Shakira along with Zubia Zainab, a newer name from Multan, are also showing with the rising talent by Aquafina which will also have five designers showing.
Day 2
Ahmed Sultan, a PIFD graduate who first showed early evening last year will be opening day two along with Dhaani, Tayyab Moazzam and J&H – names which we’re not familiar with yet but could be interesting to see. As part of the evening shows, Kamiar Rokni, Sania Maskatiya, Misha Lakhani and Mahgul, all of whom have very distinct styles, should be exciting to witness. Nickie Nina and Saira Rizwan are also showing on the second day of fashion week.
Day 3
Fahad Hussayn will undoubtedly add some drama and showcase his distinct draping on the runway on day three. FAS studio, Noreen Neelum, Republic by Omar Farooq and Sonia Azhar are also showing. MNR design studio of Ranveer Singh fame is also set to show his designs but we do hope he has something good up his sleeve because the Filmfare cover charm can only last so long. HSY is scheduled to close fashion week and his collection, as always, will present a grand finale for the PFDC platform.