When it was initially announced that FPW will be shortened to a duration of merely two days, many eyebrows were raised. But the new speed of FPW is perhaps a good thing in the fast paced world we live in today; FPW swiftly albeit painfully completed its two day fashion week on Thursday and brought some of the biggest names of fashion fraternity to the runway to celebrate Fashion Pakistan’s tenth anniversary.
Deepak Perwani
InstepREport
A disjointed second day and star-studded grand finale reminded one of what Fashion Pakistan Week used to be.
Karachi: When it was initially announced that FPW will be shortened to a duration of merely two days, many eyebrows were raised. But the new speed of FPW is perhaps a good thing in the fast paced world we live in today; FPW swiftly albeit painfully completed its two day fashion week on Thursday and brought some of the biggest names of fashion fraternity to the runway to celebrate Fashion Pakistan’s tenth anniversary. Bunto Kazmi, Sana Safinaz and Nomi Ansari, for instance, were in all their glory as their signature creations hit the runway. However, the pleasure was bittersweet as they no longer show on this platform.
The first showcase of the day paid homage to Sindhi traditions and craftsmanship. Nida Azwer’s White Label used traditional Sindhi hand embroidery and shisha work on modern silhouettes in shades of ivory, pearl and egg whites.; the collection was graceful and sophisticated. What further elevated the spirit of the showcase was the fact that Azwer came out hand in hand with the local artisans who helped the label with their designs.
Bunto Kazmi
Inaaya filled the runway with bright colours in a very vibrant fusion collection: Shades of hot pink, sun-kissed orange and blue tastefully made their way on the runway, with Inaaya showing intelligent use of colour. Also, the ensembles were made with soft, breathable fabric which will be perfect for the Karachi heat. The label dedicated the showcase to women empowerment, as each and every model carried empowering placards dedicated to women all over the world.
While London Fashion Week already saw the Fashion DNA showcase earlier, FPW’s runway brought home the six collections, which included work of the following labels: The Pink Tree, Munib Nawaz, Zuria Dor, Gulabo, Sonya Battla, and Jeem. Each designer chose a few pieces for the FPW runway, out of which Sonya Battla and Maheen Khan (Gulabo) collection stood out for its distinct creations. These collections were truly international.
Amir Adnan
Deepak Perwani’s ensembles emphasized on layers and drapes, which may not be the best idea for a summer collection, even if it is constructed in white. However, it was the vibrancy of blues and teals used for the menswear line that caught our attention. Menswear is Perwani’s forte.
Another menswear designer played it safe in terms of cuts and silhouettes but it was this very fuss-free quality of Amir Adnan’s designs that made them look desirable. Androgyny was the key trend of his collection, and that was further evident when Mehreen Syed walked down the runway wearing a well tailored sherwani. The very idea that every outfit could be worn by either gender was so appealing.
Nida Azwer
However, it was Amato’s collection that failed to stir the audience. The heavily layered gowns in pastel shades were beautiful and perfectly constructed but they were irrelevant when shown to a desi crowd. These were made for the Middle East, where they would undoubtedly catch the fancy of many an Arab heiress.
Perhaps the most energetic and lively showcase of the day was put forward by Toni & Guy’s Fashion Scout, where the models were exuding youthful energy and rocking funky updos and bobs. It was high voltage and quirky, but it’s that very pace that the models had a problem keeping up with.
Inaaya
It was a tiring and disjointed day; it’s not exactly pleasant to have to sit through three hours of fashion without break. But many people waited, out of sheer respect, for the grand finale. Marking the tenth anniversary for FPW were some of the biggest names of Pakistan’s fashion industry, such as Bunto Kazmi, Sana Safinaz, Maheen Khan, Deepak Perwani, Umar Saeed, Nomi Ansari, HSY, and Shamaeel. Everyone showed three ensembles each but they were old ensembles; one wishes that the designers had respected the festivity of the occasion and designed something specifically for the FPW finale. Most of them did not even bother to make an appearance.
It has to be said that Fashion Pakistan, as a council, may have turned ten but has it come a long way? That’s a question it needs to be asking itself.
Sonya Battla
