There were seasoned veterans making a comeback to the spotlight and a few young designers making interesting statements. Let’s take a look…
fashion
The definition of fashion is not new to any woman. The word itself creates a wish and longing for something trendy and appreciable. Pakistan being the 8th largest Textile Industry in the world, it comes as no surprise that the fashion industry of Pakistan is a well-established one. The recently held TEXPO 2023, paid tribute to the textile and leather industries for their resilience in the fight against the impact of climate change on Pakistan. It hosted 300 plus exhibitors, international textile sourcing agents, Pakistan’s leading designers and industry specialists from around the world. With multitudes of remarkable designers and well put together fashion shows, the fashion scene in Pakistan is booming. Though designing and styling have been a part of our culture for hundreds of years, the new era is pretty much into exploring the world’s cultures and adapting new modifications. The capacity of the designers has widened and has seen new foreign horizons as well. Many reputed designers are famous across the world for designing Pakistani dresses in a unique way.
The second and final day of the TEXPO 2023 fashion show, organised by the Trade Development Authority Pakistan (TDAP), featured distinct collections by renowned designers. There were seasoned veterans making a comeback to the spotlight and a few young designers making interesting statements. Let’s take a look…
The collection by MEME was called the ‘Streets of Barcelona’ - a fashion retail concept created in Barcelona that connects the brand with young, independent, cosmopolitan men and women of today. The high-street brand featured casual ready-to-wear clothes which can be styled effortlessly.
Sanam Chaudhri presented her ‘RESORT ’23’ – a love letter to Sanam’s student self; when she was introduced to the techniques of clamp and resist dyeing, a process that has held its charm for its rustic purity ever since. The focus of the collection was entirely on the silhouette, with cotton and crepe in brilliant colours moulded into dresses and elegant tunics.
The Pink Tree Company line-up started off with ebullient prints created by Mahin Hussain emblazoned on flowing shirts and pants, followed by pastels work with silver and gold and then, a range of party dresses, with traditional resham, sequins and dabka etching on quirky, untraditional patterns.
Spartan Athletics was very well-constructed, fitting the models just right and mixing basic monochromes with pops of neon. Jackets and loose sweatshirts were tied up over sports bras and fitted T-shirts. Models wore caps, sunshades, exercise bags and headphones around their necks; accessories that fit well with an exercise brand.
House of Parishae led the charge with ‘Anatomy of Power’, inspired by a 1983 study on the dynamics of social power by John Kenneth Galbraith. The collection was fierce with sleek and straight cuts which made the outfits eye-catching.
Shamaeel Ansari opened the show with her collection ‘Western Elegance: The Fusion of Cultures’, allowing the audience to step into a world of elegance and sophistication. The collection featured bold floral prints, unique embroidery patterns and a mixing and merging of rich hues. There were dresses, edgy cords, elaborately collared shirts and jackets.
Ali Xeeshan closed the show with his collection, ‘Redefining Fashion in Pakistan’ – a sustainable high street collection featuring recycled materials and cotton, an essential part of Pakistan’s heritage. The collection had a wide range - there was a bit of active-wear, a range of funky easy breezy kurtas, jumpsuits, saris and heavily embellished wedding-wear, with shiny stars in gold and silver, hearts and asymmetric printed stripes.
Text by: Wallia Khairi Event Management: Take II
Direction & Choreography: Nubain Ali Styling & Makeup: Nabila’s
