August 25, 2008	Monday	Sha'aban 22, 1429

KARACHI: With an ensemble of vintage cars greeting the guests at the entrance and a hallway draped in black and cream, Style 360, a local fashion channel, was recently launched at a ceremony in Karachi, held at the Expo Centre. The event was hosted by long-time model Vaneeza Ahmed, who is also heading the channel.

Kicking off the event was a display of acrobatics by a foreign troupe that was flown in for the event. They wowed the audience with their ability to manipulate their body on a circular trapeze, climb and tumble through long, white sashes of fabric from a height of at least 40 feet and also, with their ability to balance and yet change position while supporting each other just with their hands, shoulders and feet.

A fashion event is never complete without collections being showcased. One of the designers who showed that night was Hasan Shehryar Yasin (HSY) from Lahore, who also choreographed the event. His collection very strongly carried his signature design of keeping long shirt lengths and over-the-top embroidery and embellishments.

Iman Ahmed from the Body Focus Museum, a somewhat reclusive designer, made a rare appearance on the ramp. Her collection, which was limited to a colour palette of cream, white and black with occasional red thrown in, was dominated by layers upon layers on at least the skirts of the opening three outfits. Her expertise in knotting and minimalism was also visible. She wore the currently in-vogue keffiyeh when taking her bow on the ramp.

Nomi Ansari, a designer known for his colourful (literally) collections also showed that night. His models broke the ramp by appearing in headgear through which colourful lights shone. Umar Sayeed, the only other veteran designer showing that night, also wowed the audience with his collection. He also stuck to a colour palette of black, white and deep maroon. He was also the only designer to showcase saris in his collection.

The surprise of the event was perhaps the last showing of the evening. Shahzad Raza from the photographer duo Ather-Shahzad, who does the hair and make-up for their shoots, showcased his hair and make-up dedicated to theatre. The outfits were designed by his brother, Mehdi. Unfortunately, it failed to appeal and only invited criticism from those present. The models sported over-the-top wigs and headgear, which was in direct contrast to the concept of showcasing his expertise in doing hair.

Also, the looks shown did not seem to gel with each other and overall, the showing was far from being a tribute to theatre. The event concluded on that note.