In the lead up to the 8th PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week (PSFW) being held from the 18 – 21st of April 2015, the Pakistan Fashion Design Council has revealed the names of participating designers, textile houses and high-street brands.

The PSFW 2015 team builds on its commitment to three distinct platforms with separate and dedicated showcases by Luxury/Prêt designers on day 1, early evening High-Street brand shows followed by late evening Luxury/Prêt shows on days 2 and 4 with day 3 dedicated to shows for Textile houses only.

Styling for the event will be done by the creative teams at Nabila’s and NGENTS and the choreography is by HSY Events.

Big names missing in action?

In terms of show line-up, expect Luxury/Prêt collections from Fahad Hussayn, HSY, Huma & Amir Adnan, Misha Lakhani, Muse, Nickie Nina, Nida Azwer Atelier, Republic by Omar Farooq, Saira Shakira, Sana Safinaz, Sania Maskatiya, Teena by Hina Butt, Zara Shahjahan and Zonia Anwaar.

Ink by HSY. — Publicity photo

The PFDC also introduces debut solo ramp showcases for designers Hassan Riaz, Natasha Kamal and Syeda Amera with their Luxury/Prêt collections.

Nida Azwer's Atelier. — Publicity photo

Fashion giants such as Elan, Shehla Chatoor and Ali Xeeshan are missing from the roster. One may wonder why they choose to miss out on one of the biggest fashion showcases of the year. Ali Xeeshan may be boycotting the event after an unpleasant incident last year at PFDC L'Oreal Bridal Week but what about the rest?

Read also: Designer attacks journalist at fashion week after-party in Lahore

In addition to the aforementioned Luxury Prêt showcases, the PFDC expands on popular demand their high-street show platform to 2 days of afternoon High-Street shows featuring: BeechTree, Chinyere, Erum Khan, Generation, House of Arsalan Iqbal, Rayya Gilani and Shirin Hassan, highlighting contemporary affordable ready-to-wear apparel.

Saira Shakira's Eclectic Retro Collection

Day 3 will be dedicated to Textile Mill Voile shows and will feature: Alkaram Studio, Gul Ahmed, Harmony by Hang Ten, House of Ittehad, Shubinak and Warda Prints. It's also strange that textile mills are being given an entire day. What do they bring to the table in terms of high fashion?

All for ramp?

Making her presence visible on ramp, Sania Maskatiya’s representative Umair Tabani tells why the designer feels that catering to the ramp is important these days:

“Working with a registered council and showcasing at major fashion shows always help business — not only is it a great way to showcase creative ideas and explore territories which are not always retail friendly but it also helps in establishing a signature.”

He adds that since fashion week collections get major coverage, it helps in introducing the brand to a wider audience.

Given that there are one too many fashion shows each year, does Sania feel restrained in showcasing her collection?

“We do not mind showcasing our collections at any fashion show and think there is no harm in showcasing as long as the fashion weeks do not collide with each other,” explains Tabani.

Zara Shahjahan also echoes similar views and believes that the coverage just makes it "bigger and better":

Zara's "New Vintage" is an ode to the modern Pakistani woman. — Publicity photo

“Our brand gets mileage. We are able to showcase our creative streak and all that’s new happening under our banner name. We gain not only local but international mileage through media coverage.”

Zara, who showcases her work outside Pakistan as well, tries to be a part of grand fashion events locally too.

Zara's sketch. — Publicity photo

“We try to be part of the country's most prestigious events be it FPW or PFDC. Alongside, we also aim to maintain international presence by participating in international events happening across the world. We showcased at Lakme Fashiom Week 2014 and hope to showcase again soon.”

PSFW 2015 kicks off tomorrow, 18 April and will end on 21 April.