The three-day unique blend of glamour, fashion show runway and entertainment that is the Pantene Bridal Couture Week (PBCW) got off to a ravishing start in Lahore last week. Expectations ran high as the calendar event has now gained the credibility of being an ideal platform to showcase creative talent and diversity with the involvement of the Hum TV Network, corporate sponsorship besides the unflinching support and association of fashion heavyweights HSY (show choreographer) and Sehyr Saigol who is the driving force behind the PFDC brand.

Building on past strengths, this year was a step ahead in the presentation of collections, entertainment and overall ambience and event management with a number of pluses that ensured the flawless execution of a cascade of fashion and entertainment sequences.

Song and dance

Hasan Rizvi and Body Beat dance troupe put forth brilliantly choreographed and spectacular dance performances in between the ramp shows. Actress Sana, Hasan himself and Babrek Shah conjured up a storm during the Mayun (Day One), Mehndi (Day Two) and Shaadi (Day Three) performances. However, due to circumstances beyond their control, the Shaadi performance proved to be a comparatively dull affair and fell short of matching the tempo and fervour building up over the past two days.

Quratulain Baloch of Hamsafar fame, Sanam Marvi and Hadiqa Kiyani stole the limelight during their respective ramp appearances while presenting popular and Sufiana kalam.

Hair and make-up

The hair and make-up by Saba Ansari and her team at Sabs Salon on the opening day and the following one was certainly up to the mark and what one has come to expect of the stylist’s expert vision when it comes to ramp shows. She started off with a gorgeous look, accentuating and building up on it as the shows proceeded, reaching full potential at the grand finale. Excited fashionistas are now looking forward to three days with her at Fashion Pakistan Week 3 starting today (Sunday) in Karachi.

Annie Manzoor of Allenora styled the models on Day 3 and one got a brief glimpse of her expertise in her field, given that she does not do many ramp shows, which is why it is too early to form a credible opinion. From what one saw, she managed to pull off a decent innings, borrowing from certain influences to add to her repertoire as a ramp stylist.

Show choreography

The credits were shared between Ali Xeeshan and HSY, and while both are good at what they do, it was the first time they came together and joined forces which resulted in one heck of a good show spread over three days. Way to go, guys.

The venue & red carpet

While one wishes there was more activity and flurry at the PBCW Red Carpet, let’s not forget the early thundershowers which lasted throughout the day on Day 3, which made much of the area inaccessible, so much so that the entry and exit of all the guests had to be re-routed. The Shahi Khema was idyllic and the perfect setting with enough room for the Red Carpet and audience seating. Once inside, the extended ramp with a huge rangoli-inspired motif in the centre and Mughal arches, jharokas, picture windows, chandeliers, flower peacocks and fresh floral arrangements gave one a fair premonition of the good times that lay ahead.

Bridal collections

The collections ranged from awe-inspiring to those that were brilliant to spectacular, to the good, the bad and the downright forgettable. Dubai-based label Amato by Rashid Ali featured fabric-cut flowers, in gowns of black and pastels with detailing and impeccable finish.

Maria B with the legend of Anarkali put outfits that were just as mysterious, historical and traditional featuring Persian arra work and rich fabrics.

Charu Parashar to the beat of Abida Parveen’s Chaap Tilak showed the modern Indian take on bridals which, although similar along some specific lines, added to the concept of traditional red bridals.

Asifa & Nabeel with the Aah, Lahore collection scored with sober, subdued tones of black and silver with select menswear.

Ammar Shahid with his Ottoman culture-inspired line, Kosain Kazmi, Cara’s jhoomar embellishments on black and Ahmed Bilal also scored on various counts.

Ali Xeeshan’s Bohemian fantasy opened with Mathira’s sensual dance number as a percussor to the drama put on the ramp with intricate detailing by the designer’s unique design sensibilities.

Tabassum Mughal’s collection was inspired by the seasons in ivory, beige and other colours offset by an elaborate headdress in each segment.

The Grand Couturiers show featured Amir Adnan, Deepak Perwani, HSY, Maheen Khan, Nilofer Shahid, Mina Hasan, Nickie Nina, Nomi Ansari, Rehana Saigol, Rizwan Beyg, Sana Safinaz, Shamaeel Ansari and Umar Sayeed with a bridal jora each.

The Sonar jewelley show followed by an exotic take on bridal wear titled Jewels by Mehdi with Babra Sharif as showstopper and symbolising perfection in taste besides being vintage, classic and timeless in its appeal.

Celebrity spotting

Frieha Pervaiz, Amanat Ali, showstoppers Meera, Mahnoor Baloch, Babra Sharif, Iman Ali, Fizza Ali, Ayesha Sana and others upped the ante for what good is a Hum TV-sponsored show minus the celebs? Also, for a city like Lahore which is rightfully dubbed as the hub of fashion and entertainment, it would have been unfair to deny foreign audiences a sample of what makes the city so popular with the visiting masses.