Five foreign designers participated in Showcase 2012, undoubtedly elevating the event’s quality in showmanship as well as design.

Nakul Sen from India was the only designer who stuck to eveningwear, a glamorous black and gold theme bringing one’s focus to slinky sequined saris and cocktail dresses. Sen’s collection was then exhibited at multi-label boutique Labels, which made his show evermore relevant. There’s no purpose in showing people clothes they cannot buy.

Agatha Ruiz de la Prada (Spain) who showed in Arugam Bay as well as Columbo earlier this year brought a vibrant pulse to the runway. Her candy coloured clothes paired with clear jelly bags and florescent shoes more than bedazzled the audience and the attention to detail, from paper cuboids strung onto the models’ ponytails to the mismatched eye-shades just brought attention to how much effort must go into making a collection successful.

Just as bright and equally (if not more) energetic was beachwear from Arugam Bay (Sri Lanka). Designer Ajai Vir Singh, with a sprightly collection, brought a bit of fun and frolic, sand and the sea to the runway. Unfortunately most of the models could not carry off beachwear and the segment resulted in distaste and embarrassment more than in appreciation. For once one missed the professionalism and apparent perfection of Khawar Riaz’s male models from Lahore.

Bibi Russell (Bangladesh) diversified into an ethnic mode with organic cottons in vivid colours that she is popular for. But instead of sticking to a colour blocked palette she brought on a mesh of stripes and checks put together with a bohemian, ethnic accent.

Menswear designer Fouzul Hameed (Sri Lanka)—who debuted in Karachi at Fashion Pakistan Week two years ago—brought his Spring Summer 2012 menswear line to the show. Its finesse, maturity of concept combined with avant garde elements is what made Hameed’s menswear inspiring without being either dull or impractical.

Last but not least, the label Datch, which is manufactured in Karachi exclusively for sale in Italy, also put out an extremely impressive show of casual high street clothing. Apparently, after the response they have been getting, they are thinking of opening a store in Karachi too.

One asked Rizwan Beyg the purpose of bringing foreign designers to town if they weren’t going to be stocking here.

“These designers are all planning to stock here,” Beyg commented. “All except Agatha, who needs an official franchise to come into Pakistan as she’s regulated by European trade laws. Nakul stocked and sold all his saris. Ajai’s flip-flops and swimwear also got picked up. Bibi’s talking about stocking at multi retail stores as she got great response. You have to understand that another advantage of bringing foreign designers in that the younger designers are exposed to a much more mature sensibility. They got to interact back stage. Showcase was high on the learning curve.” — AHI