TThe grandest finale: Impressive on the runway this year was HSY, whose collection Sher — worked in collaboration with the Anjuman-i-Khuddam-i-Rasul Allah (AKRA) in Shergarh, Okara, and crafted by women of the district to empower and educate children (especially girls) through poverty alleviation — had symbolic strength. It was a grand finale that struck the right (patriotic) cord.

Political impresario: Hina Butt, who debuted with a forgettable collection several seasons ago, made a PSFW comeback with a more poignant agenda. Now an MPA, her involvement and interest in fashion promises of collaborations between designers and craftsmen in rural areas.

Hair, make-up and model management: An unprecedented reserve of over 50 models were engaged for fashion week this year, cast in two pools for quick and easy turnover between shows. Nabila and her creative team flawlessly executed the looks for all four days, developing hair and makeup trends that are just as integral to fashion week as trends in clothing.

High Street shows: Swapping three days of lawn with high street ready to wear clothing was a great idea and added to fashion week’s business agenda. While lawn rings the till like no one’s business, it is not fashion until styled. Brands like Kayseria, MK Nation, Generation, Bareeze Man and Gul Ahmed impressed while Coco, Bonanza and Working Woman were missed.

Notable debuts: Saira Shakira, made an impressive entry with a harlequin-inspired collection, which was actually better than some of the tired veterans that we’ve seen (and would preferably not see again) over the years. Speaking of debutantes, the Alfalah Bank Rising Talent show presented a great initiative in sponsoring young talent. Of all four capsules shown, Seher Tareen and Amina Malik were most exciting. They both showed maturity and aesthetic in their themes and it’ll be interesting to see who wins the award. — Aamna Haider Isani