LAHORE: The doors to the world of glitz and glamour swung open on Thursday night with the unveiling of the 10th PFDC (Pakistan Fashion Design Council) Fashion Week, marking the eighth year of the prêt a porter platform.

The week features season’s most anticipated designer brands, high-street labels and textile brands, focusing specifically on fashion for the regions’ long hot summer months.

The inaugural day featured a solo show by HSY in Hall A, a group show featuring Misha Lakhani and Saira*Shakira in Hall B, a group show featuring Zonia Anwaar and Khadija Rahman in Hall A and a solo show featuring Sania Maskatiya in Hall B.

The first show of the week was by HSY titled ‘Paranoia’. With ‘Paranoia’, HSY’s inspiration draws on the life and times of the young technology driven new generation of today and through fashion spins a narrative on the digital reality of this generation The collection’s general aesthetic was summer luxe and relaxed and was based in luxury fabrics such as hand woven silks and organza.

Misha Lakhani showcased her ‘Caravan’ collection. The collection was about poetic storytelling through hand-woven fabrics and superior fit. The sustainably-produced collection incorporated light, bright and relaxed hand-woven separates with charming details – all of which exude a modern decadence.

Saira*Shakira showcased its ‘Ji’ collection. The collection was inspired from sporty forms and themes translating them to high fashion. ‘Ji’ incorporated clean lines, sculpted crop tops, racer back-straps on the front, sporty block-coloured panelling and embellished jackets.

Amna Sheikh showcased her ‘Rivaj-e-Virasat’ collection at week’s Bank Alfalah Rising Talent segment with her mentor, Maria B. The collection draws its inspiration from the rich culture of Pakistan. The collection incorporated gold tila embroidery and gota pati on denim.

Asra Khalid showcased her ‘The Local Vendal’. The collection was inspired by the different forms of vandalism around us in the form of art, architecture and nature.

Kokab Alvi showcased his ‘Explorer Meets Music’ collection with his mentor Kamiar Rokni. The collection draws its inspiration from the designer’s tribal background. Traditional cuts were customised to suit the needs of a modern-day man using gold plated zips, semi-precious turquoise stones and studs to add the oomph in the classic silhouettes.

Shahroz Tariq showcased his ‘Let’s Celebrate!’ collection his mentor Kamiar Rokni. The collection is inspired from the festive spirit of spring and summer seasons. It featured floral fabric manipulation without the use of any embellishment.

Zainab Hamid showcased her ‘Still I Rise’ collection with her mentor Maria B. The collection is about the boldness of a woman and the strength and beauty with which she faces the storms of society. ‘Still I Rise’ featured experimentation with bold digital prints and patchwork using slub khaddar and cotton.

Zonia Anwaar showcased her ‘ZELLIIJ S/S17-18’ collection that brings together a floral and mosaic fusion inspired by work of Maalems (master craftsmen) of the Moroccan Berber. ‘ZELLIJ’ boasts geometric patterns with monochromatic streaks bonded with hand drawn rosettes on light weight silk, twill weave cotton and close knit sheer net to give this spring the well-deserved vividness.

Generation by Khadija Rahman showcased its ‘Bring Basant Back’ collection that draws its inspiration from the festival of Basant. Inspired from the shape, construction and patch work of locally made patangs, the collection explored infinity in forms, how one shape joins with another to add a new life through its ranges titled ‘Uran Patola’ ‘Guddi Kat’, ‘Lapaita’ and ‘Rang De Basanti’.

Sania Studio’s Cruise Collection 2017 featured intricate floral patterns and lively motifs in its signature house prints. With distinct cuts, striking palette of colours and sharp contrasts suited for every occasion, expect a sophisticated collection comprising of free flowing pants, asymmetrical blouses, high-waist jumpsuits and slim-silhouetted gowns, all of which can be worn as separates as well.

Published in Dawn, April 14th, 2017