KARACHI: Friday, the opening day of the three-day Made in Pakistan Fashion Showcase 2017 by Fashion Pakistan in partnership with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) saw foreign delegates in the front row seats as eager buyers of potential Pakistani fashion exports.

The Made in Pakistan Fashion Showcase hopes to boost export-worthy collections by local designers with an aim to encourage production of value-added products from Pakistan and to create a synergy with the industry. It also aims to make our fashion industry competitive in international markets by building on relationships with buyers, both overseas and domestic, and establishing and strengthening ties with international businesses.

Made in Pakistan showcases collections by Amir Adnan, Aamna Aqeel, Fnk Asia, Nova Leathers, Hassan Riaz, Tena Durrani, Deepak Perwani, M Jafferjees, X Wardha Saleem, Zuria Dor, Rizwa­nullah, Adnan Pardesy, Nauman Arfeen, The Pink Tree Company, Maheen Khan (Gulabo), Farah Usman, Sundus Talpur, Salman, Zainab, Shahmeer Ansari, Farah, Sobia Halar, Naina and TIP. The event also features the Millennial Fashion Segment where select students from PIFD, AIFD Karachi, and TIP will showcase their talent on Day 3.

Deepak Perwani opened the show with his very ethnic lines that played on the strengths of Pakistan’s exports such as cotton and handcrafted embroidery in rich, vibrant colours. He accessorised the line with tilla sandals and handbags, which rounded off the export-friendly line which bore pieces from previous collections shown at fashion weeks both locally and abroad.

Parishe Adnan for the renowned menswear label Amir Adnan put on the ramp a monochrome collection comprising jackets, funk shirts, slim-fit pants and waistcoats. With minimal colour, the line created ripples of excitement with its departure from conservative wear.

In womenswear by Fnk Asia, she chose print tunics paired with ethnic embroidered shalwars and self-worked fabric tops with peep shoulders set off by chunky ethnic necklaces and chokers.

Nova Leathers displayed a variety in jackets for both sexes with short skirts and accessorised by handbags.

The Pink Tree Company with resort wear and hand-dyed patterns showed flowy silhouettes with lots of oomph appeal.

Hassan Riaz went all colour-blocking with reds and blacks with experimental designs and retro wear.

Tena Durrani chose a white and brown colour palette mostly in what was strictly Western wear while keeping the silhouette long and flowing.

Nubain is the show director/choreographer with backstage and event management by Production 021, hair and make-up by Nabila’s N-PRO and N-GENTS.

Published in Dawn, November 12th, 2017