KARACHI: Aamna Aqeel opened Day 2 of the Made in Pakistan Fashion Showcase presented by Fashion Pakistan Council in partnership with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) with a more traditional line of white paired with handwoven rustic fabric and finished off with mirror work and silk thread Sindhi embroideries.

Pants, peplums and skirts featured freely in the collection crafted in cotton and susi fabric.

M. Jafferjees in collaboration with Wardha Saleem was all about bags, bags and more bags in various shapes, sizes and colours. From travel bags to handbags to purses and laptop carry cases in different finish, Jafferjees has it all and they are not shy to flaunt it.

Zuria Dor’s export-friendly line was exactly what would attract international buyers and what we wanted to see on the ramp at an exports show from Pakistan.

With jackets in various lengths, cuts and forms, Zuria touched a fashion nerve with her export-friendly womenswear which sells well online.

Adnan Pardesy’s studded romance with export-friendly women’s wear showcased a hip line of skirts, flared sleeves, tunics and select menswear in dominant black.

Noman Arfeen’s puritanical while collection for both sexes didn’t mince any words when it came to promoting traditional wear in the international market.

And why not one may ask for our lines are sleek, well-sculpted and crafted and look good irrespective of body shape.

Gulabo by Maheen Khan jumpsuit in geometrical print followed by more sleek lines in tops, pants and loose-fitting jackets welcomed winter with a warm embrace. Her militia green toned line in honeycomb patterns and floral patterns also acored as immensly wear-friendly.

Millennial fashion segment (day 3)

On day 3, the Millennial show featured select students from the Asian Institute of Fashion Design (AIFD), Pakistan Institute of Fashion Design (PIFD) and the Textile Institute of Pakistan (TIP).

Sundus Talpur (AIFD) with The Perfect Dress To Wear in a Dream Car played on the theme of wealth, power and success and chose four supercars as design inspiration. She played with textures, colours, cuts and silhouettes.

Flux by Salman Javed Ansari (PIFD) was a tribute to technology in a futuristic post-apocalyptic world with layering and leatherite in full fashion focus.

Amna & Rida Aashir (TIP) with Ocean of Fantasy worked with colours and fluidity which they brought out in shades and cuts while keeping the accessory factor at maximum setting. Wings and plumage featured liberally in the segment.

Zainab Khalid’s (PIFD) numerical figures denoted an insight and evolution in design acumen rarely witnessed in fashion students with her choice of fabric and patterns. With more hits than misses, here’s looking forward to more from this fashion mistress in the making.

Shahmeer Ansari’s sleek and stylish menswear played with cuts and colours in a mature manner way beyond his young years.

Farah Asad (PIFD) delved into The Doctor of Adandoned Objects with a white palette and high on experimentation with costumes created out of sheets of styrofoam-looking thick synthetic fabric.

TIP students created wear-friendly fashion pieces for export that have already been sold and were high on fashion content. The collection comprised denim fabric mostly which is the strength of Pakistan’s exports.

Sobia Halar’s (AIFD) socio-political statement Broken Souls said volumes with its muted theme with the fashion aspect adding to the unsaid dialogue about child labour, education for all and various other ills in society.

Farrah Usman (AIFD) with Transparent Shimmer played on the bling factor perhaps in an attempt to comment on superficiality and opulence.

Naina K. Bhagtwani (AIFD) attempted to introduce innovation and creativity with Wood by incorporating woodcraft in her collection of designs either as neck pieces or embellishments on a brown colour palette.

Published in Dawn, November 13th, 2017