KARACHI: On Friday, the last and final day of the Hum Showcase, the designer known for infusing beauty, elegance and creativity in his creations, Umar Sayeed’s Good as Gold presented crisp cottons in collaboration with textile design duo Khadija and Ayesha.

Good as Gold featured foil printing — ornate, hand-drawn patterns in gold — on traditional cuts and voluminous silhouettes in ivory, black and fuchsia with hints of red and gold, and with selective embroidery setting it off to perfection. Mahira Khan walked for Umar Sayeed in a stunning gold-and-fuchsia showstopper number.

The rebellious by nature Jazib Qamar’s capsule menswear collection Yaksui attempted innovative fashion with wood, metal studs and rivets and mirrors while drawing inspiration from structural architecture, furnishings, recycled clothing and artisanal decorative embellishments.

Suits in silk handkerchief prints, gold and pearl embroidered panels on jeans and jackets blinged up the somewhat eccentric collection.

Sahvar by Sania Maskatiya featured beads, metal elements and silk thread embroideries as choice embellishments on structural and fluid numbers fashioned from dreamy silks and nets in cream, gold and silver with peplums and varying hemlines. Allure by MHT provided jewellery for the segment.

With Miraka (Modern Nomad) Misha Lakhani delved into the realm of ethical and sustainable fashion with season-free, effortless everyday styles and hand-woven separates in red, ivory, black and aqua.

Playing on the theme that style has no geographical boundaries, the collection meant to “empower artisans” and “contribute to the textile and craft ecosystem.”

Statement sandals finished off the overall look accentuated by timeless techniques such as patchwork appliqué and fabric manipulation.

Chapter 2’s Urban Canvas attempted to link art and industrial design by combining them with craft. “The design aesthetics are taken from interpretations of modernity, freedom and functional architecture,” according to Khaadi’s Shamoon Sultan.

Cement-based hues created layers, tailored cuts and pleats akin to louvres of a building with a minimalistic approach to design in hand-woven fabric. The result was youthful energy pumped into an electrifying presentation.

Nafeesa was Elan’s heritage couture featuring a summer bloom palette and a collection that was an ode to intricate craftsmanship. Heavily embellished luxury prêt pieces formed a major part of the bling-riddled collection.

Published in Dawn, April 1st, 2018