LAHORE: The 18th edition of the country’s biggest and most sought-after bridal extravaganza, Pantene HUM Bridal Couture Week (PHBCW), unveiled its red carpet here on Thursday. This is the first major fashion show amidst Covid SOPs in Lahore.

The event showcased latest trends and designs in bridal couture by leading as well as emerging fashion designers of the country. This fashion event has become the most aspired presentation for Pakistan’s top designers, couture lovers, buyers, celebrities, socialites, and legacy brands. This year, with Pantene as its title sponsor, the PHBCW will be showcasing 35 designers on the runway.

Show one of the bridal extravaganza kicked off with a special hair show by Pantene. Models sashayed down the ramp showing off their shiny, bouncy, healthy hair adding more glamour to the event. Film actor and brand ambassador Maya Ali also walked the ramp.

Fahad Hussayn presented an avant-garde collection of custom made woven Banarsi bridal dresses with Sao Banjara – The Couture Edit, followed by Uniworth Dress Co.’s groom collection The Luxe Edit celebrating the brands 25th Anniversary. Next, Nauman & Bhaiya debuted with their bright lehngas and cholis in hues of scarlet with their collection Gurya, followed by Alishba and Nabeel’s Sakhiyaan, an ode to the bridesmaids who bring life, joy, colour and lifelong memories to the weddings.

Next in line was Haris Shakeel with his collection Ghazal which drew its inspiration from the colours of poetry, followed by Naushad Imdad’s Subh e Nau (The Way Forward) inspired by Pak-western culture, using hand paint art and hand embroidery together in menswear for the first time in Pakistan.

Madeeha Shoaib was next with her signature collection ‘The Enchanted Island’ inspired by marine life, encapsulating the true essence of haute couture. The day concluded with Munib Nawaz’s collection Sakal Ban which paid tribute to Ameer Khusro’s famous poem Sakal Ban. The collection reinvented the moments of love and loss from the famous poem into creations that celebrated love, joy and all things passionate. The collection presented love, joy and passion in the words of Amir Khusro.

The day one of the three-day bridal extravaganza had an amazing line-up of celebrities walking for the designers – Ushna Shah closed the show for Fahad Hussayn, the father-son duo Nauman Ijaz and Zaviyar Ijaz show-stopped for Uniworth Dress & Co., TikTok sensation Jannat Mirza walked the ramp for Nauman & Bhaiya, Affan Waheed and Hira Mani graced the ramp for Alishba & Nabeel, Saboor Aly show-stopped for Haris Shakeel, the debonair Ahsan Khan walked the ramp for Naushad Imdad, gorgeous Sarah Khan and Falak Javed added grandeur to Madeeha Shoaib’s collection and last but not the least, Usman Mukhtar show-stopped for Munib Nawaz.

Celebrating the brand’s golden-jubilee anniversary, Uniworth Dress Co. presented their signature men’s celebration for grooms, groomsmen and trendy attendees at BCW. The collection featured sherwanis, waistcoats, and band galas with traditional zari work and luxurious fabrics and a complete range of formal suiting adorned in classic hues and chic accessories that complete the look.

Published in Dawn, February 5th, 2021