LAHORE, Dec 18: Fashionistas, noted fashion critics and editors and style and make-up artists started arriving in the city that is known as the cultural mecca of Pakistan a day before the Pakistan Fashion Design Council (PFDC) Loreal Paris Bridal Couture Week 2011.

The event celebrates the creative talent of some of the most noted and leading names in the bridal couture industry and bridal jewellery design.

The theme was set in black and white with gold trimmings and the black carpet was rolled out for celebrities who started arriving at the Royal Palm venue in eager anticipation of the evening ahead.

The first-day first show segment was given to Karachi-based stylist Nabila who presented Gold to Bold with the fashion design talent of Zaheer Abbas and revolved around the theme of fusion of cultures. She worked the ramp with a glass cubicle where her stylists gave spot makeovers to models as they sashayed on the ramp in full eastern bridal splendor only to be transformed into more modern, feisty versions of the bride.

HSY, who is also the PFDC spokesperson, initiated his showing with ‘Game of Kings’ which focused on the game of Polo and borrowed inspiration for the preceding fashion presentation in the way of riding gear, polo sticks, riding crop, etc. The collection was based in black with gold, beige trimmings and embellishments.

Polo player Kublai Alam came on the ramp followed by models sporting classic sports gear and canine companions which lent an aura of elegance and sophistication to the proceedings on the ramp.

Kiran Fine Jewellery had clothes by Yasmeen and jewellery designs set in metal and rubies and garnets, all shown off by solid colours highlighted by gold mesh. Nahid Siddiqui was the showstopper in the segment as she came on stage to the tune of Tarasta Hai Yeh Dil and got a standing ovation from many.

Enlightenment defined Sobia Azhar’s bridal couture showing of the revival of the ancient arts and was divided into six segments: Opal, Monochrome, Aquamarine, Sunset, Rose Red and Midnight Blue.

The event will go on from Dec 18-21 and Day Two will showcase the designs of Fahad Hussain, Reama Malik, Emraan Rajput and Maria B.