KARACHI:  Get ready fashionistas and mark the dates on your calenders, the dates of the second Pakistan Fashion Design Council (PFDC) Sunsilk Fashion Week have been announced. Held through November 10-13 in Karachi, the show also seeks to raise funds and provide an economic stimulus to those affected by the floods.

The opening show will feature pieces by close to 50 designers, with each of the items expected to be auctioned to raise money for the rehabilitation of Hisar Qilay village in the Malakand district of Swat.

Fashion Week will conform to international trends by allowing designers to showcase their Spring/Summer 2011 prêt-a-porter collection during the week and, with a daily post-show exhibition stalls at the venue.

More exciting news is in store for Pakistan’s fledgling fashion industry – the chairperson of the executive committee of PFDC, Sehyr Saigol announced the expansion of the PFDC platform to Paris. Saigol has reached an agreement with the Federation Francaise Prêt-a-Porter Feminin in early September.

This partnership will indeed open new avenues for Pakistani designers since Federation Francaise will invite select Pakistani to the Paris prêt-a-porter show in January 2011.

“I believe this is just the beginning of what could be a very powerful opportunity for Pakistani fashion and indeed in time, for the Pakistani economy,” said Saigol. - Dawn.com