Thaindian News

By Shilpa Raina
Karachi, Nov 11 (IANS) There was hardly any skin show and just a little experimentation, but Pakistani designers still managed to set the ramp on fire with their highly wearable clothes that married the traditional with the Western at the country’s best known fashion week.

Over 40 designers are participating in the second edition of the four-day Pakistan Fashion Design Council Sunsilk Fashion Week (PFDC-SFW) that was opened by designer duo Nickie-Nina Wednesday.

Inspired by Kosem Sultan, a powerful figure in the Ottoman empire in the 17th century, their collection was dominated by long kurtas teamed with palazos, kaftan sleeves. There was no experimentation in their line.

But Sahar Atif of the label Saai showcased a line with strong Western influences and silhouettes. She used braided techniques and unveiled ruffled pants and breezy tops in chiffons. The colour palette was also vibrant with turquoise, burgundy and navy blue being prominent.

Sahar exports garments to Italy and keeping European market in mind, she presented a line that was focussed on structured garments.

Sara Shahid of label Subline rolled out classy formal wears in a combination of white and beige. The models hit the ramp flaunting jumpsuits, gowns, trousers and shirts and some long anarkali gowns too.

Not too much emphasis was on embroidery because Sara says clean cut clothing is her design mantra.

The highlight of the day was debutant designers Akif Mahmood and Mohsin’s presentation, which boasted of experimentation with cuts and designs. Both of them have just finished their graduation from Pakistan Institute of Fashion Design.

While Akif’s collection was bohemian and the line was dominated by the colour black, debutant Mohsin experimented with dupattas or chadars on the ramp.

Akif impressed with clown pants, long gowns teamed with churidaars, small tunics teamed with leggings and interesting headgear gelled well with the theme. He also indulged in colourful Kutchi embroidery on his garments and it struck out clean against a black background.

Mohsin’s collection was an extension of his thesis project, Homeless Hazara, and he titled it Chadar Namaaz.

“I have always been fascinated by dupattas because in my family every female wears it. So for my debut line I thought I can present how beautiful and stylish it can be,” said Mohsin.

His fascination for the chadar was evident with his designs. He experimented a lot with the drapes and showcased how long dupattas can be worn with different styles and can look sexy.

As far as the skin show is concerned, it was very little. There was a bit of bare shoulders or arms and in some cases knee-length skirts. Designers displayed what is mostly worn by an average Pakistani woman.