One of the most glorified fashion events of the industry clearly is PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week which marked its ninth birthday this year from March 10th to 13th. Pakistan Fashion Design Council holds the crown of magnificently holding eight successful weeks of prêt-à-porter and five of bridal fashion weeks. The Council’s commitment towards the progression of fashion industry and retail businesses is undoubtedly praiseworthy. The show was structured between two major displays showcasing Pret/luxury designers and high-street trademarks. Not being a public event, invite-based entry was allowed at Lahore Expo Centre and a large number of fashion A-listers, journalists, bloggers and celebrities not only attended but enjoyed the event heartily.

DAY ONE:

Sana Safinaz:

SanaSafinaz opened day 1 with their sporty luxe and splendid collection as snowy and lacy boot-cut, flowery bomber jackets and flared trousers were seen making waves. The collection featured extravagant draperies such as silk, organza and net that represented floral specification and detailing. Hip sneakers and platform sandals were going with the looks pretty well. All the sweat issues sorted out this summer with SanaSafinaz SS’16 collection Sugar Rush.

Feeha Jamshed:

After taking a break for almost two years, Feeha Jamshed is back with a bang! ‘The Bob Squad’ inspired by 70’s looks was a treat to eyes. Doing complete justice with the name, the gang wore chic pieces with modish prints, mainly monochromic with a tint of bold hues. The attires were a brew of pearls, sequins and cutwork that infused to give a patterned aspect to each piece. Well done Feeha!

MUSE:

Featuring pure besides cotton silk, and sporty knitwear, the assortment named as ‘Last Night’ presented a combination of sport pants, sweatshirts and long leisurewear costumes uniquely overstated with tinsels and glass beads. The collection covered both the genders as it presented the brand’s exclusive menswear pieces as well. The colour palette ranged from dark blues and pure blacks to silver and beiges and that’s the beauty which is found in Muse’s practically wearable pieces for any occasion.

Bank ALFalah Rising Talent:

Four debut designers contested for the Bank Alfalah Rising Talent Award, trying to mark a spot in the Pakistani fashion industry including Unza Khalid, Hira Ali, Ghulam Dastgir, and Saiqa Raheem from PIFD. Ghulam Dastagir won the award owing to his churches and local life inspired in Bavaria collection that displayed attractive white and off white tunes. The winner was selected through voting by journos  and  general public and get the opportunity to stock up designs at the PFDC studios for six months . I personally voted for Hira Ali who presented hip and chic casual pieces inspired by ‘Alice in wonderland’ theme with a little flowery twist in them.

SUBLIME BY SARA:

None can do pastels better than Sara Shahid- this has been proved by her collection named ‘Exhale’ at PSFW 16. A breezy feel was casted perfectly keeping in mind the abysmal summer in Pakistan included shades of snowy whites, cool blues, pastel peaches and apple greens. The extended flowing gowns, long and short hemline skirts and chic pants were showcased flawlessly on slender bodies.

MARIA B:

Maria B knows how to bring elegance to attires with her distinctive cuts and needlework. Convoluted embroideries, tassels, boot cuts, gowns, sleeves and pants with cut works and what not- Maria B left no choice for us except to drool over her each and every piece, perfectly designed for evening and night gatherings.

DAY TWO:

The second day featured pret shows by Nomi Ansari, Ali Xeeshan, Sania Maskatiya, MAHGUL, Nickie Nina and Karma Pink. The collections were a manifestation of contemporary cuts and chic schemes.

NOMI ANSARI:

Taking a ‘Joy Ride’ with Nomi Ansari was super fun. The designer decided to remain simple and hip hop this season. His funky pop art pieces were undoubtedly a show up. A whole archaic collection, comprising of retro uppers, pullovers, and fun printed flares was showcased. Bright colours and glamorous cuts left all of us in awe.

ALI XEESHAN:

As expected, Ali Xeeshan came up with something out of the big box and named it accordingly “Voodoo’. Unusually super metallic trappings, military inspired belts and emblems, sheaths and 70s-influenced chinos were presented. The shades of whites and blacks with hints of neons were noticeable. Although, the collection was not practically wearable for most of us, still it was highly successful in attracting the attention of the chic gathering and would be a perfect choice for the daring ones out there.

SANIA MASKATIYA:

Sania Maskatiya came up with a line which is simple but smart. She used monochromes, bright hues and contrasts and minimized the detailing keeping it safe for summers. Embroidered touches on matching separates, elegant in their assorted frill, Décorer emits nothing but radiance. Sania managed to stand out from the rest of the designers through her exclusive collection.

MAHGUL:

Mahgul showcased a practical and swanky range. Ranging from bold cuts to rather coy ones and from darker tones to greys and pastels-Mahgul has in store for almost all of us. The pieces were intelligently worked upon and we loved the embellished pants, jackets, crop tops and classy silhouettes.

NIKIE NINA:

Inspired by Spanish art, Nickie Nina presented their ‘Flechazo’ collection, which means ‘love at first sight’ in Spanish. 3D expertise, intricate needlework detailing and bold cuts were seen making intrepid avowals.  The colour palette has soft and dark hues to suit anyone’s choice too.

KARMA PINK:

What a glittery revival of Studio 54 by Karma Pink! Maheen is truly inspired by the disco era and after looking at the drool-worthy makes, we are also highly mesmerized. The soft and muted base made the trimmings more resplendent that brought just the right amount of glam degree to the dresses.

DAY THREE:

The third day was peppy and powerful. However, it was a mixture of some real cool and some not-so-cool collections. Let’s see whose work enthralled us and which one got our thumbs down!

Hang Ten:

Hang Ten is bound to create something new and interesting. Many expectations were there from Hang ten making an appearance at the PSFW’16, but unfortunately nothing special was seen except basic tees and old styled polo shirts. Simple stripy polo shirts for women in tones of yellow, blues, pinks and silk blouses were the key features of Hang Ten's collection.

DSS:

The designer Dur-e-Shehwar showcased her line under the title of ‘Queen of hearts’ by her brand DSS. The pieces were created in shades of dark red, plain blacks and coffee brown featuring contemporary elaboration details, eccentric jackets and motif details.

Umar Iftikhar:

Umar Iftikhar was among those designers who stood out from the rest. Although the collection was inspired by ‘Banjarnama’ (nomadism) but moderately contemporary pieces were shown and each gear looked supremely ravishing. The assortment seemed commercial as the commoners would find the pieces wearable too.

DENIZEN:

Denizen made its PSFW debut this year but was not successful in creating any powerful impact on the spectators. The collection which was inspired by modernizers comprised of nothing new-fangled and unique however the only interesting thing to lookout was a colourful breakout of tops and tights.

Khaadi Khaas:

Khaadi Khaas presented its ‘Translucent’ collection offering neon, bright hues and pastels on shaded base creating an uplifting impression. Swarovski crystals and pearls infused with luxury fabric were dead right in terms of style and overall charm.

The House of Kamiar Rokni:

The stunning collection by Kamiar Rokni really dazzled the ramp. Ralli and zardozi work on jackets, pants and outshone everything else. The label showed its whole collection that the designer trio (Tia Noon, Rehan Bashir and Kamiar Rokni) actually designed for their collection ‘Fashion DNA’ as part of the prestigious London Fashion Week.

Zonia Anwaar:

Young and incredibly talented Zonia showed a variety on the ramp under her brand. Lots of layering, chic accessories and unconventional pop of tassels and embroidery on the dresses made her collection a super cool one. Well done Zonia!

Saira Shakira:

The designer duo came up with interesting geometric designs, zigzag strokes, and embroideries. From pants to skirts, from pastels to darker tones I found everything in their collection praise worthy. The label showed trends that would surely be walking off the runway into our closets.

Zara Shahjahan:

Pastel pinks, browns and nudes were on Zara’s palette this PSFW. Zara made loose fittings look cool too. The earthy tones and modern cuts made each and every item completely wearable and uber chic.

HSY:

The highly anticipated collection “be yourself’ by the king of couture HSY, was presented on the third day. Cottons, silks, chiffons and organza were used in forms of outlines including cropped jackets, safari suits and pants. Although the collection was bursting with colours and details, but some pieces were too much filled up and it became too much for our eyes to bear.

DAY FOUR:

Since the fourth and concluding day of the PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week (PSFW) was dedicated mainly to the high street brands, fashion reports were not really expected. The day met its not-so-high expectations as lawn mania was showcased which was unsuccessful in creating any momentum. But, let’s see what the designers and brands had to offer, the final day.

MBM Collection:

The collection that disappointed us was MBM, this PSFW. Too dark tones were used which seemed not a part of spring and summer collection. The entire collection was a victim of too much mix-up and unfortunately the designers could not put together various elements that they might want to show. Better luck next time guys!

HSY Limited:

HSY made a huge impact through his collection on the fourth day. Mute tones and indigenous embroideries were seen being applauded for. Voluminous shalwars, skirts and cloaks glistening with mirror-work, short embroidered dresses, culottes and baggy tunics were really eye-catchy from his collection.

Shirin Hassan:

Shirin Hassan showed the ‘already seen somewhere’ attires with a bit of novelty in each of them. Long skirts, monochromes, neons and pop of colours were all Shirin had to offer.

Sobia Nazir:

Whites and sporty looks- yeah its Sobia Nazir; may be the designer chose a wrong day to showcase her collection as these looks have already be seen everywhere during the PSFW 16. However, the collection in itself was undoubtedly applaud able.

Deepak Perwani:

Finally Deepak Perwani’s collection proved to be a breath of fresh air for the audience who had survived the Fashion week. Stripes were evidently seen on most of the pieces, making them wearable as interesting separates. Colourful, hip and high street are the terms that can beautifully express Deepak’s collection.

AND finally- the lawn fever continues:

Alkaram Collection: Nothing special and nothing new was showcased under the umbrella of AlKaram. The colour palette was rather boring.

Khaas: Khaas collection played with flowers and was a little successful in creating some pieces that caught our attention. Most of the pieces were dull and too much mixed-up.

Warda Prints: Warda never really fails to disappoint and offered a wide-ranging palette during the PSFW’16. The prints were chic and the colours were pleasing to eyes.

House of Ittehad: The collection seemed anything but lawn. Do I need to say anything else?

Gul Ahmed: Gul Ahmed also was successful in generating some admiration from the onlookers. The prints and the colours went well with the cuts.

Harmony by Hang Ten: The brand presented prints flirting with flowers mostly. Many pieces were eye catchy and looked pretty.