Pakistan’s biggest fashion affair, Fashion Pakistan Week (FPW) Autumn/Winter 2014 began with a bang, showcasing the hottest trends of winter and autumn. The three day fashion gala witnessed striking and pleasing collections which were simply a treat to the eye.
Recently held in Karachi, FPWAW was a buzz of novelty. Some of the top designers from Karachi and Lahore came together on one platform to show their capabilities in galore. Every year Pakistan Fashion council brings two seasonal fashion weeks for the fashion savvy’s and set the trends for the season.
With more hits than misses, the event was a huge success for the council and the designers who participated. The collections were slick yet fizzy and fresh yet cohesive . Some designers played with monochromes, bold cuts, juxtaposing eastern and western trends using different colour palette while others played save but fail to bring something out of box.
FPWAW14 was organized by Fashion Pakistan Council in association with Toni&Guy, TDAP, Cosmo Group and HUM Network. As always, HSY brilliantly choreographed the event. A fashion week is complete without him. The magic created by him was visible on the ramp. Tapu Javeri and his team did the photography of the entire event and PR was done by Latitude CRS.
Some of the best collections of the week were Faraz Manan, Ayesha Farooq Hashwani, Shehla Chatoor, Maheen karim, Nida Azwer, Ather Ali Hafeez by Sana Safinaz , Adnan Parsady, Sanam Chaudhry and Amna Aqeel whereas Zaheer Abbas Neo- Nude collection was the week link of the fashion week. There were hardly one or two pieces which were better. He showcased gowns, formal trousers, crop tops and jackets featuring contemporary silhouettes that exude a sense of sensual mysteriousness. The collection was made up of teasingly thin layers of net & chiffon and luxurious silksin nude, burgundy red and black in an array of risqué silhouettes but it was not up to the mark. Even the music selection was not good. There was less energy on the ramp. We could not expect this type of collection from the designer because he can do better than this.
The main highlight of the fashion week was the grand finale that Maheen Khan did. The legendary designer who is one of the pioneers of the fashion industry said goodbye to the ramp by doing her last show. I consider myself very lucky to witness her last show. Her collection ‘To Karachi, with Love’ was best as always. The elegant collection was clearly defining her exquisite sense towards fashion. The modeling icon of our fashion industry, Frieha Altaf and Atiya Khan closed the show for Maheen. Rabiya Javeri Aghan Secretary, TDAP gave Life Time Achievement memento to her on the ramp with an emotional speech. It was sad moment. ADIEUS MAHEEN KHAN.
Following, Sunday Plus provides you in depth review of the designers collection showcased at FPWAW14:
Day 1 at FPWAW came as a whiff of fresh air as clothes were very trendy with vibrant hues, easy fabrics and bold styles. While day 2 and day 3 showed more edgy collections with plenty of new designs and style. Each designer remained true to his own aesthetic
Following is the in depth review of the designers’ collection showcased at FPWAW:
Day 1 at FPWAW came as a whiff of fresh air as clothes were very trendy with vibrant hues, easy fabrics and bold styles. While day 2 and day 3 showed more edgy collections with plenty of new designs and style. Each designer remained true to his aesthetic.
Ather Ali Hafeez for Sana Safinaz opened the show with the collection named ‘Venue: French Beach, Karachi’. With diverse colour palette, the collection included pleated maxi dresses, palazzos, flares, breezy shirts and vibrant psychedelic prints. No doubt the collection was very funky and trendy with beautiful cuts but the colours were giving an impression of summer collection not of winter. Over all the collection is a perfect for a modern woman.
Next up was Ishtiaq Afzal Khan with his collection Aurora which was inspired from the shades of morning. The designer used earthly tone such as Pistachio green, orange and carbon blue on chiffon, leather, jersey and silk. Silhouettes are very feminine. Showcasing both men and women wear, the collection was the mixture of eastern and western cuts featuring jackets, pairing blazers with saaris, cigarette pants, voluminous shalwar with short shirt and dresses.
Baroque collection by Ayesha Farook Hashwani was one the best collection of day one. With elegant cuts and fine embroidery, the ensemble was very chic. The collection had jumpsuits, capes, jackets and shrugs. The dominating factor in the collection was hues of black and maroon colour. The well-crafted pieces were perfect for the winter/autumn season.
Amna Aqeel presented a bold and classy collection titled ‘Black on Fire’. She used bold accents of gold on black velvet, and bursts of coloured prints to add a zing to the collection. There are velvet jackets, both long and short, long gowns, cloak dresses and much more. The collection had hand work embellishment using the local kora, dabkaa, naqshi and nalki. Amna’s effort and her signature aesthetic was much prominent in the collection. The striking pieces she showcased truly goes with her collection name and it set the ramp on fire.
Shehla Chatoor opened day 2. Her collection entitled ‘Misaki’. Inspired by the art of Japanese painted paper folding screens, “Byo´bu,” the collection was very sophisticated. It featured opulent prints on voluminous and billowing skirts, intricate embroideries, lattice and Japanese basket weaving leather techniques on cape jackets, cropped tops, and cocktail dresses. There was a variety in silhouettes from uber glam ball skirts and cocktail dresses to traditional sarees and edgy and funky sport jackets and track pants. Each piece of the ensemble was in detail. Ayesha Omer walked the ramp for Shehla.
Emran Rajput was next up with his military inspired collection titled ‘Alpha’. From combat boots to military jackets, Emraan has rounded his favourite military-inspired pieces that everybody will try to get their hands on. We must say Emran showcased something different on ramp.
Sanam Chaudri’s ‘‘Bano’ was a superb collection. One of most beautiful piece from the ensemble was the white sari with full sleeved blouse and gold work around the shoulders. The designer used vintage shades, such as ivory, wine red, black, and burnished gold, provide the palette for stand-out silhouettes, including snug kotis, flowing cloaks, structured boleros, sweeping saris, and harem dhotis. Timeless and classy collection!
Fnk Asia by Huma Adnan showcased ‘Folk Spirit’. The collection included jackets, leggings, lenghas, dresses, waistcoats, tailored skirts, sweeping lace jackets and crop tops. The designer used a lot of bright colours but unfortunately collection failed to impress as it was not cohesive.
Adnan Pardesy “Labyrinth” featured both men and women wear collection including tapered jackets, simple clean lines, graphic details, intricate hand embroidery with fabric manipulation and labyrinthine fabric twists and drapes. The collection was based on luxe fabrics including silks, crepes, chiffons, charmeuse silk and net. There were only few pieces which were impressive. One of prominent piece was the monochrome sari with a printed pallu.
Deepak Perwani closed day 2 showcasing men wear collection. The outfits for men defined itself as modern contemporary and retro chic. Luxurious fabric and immaculate tailoring, the collection was smart. Deepak used velvet, silks and a tinge of jamawar in suits, coats and jackets. The most handsome guys of Karachi Sikander Rizvi (owner of Xander’s) and Adnan Malik walked the ramp and made the audience spell bound with their looks and style.
A display of grandeur and royalty in hues of deep rich red, maroons, rust, black and greys, Nida Azwer ‘Renaissance’ drew inspiration from the renaissance period. The collection was a fusion of eastern and western wear which was manifested through lehngas and saris with jackets and crop tops. The collection has been handcrafted in luxe fabrics including velvets, silks, lace, nets, suiting fabrics and chiffon embellished with digital embroidery, digital and screen prints.
Faraz Manan collection titled ‘Shanghai – the cruise collection exuded royalty. The fabric which he used was eye catching. The collection had modern cuts, silhouettes and detailing with exquisite embroidery based on pearls, sliver spikes and sequins. Crop tops, flared pants, tweed jackets, embellished gowns and skirts were the highlight of the collection. Faraz Manan once again proofed on the ramp that no one can beat him in the race of fashion. Thumbs up!
Maheen Karim showcased classy jumpsuits gowns, dresses, draped tops and formal trousers. Her collection had darker tones with fun elegant embellishments. It was one of outstanding collection of day three, elegant and glamour. The collection had a lot of things to offer such as velvet, silk, net and wintery digital print in diverse palette.
