Another year is almost over, but the fashion forward people never look back. We do so only to learn from our mistakes and to improve our efforts in the coming year. If you love fashion and want to have your own signature there is no end to fashion. Ranging from in vogue colours to lovely flawless cuts to latest traditional designs Sunday Plus brings you the fashion round up of the year 2014, which saw change in trends and lifestyles.
Fashion highlights:
- Deepak Perwani:
Pioneer of fashion industry and inspiration for many young designers, Deepak has successfully completed his two decades in fashion world. He is one of those designers who have played a major role in changing the face of Pakistani men’s wear. This year in lawn Deepak collaborated with Zeniya Lawn and brought some amazing prints having various designs of embroidery as well. In Bridal, he came with up with true royal colours. Tulle, organza, silk, chamois, digital, screen, hand-work and exquisite block prints defined the mood of the collection. In PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week Deepak made his debut with ‘Tre’s Chic–Extension’, which was inspired by the trendy woman who loves to dress up. He used fabric with digital print, studded-beaded embroidery, tie-dye along with stretch and crush fabrics in his collection whereas in Fashion Pakistan week autumn&winter (FPWAW), the talented designer showcased men wear collection with bags. His collection for men defines itself as modern contemporary and retro chic. With luxurious fabric and immaculate tailoring, the collection was for the man of today who is well travelled and knows what he wants. Staying true to his aesthetics, Deepak collections always win the hearts of people.
- HSY:
The Couture king of fashion industry Shero has also marked his two decades in fashion field. Being the top choreographer and designer, His collections always made strong statements. He has taken Pakistani fashion industry on the global level and his designs and talent is internationally acclaimed. In Sunskil PFDC fashion week, HSY used predominantly eastern silhouettes, subtle thread work and clever sheer layering which put together an ethnic yet trendy collection. At FPW he showcased Venom collection in which he infused the timeless elegance of the regional woman of the Sub-continent and Middle East with textures inspired by snakeskin. His bridal collection at BCW dazzled the audiences with unique, edgy and chic “Orchid” Collection.
- Maria B:
Working from more than 15 years, Maria B designs never fails to impress us. She has created a fashion revolution with her exquisite designing and chic image which shows in all her lines from casual to lawn, semi formal to evening wear and westerns to bridals. Her ‘Rose Garden’ collection at TBCW treated the attendees to a dreamy and feminine collection set in 18th century France. The collection was an absolute hit with European cuts, embroideries and palette. She also showcased her bridal collection at Fashion Pakistan Week USA which won the hearts of international audiences.
- Sana Safinaz
Known as the ‘Queens’ of the lawn business, Sana Hashwani and Safinaz Muneer have managed to do for more than two decades. Celebrated as Pakistan’s biggest success stories in a burgeoning fashion stratosphere, this design duo has built an empire on their vast clothing business, home furnishing, fabric and lifestyle in general. Talking about fashion weeks, the designer duo always brings freshness to the ramp with their beautiful prints and trends. This year at PLBW Sana Safinaz showcased a world of layering with popping innovative texture fabrics with beautiful print lined worked dupattas. The designer duo always brings beautiful, easy and timeless style.
- Tribute to NiloferShahid:
Pakistan’s pioneering couturier Nilofer Shahid was awarded with Le Grade De Chevalier Dan L’ordre Des Arts Et Des Lettres by the French government HE Mr Philippe Thiebaud. The French ambassador to Pakistan conferred the award upon the designer for her contributions to the development of art, culture and fashion design. She is the first Pakistani fashion designer on whom this honour has been bestowed. The legendry designer has been working relentlessly for the past 35 years in fashion and has undoubtedly revolutionised the classic vision of Haute Couture garments and accessories.
- ADIEUS Maheen Khan
This year the style Icon and fashion pioneer Maheen Khan announced her retirement from ramp fashion showcase. At FPWAW, she showcased her last collection which was very elegant yet unique. Before the show, she was presented with a Lifetime Achievement memento by TDAP General Secretary RabiyaJaveri Agha. Maheen delivered a very emotional speech on the ramp. She said, “Fashion has been the love of my life, it has made me laugh, it has made me cry!” With thunderous clapping and applause she bit adieus to the ramp.
Emerging Talent of the year 2014
- Maybelline New York Millennial Fashion:
Fashion Pakistan and Maybelline New York promoted the next generation of fashion talent through a fashion runway. This was the first time in the fashion industry that a separate fashion show was arranged for the debuts in which new generation of designers, styling teams, and models were introduced. Maybelline New York Millennial Fashion 2014 introduced five young Pakistani designers which were Aalish, NitashaYaqub, Sameer Sain, Abel Emanuel, and MadihaRaza. This event wasn’t just about nurturing design talent, Model Faiza Ansari made her choreography debut with panache. All the debuts showcased their best but among all Madiha Raza’s was the winner.
- Ammara Khan
Couture House ‘Ammara Khan’ showcased at PLBW2014 , collection titled “The Winter Palace: A Celebration of the Russian Tsarina”. The collection, inspired by the luxurious and opulent lifestyles of the Russian Royalty, comprised of structured jackets, tapered long trousers, floor-sweeping gowns, voluminous skirts, A-line flowing tunics and classic saris. With heavy jeweled embellishments the collection was perfect for wedding wear.
- Roodaba Omer
Roodaba made her ramp debut PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week 2014 through high-street segment. Her ‘Tehzib‘ collection featured a diverse colour palette with trendy sheer fabrics inspired by the exquisitely mixed colours of Moroccan architecture, Islamic verses and beautiful buildings.
- Saira Shakira
SairaShakira have created a buzz in fashion world after showcasing their pret line at Sunsilk PFDC and Bridal at Loreal Paris Bridal Week. With unique signature style, the talented girls, Saira Faisal and Shakira Usman are known for their use of cutwork, lace and unusual cuts. The designer duo will definitely go high in upcoming years.
Runway debut in year 2014
- Mohsin Ali For Sana Safinaz
At FPWAW Mohsin Ali collaborated with the renowned designer Sana Safinaz. The young designer showcased an experimental collection accessorized stunningly with Outhouse statement jewellery. The collection depicted feminine androgyny captured with power suit jackets, tailored pants, masque line fabric with very submissive surface treatments and polished look. We appreciate the designer for inserting his style and carrying it amicably with Sana Safinaz ethos.
- Mahgul
Designer label MAHGUL, did first bridal ramp and showcased a collection titled “A Wild Rose”. With a colour palette inspired by the hues of the setting sun, silhouettes were based in the concept of layering and bridal wear as separates. Bespoke bridal footwear clutches and pieces of jewellery made collection more splendid.
- Seher Tareen
The designer made her bridal debut at PLBW Bank Al-Falah Rising Talent show with a collection named “The Emperor’s Assassins”. The capsule collection of women’s wear featured Chinese motifs such as dragons, cranes and calligraphy meticulously embroidered on rich textures such as velvets with layering in luxe fabrics such as net and organza.
- Mini Bindra
Indian Fashion Designer Rubaaiyat by Mini Bindra showcased luxurious collection titled Rubaaiyat-e-Khayyam at Telenor Bridal Couture Week. The talented designer showcased a superb collection and which won the hearts of audiences. She presented a contemporary take on traditional silhouettes with fitted bodices paired with voluminous gharara pants as well as draped dhoti ensembles, enhanced with Persian motifs beautifully ornamented with pearls throughout the collection. We admire the Indian designer for showcasing such a lovely collection!
- Ziggi:
Ziggi Menswear, the first ever UK brand participated in the Bridal Couture Week and presented their 2015 collection, Musafir which was an amalgamation of traditional embroidery. The collection gave the wearers a well-fitted and structured, enhanced look, exuding grace and confidence.
Trends of the year :
What a year in trends it has been, Fabulistas! 2014 was indeed a year of fashion and trends. To celebrate the year of style, we have rounded up some of the best looks and major trends for you. Have a look!
- Cropped tops:
This is the one key trend almost all designers showcased. Cropped tops gives a chic sophisticated looks. With skirts, jeans and cigarette pant, this trend remained on the top.
- Tailored trousers:
This year was about tailored trousers, cigarette pants and tights. Each season designers paired it with long, short shirt or western.
- Black-and-White:
Monochrome was major in 2014. Whether using abstract prints or just pairing one piece and another, the monochrome trend certainly stands out. This trend made a bold statement for upcoming year too.
- Volume Skirts
This is a one style that lends itself to mix and match. We saw this trend both on ramp and red carpet. The trend was picked up by designers like Karma, HSY, Elan, Muse,Mohsin Ali for Sana Safinaz, Adnan Pardesy, NidaAzwer and Zaheer Abbas.
- The full volume Shalwar
This trend has made its comeback. At FPWAW, IshtiaqAfzal and NidaAzwer showcased it.
- Waistcoats:
This fashion was very variegated. Both men and women rock in this trend. Almost in every fashion week, designers picked up this trend. Embroidered , pleated, ethnic, leather or silk, this trend gave a sophisticated edge.
- Jackets and Capes:
Body Focus Museum, NidaAzwer, Maria B, Hsy, AmnaAqeel, AyeshaHashwani,Mohsin Ali for Sana Safinaz, SanamChaudhri and many more designer showcased this trend on ramp. This trend remained in throughout the year.
- Floral Print and bug prints:
This trend gave a fresh breeze to fashion especially in summers. Designer such as Nida Azwer, Sania Makatiya , Zara Shahjahan infused this trend a lot in their collections. The successful interplay of printed and embellishment was a major trend setting accomplishment.
- Saris:
Saris took the lead at many showcases most often in antique and metallic gold net, tissue and textured silks. In prêt and bridal both, sari trend was opted by many designers.
- Pencil Dress:
This style was seen on the ramp at FPWAW. Fahad&Deepak, Zaheer Abbas and Gul Ahmed showcased this trend in their collection. This trend is going to be in for the next near too because one looks sleek and stylish in it.