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Pakistan Fashion Week London- Part 1

It’s always great to visit fashion shows and see all the exciting new designs and talented people showcasing their work. But this show was even more special because it was part of Pakistan Fashion Week. Although the fashion scene in Pakistan has caught up and is at par with any other international brand because we have the quality material (Pakistan being the second largest exporter of fabric in the world!!), the resources and quite clearly the talent. Yet, that part of Pakistan is always overshadowed with what’s wrong with the country. I’m not going to indulge more in that side of the conversation and I’ll focus more on the main event itself.

This was the second Pakistan Fashion Week in London. It is a brainchild of Riwayat Ltd. Co-founded by Adnan Ansari and Chris East- it was their common love towards promoting Pakistan and it’s culture through fashion that turned this event into a reality. In the company’s own words “If there is one thing that showcases the vitality, style and creativity of Pakistan globally it is fashion.” I could not agree more!

The location that was chosen for the event was grand- right in the heart of Central London just off High Street Kensington in the Kensington Town Hall. I decided to go on the season finale show. You know you’ve entered Pakistan Fashion Week when one of the top designers of Pakistan, Deepak Perwani, compliments you by saying “Nice outfit” while you cross paths. Compliment taken- thank you very much!

The moment I entered, there was quite a buzz about the finale show. There were numerous designers and jewellers showcasing their designs. The place was jam packed with people and it was great to see it was not just Asians who were interested in the fashion week. I had a good walk around the venue and saw the designs. It was a shame Umar Sayeed did not show at the event. Everyone was excited and waiting for the show to start.

MAHEEN KHAN

After fighting for my place within the photographer’s ramp, I stood waiting for the show to start. Mehreen Syed, a top model from Pakistan was headlining the show and she opened the finale with Maheen Khan’s clothes. Maheen Khan is to Pakistan what Karl Lagerfeld is to Chanel. Quite a comparison, I know! But her name is synonymous with fashion in Pakistan. She has been designing since decades and has made quite a name for herself. What I do love about her designs are they are practical. They’re not your run of the mill bridal outfits. Her outfits are what normal people like myself can wear on an evening out, to a dinner party or a formal evening.

I found the models’ walk to be a bit wooden. There were a couple who were great to watch on the cat walk. But Mehreen Syed was the photographers’ favourite and they kept on praising her!! They loved the way she walked and posed.

VASUO FAZAL

Next one up was a new name I had not heard before- Vasuo Fazal. Knowing little to nothing about him, his designs were a breath of fresh air. They were vibrant, colourful, fun and daring! Just what you need for the summer.

MOAZZAM ABBASSI

The collection opened with promise when another top Pakistani model Sunita Marshall walked the ramp for this designer. In my opinion, that was the only highlight of the collection. The designs were old and outdated. Half way through I lost interest. The purpose of a collection is to keep your audience captivated. Bring one amazing outfit after another. But the collection just went downhill after the first outfit. Even the French photographer next to me was like “May be they just paid money to get into the show because it’s in London”.

LAKHANY SILK MILLS (PVT.) LTD

Being the second largest exporter of cloth in the world, it was an opportunity for Lakhany Silk Mills (a clothing manufacturing conglomerate) to showcase their material in vibrant prints and designs. Their Pathan “pugri” (variation of a turban) covering the face of the models was amusing.

ZAHEER ABBAS

Zaheer Abbas’s collection started with a bang. Totally opposite from the previous designers, his focus was more western and fusion wear. There were hints of Balmain in his collection with the short dresses and pointed shoulders. He used a lot of silks and structured cuts to enhance the outfit. In terms of tailoring, there is still space for improvement but I think it was a good effort by this lad.