LAHORE: The grand finale of Pakistan Fashion Design Council’s L’Oreal Paris Bridal Week, PLBW for short, arrived decked out in sparkles and shines, with designs featuring modern interpretations and sprinklings of the past.
Day three on Sept. 6 featured runway shows from Republic by Omer Farooq, HSY, Hira Ali Studios, Nickie and Nina, and Faraz Manan. The night also included an appearance by superstar Mahira Khan, who is a spokeswoman for L’Oreal.
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As was the case on day two, the showcases were split into day and evening events. The night-time ramp kicked off with a solo showing from Faraz Manan, who is perhaps one of the most recognizable names in Pakistani bridal couture, his quintessential ethereal creations becoming coveted designs for fashion-conscious brides.
His “AlHambra” collection, which he presented in collaboration with Shazia Deen of Neemar Jewelry, aimed to blend design standpoints from both East and West, specifically taking inspiration from Granada and the architectural styles of the 13th century European Nasrid dynasty. Manan, who has an ever-growing fan base in the UAE, opted for the silhouettes that are sought after in the middle east, mixing modest cuts with his distinctive touches, including colors such as blush, terra cotta, nudes and a touch of jewel tones.
The collection was signature Manan, utilizing iridescent fabrics, intricate but lightweight embroideries and veering toward the contemporary in terms of cuts and hues.
Next up was the group showcase, which kicked off with collections from Nickie Nina, Hira Ali Studio and Republic by Omar Farooq.
Nickie Nina, the brand created by designer duo Aliya Nazir (Nickie) and Nabila Junaid (Nina), is a fixture of the bridal industry, particularly in Lahore where it originated. Their “Noor Mahal” collection was an excellent showcase of the designers’ evolution toward bridging the gap between the expected traditional wedding wear and the aesthetic sensibilities of today. Their designs were a celebration of Punjabi wedding traditions, from the imagery used in the embroidery and block prints to the festive and diverse color palettes, covering the spectrum from bright pastels to rustic earth tones, and the use of classic fabrics such as chunri and jaamivar.Hira Ali of Hira Ali Studios presented a debut bridal show collection titled “Snap Trapped” which reflected “modern-day youth culture.” The collection was a risky move on the (usually) traditional and (usually) expectant ramp, presenting as it did not only bridal garments such as sarees, kameez with pajamas and gowns, but also outfits designed to be worn at pre- and post-wedding events, including cocktail dresses, edgy separates and layered pieces.
Definitely a departure from the type of collections we are used to seeing on the bridal ramp, this playful collection was a cohesive display of individuality that is destined to appeal to fashion and style buffs looking to break the expected molds.
Closing out the group show, with the only menswear collection of the three nights, was Republic by Omar Farooq. A leading name in menswear, he presented a collection, “Hunar,” that was “inspired by the eclectic ancient art and architecture of the subcontinent and aims to bring the intricate detailing and unique artistry of the Mughal era to life.” Special attention was paid to the region of Rajasthan and its historical craftsmanship.
From eastern to western, Farooq’s collection offered a range of options for the groom with an eye for a cut, tailoring and investing in long-lasting style. With subtle detailing such as ombre color work, rich silk fabrics and a focused hand on embroidery, “Hunar” offered grooms who like to dabble in the eclectic, while staying loyal to classic, a chance to find a wedding look that celebrates their day and their personal style.
Before the show, and the event, closed with HSY’s show, L’Oreal Paris presented a showcase from their “Worth It” and “Beauty for a Better Life” initiatives, which ran in tandem with bridal week. It was presented by actor Mahira Khan, a L’Oreal spokeswoman, and model Mehreen Syed, who introduced the concept, a continuation of that which was introduced by the brand at the Cannes film festival this year, and spoke about what both campaigns aim to accomplish.
“L’Oréal genuinely believes in empowering women worldwide to feel confident to control their own lives through education, employment and economic uplift,” said Syed. “This year’s ‘Beauty For A Better Life’ program will enable 500 women from underprivileged socioeconomic backgrounds, including women who are challenged by physical disabilities, to gain free-of-cost beauty training, provide employment opportunities and regain their self-esteem.”
Then it was time for Hasan Shehryar Yasin’s HSY couture house to wrap up the three-night bridal “week” with his collection “Zmarei,” which translates as “lioness” in Pashto, with the models walking the ramp accompanied by live music performed by Indie-folk band Khumariyaan.
The collection is a new addition to HSY’s expanding portfolio, and was created to pay tribute to the “powerful, modern women of today.” Under his HSY Mentorship Program, the designer collaborated with 35 young, creative professionals in universities and colleges to create a collection that was different from his previous offerings. Additionally, it was designed to be affordable, a long-running issue in the bridal world where prices rise season after season.
Styled deliciously with layered jewels and shiny, contrasting turbans, the collection combined the best of HSY with an undeniably contemporary touch not seen on his ramps before. Using organza, a variety of silks and velvet he created a collection that had texture, movement and enough drama to truly embody the HSY aesthetic.
Sehyr Saigol, chair of the PFDC, said: “With each fashion week, we strive to create highly anticipated trends, concepts and talent in the industry, all the while maintaining our authenticity and driving the credibility of fashion in Pakistan forward. Ensuring the integrity of our platforms, we consistently aim to embody the latest innovations in the fashion world each season, with a spirit of continuous evolution.”
With that, another Bridal Week drew to a close. The trends spotted throughout, including Mughal references, dreamy fabric choices and an extra dose of embroidery, will most definitely be making the rounds at weddings come this winter.
