LAHORE: It was the second night of the Pakistan Fashion Design Council’s L’Oreal Paris Bridal Week (PLBW) in the eastern city of Lahore on Friday evening, where five designers walked their bridal creations down the green ramp.
On night two, trends became discernible as designers from both nights seemed to agree that the next class-fellows in matrimony would be reaching for unexpected twists on seasoned favorites (think jackets over sarees) as well as delicious pairings of fabrics providing designer punches in a new way.
MAHGUL
Lahore-based Mahgul, helmed by Mahgul Rashid, is opening our review but closed the show last night with her collection, ‘Tales of Bijin,’ inspired by a folk story of the same name that speaks of love and beauty conquering all. The collection remains steadfast under the designer’s signature aesthetic umbrella, for being a bridal collection for somebody who really knows and understands fashion. Rashid brought together rich velvets with flowing fabrics like chiffon, creating interesting pieces whose work and structure were complimented by contrasting textures and movements. Rashid also created pieces that would work for the bride or any wedding attendee looking to invest in pieces that will reign, and truly last, in their wardrobes.
MISHA LAKHANI
Misha Lakhani is the Karachi based designer creating looks that embody cool girl, unfussy and uncomplicated chic, an approach to design that the designer has been a master of since her debut. Her collection, “Pairidaeza,” the designer says, is from a design point of view rooted in freedom and versatility. The collection which includes breezy silhouettes (from billowing lehngas to airy dhoti styles shalwars with a modern touch), are intricate without being heavily embroidered and with a color palette that seems to encourage one to take off their shoes and be the, “chillest” bride (or guest) at a wedding.
SANIA MASKATIYA
“DILARA” by Karachi based Sania Maskatiya, was the only collection of the night (and of the previous night) to include outfits for grooms. Presenting some side-by-side bride and groom looks in complimentary colors, the collection was bright, colorful and peak Maskatiya in creating pieces that danced across the hue wheel and included different fabrics, all while following a cohesive overall look. “DILARA’s” embroideries, from lehngas to dupattas, to blouses and shirts, must be paid attention to, for effortlessly bringing together color palettes and giving the pieces a subtle edge.
THE HOUSE OF KAMIAR ROKNI
The House of Kamiar Rokni’s “Golestān” explores the influence of Iran in sub-continental design and is a rose garden come to life on the ramp where, as Rokni puts it, “no two flowers are alike.” Rokni presented yet another collection that seems to be concocted from dreams, with traditional elements presented in a contemporary way that make for pieces that celebrate the individuality of those wearing them. Rokni’s “Golestān” brings together color contrasts (think underrated purples against aqua blues), star silhouettes and fabrics (tulles on chiffons on silks), resulting in playful looks that pack a punch and do not hold back on the regality that brides look for on their big day.
SONIA AZHAR
“Timeless Pieces” by Sonia Azhar is a collection in muted tones, metallics and a splash of red presented in classic cuts and silhouettes with eastern gowns and lehngas mingling on the runway with ball-gowns. Stand out pieces included an eye-catching (and light reflecting) gold ruffled dupatta and an opening ivory gown with gravity defying peplum detailing.
