While pastels and fully embellished bridals are all the rage, it has made it increasing difficult to distinguish designers’ creations today. Just putting forth a bhara hua jora is not enough; it’s putting forth an innovative and original (therefore memorable) piece that stands true to your brand which makes a successful designer.
From the endless couture shows we saw this year, not many of which were memorable, here are our personal favourites – the ones that stood out.
Ali Xeeshan – The Victory
Ali Xeeshan brings a statement spin on all his collections and from all the ones we saw and enjoyed this year, The Victory made for a grand presentation. Ali’s play on colours and aesthetically pleasing, yet heavily embellished, ensembles are undoubtedly his signature, and he continues to ace it time and time again. This collection moved away from his gorgeous bridals and presented fabulous printed statement pieces.
Nomi Ansari – Qabool Hai
Nomi brought the classic red bridals back to the runway at PLBW, along with a beautiful burst of his signature multi colours. Printed lehngas, red-on-red bridals and his use of outstanding colour combinations made Qabool Hai a beautiful and signature Nomi Ansari collection.
Wasim Khan- Déjà vu
Wasim Khan made a much-needed comeback this year at PLBW, showing us how to do minimal solids just right. His ensembles were a much needed breath of fresh air with their unique portrayal of wedding wear structured with richly coloured fabric, without the reliance on any sort of embellishment or embroidery to hold them together. Not many are able to stand out with simple solids, as Wasim Khan managed to.
Shamaeel Ansari – The Blue Tulip
Known for her Turkish inspired couture designs, Shamaeel’s show this year included a lovely installation as well as a runway presentation. The collection played with jacket-style silhouettes, flared pants and jewel-toned colour combinations, while keeping focus on the beautifully composed prints. Shamaeel is one of the few designers whose brand has stood as an ode to her signature couture style.
Elan – Champs De Patchouli
Continuing to take their solo shows to the next level, Elan’s latest collection was all things grand and beautiful. Heavily embellished statement pieces, intricately crafted lehngas, belted tunics over ghararas and lots of sparkling ensembles made a grand show. Elan continues to raise the bar for exquisite bridals with each collection.
Sana Safinaz – Roses and Rue
A whopping number of 50 ensembles took the runway at FPW Winter Festive for Sana Safinaz this year, defining a grand finale. Statement trailed gowns and heavily worked lehngas brought a much needed show of sophistication and class, which a couture show needs.
