Think Southern Punjab, royalty and the rajas, hunting season, tigers, forests in bloom with wild roses and you’ll have a fair idea of what young and consistently rising fashion designer Hamza Bokhari brought to life for his label Jeem. The collection, titled Mizaaj and shown this week at the PFDC L’Oreal Paris Bridal Week, showcased his love for colour and craft and tradition.
It was a full range, beginning with youthful lighter wedding wear that flaunted oversized animals and featured a very Rajasthani mood board; this would be ideal for events leading up to the main wedding, especially for the bride’s friends and family who need to stand out in something distinct.
The menswear was just as creative, this white waistcoat carrying two grand tigers on its hem pockets being one of our favourite pieces. The attention to accessories was impressive, with hand painted bags and satchels featuring with the menswear. These bags, which had been developed in a collaboration with the young and creative Maham Nadeem, could very well serve as eye catching laptop cases.
While Hamza did bring out an array of impressive classic pieces in deep jewel tones, we absolutely loved his experimentation with traditional craft. Set in a variety of silks, brocades and organzas, his designs were a vibrant display of zardozi, tinsel work, block printed textiles, all set on traditional silhouettes such as angrakhas and izaars. Even the colour palette – bright orange and pink hues composed with bright and deep greens – was inspired by the vivacious colours of Southern Punjab. Additionally, the Sameen Vance jewellery set off the mood and effect perfectly.
And then you had fashion week’s colour de resistance: black, which again, Hamza incorporated in his collection with a wild passion of flowers.
Check out Jeem by Hamza Asghar Bokhari’s website for the full array of his designs.
- Haute Promotion
