It hasn’t been made official yet but of course, a journalist can hardly be expected to wait for an official announcement. None of this has been confirmed by the Pakistan Fashion Design Council or Lotus (the official publicist for PLBW) but I have been able to put together an informal lineup of designers and I’m confident that it’s quite accurate, especially with the designers that I’ve spoken to.
This is what (or rather who) you can expect to see at the second annual PFDC L’Oreal Paris Bridal Week…
Names to look forward to:
Fahad Hussayn, PLBW 2011
Fahad Hussayn: This will be Fahad’s second showing at the PLBW. He showed a magnificent Kashmir inspired collection last time and got raving reviews for his bridals as well as his appropriate showmanship. This will be a show to look forward to.
Ali Xeeshan. PLBW 2011
Ali Xeeshan: Also his second consecutive showing at PLBW, Ali Xeeshan has a kitsch take on bridals that makes his shows eclectic and fun. This one promises to be all that and more as he’s launching the Ali Xeeshan Theatre Studio with a ‘Cinderella after Twelve’ theme. Ali’s stepped into designing weddings, homes and gardens and the finale he’ll be presenting on Day 2 will be a preview to what it’s all about! He’s no longer designing for Crimson.
HSY, PLBW 2011
HSY: His bridals are beautiful and he makes sure his shows give people something to talk about. This is one of the most anticipated shows of the four days and may very well be the grand finale though as choreographer of the event, Hassan Sheheryar Yasin may just surprise us and take back seat.
Misha Lakhani: Her designs are lovely but will she be able to impress on the runway? PLBW will be Misha Lakhani’s runway debut in which she will be giving her take on bridals for 2012. It’s her litmus test as a designer.
A classic Elan bridal
Elan: Khadija Shah does indisputably gorgeous bridals and there isn’t a doubt in the mind that this show will do her work justice. She’s become quite a PFDC loyalist as she showed at the PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week earlier this year and now is participating in bridal week as well. Must say she’s on a roll!
I think these are the top 5 shows (unless someone great makes a last minute entry). It is extremely disappointing that Karma – who showed a fabulously styled collection last time – will not be showing this season. Considering that their forte is bridals, this absence is inexplicable and in a way, inexcusable. What’s the use of a fashion week if designers aren’t going to take it seriously?
Also missing (after showing last time) will be Nida Azwer and Umar Sayeed, not to mention Pakistan’s bridal giants like Bunto Kazmi, Sana Safinaz, Faiza Sami, Rizwan Beyg, Nomi Ansari, Shamaeel etc. This is where common sense and better judgement departs and divisive politics takes over. One bridal platform for all of Pakistan should showcase the very best of bridals from Pakistan, not anyone who’s ready and willing to pay.
That leaves us with the rest of the lineup that includes…
Nickie Nina: their strength lies in bridals and they have over a decade of experience in the field. It should be a balanced collection unless the duo tries to get over-creative.
Sonia Azher: she showed last time and though the Buddhist set was grand, the collection was very safe and sparkly. It defined everything that would be a commercial success and nothing that could be termed fashionable.
Asifa & Nabeel: Safe and sound styles showcased in a grand way. The presentation and surprise celebrity element in their shows is always something to look forward to.
Sahar Atif: A designer known for her love for fabric and texture, Sahar Atif has never shown bridal wear, in fact I didn’t even know she designed bridals. This eye opener could be a shock or a very good surprise.
Hajra Hayat: I can’t say I think too much of HH as a designer but this being her debut at PLBW she should be given a chance to prove herself. Regardless, the comeback of one of my favourite ex-models in her show (I won’t say who) makes it an exciting moment.
That’s all I know for now. I heard the Mohsin Ali was showing but then there are rumours that he’s pulled out. I haven’t been able to get through to him so can’t say for sure. There are also several other designers, whose names I have not been able to retain in my aging memory. But there will be 14 or 16 in all including four style segments every day…that’s the update, which is subject to change anytime, anywhere!
