Muse
Day 2 began on a spectacular note with Muse. There was sophisticated expression in those jackets, the straight column shirts (this is how you must do length, if you prefer keeping your shirts long) and the embellishment that was as refined as Muse always is. The metallic belts added a Parisian accent to the very versatile collection that will work in Pakistan and just as well, anywhere in the world. Monochrome in three standout colours, this collection was a winner, my favourite of the day.
Saira Shakira
This duo has a handle on style and isn’t afraid to experiment. Those bejewelled pockets were very hip, elevating an otherwise sexy but safe tunic. I loved their use of fringe, especially in one of the last outfits that belted the tassles worn over trousers. Again, very cool. There were some definite misses and the collection could have benefitted from some editing but overall it helped Saira and Shakira maintain their position as go-to designers for the coolios in Lahore.
Nida Azwer
Beautiful birds, immaculate craft and Nida’s favourite fusion of silhouettes – this collection was refreshing in the fact that there was no angarkha/anarkali and yet showed the designer stay loyal to her signature. That said, there weren’t many standout pieces. My favourite had to be the wraparound trousers worn with a three-tier blue top. Nida does bridal and luxury pet very well but the fact that she showed twice within a span of two weeks (here and at the Telenor Fashion Pakistan Week) revealed some traces of exhaustion.
Teena by Hina Butt
What I admire about this designer is the fact that she’s a sitting Member of Parliament (PML-Nawaz) and yet doesn’t shy away from her glamorous side. If anything, she embraces it. There are too many women who feel they have to toe the conservative line when in politics but there should be no restriction in continuing to be who you are, whether that means doing the hijab or doing the fashion runway. This sense of confidence is what makes Hina Butt a welcome member of fashion. While her designing may not be as revolutionary I actually enjoyed the use of colour and the ethnic elements too.
Zara Shahjahan
Quirky, androgynous and unapologetically left of centre, that’s Zara Shahjahan for you. That may not make her a great designer in conventional terms of the word, but is surely does make her a very interesting one. The waistcoats she added to an otherwise ‘luxury’ collection took her collection from run-of-the-mill, conventional glamorous to “I dare†experimental and that is what worked. Zara will hopefully manage to refine this sensibility with time; it works very well in her high street range and should easily work its way up to luxury as well.
