Toni&Guy gets behind the bridal

Ayyan all dressed up in a Tazeen Hasan bridal.

Fashion has come full circle with bridals, but now they come with a twist and truck loads of professionalism. Instead of operating from studios, bridal designers are now prepping up for showing bridal collections at the PFDC and L’Oreal Couture Week next month. Moreover, they are collaborating with corporations and salons to establish a sync that can only take bridal fashion further.

And so, stepping onto the bridal bandwagon designers Tazeen Hasan and Ahmed Bham collaborated with Toni&Guy to launch the Bride & Groom Services Lounge at the salon better known for cutting edge hair treatments.

Ahmed Bahm steps out of reclusion to claim his credit

It was fascinating to see menswear designer Ahmed Bham step out of anonymity and actually come under the spotlight. Though he is known and appreciated by all and sundry in Karachi, Bham is a name that has not yet crossed over to be known as ‘designer’ as he hasn’t shown in ages. But he plans to change that and this showing was a humble yet effective beginning.

“So many people have taken credit for what I have created,” he spoke to me at the event. “I can’t blame them because no one knows what I have been designing at my studio but I plan to change that now. I will be organizing fashion shoots and will be prepared to show at the best fashion week platform by next year.”

Bham’s collection was tasteful and immaculately tailored, two things he is famous for. His grooms certainly did look dapper, whether in three piece suits or understated sherwanis. The capsule collection could be summed up as dignified and quite close to perfection.

Tazeen Hasan made yet another comeback and hopefully she’s here to stay this time!

Tazeen Hasan presented a very different range of bridals, all of which were more Lebanese/Arab/Afghan than traditional Pakistani. This change was very welcome. Hasan’s brides came dressed in delicate shades with a generous smattering of sequins, Swarovskis and silver. The Guipure lace and French motifs were light and not at all burdensome. The contemporary/gownesque feel to the bridal lehngas may not appeal to traditional lehnga lovers but from the critiques point of view, it was a point very well made.

“I’ve just started doing bridals,” Hasan spoke to me at the event, “and could manage to put together a five piece capsule but not more. That’s why I won’t be showing at bridal week just yet but I do plan to show next time.”

Saeeda Mandviwalla takes a bow for the tasteful bridal ambiance

 Finally, a word about Tony&Guy. This was my first time at this salon but the pristine interior and most of all, the hair and makeup capability was nothing short of impressive. The event launched the Leighton Denny nail range at the salon and friends who have experienced the Leighton Denny manicure swear that it lasts two whole weeks! Saeeda Mandviwalla showed management and styling skill as not only was the bridal makeup fresh yet subtly edgy but the hair was a absolutely wow. Mandviwalla explained that all hairdos had been created with the models’ own hair and professional tools and no hair pieces or add-ons!