Editor’s note: The views expressed are of the author’s only and not of the publication or dailytimes.com.pk.
KARACHI: Fashion weeks are always fun – especially considering the amount of hard work and effort put in them to become what they are – big, illustrious and star studded. From roping in all the finest designers to ensuring all the media and eminent members of fashion and entertainment industry are present. Also, not forgetting the corporate sponsor team, organizing, arranging and executing a fashion show is not a common man’s job. So first and foremost, a big shoutout to the Fashion Pakistan Council for making their bi-annual event possible and that too in Karachi, under heavy security, giving people a reason to be happy and entertain themselves in a country where we know we’re not always safe.
From a total of 19 designers that put forward their distinct designs in formal wear, luxury prêt and bridal collections, there were some that truly stood out. Having spent years in the fashion industry as a critic, I judge a collection according to its ‘wear-ability’ and marketability factor. While there were some collections that truly stood out in this regard like those by Sana Yasir, Sanam Chaudhri and Sana Safinaz; there were some that disappointed and in fact even raised eyebrows owing not just to their impracticality but total disregard to a woman’s grace and femininity in a family gathering or even a public outing.
There were some collections that disappointed and in fact even raised eyebrows owing not just to their impracticality but also total disregard to a woman’s grace and femininity
Day 1 opened to a stunning formal wear collection by Misha Lakhani paving way for other designers to showcase theirs. Rawalpindi-based designer Erum Khan showcased her ‘Bridal Odyssey’ collection, which was unique andhad a pastel colour palette mainly and we also loved the trendy cuts involved. However, outfit after outfit, the cuts got bigger, dresses and gowns began highlighting the upper chest area and then the cleavage but even that was ignored when an outfit made our jaws drop.
The outfit was based in a sky blue colour palette with gold and maroon embellishments with black organza sleeves. Its very short trouser that ended just below knees do, had long gold tassels running near the ankle. But the huge gaps right above the chest and below the breasts was what caught our attention. There were huge gaping holes just cut with a knife and that surely made us wonder if a woman or a girl would wear these gaping holes to a wedding or family function, or even to a public place.
The second day did not spare us the horror either – veteran designer Sadaf Malaterre shook us completely with her collection that showcased an outfit that had nothing but a maroon slip top you can easily buy from Next or Enem, or any departmental store, you don’t need an expensive designer for that as it’s surely something you wear beneath your clothes. We love the designer for her perky, girly outfits and have always been a fan but Sadaf Malaterre displayed a maroon slip top to wear at a formal gathering with a deep plunging neckline. Plunging is surely an understated word here – the model’s half-exposed cleavage made us doubt if she was wearing any under garments with it. She wore a green velvet pajama with it, but we forgive the designer thinking maybe it was a night-suit and not a formal-wear outfit. We even spotted two men, seated across from us, whisper something in each other’s ear on seeing her and then exchanging a high five.As if that wasn’t enough, along came a blue sequined dress maxi that had a plunging back revealing the entire back from waist up. Revise collections please!
The third day, esteemed designer Maheen Khan who is surely one of our favourite ones and who we consider a legend in this industry displayed her ‘The Lion &the Muse’ collection. A cohesive and sexy collection that perhaps became a little too sexy. Will you wear a corset with pajamas or a skirt to your family wedding or event? The collection focused exactly on that. Plunging necklines on corsets and bustier tops which were probably enough to sexually stimulate the audience. And then came a stunning red sequined sparkly dress that we would love to add to our wardrobes this year, but would’ve enjoyed seeing it more on the ramp if the model was given undergarments to wear with it. It got awkward and uncomfortable seeing the beautiful girl sashaying down the ramp, displaying Maheen Khan’s stunning outfit but without a bra that made us wince and shift in our seats uncomfortably.
That said, we are aware of the hardwork and effort these designers put in but would enjoy seeing these outfits more if these small issues are taken care of. All hail fashion, hail Pakistan!
