The now annual Trade & Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) Fashion week is part of the government’s bid to promote Pakistani fashion, garments, apparel and textile market to the world and encourage affective and efficient export of it. Popularly called Texpo, it relies on our designers to showcase excellent coherent collections which will appeal to a wider market, beyond that of South Asia and attract buyers and more business. But the question is, were all the designers able to comprehend the concept behind this and put their best foot forward or was the understanding of this lost somewhere between plagiarism, Western influence and lack of creativity? Let’s find out. Special mention to Hassan Riaz for the ace direction to the show and choreography. After all, it is about which way to steer the ship which he did with brilliance. Special mention to Mujtaba Javaid for handling the public relations smoothly and expertly. SHAMAEEL ANSARI — esteemed veteran Karachi-based designer Shamaeel Ansari opened Day 1 with a beautiful collection featuring co-ord pieces, matching separates and lots of monochromatic looks. It was signature Shamaeel Ansari with cotton coats, straight pants, blacks and greys and vibrant shades too. Very marketable and very fashion forward! GOGI BY HASSAN RIAZ — creative head, choreographer and fashion designer Hassan Riaz with his label Gogi named after his late father, went ahead with a very daring collection that stood out for its dark thematic look featuring avant garde gala dresses, fitted bustiers and straight pants and puffy sleeves. Long skirts and embroidery tops were some highlights of the collection and just the fact that it was different, unique and catered to an international audience too. Hassan Riaz introduced some brilliant experimentation in woman’s fashion with this one. DINER’S — for someone who’s not a big fan of the brand, Diner’s was a pleasant surprise. It was a cool, fun, menswear collection that accentuated the charm and suaveness of a man whether be in a suit, jacket or an overcoat. The fittings were impeccable and the varie SAHAR ATIF — without a doubt, a collection was Texpo worthy and the reason an international buyer audience was present at the fashion week in the first place, Sahar Atif’s collection set in denim was unique, distinct and very relatable to the woman of today. It was trendy, wearable and affordable in terms of the cloth, fabric and minimalism it entailed. IDEAS BY GUL AHMED — now this was definitely a collection that one can expect from a veteran and reputable brand like Gul Ahmed. Putting their best foot forward and showcasing both menswear and womenswear, the showcase was rich with fine quality and trendy outfits. Blazers, tops, skirts and handbags were some of our ultimate favourites. PLGMEA — Pakistan Leather Garments Manufacturers & Exporters Association participated showcasing leather jackets and fur coats. It was a boring and a monotonous collection with not much to see or to choose from if a foreign buyer is present and one would like to attract him, but full marks for making Pakistan’s leather manufacturing’s presence felt to an international audience and showing self reliance and export ability. HUMA ADNAN — indeed, the star of the night was Huma Adnan. I feel she showcased a collection encompassing all that Texpo and TDAP Fashion Week is all about. Every fibre of its being, from the skirts and tops, to the headgear and jewellery, all were locally stitched and produced and exposed that side of Pakistan that perhaps not many international audience is aware of. The colourful embroidered jackets with black being the background colour were super stunning and rich in culture. SANAM CHAUDHRI — excellent feminine pieces by Karachi-based designer Sanam Chaudhri especially the harem pants with straight sleeveless jackets! One could see innovation, one could see style and one could see effort. YUNA HATTORI — this Japanese designer showcased a very classy collection consisting of kimonos, capes and ball gowns. Very graceful and unique depicting true Japanese culture. SANIA MASKATIYA — staying true to her signature style of silks and coordinating separates, the designer showcased bright and cheery pants and straight shirts and some kaftan/kurta shirts with digital printing and water colours. The designer stayed true to what Texpo aimed to encourage and achieve. AMBER LIAQAT — this iconic superstar of a journalist wore this mesmerising monochromatic co-ord set with nude eyes and a statement red lip colour. We especially love the flashy Yves Saint Laurent purse she carried and the chunky dangly earrings.