Daily Times

TABYA KHAN

The concluding day of PFDC L’Oréal Paris Bridal Week 2018 was opened by Tabya Khan with her bridal collection titled Jasmin. Traditional reds made a comeback on the ramp and what I particularly liked about the collection was the use of intricate embroidery and gota work making just these embellishments speak for themselves and not any added bling. Based in shades of pink, the collection used luxury fabrics such as organza, nets and tissue. Leading actress Sarwat Gillani showcased for the designer.

FARAZ MANAN

Faraz Manan showcased his bridal collection titled Alhambra in collaboration with Shazia Deen of Neemar for jewellery. Classy, sophisticated and unique, the use of a strong colour palette and elegant designs was what made Faraz Manan’s collection a winner. I loved the sequined tops and full length skirts with subtle embroidery. Staying true to the designer’s signature style, the collection featured 40 pieces including select menswear pieces. For the collection European fabrics such as organza and nets were fused with rich jamawars.

AHMAD SULTAN

Ahmad Sultan showcased his collection titled Nazrana-e-Ishq. Heavily-embroidered lehnga choli, tassels, full-sleeved cholis and thick bordered duppatas were the main features of the collection. The cotton net duppatas looked beautiful in traditional red and gota work. The colour palette was based in bright and bold colours with shades of red and gold. Set in rich luxurious materials such as chiffons, nets, organza, kimkhab, kundun zair, silks and jamawars, the collection aimed to reinvent classic silhouettes with a modern twist by making use of traditional embroideries with modern 3D work. The showcase also featured menswear pieces. Actress Aiman Khan showstopped for the designer.

NICKIE NINA

Nickie Nina showcased their bridal collection titled Noor Mahal. Traditional lehnga choli with cutwork blouses, heavily embroidered borders with velvet chaadars could be seen. The menswear pieces included heavily embellished sherwanis set in bold shades. In the collection, chunri and block prints were delicately worked with intricate imagery from Southern Punjab.

MEHROZE SABOOR

Debuting designer Mehroze Saboor showcased his collection titled The Garden of Earthly Delights. The colour contrasts and combinations stood out in his collection. The off-shoulder cholis also looked modern and very chic. However, block print heavy set lehngas could have been avoided. The collection was constructed with various types of silks, Japanese crepe with silhouettes designed by keeping in mind the clothing styles of Renaissance such as cloaks, capes, structured jackets and interesting variations of asymmetrical cutlines. Embellishment included various techniques of thread work with cross stitches, French knots and an amalgamation of sequin and bead work.

HIRA ALI STUDIOS

Debuting designer Hira Ali showcased her bridal collection titled Snap Trapped. Hip, quirky and modern, Hira Ali aimed to spin an unconventional twist to bridal wear, but surely made one wonder if it would be marketable and practical. Short maxis with yellow bomber jackets? Maybe not. The color palette for the collection was based in vibrant hues while the silhouettes comprised of traditional pieces with modern utility to add a contemporary twist.

REPUBLIC BY OMAR FAROOQ

Republic by Omar Farooq showcased their collection titled Hunar. The collection proved the mettle the designer has in putting together exquisite menswear pieces that immediately adds elegance and grace to a man’s look. Short sherwani coats paired with black pants and boots looked simple and made a man appear suave. The colour palette was also bold and subtle. The entire collection was put together through classic silhouettes in a range of subdued pastel shades.

IVY COUTURE

IVY Couture was next to showcase their bridal collection. A unique colour palette of bluish greys and light embellishments were highlights of the collection. However the voluminous lehgnas and gowns seemed a bit ill fitted. The silhouettes for the collection were modernised and yet the old world charm was reflected through the signature handcrafted techniques. Musicians Jimmy Khan, Lucky Ji and Naghma performed their hit song “Baalkada” and actress Mawra Hocane showstopped for the brand.

HSY

HSY closed Day 3 with his bridal couture collection titled Zmarei. Mixing shades of orange, red, gold and bolds, the designer poured his heart out with this one. Heavyset lehnga choli paired with added shawls and cotton net duppatas looked royal and very elegant. The collection channeled swirling hemlines, gold edgings, delicate paisley motifs with detailed designs. It projected silhouettes of flowing organza, draped watercolour silks, structured raw silk and rich velvet textures. Band Khumariyaan performed live during the bridal ramp showcase.

Published in Daily Times, September 8^th 2018.