The PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week curtain raiser

InstepPrEVIEW

The 14 main shows scheduled over three days at PSFW promise to deliver some very strong fashion.

Fashion is about to witness a very exciting three days in Lahore because the PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week is around the corner and the recently revealed lineup is stellar. This is the 20 consecutive fashion week to be held under the aegis of the Pakistan Fashion Design Council and this time it has taken the agenda two steps forward by collaborating with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan.

Their very first collaborative venture will be TEXPO, an exhibition of value added exports, organized at the Expo Centre throughout the duration of fashion week. One looks forward to seeing how much textile, garments and ultimately fashion is actually part of this initiative. Trade Development Authority of Pakistan’s previous collaborations with the fashion industry have been great for building a better image for Pakistan’s industry but haven’t done much for the business of fashion.

As for fashion week, along with some of Pakistan’s biggest names in fashion, we’ll also get to watch the Rising Talent put their best and most creative foot forward.

Zara Shahjahan will be returning to PSFW after two years and will open fashion week with a collection of luxury formal wear. Zara is someone who has mastered the fusion of culture with contemporary aesthetic, which is why her collection – inspired by modern Lucknow – will be aspiring. “We are using a lot of techniques from Lucknow; the idea is to make vintage look modern,” Zara shared with Instep.

Having showcased her NYFW collection at FPW in Karachi last month, Sania Maskatiya will be showing a brand new collection in Lahore. Following Sania is Hussain Rehar, who’s risen to fame in a very short period of time and has even picked up a Lux Style Awards nomination for his distinctive work in 2018. Also on day one, Yahsir Waheed will be bringing his love for textiles back to the runway.

The day one finale will be presented by Fahad Hussayn, so some theatrics are definitely expected.

Opening the show on day two, Chapter 2 will be showing on this platform in Lahore for the very first time and true to the spirit of the brand, one does expect a minimalist, handloom-oriented, organic collection with lots of colour blocking, layering and great, sleek styling. This is definitely one show to look forward to.

After showing summer festive collections in Karachi, both Sana Safinaz and Saira Shakira will also be showcasing on day two in Lahore. It’s great to see designers realizing the potential of showing beyond their hometowns, making themselves more approachable for clients nationwide.

Day two will end with Kamiar Rokni, who has just recently signed off from Sapphire to focus on The House of Kamiar Rokni. This collection – Neo-Folk – is everything that can take you from the beach to a destination wedding, he says. It begins with casual and ends with what I would begin a couture show with, he shared in a conversation with Instep. It sounds truly international. “As divisive as the world is today, folk art from all over the world is all about commonality. It may be called appropriation but it’s commonality. Desi could also pass as desi African, Amazonian, Mexican etc,” Kami added.

The early evening shows, scheduled to take place on day two and three, will represent high-street, lawn, and debut designers featuring So Kamal, Rici Melion, Zasimo, Sameer Karasu, Almirah, Hana, Khaas, and Sanoor.

Day three of PSFW will open with Elan, actually ZAHA By Khadijah Shah’s debut outing, to be exact. The collection, titled Wild Things, will be a combination of flamboyant yet easy to wear silhouettes featuring clashing animal prints in punchy primary colours. Sounds quintessentially Elan!

Another exciting show on the final day of fashion week is Nomi Ansari, who’ll be stepping out of wedding wear zone to showcase his very first collection of athleisure, made in collaboration with local sportswear brand, Tuhura. People who have seen Nomi work through the last two decades know that his expertise in pattern and precision isn’t limited to bridals. It’ll be great to see Nomi back in youthful, fun mode once again.

Day three will proceed with Republic by Omar Farooq, always a good show to sit through, and will end with an HSY grand finale, always a great way to end fashion week.