The eleventh installment of Fashion Pakistan Week Spring/Summer 2017 sponsored by Urdu1 turned out to be quite eventful. From Nadia Hussain’s ball gown getting entangled in her feet, to Rubab Masood’s unceremonious fall during the hair show, the two-day event provided entertainment for all. The fantastic hair show by Saeeda Manviwalla of Toni&Guy was one of the most exciting segments which was absolutely unbeatable.

The make-up maestro had done an amazing job of dolling up the models whos sashayed down the runway with an attitude to match. It was a ten-year celebration of Fashion Pakistan Week which was carried out in a fashionable manner. From the Get Go the Fashion Pakistan Week was nothing short of a rollercoaster ride through the fashion boulevard – a complete tour of the current fashion trends in all their entirety. The objective of Fashion Pakistan Week is to promote the Pakistan fashion industry both locally and internationally and also to make inroads in the international market.

The three-day event was attended by the showbiz fraternity, socialites, international buyers, fashionistas and retailers. Fashion weeks are a good way of spotting talent especially for international buyers as well as retailers. It also provides an apt platform for newbies to prove themselves to a large, decisive audience and make inroads in the local and international market. The arrangements were immaculate and so was the simple yet classy, pristine white ramp.

It was a two-day show which got underway with Ayesha F. Hashwani’s impressive line La Plage comprising short silk dresses, sexy gowns and wispy drapes with a touch of bling. It was a sophisticated collection celebrating summer romance – definitely an uber glamourous collection. This was followed by Nauman Arfeen’s men’s line Wild, Wild West comprising suitings for “HIM” with a couple of black gowns thrown in to tantalise the audience. This segued into FnK Asia’s bright, bling Avian collection which was an interesting fusion of sorts comprising skirts, tulip pants, harem pants, short shirts, gowns, tunics beautified with embroidery.

The collection was inspired by winged animals and their ability to travel to great distances. Arslan Iqbal showcased his suit and sherwani collection Nocturnal for “HIM” in beige, gray and brown. A very interesting feature at FPW 17 was the Bank Alfalah Rising Talent supporting rookies Tooba Chhotani, Areej Iqbal, Fatima Abdulrauf and Zafar Naqvi. All four had conjured brilliant collections which were far superior to some of our seasoned designers.

Next was the promotional segment for Urdu1 Pictures upcoming flick Mehrunisa We Lub You. The star cast of the movie walked the ramp for Zaheer Abbas who had conjured simple solid colour saris for the female cast while sherwani and shalwar kameez for the men folk. Humayun Alamgir made his debut with his flamboyant suit line Ayaash which shrieked colours all the way. Heavy on the bling factor the suits had too much happening at the same time.

This segued into Nida Azwer’s striking segment which saw a bevy of models walk the ramp in embellished capris paired with cinched frock tops, heavily worked stately pants, asymmetrical shirts and skirts. Mehreen Syed looked resplendent in a black and gold ensemble. Titled The Susleme it was an uber chic presentation. Tena Durrani’s colourful line The Debut saw models sashay down the runway in dresses of varying lengths. Tena’s showstopper Syra Sheroze stole the show in her embellished peach gown.

Day 2 saw Nida Azwer showcasing her uber smart traditional line in neutral shades featuring ghararas, dupattas and saris that were beautifully embroidered seeking inspiration from interior Sindh’s age-old embroideries. A beautiful collection by Nida. Munib Nawaz had whipped up a sleek all-male collection featuring jackets and soft denim shirts.Zuria Dor’s Tropical Romanticism showcased silk, net and organza sculpted into sexy dresses and ball gowns in subtle tones.

The Pink Tree Company Autumn/Winter 2017 was an eclectic mix of sorts with a bit of this and a bit of that amalgamated to create a fusion line. Hamza Bokhari of Jeem showcased his Songs of my nation comprising western and fusion numbers. Sonya Battla’s Autumn/Winter 2017 collection was a refreshing, ala mode line inspired by the Sufi shrines of Pakistan and the world of Sufism. Cowl shalwars, tasseled tops, funky tops, asymmetrical shirts all spoke of a genius at work.

Gulabo was an offbeat psychedelic collection that was definitely for the fun ‘n’ feisty. Amato’s was an array of gowns in pastels employing French lace and net interspersed with floral embroidery and appliqué. Deepak Perwani opted for the minimalistic approach for his line and adorned his silks with a slight sprinkling of add-ons. Flounces, frills and swirls were the highlight of his women’s wear besides his men’s wear.

Innaya’s play with colour and fabric made for an interesting line. All in all, FPW ‘17 was a mammoth task undertaken by the organisers, who managed more hits than misses. Save a few glitches here and there, it was a slick and smooth presentation all the way. It is with events like these that have helped put Pakistan on the international fashion map. Here’s hoping for many such fashion escapades.