The Pakistan Fashion Design Council (PFDC) in collaboration with its title sponsor, Sunsilk hosted the third and final day of the PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week 2019 – the 20^th consecutive fashion week, in line with international standards, ended glamorously after three fashion-packed days where 22 designers, sent down the runway, their exquisite collections.

The Pakistan Fashion Design Council can take a pat on the back for hosting the 20th consecutive fashion week; along the way the process has been streamlined, making the PSFW experience beneficial for stakeholders, benefactors and fashion enthusiasts – both locally and internationally. The purpose is to bring the best of fashion trends for each season, all under one roof, showcased by well-established, emerging and debut designers.

Among the 22 showcsases in three days of PSFW 2019 here are our eight best picks from the fashion week:

Zara Shahjahan – Adab

The show was an elaborate display of chikankari, zari, zardozi, kamdani and gota work. Lucknow’s distinct style, a 400-year-old story and one which has not only survived but flourishes today was brought to life on the runway.  Zara’s collection portrayed why Lakhnavi women have helped the city become ‘The Golden City of the East’.

The craftsmanship is dominated by women, and how they dress till present day with their old world charm and an effortless statement of grace and poise is what made this collection an ode to the modern Lakhnavi woman. From pastels to bolds, intricately embroidered to fully embellished work, each piece was adorned gracefully by the models. Ensembles were created from organza, silk and flamboyant embellishments.

Traditional khussas and ghongroos on the end of pants made the walk musical and soulful. Jhoomars, knotted braids, shalwars and liberal use of kamdani, all made fashion statements.

The collection showcase ended beautifully with a graceful and collective adab from all the models.

Rici Melion – Voices:

Rici Melion’s Spring Summer 19 collection, ’Voices’ was mental disorders musing in avant-garde men tailoring; with the aspiration of opening up the conversation about mental health, that is predominantly yet a taboo in our society.

The collection acknowledged, celebrated and accepted our disorders and differences in a glamorous manner. Each ensemble vividly highlighted common mental disorders through carefully designed and thought-provoking remarks.

The outfits essentially had been designed to be very conspicuous and distinct in their persona matched up with complementing accessories defining the particular mental illness.

The collection showcased an amalgamation of precision fits, premium fabrics, luxe details, exaggerated asymmetrical cut lines, classic loose fit pleated silhouettes and bare chested coats, among other things. Adding trendsetting personality to the collection were the elaborate suit trimmings, adjoined to elevate the persona of each attire.

Sameer Karasu – High Street Savages:

Sameer Karasu took inspiration from various element of fantasy, fiction, glamour, mythology, tragedy and drama. His keen interest towards console games, art films, theater and history allowed him to merge these elements into wearable pieces of art.

Every garment represented the modern woman in his fantastical world of magic. Witches, warriors, angels and demons were portrayed through his pieces.

Every garment was mathematically cut and stitched to perfection by dedicated seamstresses. He presented a fresh take on fashion where one could immerse themselves in high fashion. Black abstracts paired with pink patterns, sheer organza sleeves, snake embroidered blazers, peplum tops, elaborately chic sleeves and edgy fashion accessories elevated his pieces making the collection display very unique.

Zasimo – Spring/Summer

Zasimo is Pakistan’s new and unique online destination for the latest western branded high street fashion, sportswear and international brands, providing customers next day order fulfilment.

At PSFW’19 Zasimo displayed few items from its Spring Summer 2019 ladies’ collections of Dorothy Perkins, QUIZ, Vero Moda, New Look which are just some of the exciting western brands that Zasimo will be offering to its customers online.

Along with women’s wear, they have a full range of men’s fashion brands including QUIZ Man, Jack & Jones and Burton. Fully stocked with its range growing all the time and with new styles dropping each week, the collection display was a clear reflection of what to expect.

Hanah – Love Life Lego:

Hanah’s collection had a young vision, enticing designs, bold colors and each outfit celebrated laughter with sleek style.

Bold outfits, playful designs, quirky and fun accessories, soft color palettes, sequined blazers, sheer flowy dresses all made fashion statements on the runway. The collection roared summer and spring with pops of neon paired with plains, classic silhouettes and colorful attires. It was surely a treat for the eyes.

The pieces were all young at heart. ‘Love Life Lego’ was their first collection that presented an idea of building something new from scratch and bringing forth the perfect blend with manifold presentation.

Saira * Shakira

For PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week 2019, Saira*Shakira introduced ‘The Secret Garden’ which was an amalgamation of a variety of crafts and ornamentation techniques using sequins and oodles of Brazilian embroidery.

These westernised outfits were designed using antiquated aesthetics that evoked an aura of the wild and the free.

All pieces from this collection were a creation straight out of the wildlife garden, unparalleled in terms of glamour, flora and uniqueness.

The House of Kamiar Rokni

The House of Kamiar Rokni introduced a diffusion collection. Best described as Neo-folk, the collection was a celebration of ethnicity within a traditional yet global narrative. The collection incorporated multiple traditional textiles and treatments using the ancient art of block printing, the hippie chic sensibility of tie & dye and the richly decorative fabric of brocade, he presented a collection that was unapologetically eastern, within a modern sensibility. From casual to luxury evening and formal wear, the collection had a range of soiree, dholki and mehndi wear and western outfits. Based in cottons, silks and organzas, the House of Kamiar Rokni’s diffusion line will be instantly available to order and buy online and at the studio.

Sanoor

Sanoor introduced a unique eclectic blend of design philosophies, artistic tastes and styles from rich cultures of various civilizations around the world. Taking inspiration from all over the world, the collection unified them with the customary tastes and heritage of Pakistan. The spring summer collection was a combination of pastel colors, exotic flowers, paisleys and oriental ornamentation and much more with a touch of fine embroideries that gave a fresh summer feel.