After a tumultuous 2020 shut down the season of fashion weeks nationwide and around the globe, the new year has heralded the return of fashion in all its glory and brilliance in Pakistan, starting with the biggest fashion event of the season; Fashion Pakistan Week (FPW) Spring/Summer 2021, held at ‘The Secret Garden’ amidst lush green foliage over the weekend on 20th and 21st February, 2021.
The exclusive and well curated event brimmed with palpable energy as a select guest list of media members and celebrities explored the concept of The Secret Garden. FPW 2021 was a one-of-its-kind experience where nature and fashion coalesced into each other. The invitees started off the weekend full of style and glamour, as they walked the dazzling Alkaram Studio red carpet.
The red carpet buzzed throughout the evening as celebrities, designers, influencers, and the creme de la creme of the fashion sphere raised the style quotient. Amidst the many eye-catching and head-turning ensembles, some, which raised the temperature with their sizzling pzazz included Dum Mastam actress Amar Khan in a dramatic yet intricate gown by Uzma Babar, Sarwat Gilani who made a classic black dress look brilliant as she represented the Special Olympics as their brand ambassador, and Ayesha Omar, who stunned in a Wajahat Mansoor ensemble.
There was a frisson of excitement as the first model glided down the garden steps to start the circular walkway. After a hiatus of a year, a select fashion crowd and critics were able to witness a true fashion opening. The professionalism of Fashion Week, as put out by the Fashion Pakistan Council during Spring/Summer 2021, truly breathed life back to the runway as fresh debuting-models, trained by former supermodel Atiya Khan and fashion designer Sadaf Malaterre and directed by Adnan Ansari and his Riwayat London team, captivated the audience, the fashion collections created major buzz, and some head-turning looks by the Depilex Group made everyone appreciate the hi-glamour quotient.
Day 1 on the FPW S/S 2021 ramp began with an ornate collection from Umsha by Uzma Babar, which was then followed suit by coruscating showcases from Kalah by Mubashira, Diner’s, Sadaf Malaterre, Aleena and Fareena, Tabassum Mughal, and Sundus Talpur. The new names were especially interesting and each collection on opening night carved a niche for their craft and was met with applause.
Umsha by Uzma Babar – Silhouette
Exploring the majestic craftsmanship of traditional artistry, Umsha by Uzma Babar showcased ‘Silhouette,’ a festive yet contemporary collection that embodies effortless charm, old world glamour and timeless elements. Amidst a classic pastel colour palette, the collection features embellishments that comprises Swarovski crystals, pearls, and ornate stonework to bring pieces that perfectly befit the women of today. Dum Mastam actress Amar Khan walked as the showstopper for the designer.
Kalah by Mubashra – The Lotus Pond
Taking inspiration from the serene waters and scenic sights of a whimsical water body, Kalah by Mubashra sent out a delicate collection titled ‘The Lotus Pond.’ The collection features an array of motifs, colour palette and embellishments that have been inspired by the hues seen at a Lotus pond, and thus, embodies within itself, a delicateness that made the collection stand out. Kiran Malik, the supermodel who has made waves internationally, walked for the brand as their showstopper.
Diners Pakistan – Mirum
Showing their collection ‘Mirum,’ on the runway for the first time ever, Diners dazzled the audience with their ensembles that represented the story of men who are sought after due to their impeccable style and dressing. The cuts and silhouettes in their wide array of western and eastern outfits proved this and brought forward a collection that truly showed premium quality fabrics and immaculately tailored clothes for every occasion and festivity.
Sadaf Malaterre – The Flow
Bringing that oomph to the runway that she has come to be known for, ace avant garde designer Sadaf Malaterre, showcased a collection titled ‘The Flow’ that impeccably intertwined her mix of eclectic and classic ensembles into one grand display of fashion might. From the collection’s juxtaposition of structure and fluidity offset with Chinoiserie and fleurette details, to taking inspiration from the universe including the ebb and flow of rivers and mountains peaks, the collection debuted the designer’s menswear collection and also showcased her passion for animal rights advocacy. From contemporary and sleek silhouettes to innovative cuts, the designer brought out the best of her couture skills to the runway. Her finale statement to protect dogs in Karachi was very well received.
Aleena and Fareena – Karachi by Night
An ode to time honoured traditions and contemporary fashion, designer duo Aleena and Fareena, showcased their collection ‘Karachi by Night’ that showcased top picks from two collections featured a jeweled tone colour palette which glittered on the runway with its dewy silvers, rich golds and monochromatic hues and were truly inspired by bustle of the metropolis. The collection largely comprised structured jackets, capes and embellished shirts in silk, taffeta and tulle, making for a spectacular sight.
Tabassum Mughal – Eclectic Regalia
Paying homage to the regal and opulent courts of Europe and the Subcontinent of the past several centuries which were buoyed by the might of feminine empowerment and innate elegance, Tabassum Mughal brought forward an intricate and versatile collection with ‘Eclectic Regalia.’ The showcase featured finest fabrics including pure silk, chiffon, velvet and net in a mesmerising array of hues including royal gold, intoxicating deep-crimson with a smattering of blush pink and soft-grey pieces in her colour palette. These hues were transposed onto dramatic and voluminous court-style silhouettes including fitted bodices, majestic trailing trains, and glamorous long capes, which were offset with luxuriously rich embroidery including an encrusted overlay of floral motifs and pearl-work juxtaposed with Baroque swirls using the intarsia weaving technique.
Sundus Talpur
A contemporary collection exploring the art of hand-sculpted jewellery, designer Sundas Talpur, displayed her abundant talent and played to her strengths by bringing forth a solo collection of jewellery that spoke volumes of the craft the designer has come to be known for. The designer showcased her signature 22 Karat gold and sterling silver jewellery which perfectly ended the debut night of FPW 2021 with striking pieces that were inspired by female empowerment, strength and resilience, and were easily fashion statements on their own.
FPW S/S2021 was directed and choreographed by Adnan Ansari and the Riwayat team, with Massarrat Misbah and Depilex at the helm of all hair and make up.
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