Pakistan Fashion Week

Sanam Agha

After graduating from the London College of Fashion in 2004, Sanam’s vision was to create a fashion label which had its foundations set on three principles – CUT-FIT-FINISH. This was further developed with the years Sanam spent in the media and fashion industry in Pakistan upon her return. By the year 2008, Sanam Agha launched her brand that has caused waves from its inception and continues to do so with its classic and un-matched flair. ‘SANAM’ the fashion house is known for its one-on-one, custom made, bespoke, bridal, prêt fashion design for both Eastern and Western wear.

The design philosophy is based on precision and simplicity. The aim is luxury within one label. The ‘SANAM’ Karachi outlet is aimed to open in Winter 2012.

Umar Sayeed

Umar Sayeed is undoubtedly Pakistan’s pride and is also one of the grandest luxury labels from the region. Since 1989, his name is synonymous with the revival of our age-old textile and heritage. Using his ensembles as a canvass, he plays with rich textiles and detailed embroideries of Pakistan to create stunning and contemporary images, which are truly reflective of a modern, progressive Pakistan. Umar is regarded as one of the premiere fashion designers of the subcontinent who in the last two decades has not only introduced a number of fashion statements, but also has revived many a dying crafts. Umar has shown extensively in the US, Hong Kong, UK, Bahrain, UAE and India. He has showcased his collections at Fashion Pakistan Week and Dubai Fashion Week.

Deepak Perwani

Winner of a record six Lux Style Awards, two MTV Style Guru Awards, a standing ovation at Milan Fashion Week 2010, best international designer at Miami Fashion Week makes Deepak pertain a deign house to reckon with the man who is responsible for changing the face of Pakistani men’s wear almost two decades ago. He has also been Pakistanis cultural ambassador to China and Malaysia. His work for poverty alleviation and working with SMEDA for the rural women of Pakistan and numerous charities that he supports makes him an icon in Pakistan and an inspiration to both Pakistanis living home and abroad. He is also considered as one of the originators of Islamic Fashion Week in Malaysia and is also in the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest kurta in the world.

Maheen Khan

It’s the year 2005, and Maheen khan is quietly celebrating her 32nd year of her label Maheen. She decides to decorate her battered old car with truck art. Her family shoots the idea down, but the seed has been sown! She decides to launch a new label based on truck art. As she puts it “Gulabo was born of my love for Pakistan and all things Pakistani”—the love of colour, the spicy food, the romance, the poetry and the love of life in the streets of Pakistan.

Sana Safinaz

Established in 1989, Sana Safinaz, founded by Sana Hashwani and Safinaz Muneer, is one of the most prestigious and established fashion labels in Pakistan. Partners and sister’s-in-law, Sana and Safinaz are the driving force behind the Sana Safinaz life-style brand. On the apparel side, there are four separate collections comprised of the Prêt, Diffusion, Bridal/Couture and Export lines. The duo also has separate furniture and home interiors division which also provides clients with state-of-the-art interior design services.

Shamaeel

For over 25 years, Shamaeel has been a leading brand for dressing fashionistas, celebrities and high society internationally. Winner of Fashion Achievement Award 2011, and having presented at Audi Fashion Festival, Singapore, Shamaeel has exhibited collections in Pakistan, India, North and South America, Asia Pacific, The Middle East, Europe and the UK. Shamaeel encompass a wide range of prêt, couture and bridal wear. Her hallmark eye to intricate detail and variety has never failed to enthral customers. Shamaeel’s 2012 Spring/Summer Collection opens with the ‘Bouquet Theme’; the collection comprises separate coordinates and high fashion garments, adorned with romantic and bold florals, and a variety of bouncing hemlines lend themselves to a mood of fresh energy.

Wardha Saleem

Wardha Saleem holds a degree in textile design from the Indus Valley School of Art & Architecture, where she currently teaches textile and fashion. She also runs her own label under her own name. The Wardha Saleem Label signifies giving antiquated traditions a modern twist. In Sindh, the mystical land of the Indus, lies the barren desert of Thar, the legendary home of Marvi where her epic story of unrequited love and denial unfolds.

Arsalan & Yahseer

Arsalan & Yahseer was launched on January 1, 2011 with an emphasis on improving and changing the style quotient of conservative Pakistani men. Superior quality, finishing and finesse has gradually become an identity for the brand. Vibrant and eclectic colour combos with elegant cuts are a very integral part of this forthcoming collection. Yet again they are challenging Pakistani men to break free in the way they dress!

Sanam Chaudhri

Launched in 2007, Sanam Chaudhri’s urban chic-meets-prêt creations have graced the runways to critical acclaim in Fashion Pakistan Week 2009 and again in 2010. In 2011, the label broke new ground with playful citrus colours in a variety of fabrics at the Veet Fashion Show. Sanam Chaudhri showed us fashion is all about cut and style – with which even simple cotton can turn heads in the evening! An Indus Valley graduate, Sanam Chaudhri borrows liberally from her background in textile design to create enviable one-off pieces with a combination of textures and colours that work unusually well together. Sanam Chaudhri has internationally exhibited in Dubai and Singapore and currently stocks locally and overseas. Her enviable style and eclectic yet wearable pieces are currently stocked at Labels (Karachi and Lahore), Fashion Pakistan Lounge (Lahore), Peacock Lounge (Karachi) and Rivaaj (Dubai). “My central fashion mantra has always been ‘less is more’ – you can be understated yet dramatic. I never overcrowd my work with a mishmash of glitzy crystals, sparkly sequins and golden dhaaga all desperately vying for attention. Instead, I allow cuts, drapes, textures and colour palettes, which speak for themselves with minimal embellishment.”

Shehla Chatoor

The brand Shehla Chatoor is associated with luxurious, sophisticated and timeless ensembles for the past 17 years. The label has managed to attain new heights and acclaim by constant innovation and improvisation.

Primarily known for its exquisite bridals influenced by age-old art forms and embroidery techniques, the label is known to re-invent old zardozi and mukesh techniques. On the other hand, the western collection is truly made for the modern and confident women of today. It is extremely luxurious, sexy and daring. The amalgamation of fabrics and textures in a unique way is prominent in her western collection, where silk and leather is entwined with gold chains and softened with dreamy layers of satins. The collection clearly caters to the unafraid and the elegant.

Since no ensemble is complete without proper accessories, the designer has her own line of shoes, bags and belts to complete the look and round up the ‘Shehla’ experience.

Tayyab Bombal

Fashion designer Tayyab Bombal studied from the Asian Institute of Fashion Design. Bombal launched his line of neckties in 2007, since then; there was no looking back for this capable young designer. Today his label has flourished to become the complete range of men’s wear with its emphasis on sleek cuts.

Abdul Samad

In his latest collection, Abdul Samad pays a glowing tribute to the founder of Pakistan, the great Quaid-e-Azam, Muhammed Ali Jinnah. A man of refined taste, Quaid-e-Azam was well-known all over India for his exquisite and sophisticated dressing sense. His dresses comprise of both eastern and western cuts, sherwanis, three-piece suits, tail coats, braces, separate collars, breeches, bows and neck-ties define his elegant taste of dressing. Abdul Samad makes an attempt to highlight the overall look of this legendary leader who was considered to be “the best dressed man in India” and a true trendsetter of his time.

PINX

PINX is the sartorial brainchild of ‘Pinky’ Durrany who launched the luxury prêt label in 2009 to much fanfare among social circles. The PINX patron is a woman who is in touch with her bold inner goddess and is unafraid to stand out, yet she is imbued with an irrepressible je ne sais quoi aura. A composed diva, glamorous, elegant, confident and full of fun. Pinx’s collection for FPW 3 entitled ‘Goddess Unleashed’ is a capsule collection of flow-y sumptuous silk and fine cotton gowns in rich jewel tones and neutrals, embellished with elegant tassels, delicate lace, shimmery crystals and chunky stones. ‘Goddess Unleashed’ is a collection that travels well, whether it be to a private soiree in Karachi, a Red Carpet event in Los Angeles or for a romantic getaway to Hong Kong. You can’t ignore the PINX Goddess wherever she goes. And here she is unleashed.

Monsoon Beach

For the perfect beach to bar outfit, look no further than the Monsoon spring/summer beach collection. Split into two collections, Kerala Beach and Sahara, Monsoon beach offers a range of relaxed, casual separates as well as embellished and glamorous maxi dresses and kaftans. The Kerala beach collection consists of ethnic influenced textured linens and soft tie-dye pieces in subtle desert tones, punctuated with rich oranges, coral and aqua. Sahara’s colour palette is rich and warm, consisting of plum and aubergine shades with highlights of gold and silver embellishment. Dramatic sand sweeping bejewelled maxi dresses go perfectly over metallic bikinis and block coloured one pieces.

Ahmed Bham

One of the most reclusive designers in Karachi, Ahmed Bham, has made a name for himself among the corporate clientele and has become a phenomenon among Karachi’s bustling business class. Known for his close attention to detail, Bham has made quality and simplicity the hallmarks of his brand. From his elegant suits to dazzling sherwanis, Bham has made himself the designer of choice for Karachi’s elite. In Pakistan, however, his name remains relatively unknown but that is about to change as one of Pakistan’s hidden talents is ready to enter the spotlight at Fashion Pakistan Week 3.

Ayesha Farook Hashwani

While, for many fashion designers, it can seem like a long, hard road to discovery and acceptance into the fashion world, it was different for Ayesha. She started offering her collection in 2005 and her label instantly received acclaim. Her label, AFH, is synonymous with refinement, with each garment epitomising glamour and a brand new depth of detail. Following the design philosophy of being simple, yet chic, with gorgeous embellishments in vibrant eclectic colours, her creations are a wonder to both fashion enthusiasts and critics. What sets Ayesha apart from her contemporaries is both the comfort and flair of her apparel. Each masterpiece demonstrates an understated elegance, accentuating a woman’s femininity without hiding her strengths. Ayesha takes great pride in her work and enjoys every moment creating the fresh look that embodies the contemporary woman. Her timeless pieces, uniquely finished with artisans’ expertise are exquisitely detailed and refined. Ayesha tends to use everything from voiles to chiffons, silks and charmeuse and enjoys working with sheer fabrics, beads and crystals. Emerging from the craving for uniqueness and seasonal styling, each piece exudes a confidence, which begs to be noticed. She effortlessly fuses fashion with romance. Her success is attributed, not only to the nonconformist designs featuring a sexy mix of urban chic and classic glamour but also an eclectic mix of unfussy details, shapes, flowy fabrics and the attention to detail. The outfits are sweet, spicy, naughty and nice, sometimes subtle, sometimes bold, but never bland. AFH has exhibited in Karachi, London and Dubai several times. Retail presences exist in Karachi, Lahore, Dubai and Hong Kong.

Ayesha & Somaya

Designer duo Ayesha and Somaya whose label is synonymous with luxury, take on their collection ‘Pink Camouflage’. Inspired by the colour of universal love ‘pink’, they present to you a feeling of calmness and warmth through blush, rose, salmon, fuchsia and hot pink. Let’s take you on a tranquillising journey of happiness.

Feeha Jamshed

Feeha Jamshed’s collection ‘Minaal’ consists of silks, cotton, velvet, muslin, cotton jersey and the cuts are classic ‘90s with eastern drapes into western attire. The collection is dedicated to Feeha’s late sister ‘Minaal’.

Baani D

Baani D is a concept that materialised when two sisters realised what they wanted to wear was not available anywhere in the young Ready-to-Wear Pakistani fashion albeit the culture backing it was phenomenally rich and diverse. Hip Traditionalism or Desi Boho can best describe the brand’s signature. Its all about mix and match. One can create their own unique ensemble using different articles from our off the rack line. More classic than faddish, it has kept the same essential vision-clean, easy, functional. “We want to dress uptown and downtown girls inKarachi andGujranwala, 25-year-olds and 65-year-olds, women of all sizes, women on the move landing at an international destination or work, you fit in.” Baani D has a formal line, Baani Jamaal.