For many, Eid shopping begins right before the month of Ramazan. But as soon as the last ashra approaches, women and men alike are seen thronging the malls with blatant consumerism at its peak. Somehow, no matter how hard you try to be organised, Eid shopping never seems to end right until chaand raat. Even at the eleventh hour, women are seen shouting at the dyer for not ‘crushing the dupatta’ while men are the designated drivers for midnight trips to the darzi.
The clever, hassle-free ones resort to multi-brand stores to pick ready-to-wear outfits off the rack.
However, considering you will be dishing out quite a handful of cash for your Eid shopping spree, we have decided to list down some of the hottest trends around town so that you make a worthwhile investment.
Silks
Silk by Fawad Khan Summer Collection
The age-old fabric spun by over a million spiders, Silk has beaten chiffon this Eid by a great margin.
Be it charmeuse silk, raw silk, cotton silk or silk net, this material is bang on trend. While raw silk is a bit stiff, all others offer a great flowy drape covering the curves to give a lustrous look.
Get it screen-printed, block-printed, digitally-printed or simply have it embroidered, the hand-woven garment should be your top pick for making a fashion statement during festivities.
Digital prints
Digital Print by Khaadi Khaas
Mughal art and abstract paintings are not just for your walls, digital printed fabric has been making the rounds on the runway since last year.
From London Fashion Week to PFDC 2013, all designers seem to be turning their favourite piece of art into a ready-to-wear outfit. Even if you are not a fan of prints, these bold and colourful inkjet designs will definitely steal your attention.
From beautiful landscapes to eye-catching serpents, literally everything can be experimented with on a fabric and made into gorgeous overcoat, kameez, palazzos and even a jumpsuit. If you are not willing to spend Rs20,000 on designer prints on silk, hit the bazaars for limited but reasonable prints.
Chikankari
Bridal Couture by Farah Talib Aziz
Chikankari originated from the heart of Lucknow and made its way into the historical cities of Multan and Bhawalpur. Today, it is one of the the hottest trend across all major cities. Having lost its charm somewhere in the 1990s, chikankari work has made a grand comeback.
With its intricate handwork detailing on lightweight, airy cottons, perfect to beat the summer heat, a chikankari kurta is a must-have this Eid. The traditional handwork has become a top priority for bridal wear with a number of designers incorporating it with mukesh and pearl work.
Model Mehreen Syed was also recently spotted wearing a surreal white chikankari sari at the LSAs 2013. Cotton chikankari kurtas mostly come with a designer label and a price range starting at Rs10,000.
Higher hemlines
Eid Collection by Zari Faisal
As much as we have used and abused extra-long, flared, gown-like kameezes, it’s time to chop off the inches and settle somewhere at 46. While we hate to let go of the slimming effect rendered by the exquisitely flowy shirts, shorter shirts are giving off some really fresh vibes.
All major names in the fashion industry including, the likes of Nida Azwer, Sania Maskatiya and SanaSafinaz, have experimented with shorter, crisp lengths for Eid, pairing shirts with cigarette pants. You might still spot a woman or two hosting the morning show in baggy flares but you must be aware that shorter lengths have stepped into the limelight.
Perky Palazzos
Maria B. Summer Collection
Do away with your tights and make space for flattering and super-comfy palazzo pants. Ever since the runways were invaded by the 60s-inspired trousers, palazzo pants have spread like wild fire and there is no reason for you to not give into the temptation. From Maria B. to Elanm, everyone was seen playing with the palazzos at the PFDC Fashion Week 2013.
These are readily available at every other retail outlet in solid colours as well as quirky prints. You can even get them stitched from your tailor — it only takes two and half yards of malai lawn!
Published in The Express Tribune, July 30th, 2013.
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