Four Pakistani designers will be travelling later to Mumbai in August, to participate in the Lakme Fashion Winter/Festive Week 2014.
Recently, Indian audiences have been raving about our Pakistani television dramas. Our unconventional storylines have sure taken the Indian screens by a storm. Will our designers have a similar impact in India? What will these designers bring to the ramp? We are all intrigued.
The Express Tribune spoke to all four designers about the upcoming Lakme Fashion Winter/Festive Week 2014 to get some insight on what the people from across the border should expect from our blooming fashion industry.
Rizwan Beyg
Collection title: Digi-Truck
Inspiration: Truck Art
What will the Indian audience see?
“Need to take the Pakistani flag there. My stuff will scream Pakistan, out-loud. I am taking my digital prints to India. I am going with a very modern collection.”
Key trends: Indo-fusion. Jump suits combined with shalwar and other loose flowing silhouettes. The collection is global and cross cultural and identifiable as Pakistani. Handbags, shoes and some jewellery pieces are also going to be showcased by the designer.
The look: Global Fusion.
Faiza Samee
Collection title: Cruise 2015 collection
Inspiration: Drawing inspiration from South East Asia, Central Asia, the Silk Route and Turkey, she will be bringing forward silhouettes which are contemporary and related to today’s life and style, so that international markets can relate to her collection as well.
What will the Indian audience see?
“Fashion has evolved over the years. Fashion in India and Pakistan is very different, even the fashion sensibilities are very different. It’s a balance between rich tradition and a wearable contemporary look. I am proud of what we do in Pakistan; it is a proud moment for the country. Really, it is all about Pakistan for me. We have a lot to offer. Fashion is so popular in India. You can see that there is vibe for Pakistani fashion and outfits in the middle-class shopping areas in India.”
Key trends: Luxury prêt collection with hand printing, block printing and hand embroidery. Focus will remain on Central Asian Republic.
The look: Turkic inspiration.
Sania Maskatiya
Collection title: Sakura
Inspiration: This collection is inspired by popular Japanese culture and symbolism, endeavouring to represent both, the beauty and fragility of life. ‘Sakura’ draws from the grace of the cherry blossom, the stark romance of the Japanese landscape, tea houses, turtles and treasure chests — all finding their way onto the brand’s design canvas.
What will the Indian audience see?
“Expect an array of bespoke mixed prints and hand embroideries across a diversity of textures in cuts and patterns that are quintessentially Sania Maskatiya.”
Key trends: The Sania Maskatiya signature aesthetic is critically acclaimed for its balance between elegance, comfort and practicality. Designs that often take imaginative inspirations will manifest itself in this luxury prêt collection.
The look: A blend of the classic and the contemporary.
Zara Shahjahan
Collection title: City of Gardens
Inspiration: Aesthetically Zara Shahjahan.
What will the Indian audience see?
“They will see a fusion collection. A lot of what is happening in the West mixed with the Pakistani design aesthetics. Our clothes will be a fusion collection that will be trendier for the crowd.”
Key trends: A formal collection with vintage florals.
The look: Sophisticated with an elegant appeal.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 3rd, 2014.
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