Labels Lahore held its annual Spring Fair on March 19 and 20 at their outlet in Vogue Towers. Featuring spring/summer collections of designers Ayesha Khurram, Nadia Ellahi, Roodaba Omar, Shaffaq Muzammil, Nida Azwer, Ayesha & Usman Qamar, Sania Maskatiya, Opera House by Arjumand Bano, Teena by Hina Butt, Safia Abbas, Rabia & Nevine, Farah Zubair, Jannat & Sadaf, Fatima Khan, Silk by Fawad Khan and Guriyas.
This two-day affair saw women come and shop their hearts out and get ready for the upcoming summer season. While casuals were expected to rule the event, it was surprising to see that majority of the designers had focused on semi-formals. “I was expecting a lot more lawn and cotton outfits,” says Anum Akram of Labels, “but not only are there more formals but people have been buying them more too.”
Rabia & Nevine are one of Label’s best-selling brands with their screen prints and innovative cuts. “This season is all about bringing a change in your wardrobe,” says Rabia. “Sequins are ruling the formals and as for cottons, embroideries are out and appliqués are in. We have used a lot of appliqué work on our casual summer wear.”
Arjumand Bano’s Opera House saw some interesting pieces, moving away from her usual style, Opera House ventures into textured cottons and focuses on cuts and embellishments. Her cigarette pants with appliquéd embellishments were a best-seller and were the first to sell out.
Shafaq Muzzamil’s crepe based semi formals were another hit with the ladies at the fair. Colour blocking still seems to be trending well when it comes to home based entrepreneurs.
Whether or not crepe is a practical summer fabric is questionable but it seems to be the fabric of choice at the Labels Spring Fair. With a live violinist serenading the shoppers and a lawn booth placed separately outside, this organised affair was not only fun but targeted serious shoppers.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 21st, 2013.
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