Karachi, May 9, 2014: Pakistan’s most anticipated bridal show, Pantene Bridal Couture Week (PBCW) kicked off here at the Expo Center Karachi with a bang, showcasing the latest bridal trends of the region. This mega fashion event is managed by HUM Network Ltd. in collaboration with Pantene. PBCW endeavours to promote Pakistan’s seasoned and new aspiring fashion talent both on the domestic and international platform.

Day 1 of this three-day fashion extravaganza kicked off with renowned Amir Adnan presenting his collection inspired by the historic devotional poetry of Amir Khusro, in the honour of Hazrat Ali’s noble memory and praising his bravery in the face of injustice and falsehood. Equally lyrical, Amir Adnan’s interpretation of these words has been epitomized in this collection. Crafted in one organic fabric – linen – the entire collection pays homage to the early days of Islam, the bravado and devotion that fuelled it through centuries. The lines were simple and linear, creating a range of kurtas, pyjamas, shalwars, vests, short jackets, and of course, sherwanis. Dominant colours were khaak (khaaki), sabz (green), lahoo(red), dhaath(metals), mashq(old leather) and moonga(coral).

Amir Adnan’s collection was followed by Amina Yasmeen. The brand established by Mansoor Akram under the name of his mother, Amina Yasmeen has emerged as a designer to be reckoned with for a decade now. Their formal/bridal collection was all about cuts with different patterns and very classic combinations of colours with fusion of different layers of fabrics. Amina Yasmeen’s subtle colour combinations, extraordinary cuts and quality embellishments received huge applause from the attendees.

As is PBCW’s trademark, this time too there were enthralling entertainment sequences. A special dance performance by the glamorous Mahwish Hayat left the audience mesmerised. Choreographed by Nigah, the performance received great applause and appreciation from the attendees.

Sana Abbas’s Maskali was the next collection to tantalize the audiences with her flirty silhouettes and long feminine flares. Using pure fabrics including chiffons, hand-woven silks, jamawar and net in a beautiful palette she infused traditional crafts such as mukesh, zardozi, resham and delicate embroideries in them, making it the perfect line for the modern eastern bride.

The first act of the day concluded with Zainab Chottani’s Shehnai. Zainab Chottani’s Bridal Collection has always amazed her audiences. This time her Spring/Summer 2014 collection focused on our traditional weddings with the name Shehnai, reflecting our grand, larger than life weddings and was a collection to give brides a dream to cherish. This collection was designed considering the Pakistani weddings that are all about colours and events, hence this show was also choreographed in such a way that all the wedding events were covered – starting from the traditional engagement (mangni rasam) to the valima. A variety of embroideries and embellishments like gota work with chatapati, and traditional cuts were infused together.

Act 2 of the first day was opened by none other than the incredible Zahid Khan, the genius behind Kuki Concepts. Kuki Concepts has held 50 showings from Pakistan to New York and London. Amongst the most prominent have been shows for President Bush and Cherie Blair during their respective visits and as part of CNN’s 25th Anniversary celebrations at the Lahore Fort. His PBCW 2014 collection titled Bidai was based on gotas, vintage Banarsi, karchobs, traditional ghararas, lehngas, cholis and rani coats. Basic focus was on cuts.

Kuki Concept was followed by Tena Durrani’s Camellia Progressive Collection. Tena Durrani’s collection for PBCW, incorporated silk, net, brocade, organza and velvet, with Wedgewood blues, watermelon, garnets and fucias all woven in meticulously – seeking to bring Durrani’s vision to life.

Before the finale of day 1, the audiences were given the last treat of the night when Mehwish Hayat took the ramp to dazzle the audiences with her exceptional performance. The performance ended up in loud cheering of the attendees.

The first day of Pantene Bridal Couture Week concluded with a mega fashion showcase by the inimitable Nomi Ansari. His collection titled ISHQ boasted intricate attention to detail, making traditional occasion wear as high-end as any international luxury brand. It carried the glory of the past on its elaborate, timeless pieces that were pure and pristine – a reminder of the lavish era this subcontinent has witnessed in the past. The collection was a perfect marriage of the old and the contemporary, the known and the forgotten, a celebration of style meticulously crafted in hand-woven fabrics and rare embroidery techniques, and packaged in a vibrant, colourful fashion that is his brand signature.

The show was produced by the in-house team of HUM Network, choreographed by the designer and choreographer extraordinaire HSY, with backstage management by Production [021]. The make-up and styling was done by Saba Ansari and her team at Sabs. The event is powered by Telenor, its radio partner is FM106.2, food partner BURGER KING and fragrance partner is Junaid Jamshed J. PBCW is refreshed by Diet PEPSI. Faisal Farooqui and his team at Dragonfly along with in-house photographers Ahsan Qureshy and Haris Usmani are engaged for all official photography of the event. PR of the event is being handled by the PR department of HUM Network Ltd and Xenith PR.

Watch below pictures from the Day 1 of Bridal Couture Week 2014