



The first day of Telenor Fashion Weekend took place at the Royal Palm, Golf & Country Club, Lahore, on February 20. It was an occasion showcasing an interesting blend of finesse, fashion and culture of Pakistan. Esteemed brands, such as, ChenOne, Erum Khan, Faika Karim, Eden Robe, Break Out and Rang Ja sexhibited their collections at the event. The PIFD showcase, sponsored by Telenor Karo Mumkin, also presented their exclusive designs that reflected human emotions.







Erum Khan, Faika Karim, Hang Ten and PIFD



The fashion extravaganza commenced with a stimulating performance by Overload, Pakistani rock band from Lahore. Audiences praised and applauded to the versatile vocals ofandChen One was the first brand to showcase their collection at the exhibit. The 2015 spring collection reflected a renovation in their brand line. They demonstrated high-fashion, smart casual, and luxury designs that embraced fine cuts, with an array of A-line skirts, cropped trousers and chic tops.Labelled as ‘Medallion Dusk’, Erum Khan’s prêt display was an inspirational compilation that portrayed purity, elegance, modernism and the strength of women. The collection sketched an enchanting picture that celebrated the essence of Pakistani women.Karim’s ‘Lahore Prêt’ was an interesting edifice of contemporary designs teamed with classical hues that were translated into a cultural flair of remnants enthused by the tradition of Lahore. The pin-tucked trousers and high-waisted skirts received appreciation from the audiences for their structured tailoring and vivid designs.The brand offered their spring/summer kids’ collection on the runway. Deriving inspiration from bright summer sorbet for their summer kids’ casual wear, the showcase was influenced by lip-smacking desserts. Presenting a casual range of refreshing hues, the designs were surely summer-ready.Aneeqa Karim presented her work first on ‘Darkness against Light’. The inspiration was taken from the designer’s own photographic work which showed the effect of darkness against light and its influence of shadows. The prominent elements were explored by utilising laser-cut technique in her collection material.Another graduate of AIFD, Fatima Basirat presented her collection themed, ‘Be Still My Soul’ inspired by the tantalizing journey of a lotus flower. She based her designs on delicate techniques and crafted an incredibly feminine silhouette. The outfits were a mix of subtle splendour and soft patterns.‘Discovering Michael Jackson’ was an exhibit constructed around the image of the life of the music icon and connected the dots to Joseph Merrick, who suffered from skin warps he covered with a blanket and a mask. The detailed tailoring in her outfits melded with the blanket like feature imitating Joseph Merrick’s rudiments. Black and gold was a dominant trend in the designs.The designer from AIFD presented her eccentric ‘The Tragic Fall of an Ostracised Queen’ collection that examined the issues tackled by Marie Antoinette. The collection comprised a concept of wearing innerwear as outerwear such as corsets and crinolines.Hangten crafted their ‘Summer Fling’ collection that portrayed the modern persona of freedom adapted in the life style of millennial. Rang Ja presented a flair of ethnicity on the runway through their collection, which permeated a perfect fusion of Pakistani culture blended with with contemporary styles.Breakout’s showcase, ‘For the Brave’ paid homage to the victims of Peshawar Attack. It was dedicated to spread a message of embracing courage to all Pakistanis.Published in The Express Tribune, February 23, 2015.