Fashion Pakistan Week Autumn/Winter 2014- Day 1

Fashion Pakistan Week was one of mixed reviews, with some designers really shining through with their collections, while others being unable to stir much of an excitement for the fashion crowd. In terms of the show itself, PR company LatitudeCRS did an amazing job at carrying out the event, while choreography by Hassan Shehryar and music by DJ Asif kept everyone excited throughout the shows. 

Now let's talk about the collections. Here's how the designers did on Day 1 of Fashion Pakistan Week:

Click on any picture for a clearer view.

Ather Ali Hafeez for Sana Safinaz: Pakistan Fashion Week A/W14 took off with’Venue: French Beach Karachi’ by Ather Ali Hafeez for Sana Safinaz. This collection will do nothing to keep us warm as temperatures fall and therefore, in some way, seems perfect for winters in Karachi.

Ather Ali presented a bright and colourful collection, complete with bohemian vibes and loads of layering. There was a sense of ease in the entire collection, which will hit the hearts of many Karachi girls, who yearn for relaxed but fashionably on point days.

With innovative prints and bold (but not blinding) colours, Venue: French Beach Karachi is one collection that will be surpassing the seasons.

Ishtiaq Afzal Khan: The next designer to show was Ishtiaq Afzal Khan with his collection, ‘Aurora’ which was inspired by the shades of morning. A fusion collection, mixing western fabrics and accents into eastern styling, with orange being the choice of colour and leather the fabric.

 Ishtiaq Khan even brought the shalwar back on the runway, pairing them with short kameezes and billowing sleeves. Even with the experimentation though, Aurora came across as safe and unimaginative

Levis: Levis presented styled pieces from its regular line to be showcased on the runway. Unfortunately, what lacked in the show was that defining factor that differentiates street styling to runway styling and brings that extra oomph to a collection. 

Levis may be all about wearable clothes but for fashion week, the looks ended up leaving us completely uninspired. 

Ayesha F. Hashwani: What managed to get the fashion crowd excited again was Ayesha Hashwani’s ‘Baroque’ collection; a definite winner on Day 1 of Fashion Pakistan Week. First, let’s talk about the colours; a very much on trend palette of deep reds, blacks and gold. Second, were the opulent fabrics; it was all about rich silks and gorgeous velvet. What brought the whole show together though was the beautiful embroidery showcased throughout the show. Presenting us with a regal and timeless collection.

Even with all the detailing, the clothes seemed to flow down the runway with such ease, bringing with them a sense of sophistication and sensuality.

On my must have list t are the capes and jackets. Very much on trend, their cuts were innovative and the details classic. 

Gul Ahmed: For their collection, Gul Ahmed presented a flurry of mixed prints and embroidered pieces and experimented with fabrics, mainly velvet, silks, pashmina and corduroy. 

The show developed from day to night contemporary looks and was styled in different ways, probably to attract both younger and mature audiences. 

Aamna Aqeel: Amna Aqeel’s ‘Black on Fire’ collection brought some sex appeal in to Day 1 of Fashion Pakistan Week. She took blacks or whites as the foundation of all pieces and injected colour in them through prints and embroidery.

The torso was the main focus of the collection, with the presence of cropped and assymetrical tops.  The cuts were risky, while the styling was feminine. And while there was plenty of skin on show, even the more covered pieces were anything but demure.

My favourite piece, though more girly-less bold than the rest of the collection, was a white cropped top with a midi-skirt, that was classy yet fashion forward.

A bold and sexy collecton, ‘Black on Fire’ is not for the meek.

Zaheer Abbas: Zaheer Abbas showcased his ‘Neo-Nude’ collection that looked at creating an illusion of being bare, while being covered.

The negatives were the fringe coats that seemed old fashioned and the lack of emphasis given to fit, something it seems Pakistani designers tend to struggle with. The power suits on the other hand were still a few of the better pieces seen in the collection

Photo Images: Tapu Javeri and Team
I would also like to give a special mention to Maliha Rao of Red Alice Rao. Do check her blog out!