Haute and Cold
On a humid mid-July evening, two of Pakistan’s emerging fashion designers, Zainab Sajid and Zaheer Abbas, hosted the launch of their respective collections at The Designers boutique in Karachi. The multi-brand fashion store showcases the lines of high-fashion labels such as HSY, Mehdi, Unbeatable, Ego and Nomi Ansari, and is operating successfully in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad under the ownership of Asad Tareen.
The night commenced with local celebrities and socialites walking the red carpet (trailed by photographers and journalists) and led on to an exhibit of the designers’ lines in the hot and over-crowded retail store. As guests went through the clothes and socialised alongside, hors d’oeuvres and refreshments that had been catered from Pie in the Sky’s cafe, Chatterbox, were served by uniformed waiters. After a long wait, the promised mini fashion show materialised: Iraj, Fouzia and other top models, styled by Huma Tahir and her creative team, paraded the designers’ creations.
Zaheer Abbas showcased three lines which included more wearable versions of his Fashion Pakistan Week collection, his signature chiffon-based prêt and an unusual semi-formal linen line. Abbas’s choice of cuts and use of fabric was nothing out of the ordinary, rendering his rather empty-looking section a tad bit disappointing. However, the use of traditional ghungroos instead of embroidery on a few outfits was probably the highlight of this line.
Zainab Sajid, who is renowned for her bridal wear, for a change presented a collection of exquisite semi-formal, evening wear. Marked by an impeccable choice of flamboyant colours, flowing chiffons and silks, playful prints and motifs, Sajid’s collection surpassed all expectations. But it was obvious that she could not entirely disconnect herself from her love for bridal wear as she concluded her segment of the show with a couple of show-stopping, heavily embellished pieces from her bridal collection.
Despite the expected delay, but unexpectedly over-crowded and stuffy venue, the launch was a success. Kudos to the organisers!