Trend Alert- What we can learn from the Karachi Fashion Week

The second PFDC Karachi Fashion Week took place at a local club from 10 to 13 November. The four day event gave opportunity to 24 designers to show case their spring/ Summer 2011 Prêt-à-Porter collections. The designers got together for a charitable initiative ‘Fashion Gives Back’ in which some designers had their clothes sold at 40% discount to gather funds for the flood refugees.

The collection of almost every designer was a wonderful composition of international style trends aligning with the local. Here I have collected a list of the most dominant trends from the fashion week that would be easy to adopt by all the fashionably conscious females out there!

Trend # 1:

Jeweled Necklines

 It was amazing to see how designers brought sparkle and the oomph factor on the ramp by incorporating embellishments like pearls, gold chains, Swarovski Crystals and stones that made the neckline look like gorgeous necklaces!

Trend # 2

Lots of volume!

Just when the speculation had started that the structured shirts are going to make a fast come back we see volume and flow in almost every collection! Use of materials like chiffon, light silks, cottons and georgettes was predominant. Volumes of fabric used gave the clothes a sophisticated yet sensual feel.

Trend # 3

3 Ps- Panels, Pleats and Poise

It is time to delve deep in feminine and fluid cuts. Light weight materials ideal for summer can be used to make elegant paneled shirts in subtle hues. Detailing done with bright and rich tones of fabric can make any outfit stand out. If you want to stand out in your simplicity, use of pleats can create an effortless look.

Trend # 4

Sheer fabric and printed lining

This is something I just noticed in Asifa and Nabeel’s collection but I am seriously hoping this trend which has been predominant in India for quite some time catches on here too! Dark tones with lighter shades of printed lining and vice versa are extremely contemporary and very chic.

Trend # 5

Bring back the Folk”.

 From Kamiar Roknis collection ‘Folkistan’ to Akif Mahmoods  ‘Kolors of Kafiristan’  we saw many designers seek inspiration from Pakistan’s various folk crafts and cultural influences. Local fabrics with traditional checks and stripes in cotton, khaadi and sussi and were embellished in thread work inspired by folk appliqués of regional materials. The overall effect was a perfect blend of rural art with a contemporary twist.

Trend # 6

Grey and Teal are the new Black

We saw many designers play with these colors many of us shy away from! Majority of the people believe the drabness of grey would be a downer; little do they know that this color infused with a punch of silver and white would be anything but dull. For those still not convinced; teal in all shades would be a perfect option. It a fresh color to brighten up your wardrobe!

Wedding season is in full swing! Every week I am hearing about some wedding or other. And as the important dates approach there is a lot of talk about the wardrobe crisis many of us are feeling. For the past few days I have heard many go like;

 ‘The new Gul Ahmed magazine had short shirts! Does that mean they are back?’

And...

‘I saw the Nomi Ansari collection on Style 360 and all outfits had choridars and I have none!'

 I observed that there is major confusion amongst the stylistas about what style and shirt lengths are actually “IN”. So I decided to write a bit about what I think this wedding season means for us all in terms of the latest trends.

Firstly ladies I like to happily propagate that every shirt length would do great this season. From extra long bellowing gown- like shirts to super short shirts; everything goes!

Secondly more than style it’s the occasion that should be kept more in mind. Nobody would think you are the next big thing to hit the fashion world if you come to a Valima in a bright yellow pattiyala shalwar and a short green kameez! However for a Mayun function that is a look you can carry with panache.

The styles we have been seeing a lot in magazines and on the runway include panels and pleats and this is something that would carry forward to the next year paired with lose ijars or choridars.

The only thing I would emphasize is the choice of colors and accessories. There are many that are hooked to blacks and red because it makes them look thin or fair and what not. I say please play around with the many colors we are blessed with. Jewel tones, especially shades of orange and green are gorgeous and flattering on every skin tone so why not try them out.

Accessories can literally make or break an outfit. One cardinal rule that most people break is donning every piece of jewelry you can wear. Please use the bling sparingly. If you are wearing one statement necklace leave your ears bear or if you are choosing long chandelier earrings do NOT over do with necklaces and multiple rings.

End of the day your style is an extension of your personality and what everyone needs to do is embrace it with confidence. That’s a trend that would never go out of fashion :)

The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.

Inspired by these famous words said by one such Coco Chanel I decided to put words to my many many thoughts and share them with those that would listen. Fashion is my passion..and as mundane as that sounds it would be surprising to many how much time I devote to it. To me its not about making a statement but to use it as a medium of self expression. What you wear says everything about you and for anybody and everybody who has an eye for it would realize a lot more about you than perhaps your are willing to share.

My fascination with fashion started young when I accompanied my mom and aunt around various fashion houses of our local style icons like Bunto Kazmi and Faiza Samee.The dedication and sheer brilliance of these women can never be described ..its like they are born to design and make woman feel gorgeous.

 The fashion industry of Pakistan is thriving like never before and providing many platforms for veteran designers and passionate amateurs to showcase their talent and give them the needed exposure.I too started by own pret line by the name of Huez with fellow friends Rimsha Siddique and Maryam Dosani with the aim of playing our own little  part in styling the women of today. And we like many others hope to be admitted to the hall of fame for style icons one day :)

The purpose for this blog would be to share my views about the latest happenings in the Pakistani fashion world; I would be talking latest trends, reviewing the exhibitions happening around,visiting existing and new shops opening around  Karachi and share my views with you. 

To kick things off I am posting this video of the Pakistan Fashion Design Council Sunsilk Fashion Week 2010 that highlights the trends that we would predominantly see till the end of this year. Happy viewing! :)