1) Khaadi Khaas
Khaadi Khaas twirled and whirled to a tune that is completely its own – proudly Pakistani, vivacious, standout.
Khaadi went all out this year
Khaadi really stepped up their desi swag game
Complementing the looks was funky tribal jewelry that is going to be available at Khaadi stores. The Khaas collection will also be trickled down to retail which is great – for every outfit was an extraordinary must-have.
2) Sapphire
A menagerie of wild animals stalked down Sapphire’s landscape; tigers roared, cranes spun down the length of shirts, eagles stood mid-air with extended wings.Khadija Shah, the brains behind the mammoth brand
From ramp to reality: the collection will be available at Sapphire stores as is
3) Generation
‘Bring Basant Back’, declared Generation, shouting it out from rooftops, dancing to its tune and soaring high much like the kites the brand was supporting.
Generation gets major brownie points for experimenting
It was very high-street, very Generation and testament to how the brand has grown over the past few years, endeavoring to push the sartorial envelope while simultaneously working on retail.
4) Misha Lakhani
Misha Lakhani returned to the catwalk after some time with the characteristically sophisticated ‘Caravan’.
The designer came back to the ramp after a mini hiatus with a bang
Using hand-woven fabric, Misha yo-yoed from the modern to the traditional; carefree kimono-style kaftans mixed in with baggy tunics and off-shoulder capes. One appreciated the collection for the supreme confidence it exuded.
Misha Lakhani stayed true to her aesthetic
Misha Lakhani seems to have found her niche, established her market and is now happily building upon it with signature understated elegance.
5) Sania Maskatiya
With ‘Studio’, Sania Maskatiya delved into a more Westernized line than usual. Knowing Sania, though, one was quite sure that even her most anglicized cuts would easily be applicable to the diverse clientele that throngs her stores. After all, you can always count on Sania to think retail.
Sania Maskatiya played with digital prints in a fresh, new way for her brand
What was particularly appreciable about the collection was the evolution one observed in Sania’s work. The designer’s aesthetics have matured over the years, allowing her to move into different genres with apparent ease.
Sania's evolution as a designer is crystal clear from her work
Embroideries were kept to a minimal, barely visible in the texture of a fabric or a subtle appliqué. Instead, the focus was on digital prints created with a paint effect and chic silhouettes. There were boat-necks, draw-stringed pants, collared waistcoats, wraps, long shirts belted at the waist and capes, with multi-colored filigree winding down the length of the fabric.
A cohesive, well-conceived collection; this one had the makings of a complete hit.
6) Adnan Pardesy
It was a pleasure to see Adnan Pardesy return to the limelight after a far too long respite. The designer has always had a penchant for craftsmanship and he didn’t disappoint.
Adnan Pardesy's craftsmenship impressed, like always
7) Republic By Omar Farooq
It isn’t easy to create menswear for a diaspora that has always had a taste for staid, austere lines. Republic by Omar Farooq, then, was like a breath of fresh air, refraining from going over the top with bling or embroidery (as many rather fashionably-challenged ‘designers’ have done in recent memory) and instead, taking inspiration from the diversity of Japan.
Republic by Omar Farooq's Japanese inspired collection was a welcome change from overly blinged out menswear
The narrative moved from the hard Japanese day-worker who works his way from rags and riches to the affluent next generation accentuated by the pops of neon that are an intrinsic part of Japanese night-life.
There were jackets with frayed thread details, shirts splattered with multi-colours, transparent plasticky lab-coats, geometric print, quirky pockets, comfy track-pants and plenty of layers. Inscribed here and there was Japanese text, translated to ‘work hard’, ‘strive’ and ‘power’. Also printed onto the clothes were Polaroid shots of Japanese workers.
8) Ali Xeeshan
And for the finale, there was Ali Xeeshan, who stalked onto the red carpet holding a golden trophy and an exuberant grin to match. Some of the models also came holding similar trophies – you can always count on Ali to put up a show.
Ali Xeeshan, true to his signature, put together a flamboyant showcase