PAKISTAN BRIDAL WEEK UNVEILS DIVERSE INSPIRATIONS
by DIMPLE SANGHANI
THE Pakistan Fashion Design Council [PFDC] L’Oréal Paris Bridal Week 2019 returned for a ninth consecutive season in Lahore recently.
There was once again established names and exciting new design talent showcasing the best in bridal wear. One of the most interesting aspects was the diverse inspiration behind each collection.
The first-day highlight was the Aquafina Rising Talent Showcase, which featured work by new talents Abbas Jamil, Elaha Ahmed, Mehak Yaqoob, and Urwah Ali.
The opening day had an empowered theme with Hussain Rehar blending futuristic visuals with bold embellishments and Zubia Zainab showcasing her bridal collection Dare To Dream. Meanwhile, Nida Azwer showcased her bridal collection titled Anarkali, inspired by the rich Mughal heritage of art and textiles and Saira-Shakira unveiled the collection Kali – A Bloom, which drew inspiration from nature. These themes would reoccur on subsequent days.
The second day saw top designers unveiling eye-catching creations, opening with Saira Rizwan’s contemporary collection combining traditional work with modern cuts, which revolves around the concept of reflection and self-love. Ahmed Sultan went for a timeless theme with his bridal collection La Vie En Rose and J&H Studio also went back in time for their collection Kaleido Nyfi, influenced by the 18th century.
Tayab Moazzam Studio made their debut with Feline Riposte, a collection aimed at the modern bride with traditional embroideries and stonework. Asma Aslam’s bridal collection Serene Glam fused modern and traditional elements with elegance. The House of Kamiar Rokni explored the influence of Iran in sub-continental design with a classical looking collection and Misha Lakhan celebrated freedom with the collection Pairidaeza, which like others was contemporary yet classic.
Award-winning designer Sania Maskatiya unveiled the bold collection Dilara, a sensuous homage to love, whilst Sonia Azhar’s collection Timeless Pieces celebrated femininity and individuality of modern women. Mahgul showcased her latest bridal collection Tales Of Bijin, which was based on the power and magic of love and beauty.
That amazing momentum spilled over into the final day, which started with a solo show by MNR Design Studio’s bridal collection Chahar Bagh, which has its roots in Islamic art and architecture, with silhouettes inspired by the Eastern culture and flora.
FAS Design Studio showcased the bridal collection Parwana-e-Husan, comprising delicate luxe fabrics with floral fiesta created with 3D fleurettes and micro-pleating.
Noreen Neelam made her ramp debut with Mumtaz Mahal, which was also inspired by the Mughal era and had a vibrant colour palette. Nickie Nina’s bridal collection Gulabkaar also opted for a regal tone and dynamic colours.
The Fahad Hussayn Imaginarium bridal collection Labyagawachi - The Musical was about exploring self and Republic by Omar Farooq showcased the formal wear collection Adamah, which explored the conflict and cohesion of structured nature.
Top designer HSY rounded things off with a fabulous finale show that celebrated his 25 years in fashion with the collection Empire. It is inspired by different empires: The Ottoman, Mughal, French Polynesian and Russian.
This was a fitting finale to a Pakistani fashion empire that is growing each year.
Ashwini Guruji 
