Fashion Parade sets new standard for haute couture from Pakistan

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Olivia Austin
6 years ago
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1 Fashion Parade sets new standard for haute couture from Pakistan The fourth annual Fashion Parade event, organised by Sadia Siddiqui CEO of Mustang Productions, took London by storm amid a showcase of luxury couture from some of South Asia s most influential designers, including HSY, Nomi Ansari, Ali Xeeshan and Faiza Samee. Celebrity guests Amy Jackson, Olivia Grant, Nancy Dell Olio, former Prime Minister of Pakistan Shaukat Aziz and Lizzie Cundy took to the front row to marvel at the collections. Held at the luxuriant Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Knightsbridge, Fashion Parade was founded by Sadia Siddiqui, CEO at Mustang Productions, as a platform for South Asian designers to showcase their couture to a British audience. She says: I am delighted by the response we received from Fashion Parade. I feel it s a defining moment for Pakistan, as last night we celebrated Pakistani culture at its best, and our guests, designers and also the media have all been so supportive. I feel with Fashion Parade, we are shifting perceptions of Pakistan; after all, this is a country rich in art, culture and heritage. Pakistan s fashion industry is so vibrant and the collections showcased at Fashion Parade took flavours of the East and mixed them with Western influences, which worked incredibly well. I m very proud of our designers and of Mustang Productions for highlighting the best in Pakistani fashion. Fashion Parade 2016 showcased the work of ten leading designers including Faiza Samee, Studio S by Seher Tareen, Hira Shah, Khushboos by Chand, Nomi Ansari, Ali Xeeshan, Saira

Rizwan, Mehreen Noorani, Raishma and a special grand finale by HSY. Models walked down the runway in elaborate floral settings designed and created by award-winning florist Zita Elze.

2 Rizwan, Mehreen Noorani, Raishma and a special grand finale by HSY. Models walked down the runway in elaborate floral settings designed and created by award-winning florist Zita Elze. The hair and make-up was provided by dynamic duo, Aamir Naveed and Ambreen. This year, the vibrant event was fashion with a cause, supporting the charity Save The Children. Champagne Reception Photo Credit Nas Din «1 of 10» Designers Profile HSY Hassan Sheheryar Yasin A graduate of the Pakistan School of Fashion Design and an affiliate of La Chambre Syndicale De La Couture Parisienne, France, Hassan Sheheryar Yasin or simply HSY is easily one of the most recognisable names in South Asia when it comes to fashion and entertainment. As a fashion brand HSY is best known for combining contemporary silhouettes with the traditional techniques of old. The brand s inspiration is

3 distinctly Eastern peppered with Western influences. Hassan Sheheryar Yasin is the fashion force behind the label and has been referred to as the New King of Couture by Harper s Bazaar magazine. The designer is a Member of the Senate of the Pakistan Institute for Fashion and Design in Lahore, and has also been included in the recent book by Universal Oxford publications 100 Pakistanis the Famous and Influential. Ali Xeeshan Ali Xeeshan holds an honours degree in couture from Pakistan School of Fashion Design. He has received a welcoming response from those who needed a change from one specific style of formal wear. Describing his design philosophy, he says, I use conventional materials to create unorthodox aesthetics and a simple harmony between the traditional and the avant-garde. Looking at his past success, the formula seems to work. Faiza Samee Faiza Samee is an award-winning design-house with unparalleled expertise in some of the rarest and most intricate embroideries in the world. Creating contemporary ensembles steeped in cultural tradition has been a driving passion for Faiza. The label strives to systematically reintroduce lost skills in its workshops and disseminate them to a newer generation; simultaneously developing aesthetic knowledge through extensive research, and creating relevant, modern pieces that celebrate traditional artistry, while exploring a vibrant colour palette. Hira Shah Based in London, Hira s academic background is in Fashion Design. She launched her debut collection at Fashion Parade 2015, at the Saatchi Gallery in London. As a designer, she is constantly exploring new ways to inspire and inform her design philosophy. Her aim is to create a brand that is based on a conceptual approach to design. This is expressed through an

4 experimental idiom and selection of materials that challenge the more conventional clothing norms. This is also encapsulated through the use of unconventional and edgy materials. The fusion of eastern influences with western silhouettes is very visible in her designs. Khushboo s By Chand Participating for the first time this year is the super talented design duo behind Khushboo s By Chand. The warm and friendly brother-sister team, Aminah and Chand, have been designing exclusive ranges of couture pieces. Everything, from the initial design to the finished piece is meticulously crafted and the levels of care, attention to detail and originality are clear for all to see. Studio S Studio S is a fashion-house created by Seher Tareen. With the launch of its couture line in 2013, the brand aims to bring an inimitable sense of style to its clientele. Based on the philosophy of innovation in design and a flair for the dramatic, the label hopes to create unique yet timeless pieces that are sure to make a statement. The collection ranges from light evening wear to bridal ensembles. Finding inspiration in antique work patterns, motifs and materials, and infusing it with modern design aesthetics, Studio S promises a completely unique fashion experience. Nomi Ansari Pakistan s King of Colour, Nomi Ansari graduated from the Pakistan Institute of Fashion Design with a strong set of skills in couture development. This was to become his forte as he gradually evolved with a discerning signature of youthful palettes that become iconic to his brand. He is famous for using over a dozen different colours in an outfit, without allowing any of them to clash. His designs have the finesses and finish of a master couturier.

5 Saira Rizwan This high-end luxury label was founded in the year 2007 and since then has earned itself a prominent name in the fashion industry of Pakistan. The brand creates a diverse array of designs for modern Pakistani women ranging from traditional, contemporary to fusion designs that highlight exquisite cuts that are in keeping with the on-going trends. Saira has had a passion for fashion for many years and studied design in America. Upon her return, she worked for a leading Pakistani fashion house, before moving on to open her own label independently. Mehreen Noorani Ameerzeb This Dubai-based fashion designer has retailed across the world including New Delhi, Hong Kong, New York and Los Angeles. Mehreen Noorani is also an executive member of The Pakistan Fashion Council, based in Karachi. Having graduated from New York s prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), she majored in Fashion Design. The Mehreen Noorani Collection is, in her words, a feminine concoction of convenient RTW for the upcoming social season, moving effortlessly from daytime soirées into evening galas. Raishma Raishma launched her label in 1998 and has since had the privilege of dressing the likes of British Royal Family member, Beatrice, A-list celebrities including Mel B and Hollywood actress Goldie Hawn. With inspiration stemming from her eastern background, Raishma takes influences from beautiful fabrics and focuses on intricate hand beadwork and embroidery. The fusion inspired collection consists of luxurious gowns, elegant cocktail dresses and beautiful resort wear.

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RAZE ZIBAEI BY ZONIA ANWAAR AS SHOWCASED AT #QHBCW17 RAZE ZIBAEI RUNWAY CATALOGUE MADE-TO-ORDER 2018 LUXURY BRIDAL/TROUSSEAU COLLECTION 2 // 33 3 / 33 4 // 33 5 / 33 Faiza Saqlain HEER Collection #PLBW17