The Fashion Orientalist has always been a journey for me; discovering different clothing styles from different cultures…with every article I write I discover something new. At the end of the day I’m left feeling inspired and hope I can also inspire others who know little about the fashion scene in, for example, the Middle East or India. One thing I realized is that it is extremely hard for an ‘outsider’ to understand or comprehend the many different clothing styles India possess. This country knows many regions, each with different clothing, embroidery and jewelry styles and so on. Pakistani clothing styles are similar to Indian clothing styles, but also have their different styles and cultural influences. Just today I was (pleasantly) surprised to know not every Pakistani tunic/dress + pant + scarf combination is called a Shalwar Kameez. There are different styles with different names; a short tunic which you can combine with leggings or a pair of pants you call a kurta or kurti. A dress with an empire waist; fitted bodice and loosely fitted (floor length) skirt is called a peshwas. The angharka is a style where one side of the kurta (tunic) overlaps the other at the side and is often tied together with a thin belt and tassel detail. This design also has a fitted bodice and a floor length, flared skirt.
I hope I haven’t confused you by introducing even more clothing styles than I have before. Try Googling styles and you’ll find that there are a lot of people just as confused about all the different styles as you and I are. It only makes the oriental fashion journey more interesting!
Nida Azwer Eid 2014
Nida Azwer included the styles above in her Eid 2014 collection, which includes a formal (luxury) collection and a casual ready-to-wear collection. I have added my favorite looks from this collection in the gallery. What I like best from this collection is the color palette; from different shades of green and blue to simple whites. It looks as if Nida was inspired by nature. The clothing is decorated with embroidery and digital prints, from floral to figurative designs. My favorite design from this collection is the angharka pictured in the second image (left). A dress in a stunning shade of green with beautiful decorations at the bottom of the skirt. It is a feminine look where traditional and contemporary comes together. The formal designs are perfect for formal events, while the casual lawn shirts (the last two images from the gallery) are comfortable, modest options for daywear, great for family visits in the afternoon. The lawn shirts are beautifully decorated and available in bright colors and different prints.
To learn more about Nida Awzer and her designs visit: www.nidaazwer.com or check out her Facebook page.
This is the third and last part from our Eid special. The Fashion Orientalist wishes those who celebrate Eid, a very happy Eid ‘Eid Mubarak!’
