The sixth edition of PFDC L’Oréal Paris Bridal Week 2016 took place from the 28th until the 30th of September in Lahore, Pakistan. This event is a collaboration between the Pakistan Fashion Design Council (PFDC) and the world’s leading beauty brand L’Oréal Paris. Beauty meets Fashion! The best of contemporary and traditional Pakistani bridal fashion was showcased during this three day event as well as a showcase of hair and make-up trends for the upcoming bridal season. This really is one of my favorite fashion events. The crème de la crème of Pakistani fashion is present: a group of designers who dare to be different, who experiment, innovate and create jaw-dropping bridal pieces. It was hard for me to choose my top favorite pieces, which is why I am posting a part I and II with all of the highlights.
Aamina Naeem presented her collection ‘Bourgeois Mistress de Haute Naissance’ as part of the Bank Alfalah Rising Talent segment. It takes its inspiration from an 18th century mistress named Madame Pompadour and pop queen Madonna. The idea behind the collection is to bring to light the contrast between two women who existed in very different times.
Ali Xeeshan showcased his collection ‘Khaamoshi’, inspired by the struggles one goes through. It is the re-awakening of the hope that one does have the power to speak out.
Ali’s (bridal) designs always stand out, he adds a touch of rock & roll rebellion to his looks, a signature rawness which I love. Remarkable are the matching stuffed animals the models carried with them onto the runway.
Farah and Fatima‘s collection ‘Shahnoor’ is based on Kashmiri Shawls and Kashmiri Art.
HSY: This collection named ‘The Kingdom’ was inspired by HSY’s vision of the different stages of a woman’s thought process:
– Kalajar: a woman coming out in to the world.
– Mahkar which means fragrance and represents the freedom to dream.
– Khat-e-Sahil: a womans journey where she is found on the shore of two worlds, a warrior.
– Sherastan: she is the queen, fierce and independent.
Mahgul – Autumn Winter 2016 bridal collection ‘The Trunks of Sabine’
This collection focuses on the story of an imaginary and historic character named Sabine; journeying into the depths of her majestic trunks, to discover a pastiche of various artisans and influences that Sabine met through her travels, from Persia to the Khyber Pass and across the Subcontinent.
Sania Maskatiya‘s collection named ‘August Dream’ takes you on a journey of roses, romance, castles and kings.
Shiza Hassan‘s collection ‘Aroos-e-Abrashami’, which is Persian for ‘The Silken Bride’, is driven by a celebration of craftsmanship and legacy of the Persian craft of carpet making.
The House of Kamiar Rokni‘s collection ‘Heritage 2016’ stayed true to their love for craft, tradition and the timeless classic beauty associated with Pakistani wedding wear.
It draws its inspiration from the traditional (vintage) Pakistani wedding and the character and mood of the diverse events part of each wedding.
Let us know which of the designs you like best!
Aamina Naeem, Ali Xeeshan, Farah and Fatima, HSY, Mahgul, Sania Maskatiya, Shiza Hassan, The House of Kamiar Rokni
PFDC L’Oréal Paris Bridal Week – Photography by Faisal Farooqui, Dragonfly