RISE ABOVE – were the prophetic words whispered by every designer from Pakistan as they dare to dream to make their mark on international fashion scene.
As the new generation lay down the very foundation of the "Fashion Fraternity of Pakistan," they use the silken shades tied with an inherent flavour of patriotism.
One strong strain of visible in their creation is the finesse of form. Not only are they working on their vocabulary of embellishments and giving it a new look, young designers are now ensuring that their cuts work for the timeless traditionalist but also for the modern day memsahibs who want to wear a choga to a red carpet in Karachi or Cannes.
Experimenting with sparkle of silver and golden embellishments, drawing in shapes and silhouettes that range from Farsi Pants to mermaid skirts, bias cuts to bustiers, Pakistani designers are going beyond just working on shalwaars and ghagras. The result is beautiful Islamic motifs printed on a t-shirt and set off by layers of comforting frills and trills in Swarovski Sparkles and sequins sprinkles.
Designers like revivalist extraordinaire Bunto Kazmi, subtle style guru Maheen Khan, revolutionary Rizwayn Beyg, creative Sana Safina, Sonya Batla and Honey Waqar, new-age ethnics Nomi Ansari and Chantilly are now seen in a new avatar as they recreate signature modern day 'Karkhanas.'