The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) held an exhibition of one of Pakistan’s largest collections of trade merchandise and services in Karachi at its 9th Expo. A key highlight of this event was a two-day fashion exhibit, targeting over 1500 foreign buyers, diplomats and dignitaries in the city.
TDAP really knows how to bring to life the business of fashion as the shows started quite punctually, and the majority of seats were marketed to genuine buyers. That being said, it was disappointing that many of the buyers left half-way through the shows, whether because they viewed the pieces as more “evening entertainment” than merchandise, one can only surmise, but it will be interesting to learn how many actual deals were made and how many of the buyers are buyers of fashion, not just footballs.
On the fashion exhibitions side, there was a mix of the old, the new, the borrowed and in the case of a sexy resort dress from Deepak Perwani, the blue.
Iraj Manzoor shone in Zaheer Abbas's Thar Collection
A wonderful highlight of Day 1 was the dramatic entrance of the fabulous Iraj Manzoor
A wonderful highlight of Day 1 was the dramatic entrance of the fabulous Iraj Manzoor, who has unmatched presence on the catwalk. Wearing a deceptively simple piece from Zaheer Abbas’ new ‘Ode to Thar collection’, she gave a whole new meaning to Desert Storm. This collection was the designer’s tribute to the women of Thar women and their beautiful artisan work. There were folksy dresses and modern cuts that married history with today’s silhouettes. Particularly of note was his savvy use of tie & dye.
Adnan Pardesy dazzled once again with the lovely Lymbrith collection made of Chinese floral, forest abstracts, Kalamkaari, Japanese weave structure and stencil tattoo imagery. The fabric, cut, style and intricacy of this collection were outstanding. Tapered jackets, to the point graphics and detailed hand embroidery made on fabrics that were elegantly draped really caught the crowd’s imagination.
Maheen Khan’s Gulabo had effortlessly sexy clothes, with soft fabrics, playful designs and accessories that epitomized a joie de vivre.
Deepak Perwani followed with his collection of digital print clutches and handbags that featured hints of blue. Most noteworthy was the aforementioned uber-sexy resort dress as well as a chic blue top with white pants.
Nadia Hussain wears Ali Xeeshan
Rizwanullah for Fifth Element was the most lust-worthy collection with flowing fabrics that were cut and draped to perfection.
Indus Valley School graduates Maliha Raza and Usman Rehman really brought a fresh, youthful vibe to the night with their popular and fun-loving, colourful collection ‘Flight of the Birds’. Based on a combination of print, texture and layering, the duo used digital prints, laser cut patterns and 3D textures in a funky style. Of particular note were their bodacious handbags, over the top in every way, but fabulously fashionable.
Ali Xeeshan’s finale included some kimono-inspired pieces consisting of floral prints with strategically placed black lines.
Other noteworthy collections included FnkAsia by Huma Adnan with some really fun newspaper prints paired with vivid hand-worked tops, all topped with some bold accessories. Her design sensibility at its purest.
Hotstepper Naushaba Brohi and her Inaaya brand showcased a black and white collection, with some dramatic capes and tops. The lines, the fall, the fit and the textures, all seemed to be put together with her signature magic and seemingly effortless chic style.
Sadaf Malaterre's collection
Nida Azwer made quite an impact with her cutwork showstopper paired with a digitally printed gharara. It was quintessential Pakistani fashion, yet cutting edge. It was also very feminine and made to be noticed and talked about.
Other capsule collections included Mohsin Ali’s color-blocking pieces for Sana Safinaz, Maheen Kardar (Karma Pink)’s formal wear, Akif Mahmood’s regal wear, effectively understated pieces by Nickie Nina as well as relaxed tops paired with en-trend cigarette pants by Sara of Sublime.
There were hints of Maheen Karim and HSY influence over a couple of the other collections, but overall the two days were a good representation of Pakistani fashion. Perhaps TDAP could get more buyers from true target markets like the Middle East in the future.
TDAP Fashion was choreographed by Frieha Altaf, hair and makeup for both days of the TDAP Fashion Show, 2015 was done by Sabs Salon with official media partner HUM TV Network; backstage management by Production 021 and event managed by Catwalk. Official PR was taken care of by Catalyst PR & Marketing.
