Pantene Bridal Couture Week 2013 Day 1

The very filmy and drama-packed Pantene Bridal Couture Week (PBCW) opened on Friday evening at the Expo Centre.

As always, the host Hum TV lived up to expectations set by previous installments, in that there was very little to offer for those who have a discerning eye for fashion, but lots of hulla gulla and naach gana. Here’s our review of the saviours of the night, and those that left us gawking in horror.

Asifa & Nabeel

With 13 years under its belt, this designer duo failed to make a major impression on the finale of the first night. Traditional silhouettes with a modern touch here and there played with layers in satin and net. Ghararas and shararas, dominated the ramp for this collection, in whites and pinks. We wish they would take some risks instead of playing it safe, which was borderline boring at PBCW.

Amna Ajmal

This was another collection that seemed like a potpourri of anything and everything. If there was red, it was too much red; if there were contrasting colours, they failed to complement each other. How do solid browns work with tea pink or shocking pink?! Over-the-top embellishments made the designs lose clarity and dignity, and a lack of consistency with borders left things falling in a jumbled up manner.

Mona Imran

Mona Imran’s collection centered on kaam dani and kora dabka work on long coats, ghararas, shararas and some lehenga-choli sets. The color combination was interesting, varying between black, off-white and bright hues. While her bridal collection was overall more palatable than her ready-to-wear collection at Fashion Pakistan Week 5, there were some elements here too that left one wondering if the pieces were incomplete.

Zainab Chotani

The opening designer’s collection comprised a beautiful selection of colours which was easy on the eyes. After being in the industry for six years, Chotani toyed primarily with ghararas and farshis in pink and turquoise undertones for PBCW. The shirts had intricately done silver wire work with detailed necklines. Hints of kaam dani and diamantes over net jamawar also added the regal touch needed for a bridal outfit.

Zaheer Abbas 

Zaheer presented a beautiful collection for men and women. The menswear included sherwanis with a hint of gold wire work on the neckline and sleeves, while the women’s wear was regal with solid colours and gold bead work. His emerald green bridals with jamawar bottoms velvet borders were scrumptious.

Nadia Chotani

In her bridal jewellery collection, Nadia Chotani retained the traditional elements specific to the brides of the 60s and 70s. Bridal chokers and necklaces accompanied by over-sized earrings, nose rings and waist bands in gold dominated her collection.

Saim Ali

The designer got it wrong on many levels. While his approach to dabble with black bridals can be passed off as creative, the gaudy embellishments, haphazard look and sordid appeal of his collections left many wide-eyed in horror.

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