Lahore December 12, 2014: After the exciting and flawless execution of Day 1 of Bridal Couture Week 2014, with mega performances and celebrities’ ramp walk, Day 2 started with shimmering celebrities and socialites on the beautifully decorated Red Carpet, with lounges by different sponsors. The show area, transformed into a beautiful wedding fiesta also saw some changes.
Show 1 of Day 2 kicked off with an elegant presentation by Ammar Shahid. His collection “Salvation” was a beautiful display of wedding apparel. Bold cuts, intricate embellishments and unique colour combinations were the strengths of his collection. Ammar Shahid’s collection displayed the creative force behind the brand which was appreciated and applauded by all.
Next to showcase was Umsha by Uzma Babar, presented by Telenor-Karo Mumkin. Her TBCW collection, Shehnai, consisted of beautiful shararas, ghararas, and farshi ghararas, based on luxe fabrics including silks, crepes, chiffons, chamois silk and net. Great emphasis was laid on applying advanced techniques with intricate hand-embroidery meshed with kora, dabka and crystals on rich fabrics. Popular Actress Sohai Ali Abro also walked the ramp wearing Umsha Collection.
As is TBCW’s trademark, this time too there were enthralling entertainment sequences. A special light show by Shahzad Disaster and his troupe left the audience mesmerised. Presented by Telenor, the performance received great applause and appreciation from the attendees.
The light show was followed by Teena by Hina Butt. Hina Butt’s TBCW collection was inspired by Persian culture, especially Persian carpets, which undoubtedly are a true reflection of Persian arts and crafts. In her TBCW collection motifs, colour and patterns used in Persian carpets were modernized and combined with contemporary cuts and a chic look, making it wearable for the modern-day bride.
Paying homage to the Mughal City of Gardens, Saira Rizwan concluded Show One of Day 2 with her TBCW 2014 collection, Shalimar. The collection used a diverse range of fusion silhouettes and cuts, incorporating both traditional and contemporary designs, drawing inspiration from eras past, highlighting the galore of ancient times. The palette of the entire collection comprised dark hues and pastels tones, with distinguished gold to complement the entire range. Each ensemble was an amalgamation of intricate and meticulously detailed work using gold tilla, heavy pearls and Swarovski embellishment. The collection also incorporated screen-printing that was done in-house. The collection comprised 16 bridal and formal designs for women and six menswear designs incorporating kurtas and shalwar kameez.
After Saira Rizwan’s beautiful display of contemporary and elegant bridal wear, the multi-talented and dramatic Fahad Hussayn transformed the ramp into a theatre in Show Two of Day 2, with his collection Nautanki Rani, displayed through a short play paying homage to the performing arts. The traditional revivalist, Fahad Hussayn in association with Mehreen Jillani and Learning Alliance School system showcased his collection in a never-seen-before runway presentation. The runway-cum-theatre play, Nautanki Rani was written and conceived by Mehreen Jillani, the music was an original composition by Hassan Mohiuddin and was narrated by the legendary Naheed Siddiqui. The story was a fairytale derived from folklore set in pre-dated Multan and Derawar Fort. The key elements of the collection included influences from Multani architecture and local craft techniques, and colonial influences. The collection comprised a wide array of hand-crafted embroideries including vintage tilla, thread work, sucha gota and other local hand-embroidery details, and also featured signature Fahad Hussayn PRINT MUSEUM couture prints in a vibrant blend with couture embroideries and embellishments that were hand-stitched to perfection. The collection carried a wide range of delicately crafted couture wedding wear for both men and women.
Next to showcase was Aisha Imran’s “Souvenir”. Her collection brought memorable statement pieces and the glory of the ancient bride to the ramp. The collection featured traditional style of work, highlighted with ruby, emerald and pearl ornamentation. The gold tone in her work was constant and her signature style.
Aisha Imran’s “Souvenir” was followed by a beautifully choreographed Hair and Makeup show by Depilex.
Day 2 of the bridal extravaganza was concluded with Hajra Hayat’s “Empress”. Inspired by the rich and opulent lifestyle of the Mughal Empire, Hajra Hayat’s TBCW collection incorporated woven silks, sheer tissues and royal velvet fabrics. The use of gold zardozi and crystal embellishments enhanced the beautiful cuts of “Empress”, while floor-length gowns and farshi shararas were the main highlight of her timeless collection. In her TBCW 2014 collection, the shorter mid-lengths made a come-back with the ever popular churidaars.
Photo Credits: Faisal farooqi (Dragonfly) and M. Haris Usmani
