Rich, embroidered fine fabric enjoys a timeless appeal besides being a crowd-puller — be it the festive season, religious ceremonies or the stream of endless wedding-related festivities that happen in quick succession immediately after Eid.

Layered outfits fashioned from vibrant and plush kamkhwab, jamawar, silk and brocade while heavily worked upon by dabka, gota and sequins has been the hallmark of heavy formal wear by Lahore-based designers while infusing added design elements to compliment the overall look — one of finesse and sophistication.

Designer Amir Baig displays his formal and traditionally Eastern collection here on model Fia in resham-thread embroidered motifs in striking turquoise worked over a deep mustard shirt with gota work infused with gold-tread patterns and motifs to give off a ganga-jamini effect, and worn over sea-green and ruby red flared pants with well-defined paisley patterns. Other influences such as gold leaf detailing over vibrant block print redefine the look for festivities this season, with contrast silk lining offsetting the outfit and overall look of sheer splendour. A duppatta with multi-coloured metal thread running through its length serves to complete the overall look of uber style.

In an effortless transition from classic eastern to western-influenced fusion wear, a halter neck moss green shirt is defined by flower-inspired embellishment motifs and worked upon for added razzle and dazzle and blood-red detailing.

Sky blue is definitely a colour of personal choice and here the designer controls its use by combining it with dull green worked over with flower vase patterns along the length of the front while limiting the use of embellishments along the back set off by a black base for three-dimensional appeal. Ever-popular shades of shocking pink and peacock blue are an all-time favourite with women in the subcontinent and although these colours speak for themselves, a sprinkling of gold bead work, dabka and colourful resham thread embroidery gives the outfit a definite timeless and classic appeal. — Irfan Qamar