Pakistan’s top fashion designers Faiza Samee, Rizwan Beyg, Zara Shahjahan and Sania Maskatiya are amongst the 86 designers participating to showcase their collection at the prestigious Lakmé Fashion Week (LFW), in Palladium Hotel in Mumbai, from August 20 to August 24.

Hello! Pakistan and POPxo.com are organising the integration of Pakistani designers into what is truly India’s premier fashion event.

These leading designers intend to develop different pieces for their collections, alongside popular designs.

Rizwan Beyg

According to LFW, the purpose behind this fashion week is to “redefine the future of fashion and integrate India into the global fashion world.”

Not only does this take a strong step towards further collaboration between Indian and Pakistani fashion industries, it grants access to a great new number of opportunities for our designers on global scale.

Truck Art Collection 2013

“Despite the political divide, the globalisation process is inevitable," says Rizwan Beyg.

He further adds that the business of fashion is one of the most booming industries in both Pakistan and India.

Beyg’s theme for LFW will be truck art —indigenous to Pakistan— a fun and colourful collection he has received international acclaim for.

“There is more that unites us than what separates us,” says the fashion icon, who aims to highlight Pakistan's similarities with India through his designs.

His prêt line takes a practical approach to fashion. As a pioneer of incorporating digital printing in the Pakistani fashion, for both men and women, he prioritises affordable prices while not compromising on the vibrant hues of his truck art collection. Madhubani paintings have especially inspired his focus on flora and fauna in this collection.

"We have different identities and we come from different places and go to different places. In that sense, we designers become ambassadors for Pakistan every time there is an international fashion show," says Beyg, whose fashion endeavors support local craftsmen, social development as well as rural empowerment.

Beyg also expresses his gratitude to Hello! Pakistan and POPxo.com for making all this possible.

Sania Maskatiya

Another designer we’re definitely looking out for is Sania Maskatiya. Known for versatile looks and colour blending, she plans to present a bespoke luxury prêt collection titled 'Sakura', which is inspired by popular Japanese culture and symbolism to represent the beauty and fragility of life.

We're expecting to see an array of custom-made mixed prints and hand embroideries across a diversity of textures, incuts, and patterns. 'Sakura' draws from the grace of the cherry blossom, the stark romance of the Japanese landscape, tea houses, turtles and treasure chests.

Sania Maskatiya's Bridal wear collection, 2013

The House of Sania Maskatiya is excited to take this step towards further collaboration with the Indian and International market.

“We are thrilled to be participating for the first time on such a large scale in India and to represent the contemporary face of Pakistani fashion,” says an enthusiastic Sania.

Zara Shahjahan

When it comes to the contemporary Pakistani fashion, Zara Shahjahan has delved into various styles, be it luxury prêt, western wear or couture to create and serve the modern image of a Pakistani woman.

With several clients in Delhi, her design house has grown beyond borders due to her understanding of various cultural styles.

COCO Pret Shoot by NFK, 2014

Shahjahan will be showcasing a luxury prêt collection at LFW. She says that Lakme is a big platform for her company. She wants to introduce this audience to her designs that are quintessentially Zahra Shahjahan, such as her floral collection.

Faiza Samee

Faiza Samee, who along with Zara Shahjahan recently showcased at “Fashion Parade” in London, reminds us that critical international buyers will be present at LFW, creating many opportunities for the designers to broaden their markets.

"This is a huge platform, as well as a competitive one", says Faiza.

Faiza Samee’s ethnic festive look with a chic boho twist at Fashion Parade, London

Alongside the cutting edge work she is known for, Samee also plans to re-enter Muslim costumes, such as Mughal style coatees and pajamas, on this prestigious platform. She has a large clientele in India – her biggest market outside of Pakistan – and she frequently visits Delhi. Samee has been attending LFW for years but, this is the first time she will be presenting her very own luxury prêt collection there.

Attending LFW is not just a leap ahead for our designers, but our country as well.

As Rizwan Beyg remarks, music and fashion are two of our flourishing industries – and it is high time we recognise that ourselves and show it to the world.